12 MUST-READ BOOKS OF THIS SUMMER: DE MODE APR-MAY-JUN 2021 ISSUE

UPDATED: JULY 30, 2021 00:00 HRS IST | ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: JULY 27, 2021 14:41 HRS IST

DE MODE brings you an unbelievable list of 12 amazing books written by Author Prraveen Khumar N, Author S.G. Blaise, Author K.J. Kruk, Author D.W. Plato, Author Xandrea Castaldi, Author Joy L. Brite, Author Keith Brandon, Author Taylor S Norman, Author Effie M. Kalaitzdis, Author Carlos Harleaux, Author Melody Saleh and Author Joy Jenkins that you must read this summer season during sunbath with a collection of drinks & snacks and don't forget to drink lots of water and use your sunscreen when tanning, to avoid your beautiful skin getting burnt...Winkies! Also, read the exclusive author interviews that will help you understand their writing style and the level of research they have done to put their book on your table.

1. 'BATTLE FOR POWER' - BY AUTHOR PRRAVEEN KHUMAR

When it comes to the goriest of crimes, the offenders often mess the evidence and fabricate a false diversion to mislead the investigators. As a consequence, many investigators get themselves entrapped into the deception and choose to close these cases presumptuously with the planted evidence that seem circumstantial. But, I, Thilak Ratnagar, have never addressed a case as presented- cause there is always more than what meets the eye!

On a day that started casually, all it took was a single call from the Commissioner asking me to investigate a dead body in a Lake to turn my world upside down. What seemed like a suicide dragged me into a black hole of multiple high-profile murders, a personal involvement, and a national threat.

Author Prraveen Khumar N has very well brought the theme in an interesting manner, there’s no surprise this IITian has huge knowledge on the subject and passion for bringing the Novel with emotion and the dedicated Police Officer Mr Thilak’s role in cracking the case, with the support of PM to save our future Scientists and the Mission.

Join Author Prraveen Khumar N on a 50-hour journey into a topsy-turvy ride full of thrills, twists, turns, multiple face-offs with death in unwinding a treacherous plan to break the backbone of India. Get your copy now!!

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

Prraveen Khumar N is a Civil Engineer from IIT Madras and currently works for a leading housing finance company as a country head. He is an avid book reader, a trained singer and a huge cricket enthusiast apart from being an excellent leader in his professional life.

"Battle for Power" is his second book and was launched by Padma Shri Kamal Hassan and published by Emerald Publishers. He has authored a best seller novel titled “ An Incredible Indian Rescue”, which is available on all major platforms.

'I must appreciate Mr Prraveen Khumar for his intelligence and in-depth knowledge on a difficult subject and his ability to present it as an interesting story for the readers. Here is an unputdownable book, and I recommend the readers to read it in one go to savour its moments and appreciate its brilliance.'

- Dr G. Dhananjayan - Film Producer & Founder-Director of BOFTA FILM INSTITUTE

Refreshingly beautiful storyline! One of the finest gripping stories I have read in a very long time. The book is like a wonderful weekend drive and the narrative flows through beautifully. The author's painstaking research reflects the depth of such a detailed plot. Highly recommended!

- Siddharth

2. 'THE LAST LUMENIAN' - BY AUTHOR S. G. BLAISE

The Last Lumenian by S.G. Blaise is a sci-fi fantasy novel. It is the first instalment of this series. This riveting story is filled with action, adventure, romance, drama, and suspense. Lilla, the female protagonist, is a princess with a heartwarming and beautiful personality. She is brave yet a bit confused, she is strong yet soft-hearted. The story starts with Lilla on a space mission, her ship in peril, facing multiple collisions with asteroids.

She faces certain death, seemingly no hope of survival. The story rewinds to where all it started. What is her mission? Where is she travelling? What is the source of her peril? Who are the refugees? If you are into an out-worldly civilization based story with advanced technology, this book is for you.

The story takes you to a universe filled with epic battles, vivid mind-boggling backdrops, wonderful events, magical tools, and a constellation of galaxies with deep, dark characters who are blessed with technology blended with elemental magic. They live in vast worlds, fighting for power and amidst it, all is a strong female hero. As she fights to save the Seven Galaxies, she also fights inner battles to become the hero she needs to be. A thrilling story for readers of all ages. Get your copy now!!

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

S. G. Blaise hails from a faraway land in Europe. She wrote her first short story at ten. A terrible nightmare with spider-like creatures inspired her to put her dream to paper. The following day, she read the story to her class and got a positive response. She thinks adding a joke or two helped.

At the time, author S.G. Blaise didn’t really think she would be a writer. She wasn’t thinking about it much at that age. Not to mention, she really didn’t like to read. She can never forget the moment when it all changed. At 13, she picked up the book her dad had been trying to convince her to read for years and decided to give it a chance. Author Blaise read it, standing by the bookcase (it was a small book, no more than 200 pages). From that point forward, her passion for books and reading continued to grow. She began to identify her favourite authors and genres.

• 2020 New York Book Festival - Winner: Romance & Honourable Mention: Science Fiction

• 2020 San Francisco Book Festival - Winner: Science Fiction

• 2020 Annual Best Book Awards - Winner: Best Cover-Fiction

• 2020 New England Book Festival - Winner: Science Fiction

VISIT AUTHOR S.G. BLAISE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO READ MORE FROM HER DESK, www.sgblaise.com and www.thelastlumenian.com and follow her on Instagram, @sgblaiseofficial.

3. 'LEO GRAY AND THE LUNAR ECLIPSE' - BY AUTHOR K. J. KRUK

Who hasn't dreamed of going to the moon? That dream for eleven-year-old Leo Gray is about to come true - but he’s in for the surprise of his life!

In the year 2113, most people live in robotically maintained homes, ride around in self-flying cars, and wear ozone-resistant clothes. Most people that are; just not Leo Gray’s parents. They’re stuck in the past, and science know-it-all Leo is completely fed up with his beyond-embarrassing living arrangement with them. But when he enters a rocket-building competition for a chance to attend the Lunar Academy, Leo’s luck finally seems to turn in his favour!

However, it's not long after stepping foot into his dorm room that Leo discovers the moon’s celebrated city is harbouring a world of dark secrets. It's soon a race against the clock for Leo and his friends Andromeda Groves (a code-hacking whiz from Canada), Pavo Digby (a history buff from Brazil), and Grus Pinwheel (a musically gifted and comically endearing Aussie) intercept and foil plans to destroy the city—leaving the group’s leader faced with a decision that no eleven-year-old should ever have to make: save Earth or save himself and the city he fought so hard to reach. Leo Gray and the Lunar Eclipse is an epic adventure set in a wonderfully imaginative, futuristic world overflowing with robots, anti-gravity sports, superhero-Esque suspense, and page after page of laughter and heart that will leave boys and girls equally gripped under its spell! Get your copy now!!

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

K. J. Kruk is a multi-award-winning author and illustrator of the bestselling hit middle-grade novel, Leo Gray and the Lunar Eclipse. Kruk is also the creator of The Super Stellar Dream Scholarship - a year-round scholarship that provides financial assistance and encouragement to students pursuing innovative and altruistic goals in the Arts and STEM—and is the founder of TOLA, an online learning platform that promotes creative thinking via individualized educational content with Leo Gray Books.

Author Kruk has created a highly imaginative futuristic world that is bound to ignite young minds for years to come! With impeccable command of the English language and a solid dose of humour, K. J. Kruk will leave readers thirsting to know: What comes after Leo Gray and the Lunar Eclipse?

"A humorous and heartfelt sci-fi tale." - KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Young readers will find much to love in Leo Gray and the Lunar Eclipse." - READERS' FAVORITE

"I found it a lot of fun to read and enjoyed using my imagination and I believe kids will enjoy it too." - A GARDEN OF BOOKS

VISIT AUTHOR K.J. KRUK OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO READ MORE FROM HER DESK, www.kjkruk.com, AND FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM, @krukgalaxy.

4. 'THE DRAGON FROM GUANGZHOU' - BY AUTHOR D.W. PLATO

During the Qing Dynasty in 1801, pirates kidnappedMógū from a floating brothel off the shore of Guangzhou. So began one of the most notorious adventurers to take on the waters of South China.

Mógū's rough start as a discarded daughter raised by nuns worsened after puberty when she was sold to work on a flower boat. Shrewd and determined to come out on top of each bad situation, Mógū prospers from a golden opportunity with the pirates who kidnap her. Quickly adapting to sword fighting and collecting riches, she shows Zheng Yi and Po Tsai more lucrative ways to live.

Over miles of open ocean, plundering Portuguese and British fleets, through love and loss, Mógū rises to each challenge with surprising grit. Negotiating amnesty for her band of outlaws, she seeks a place of her own for peace and happiness.

In her best book yet, Author D.W. Plato weaves an unforgettable tale of how one woman's strength leaves us inspired and thinking long after turning the last page.

'The Dragon From Guangzhou' is definitely one of the most enjoyable books you'd have read in a long time. If you're a historical fiction fan, we recommend you to have this book on your reading list. DW Plato’s narrative and characters are what lifted this book out of the ordinary and into something special. Get your copy now.

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

D. W. Plato is an award-winning author residing in central New Mexico. When she's not writing (or reading), she's travelling the world looking for new ideas for her novels. (when travelling was a thing... currently she's doing the stay home and wear your mask thing). Once travel restrictions are lifted, she’s looking forward to a nice long vacation in Hamburg, Germany with her husband where their daughter resides.

Author D.W. Plato has four books available on Audible, iTunes, Amazon, Kindle or linked from her author website, www.dwplato.com (want autographed copies? just ask)

• The Sinners' Club (2016) A little romance, a little LGBT. Atheist boy meets LDS girl.

• Glue (2017) New Apple Book Awards Official Selection Winner'18 (sex, drugs, and rock n roll! ADULT CONTENT - over 18)

• Trials & Tribulations of Modesty Greene; A fictional book about Harriet Tubman's historical legacy (2018) New Apple Book Awards Official Selection Winner'18 plus Readers' Favorite Annual Writing Contest Bronze Winner in the audiobook category, 2019, and last but not least.

• The Dragon from Guangzhou (2021); the life and times of the notorious pirate Ching Shih (Plato's best work to date)

5. 'THE SOVEREIGN' BY AUTHOR XANDREA CASTALDI

“The Sovereign” is a thought-provoking novel that explores the future as it is predicted to be, not what one so altruistically expects. But in its technocracy, it leaves behind the humanity-extinguishing robots for the more profound. Bringing the reader into this high-tech dystopian atmosphere sees our colonization across the galaxy at the expense of diving deeper into ourselves and our own nature. Within the latter 21st Century, technology takes a hold of our society, our lives, our bodies. Do we become better as a human race or do we succumb to the nature of the beast within? Can we trust each other? Can we trust ourselves? Are we capable of survival in the future we dream about so adamantly? What does it take for us to survive? Are we willing to make the sacrifices it takes to make it?

After a century of endless wars to change the tides of economies across the globe, the North American Union is on the verge of civil war. With technology blended into the cellular makeup of life, Union President Maxwell Waterhouse plans to usher in the new century as the Head of the International Governance Council by any means necessary - and his citizens are on to him. Having raised up a ruthless military backing and groomed an iron-synthetic fist, he calls on his strength of intellectual will to capture the coveted IGC seat and all that comes with it, chopping down every roadblock - living or synthetic, foreign or domestic - in his path. Get your copy now!!

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

Xandrea Castaldi is an independently published author of the science-fiction novel, “The Sovereign” released through Palmetto Publishing in Sept 2020. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, she received her undergraduate studies in Motion Pictures, specializing in Screenwriting from the University of Miami and her Masters in English and Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University.

Born into a God-fearing family of educators, intellectuals, musicians, and hard workers, she credits her grandmother and aunt for planting the seeds of both education and a love of story and her parents for introducing her to music as a child. She began playing the drums in 3rd grade, writing tv scripts in 4th grade, and feature-length films in 9th grade. After completing her Masters' degree, she pursued teaching English at the secondary, undergraduate, and graduate levels. She followed her father’s footsteps, a college seminary instructor, finding the most gratification at the graduate level. With the aid of teachings and writings of J. Gresham Machen, A. W. Tozer, Russell Moore, and David Platt taught a writing-intensive research course on Millennials in the 21st Century Church. From the time she started writing, she was heavily into historical fiction and nonfiction studying ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Nubian civilizations, and periods throughout American History.

She is currently working in the healthcare administration and can be reached on Instagram @xandreacastaldi or on her website at www.xandreacastaldi.com

6. 'PILLARS IN BUSINESS' The Leader Within (Spiritual-Business series 1) BY AUTHOR JOY L. BRITE

A Life-changing book rendition inspired by true experiences. This short story will motivate and inspire you to see how spirituality intertwines in the business world. How you choose to lead your life or how you choose to ignore those opinions. Sharing with you how the seven deadly sins and seven virtues influence your life and how they can affect your achievement of becoming your true self. ‘Pillars in Business: The Leader Within’ brings inspiration and motivation to unlock your true potential. Learning to be self-aware and not live in fear to strive to be your true potential.

Pillars in Business: Productive Talking (Spiritual-Business series 2)

A Life-changing book rendition inspired by true experiences. This short story will motivate and inspire you to see how spirituality intertwines in the business world. How you choose your words, tone, and actions. What choices will you make because of distractions or temptations? Having the choice to see the bigger picture and choose the path towards your bigger picture. What choices you will make because of distractions or temptations. Having the choice to see the bigger picture and choose the path toward your bigger picture. My 2nd book ‘Pillars in Business: Productive Talking’ is How do I speak with the words I choose and the actions I will take? The more purposeful you are with your words your actions will follow through. Will your actions follow your words? Get your copy now!!

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

Joy L. Brite has been writing for decades in just notebooks waiting for an opportunity that never came. So she decided to make her own opportunity for her dreams to come to life. In the writing journey, her 2nd-grade teacher was hugely influential When Joy was 7, her second-grade teacher asked everyone to write a story. Later she told her that she enrolled her story in a state-wide writing contest. She was so adamant to make sure she knew that it is okay if she didn’t win. Author Joy was okay with it. Few weeks passed. One day during recess, she came up to her and said, “Joy! You won!”. The contest organizers held an award ceremony where she was awarded the first prize.

She remembers being so excited and having her pink dress on was adding more charm to the excitement. She was appreciated for her talents. It was an amazing day in Author Joy's life. Her teacher gave her such hope she shared with her that she could see her being a young author with a published book. At age 13, she thought of her first unofficial book but with money shortage and not knowing whom to talk to about becoming an author she put her dreams on the back burner.

Putting on regular efforts, the day came when she can truly own her name and become Joy. She allowed herself to connect with the divine and the divine grace bestowal upon her to make a purposeful life. Then it became official and she started producing content of the knowledge she loves to share of spiritual and business sense. Now it is official!! She is living the dream!

She is also an "Inspirational Coach" and can be reached on Instagram @pen2paperjoy or on her website at www.inspirebyjoy.com

7. 'LOST UNIVERSE: THE PROPHECY' BY AUTHOR KEITH BRANDON

Lost Universe was born in 2018 after long years of experience in life and watching countless hours of Star Wars and Star Trek. Telling stories of fantastic worlds set in the future or in the mystical past, was something I always enjoyed and it was the best way to express myself. Aliens and especially the greys were the focus of my imagination and I knew I had a story in me about them. So let me give you a little description of the story right here.

Sixteen adventurers depart from Earth on a mission to find the end of the universe. They never considered whether the end of the universe wished to be found...or even whether it should be...Gaining acceptance into the Galactic Alliance is not an easy task, but it turns out that it is the aliens who need the help of humanity this time, and that is why they have been welcomed with open arms. From the moment the humans arrive, the adventures begin, especially now that they have been placed on the endangered species list. Kidnapping, cloning, and now even the galactic mafia have become part of the game. Why has the galaxy been shaken up by our arrival? It turns out that there is a prophecy about an ancient place called the "Home", but there are growing questions as to whether this place does actually exists. Get your copy now!!

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

Keith Brandon was born in Hungary in 1980 and did most of his schooling there before he decided to take on the world and start his adventures. He spent some time in Copenhagen, mostly learning English.

After spending a year or two in this inspiring environment he returned home and decided to work on ocean cruises in the Bahamas and Caribbean as a waiter, which was really a lot of fun and hard work. During this time he began working on his ideas and after four years of cruising settled in England and began writing the stories. His interest was always in the stars or far away lands and mysterious places.

In this big genre, he guesses Lost Universe could be compared less to Asimov's Foundation or Herbert's Dune. His greatest inspiration came from them and the Sword of the Truth series by the late Terry Goodkind. Dealing with the real staff of life, the very things that we face in our societies now in these days, but what if that would happen in thousands of years in the future or in a place where there is magic? Competing with these giants is almost impossible but one has to raise the standards and should try to walk in their footsteps with original ideas that would appeal to a new generation of readers and older ones too. So he tries his best to create a fun and enjoyable series of stories that will entertain anyone who reads it.

VISIT AUTHOR KEITH BRANDON OFFICIAL IG TO READ MORE FROM HIS DESK, @zmdoriat

8. 'THE ABC's of LOVE' BY AUTHOR TAYLOR S. NORMAN

A pocketful of modern-day scriptures and affirmations for a new generation that loves, and lives simply with the knowledge that love faith and the power of hope are what grounds the ancestral roots of our being, our souls, and makes us complete.

This is a little book with a big message, and whether you choose it for yourself or gift it with love to another, each line will touch your heart with its delightful truth and profound words. As an advocate for love, and as an author who loves deeply, it is Author Taylor's intent that through her words she will help guide those who are seeking a loving well-balanced relationship.

Author Taylor believes wholeheartedly that if you are open enough to see there are certain intrinsic criteria’s, unique dynamics required in the achievement of a successful, good, and loving relationship and her hope is that her little “Bible” of love, with its big message, touches the hearts of those who seek the joy of what love can be.

She used the analogy of the alphabet because from A to Z our relationships can be intensely profound, and yet incredibly life-giving, and beautiful. Each letter written in prose takes on a meaning that means something special to her. And she hopes now to you. Are you ready for your ABC’s? Get your copy today!!

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

Taylor S. Norman is a vegan feminist and active supporter of the LGBTQ community, together with being a supreme advocate of love and light, who is working towards achieving equality, and acceptance, and recognition for everyone. Her chief work is in the purpose and belief that through her writing she will be able to help others Rise.

Taylor is a vibrant native New Yorker and a well-seasoned traveller of life. In this “The ABC’s of Love” her second published book, she explores the realms of achieving a well-balanced relationship with the affirmation of poetry in keywords. She is also the proud author of her debut novella “The Lesbian Whisperer” which is also for sale on Amazon.com in paperback and eBook formats, in which she explores the deep and intimate love shared between two women.

She also has published “The Circle”, I Recognize You”, and same-sex wedding vows in form of poems in various journals. Taylors very own story, and her personal journey of self-discovery, together with the realization and knowingness of who she really is, something she willingly shares in the hope that her wealth of knowledge and experience will help others on their own personal journey of acceptance of self and others to live a limitless, happy and fulfilled life.

To each and every beautiful soul that read her words, she is being thankful. VISIT AUTHOR TAYLOR S. NORMAN OFFICIAL IG TO READ MORE FROM HER DESK, @taylorsnorman

9. 'HIGH PRIESTESS' BY AUTHOR EFFIE M. KALAITZIDIS

The book is centred around Author Effie’s spiritual awakening with moments of revelation & magic. The poems were written on aeroplanes, in passenger seats, on a friend’s couch & in the middle of late-night hauntings.

'High Priestess' is a brief but meaningful chapter in Kalaitzidis’s life that was the catalyst to align her with divine purpose. Sometimes someone comes into your life for a season & changes it forever. The majority of the book is about falling in love with what someone is mirroring back to you - the light, the dark & the letters you write to the moon will come true. Priestess starts out with a section of prose titled “Quarantine Tarot Reading” that gives the reader a look into what a typical lockdown afternoon was like for Kalaitzidis - trying to communicate with the ghost in her friend’s apartment while reading tarot & doing ritual. The poems in the book tell the story through angel numbers & tarot cards, of how Kalaitzidis started opening up to the way the universe was speaking to her through signs & symbols. This is something most readers will be able to relate to like seeing 11:11 on the clock or finding a feather outside to let you know you’re not alone.

'High Priestess' felt like the perfect title for Kalaitzidis as she now works as a psychic tarot reader, but also because the whole time she was writing the book she was completely unaware that she would publish it someday. While writing over the course of the year that changed her life exponentially, she had an inner sense that there was a reason for it & that it would make a lot of sense one day. Get your copy now!!

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

Effie M. Kalaitzidis is an intuitive tarot reader & poet living in Chicago, Illinois. Before COVID-19, she worked as a professional makeup artist writing poetry in her notes app in her spare time. The effects of the pandemic resulted in her losing her job. Instead of taking this as a step back, she used it as an opportunity to heal & deepen her spirituality. One day she decided to start sharing her tarot messages on Tik Tok & went viral overnight with one of her videos reaching 2M+ views. This resulted in her starting her own tarot reading business. The messaging in her reading advocates for others to share their unique talents & creative expressions. As a leader & wanting to set a good example - she decided it was time to publish her first poetry book.

The response was overwhelmingly positive & created a stronger sense of community amongst her followers. Effie has a passion for the arts in all regards & is often quoted saying things such as “be art” or “life is art” - reminding others & herself constantly that we are all ethereal beings here to enjoy this human experience for what it is, no need to make it stressful - “we get to co-create our realities it might as well look how we want it to.” It wasn’t always this way - before the pandemic, while working as a makeup artist, Effie was constantly burning herself out at both ends, living a life of routine, sleeping on a friend’s couch & feeling trapped & uninspired.

By freeing her mind of self-limiting blocks & opening up to her spiritual gifts she was able to unlock a completely new direction for herself. Although it wasn’t easy & there were a lot of things to be sacrificed, friends & connections lost, things that had to change, it was worth it in the end. Kalaitzidis hopes her story can inspire other artists or creatives who are feeling trapped to work on their blocks to experience the type of freedom she has been able to create for herself.

Follow Author Effie on Instagram, @effiekala

10. 'A SWIPE IN THE WRONG DIRECTION' by AUTHOR CARLOS HARLEAUX

Mike has locked his heart for love. After a recent broken engagement and friend-zone placement from Cookie, the only woman he genuinely loves, Mike decides to give up on long-term relationships. His two best friends, Ben and Tavin, take him to Las Vegas to celebrate his 35th birthday and shake up his luck with the ladies.

However, Mike is unsuspecting about his best friends' plot to secretly set him up on a dating app. Initially against the idea, Mike quickly falls head over heels for a woman he meets in the app. There is only one problem. She is more exciting than he realizes...and she may cost him his life.

Is his new fling a ticking time bomb waiting to happen? Swipe left or swipe right? Choose wisely. Your next swipe may be your last.

“Candy? Hey, you finally answered. I have been trying to get in contact with you for a while. Um, how have you been?” Mike asked.

“The hostility doesn’t let up. I’m better. How are you? I’m sorry for being MIA. I had to take some time to get myself together. I was headed down a bad road,” Cookie explained. Despite a few touch-and-go check-ins, Cookie had not had an in-depth conversation with Mike in nearly a year.

What happens next? Read the full conversation in "A SWIPE IN THE WRONG DIRECTION".

Get your copy now.

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

Carlos Harleaux is a poet, author of eight poetry books and five novels, and a publisher (CEO of 7th Sign Publishing). 2021 marks 10 years since the release of his first book, a poetry collection called Blurred Vision. His latest books include a chilling novella about online dating called A Swipe in the Wrong Direction and a 10-year celebratory poetry collection about life observations in 2020, called Cataracts. Although poetry is his first love when it comes to literature, he has also enjoyed writing novels within the last few years. Carlos launched his publishing company, 7th Sign Publishing, to help other indie authors release their literary works. Since its launch in 2013, 7th Sign Publishing has published over 10 books for other authors and assisted many other authors.

If there were one word to describe his writing style, it would be relevant. Whether it’s poetry or fiction, he keeps the reader’s perspective in mind. The beauty of it all is many people have experienced many of the same issues either he has experienced or others around him have experienced. In addition to writing, he enjoys blogging about music, food & beverages, and life lessons. He is also one of the founding members of the 'Brown Liquor & Cigars' podcast, which is a weekly group discussion that tackles relationships, life and social issues from a male viewpoint.

Carlos believes in always moving forward and pushing himself to new heights. He is taking a break from releasing a new book in 2021, but is coming up with an audiobook, "Eleven: Things We Never Said", an introspective poetry book about love gone wrong, which was originally released in paperback in 2019.

Read his interview with DE MODE on the next page and follow Author Carlos Harleaux on Instagram to read more from his desk, @peauxetic.

11. 'FACADE' UNBROKEN SERIES - BY AUTHOR MELODY SALEH

The Unbroken Series follows four women in South Florida as they tackle a myriad of personal problems and romantic entanglements. Regardless of what personal tragedy or challenge each woman faces, the bond is unbreakable.

Frustrated by recurring but unsatisfying erotic dreams, Amber sets out to seduce a sexy attorney. However, their attempt at a relationship suffers numerous setbacks. Newly pregnant Debra tries to rebuild her life in the wake of tragedy and finds herself torn between two potential love interests. Up-and-coming, fashion designer and single mother, Zya, struggles with what she thought she knew about love while her daughter is the victim of a hate crime. Aspiring model Dominque wants to get her life back on track after a health scare, but changing her wild ways overnight proves to be more challenging than she thought. Eventually, events spiral out of control for everyone as at least one life is left hanging in the balance.

Get comfortable and forget your bookmark as you find out if fantasy is better than reality in Book 1 of the complete, fast-paced Unbroken Series.

This is the first book in the 'Unbroken Series' trilogy, and readers should not expect many resolutions or answers. In fact, the fates and lives of some characters are left in the balance, and the novel ends on a cliffhanger. We recommend this book to women who like stories about female friendship and who also enjoy books that focus on romantic relationships. Author Melody was inspired by 'Sex and the City' and 'Fifty Shades' TV show. If you liked that show, you will most likely enjoy this book. Get your copy now.

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

Melody Saleh is the author of the book Facade (Book 1 of the Unbroken Series) and a cancer survivor. The biggest defining moment of her life was being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at thirty-five. She was a single mother at the time; her daughter has just turned fifteen. She wasn’t afraid for herself, she was scared for her daughter. The range of emotions during that time, Melody wouldn’t wish on anyone. Would she see her graduate high school? Would she be the mother-of-the-bride, or hold her grandchildren in her arms? The fear was overwhelming at times. But that experience has helped her become who she is today. And for that, she wouldn’t change a thing. Birthdays are for celebrating—it’s a gift of another year of life. Things she used to take for granted, she doesn’t anymore. Just three months after celebrating her tenth cancer-free anniversary, she has been diagnosed again—second cancer in the other breast. Luckily for her, it was a new primary, not a recurrence. Yes, she used the word lucky and cancer in the same sentence. Her treatment option this time was a no-brainer... double-mastectomy and she'd have bigger, perkier ones—her silver lining.

Melody met her Prince Charming in Jan 2000. When they married in 2001, she was suddenly allowed to become more involved with her community. Helping others was always a passion of hers; now she could truly make a difference. She became involved with her local animal shelter, wildlife sanctuary, Women in Distress, the American Cancer Society, and Habitat for Humanity. Her days were filled with giving of herself to help others less fortunate. She began writing her first novel in 1994. Her new book released on March 30 of this year, is a suspense thriller, The Job.

Read more from her desk on www.melodysaleh.com or follow her on Instagram, @melodysaleh_author.

12. 'A SECRET SERVICE' BY AUTHOR JOY JENKINS

Carter Owens, daughter of a Secret Service agent, is trained to disassemble any weapon, any situation & anyone. Her biting sarcasm and razor-sharp mind make her impossible to beat in a word fight and when talking doesn’t work, she uses her fists. She attends Hamilton Prep, Washington D.C.’s most prestigious high school, where everyone is related to someone in power, except her.

When Hamilton Prep receives a flood of new students, Carter’s role as social outcast changes when she makes two unexpected friends. Friends who are hiding a secret. As Carter uncovers the truth, she confronts challenges she is unequipped to handle and finds herself in a dangerous situation.

For a girl trained to see everything, Carter never saw this coming.

The book "A SECRET SERVICE" revolves around Carter and her two new friends at high school, the challenges they face in their day to day life and how they overcome them. The writing style and quality of Author Joy Jenkins are very much commendable and reading her book will make you a fan of her writing. Coming into the characters, you'll fell in love with the characters, they are so well developed. When it comes to female characters,you can expect their strong presence in the storyline. Being the protagonist of this book, Carter is such a dynamic character to read about. Get your copy now.

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN ALL COUNTRIES - CLICK HERE

DIRECT LINK TO BUY THE BOOK IN INDIA - CLICK HERE

Joy Jenkins came late to the reading game, due to vision problems. She holds a strong love for Young Adult since it’s where her love of reading began. Now she writes Young Adult hoping to inspire the next generation. When she isn’t creating in her little writing studio outside of Boston, Joy can be found buried in a book or discussing literature and drinking tea with her family of artists.

'All the perfect elements in this book meant I couldn’t put it down! I was lost in the world of ‘A Secret Service’, my mind consumed by Joy’s words. I would recommend this book for anyone looking to beat a reading slump they’ve been stuck in to help them jump back into just how incredible books can be. ‘A Secret Service’ was a truly enjoyable read and I quickly labelled it as a favourite, wishing to return to the world of the Secret Service and Hamilton Prep many times again.'

- Emily Khan.

'So so so good! I can read this book over and over and never get tired of it! The characters are amazing and the story is brilliant. I suggest this book to anyone.' - Matthew D.

Loved this!!

Read it when it was free multiple times but still couldn’t wait to read it again. Once you pick it up you won’t set it down until it’s finished. Start 2021 off right with this book! - Emily Gleeson.

Read more from her desk on www.joyjenkins.com and follow her on Instagram, @joymoment

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[ Want more? Check out our list of 6 new best reads for 2021. ]