The Girl Next Door by Arpit Vageria

Lockdown was that once in a lifetime experience for all the people where it was imposed by authorities. For many, it was bonding time that they missed the moment they entered in professional lives. For many families, they had more members in the house than that of Diwali or New Year. So it was obvious when small and medium-sized cities and towns are packed with full population, there are chances that few find their life partners. On the same notion the book, "the girl next door" was written by Arpit Vageria.

My reasons for selecting the book was not nostalgia around Lockdown, but the author Arpit. I had missed reading 2 of his last bestsellers, so I didn't want to miss the chance this time. Frankly speaking, I didn't check the blurb when I said yes for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

As I mentioned, the hero of our story is Ishaan, an RJ, settled in Mumbai for the last 15 years. He was intentionally away from his family in Bhopal to avoid family confrontations. But his mother emotionally blackmailed him and he came to home town. And when he was frustrated and thinking about what to do for the next 3-4 weeks, he saw a beautiful girl. That beautiful girl is Ruhi, the heroine of the story. Then follows a cute love story covering family issues as well. Read the book to know more. 

I know I have covered not much in the blurb, but I think you can always refer blurb of the book for the same. Coming to my impression of the story, it's a perfect light romantic story written keeping the Bollywood audience in mind, a classic Bollywood romance. And just like Bollywood movies don't go with facts about the pandemic that the author visualize in the book, just enjoy the story. 

Coming to writing style, the book is written with easy to understand language with fast pace storytelling. A good recommendation for beginners and Mills & Boon's lover. The cover photo is catching. 

On a general note, the book was missing that unique touch of Romance. I am not able to put it in words but apart from pandemic & lockdown novelty in character or dialogues is missing.

Overall a nice entertaining book that deserves 3.5 out of 5.

The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson

 I was going through English Audiobooks available for review on Netgalley when I saw the title "The Cul-de-Sac War" by Melissa Ferguson. The very first thing I checked was the language settings in Netgalley. Then I google the word "Cul-de-sac", what I gauged from the title was the book must be around neighbors. And that was described in the blurb. Based on these few things, I applied for the review copy in exchange for an honest review, and luckily I won it. So here I am discussing the sweet love story.

Written in settings of a cure rom-com (you may say sitcoms), the story revolves around the personal & professional lives of Bree & Chip. I don't want to discuss the plot once again as the blurb is more than enough. Let me talk about things I liked about the story

1. Pranks between Bree & Chip

2. Gentleness of Chip in all situation never losing his temper

3. Characters of the girlfriend of Chip & boyfriend of Bree. Both were caring and marriage material.

4. Fun-filled incidents ( I know the very first point was a prank, but I feel I should mention it)

Coming towards good points about the book

1) Light read

2) Language is easy and age-appropriate

3) The pace of the story is fast and will maintain

4) To the point story

Overall I enjoyed listening to this book. The book deserves 3.75 stars out of 5. 

The Warrior's Progeny (Heaven & Earth Series #2) by Jeny Heckman

 I was not aware of the auto approve concept on Netgalley. So when I was auto-approved by "Backlit PR", I was very happy. The book with which I got this approval was "The Warrior's Progeny" by Jeny Heckman. I was a bit skeptical while applying for the book because it is the second book in Heaven & Earth Series. But I was relieved of that tension once I started reading the book. Accept the initial 2-3 chapters, the book was somewhat independent. 

The usage of peacock feathers in cover design gave me the impression that there might be a reference to Indian God Krishna. However, the story is based on Greek Mythology. As I have already mentioned, this is a second book in the series, though it is part of the grander plan, the book is focused more on Colten, a football player, notoriously known for sleeping with his colleagues' wives, and Lilly, a single parent. Though their personalities were opposite, their attraction towards each other was as strong as magnetic opposites. Apart from mythology, this book covers a mature love story as well. Read the book to the know-how on a grander scheme Colten and Lilly would be helpful to ancient Gods.

Coming to writing style, Jeny has used easy-to-read and easy-to-comprehend language. I found no difficulties following the storyline of Lilly & Colten. I accept I faced difficulties while reading the first few chapters as they influence the first book. The tempo of the writing was high, so is the pace. You will hardly find a dull or boring page during the story. I enjoyed it. 

Overall I will give 3.75 out of 5.

Book Review -When Love Came Calling by Preeti Shenoy

"When Love Came Calling" is my 3rd read from Preeti Shenoy, and my expectations from Preeti were matched in this book. I was a little bit skeptical after reading "Wake up, Life is calling". Though the "wake up" was presented as an inspirational book, for me, it was a similar experience that I felt with "Veronica decides to die" by Paulo Coelho. I felt too negative while reading both books. Surprisingly when Love Came Calling was a refreshing, cute, and light read in this pandemic depression.

The protagonist of our story is Arush and Puja. Arush was born and brought up outside India. He was a kind of self-made man who was deciding his life based on his passion. He was selected for a paid assignment to work with an NGO based in Kerala, India. Puja, on other hand, had was a kind of lazy girl who felt her life was not in her hands but her parents. She was not happy with the career path set for her by her parents, at the same time, she didn't want to divert from that path.

When the two met, a bond was created instantaneously. Though both were opposite, their different nature brought them nearer. They wanted to know more about each other. The feeling was mutual, but things were not smooth for them. Puja got up in a mess, and unknown to the depth of the consequences Arush tried to help Puja. Do read the book to know whether Puja was rescued or Puja had to rescue Arush.

Apart from the love story, the book brings us two wonderful things to us,

1. As author Preeti is herself a Keralite, she has wonderfully described nature's bounty of Kerala, proving the phrase " God's Own Country" true.

2. Preeti has a good control over bringing an inspirational story without leaving the story. You are bound to learn good things by reading the story itself. You cannot disintegrate the invitational discussion from the story. 

Coming to writing, as usual, Preeti has used a simple narration style. The usage of English is easy for any level of readers. The choice of words makes interest intact. This book hardly falls under DNF, I finished it in 3-4 sittings but can be finished in 1-2 sittings as well. 

Overall I will give 4 out of 5.

Book links - Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review - Madhuleena: a novel by Govind Sharma

I have read most of the books by Govind Sharma. His stories are usually simple with fluid pace. You can read his books on your short journey or trip. When I saw his upcoming book, I pre-ordered it. The book reached me almost after 20 days. Unfortunately, it took me almost 10 days to take the book in hand but I finished in 2-3 sittings.

The protagonist of our story is Aakash. Aakash is shown as a young man who had been to a juvenile home but wanted to have a normal life. But things didn't go smoothly, he was framed in a bank robbery. Our story started with Aakash running away from the police. He was desperate to go away from the small town Rajapur so that police wouldn't catch him. He almost left the town (almost). On that last day, he met a girl named Madhuleena. You may call it love-at-first-sight or infatuation, but he came back. He took the help of two of his friends and arranged his hideout in Rajapur. He befriended Madhuleena also. But little did he knew about the case he was entangled in. Read the book to know more.

As usual, Govind has maintained his fast-paced storytelling. His way of sticking to the story keeps you reading books. The word choice and sentence framing make the book an ideal choice for beginners. Govind may want to have the cover matching character of Madhuleena but the girl on the cover page looks way too young to suit the said character.

I am giving 3.5 out of 5 to this book.

Book links - Goodreads & Amazon

The Saga of Shom and Raima by Tapan Ghosh - a book review

"The answers to our questions are all there in our mind but we choose not to notice them. The trouble is, we don’t know what to look for unless we have a problem." 

I think it's one of the best pieces of advice I read in recent times. The line I read from "The Saga of Shom and Raima" by Tapan Ghosh. I have recently read poetry books by Tapan and added many stanzas into my Kindle clipping collection. So I took "Shom and Raima".

As clearly mentioned in the blurb, the story revolves around Shom and Raima. They are having a relationship that we cannot explain in simple words. In the usual world which people may say adultery, is a lifeline for them. Though they have their normal life and priorities, they have kept their feelings unaffected towards each other. The story started in 2018 and traveled from 2008 to 2018 about how their relationship developed over 10 years. Apart from Shom and Raima, we have two more companions who understood their relationship, like Harry, Khush, Natasha, and Swapna. Each character is portrayed with a unique brush of traits. The most eye-catching of the character was Harry. The title given to Harry was Love guru, but he was more than that. He was a spiritual guide, mentor, poet, successful entrepreneur, and whatnot. He was always there to help his friends. Below is one dialog between Harry & Raima

"Bad experience teaches you a lot because you have to deal with it. It disciplines you. Good experience teaches you nothing, it just makes you happy and lethargic. No challenges and you take life for granted."

Coming to writing style, just like it's characters' writing style is also different. The author has used mixed writing styles. At places, he used play style dialog exchange, at some places he has used poems and some places he has used normal writing. It will keep you entertained. If you like to read something new, this is a good recommendation. One thing that I found lacking was the relatability of characters in real-life. They are shown so carefree, you will find such people in only Osho-camp.

Fun apart, a nice story deserves 3.75 out of 5.

Book links - Goodreads & Amazon

Book Review - Done with Love by Shuchi Singh

Exactly 6 weeks back we posted our last text review. The book that I am going to discuss today is "Done with Love" by Shuchi Singh Kalra. I admit that I have received this book before quarantine but I postponed review. Because we are busy with our YouTube work if you'd like to see our YouTube videos you may visit the below link.

Youtube Channel

"Done with Love" this is my first read from Shuchi. I haven't read her previous books, so I was not aware of her writing style. Before we discuss the other aspects of the book let's discuss the plot in brief. The protagonist of our story is Kairavi, throughout the story referred to as Kay. She was in a relationship with Vivian, an orthopedic surgeon. Her life was going great when she decided to go to the Maldives to surprise her boyfriend on his birthday. When she reached there she found that her boyfriend's ex was also present there attending the same seminar that her boyfriend was attending. Things became a little bit confusing with the couple and then they fought. The later part of the story covers how they came together.

Now coming to the writing style, the story is written in medium to fast pace. I finished it in a single day in two sittings. Throughout the story, The mental state (or I would say a mental verbal) of Kay will keep you entertained and engaged. Why I am saying this because when you read it will find that how throughout the story she enters into a mental dilemma and she debates with herself. Personally, I find a character like Kay troublesome & confused not just for themselves but for whole humanity who comes in connect with them. I am saying this because when you read will come to know that no matter how many times Vivian tried to explain his points, she was adamant. She could not go away on what she has seen. 

And when I thought the climax will be as per title "Done with Love", the author has given a twist. I am not used to such type of emotional stories. I found the book an average read. Still, the book gave me a company for a day.

I will give 3/5 to the book.

Book Link - GoodReads & Amazon

Our Love Story by Rohit Sharma - Book Review

The month was February and Valentine was approaching. When Goodreads dedicate a month to romantic read, how can a core bookworm like us ignore it? So we also decided to read a love story. But the question was which one to take?  Rohit Sharma is in our Instagram timeline and we were seeing his posts for the last 1-2 months about his latest book “Our Love Story”. I checked reviews by other reviewers in my network and found it good to venture into. 

My first impression of book & cover was that of a typical Mills&Boons. But my impression changed when I read the book. The main characters of the story are Veronica & Aditya. Their first meet was just like another Bollywood love story. The defeated Veronica was on verge of suicide when Aditya saved her. Veronica was a model who had faced many difficult phases during her modeling career, whereas Aditya was a super-rich kid who was not kind at heart. They started finding solace in each other's company. There were difficulties in their party, for example, opposition from Aditya's dad, their pasts, emotional gaps. Read the book to know how will they survive the tides.

It was a valentine's week and surge to read a romance novel was high. So I finished it in just a few sittings. The book is written for a larger audience. It shows the importance of selflessness, care-for-loved-one, emotional support and many more things about the relationship. An ideal read for romance lovers. Language is simple and can be read even by beginners. In many places, you will find good lines and poems. If you love to make notes then do take your pen and papers before you take the book, you will find ample lines of your likings. Overall a nice read.

I will give 3.5 out of 5 to the book.

Book links - Goodreads & Amazon

Book Review - It's Never a Break-up in Love by Avijitt SSood

"It's Never a Break-up in Love" is an interesting title. When I saw it the first time, I was having mixed feelings for the book, as the book cover was an average one. (I am kind of bookworm who likes attractive covers) But the impression of the title was stronger than the cover, so the copy landed up in my hands.

Book blurb

Is it okay to love twice or to be in love with a person who loves someone else? Is it okay to let your feelings die when you still have the hope to save your relationship? What would you do if your heart still pound for the one who has left you? Is this true that an invisible, slender thread always binds the people who are in love? What would you do if you were in any of these situations? Only those who are in true love are blessed to understand what it takes to love. Would Akshita, Aarav and Ananya ever come to realize what their real desires are? The only way to explore would be to embark on the chaotic and surreal emotional journey of love.

Talking about the story, "It's Never a Break-up in Love" is a story between 3 characters Aarush, Akshita and Ananya. Yes, it is a love triangle. I think generation Z will be able to relate it more than others. Characters & story are divided into London & India. The writing style is different, where each chapter leaving behind curiosity and the next one clearing those doubt. 

Points that I observed about the book

• Easy language usage. (at places some mistakes but can ignore them)
• Short in length. Finished it in 2 sittings.
• Felt many places were left unexplained, could have been placed better
• A weak cover

If you like to read love stories, you will find the book a good proposition.

Will give 3/5 to the book.

Book can be found at Amazon

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - Meant To Be Together by Faraaz Kazi

You have to agree that no matter what a love story always catch human attention. But plain love stories sometimes get you bored, especially every month hundreds of them coming in the market. that brings the creative side of authors how they can show it in a different style. I think recently apart from thriller and action-based love stories two types are doing great. One is an inspirational love story and another is mature ones. "Meant To Be Together" by Faraz Kazi belongs to later type. Well, I was not aware of the same when we received the book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Blurb

Preeti Thaker moves to Mumbai to run away from herself, to put behind a painful childhood, plagued adolescent years and the recent death of her only support system – her brother. She is on the verge of ending it all, succumbing to her depression, when the doorbell rings. Little does she know that answering it will change her life forever! The guy on the other end of the door will offer her solutions to all her problems, but in the process, she will end up losing the only thing she had never lost till date – her heart!

Inspired by the true story of an artist who found that love was the only color missing from the palette of her life, 'Meant to be Together' is a tale of love, friendship, courage, determination and above all, hope... hope that makes us look for the rainbow when it rains and for the stars when it is dark!

Preeti is out protagonist who had troubled past and was on verge of breaking down. She met a guy named Sameer who helped her to come out of her emotional turmoil. Deep down, Preeti started having feelings for Sameer, but she was not confident about Sameer's feeling. Read the book to know more.

The overall writing style is smooth. Though written with emotional quotient in mind book won't bore you out if you don't like emotional drama. It shows how love can bring balance to an emotionally depressed person. Language usage is simple, I would say ideal for people who want to learn reading. A light and quick read. You can take it on a trip and enjoy it. Don't worry it is not another Mills and boon's type. 

I will give 3 out of 5 stars to the book.

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

A Thing Beyond Forever by Novoneel Chakraborty - A book review

We have one book "That Kiss in the Rain" by Novoneel Chakraborty which we have bought almost 3 years back, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Last month we saw the new edition of "A Thing Beyond Forever"s cover in our mail. So there was no reason for us to hold back. A chance to review one of the best selling author's limited edition book.

Book Blurb

What happens when life plays a trick on two innocent lovers? What happens when your first love much against all possibilities comes back to you in the most bizarre and astounding manifestation ever? Dr. Radhika Sharma, for the world outside, is an aberrant and arrogant feminist. But inside, she resides in a far-away world like vulnerable first sketch of an artist. One night an innocuous enquiry by a nine-year-old patient coaxes her to open someones personal diary. And, as she reads on, a bygone era comes to the forefront taking her through a cavalcade of exclusive events that life, love and friendship offer at the noon of adolescence. By the time she finishes reading diary, its already morning. And by night time she finds herself face to face with a question that defies logical explanation. Is falling in love a random act or a planned coincidence? Is attraction the missing link between souls? Will the light of true love outshine the dark shadow of destiny? Even when Radhika gets the copasetic answers there are still two or more chapters to go

Unlike the previous cover, this cover is just fantastic. It is really eye-catching. Though my husband wanted to review this book, the moment he unwrapped the courier I booked it. So here I am to discuss what else I found good in the book apart from the cover.

Coming to the story part, Radhika is our protagonist, an ambitious doctor, who found solace in reading than unnecessary gossiping. She started reading the diary of her childhood friend Raen. It contained how he felt for her & how deeply in love with her. And then there was also a part about reincarnation, which made Radhika feel whether things happened due to coincidence or as part of a greater plan.

Good points about the book.

• Wonderful concept
• Storytelling part is mesmerizing
• The way thing unfolded you can visualize them
• A good way of amalgamation of spiritual discussion as well

Things that can hinder a casual reader

• Heavy vocabulary. At places, you may need to use a dictionary
• At places, the spiritual discussion became lengthy
• New learner/entrants may face difficulty in reading it

Ratings

1. Cover - 5/5
2. Concept - 4/5
3. Character - 4/5
4. Overall - 4/5

The book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Review of a romantic book - Love is for Life & Beyond by Yashwant Kanodia

This book was the part of surprise Diwali bundle we have received. Though not sent as a gift, timing made it as a perfect gift for bookworm like us. "Love is for Life" by Yashwant Kanodia looks a perfect "Mills & Boons" type book. A sweet picture of a couple, a romantic title & cute blurb makes it a perfect pick for Millenials.

Book Blurb

“Love is like a storm. It hits you without a warning and it affects you till your last breath.”

Nikhil is relishing a perfect life – a family that loves him beyond measure, a dream that he is sure to fulfil and the love of his life Shanaya. The day he thinks life couldn’t have been better, it unravels its plots one by one, cracking the very foundation of his perfect life and breaking his heart into a million pieces.

Just when he decides to give up, he crosses paths with Ridhima – a girl with a stained fate, who finds in him her fulfilment.

Will Nikhil forget his first love, whom he promised to love for life and beyond?

Love is for Life and Beyond is a story of love, destiny and dreams, which will wobble your perceptions about love and will coax you to taste the holiness of love.

In an era where love can be just a swipe away, can true love find its way back?

The story goes like this, Nikhil the protagonist had his dreams like any ambitious guy, both on the professional & personal front. He wanted to get his life settled with Sahana. His emotional nature made him sacrifice his professional dreams and joined his family business. While trying to maintain his professional life, he was not able to give time to Sahana, which ended up as break up. But things might change as a new character Ridhima entered his life. Read the book to know more. Hope I haven't given away more information.

Coming to my opinion. Good points about the book

• An ideal pick for Mills and Boon's lover (I mentioned it already)
• A simple & straight narration style
• Ideal for beginners as language usage is simple.

Could have been better points

• Storyline missing page sticking elements. specially twists & turns
• The book is predictable at many places

Ratings

1. Cover - 4/5
2. Character - 3.5/5
3. Concept - 2.5/5
4. Overall - 3.5/5

The book can be found at Amazon

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - One Day by David Nicholls

A few months back I have volunteered in an event called "Lock The Box" by Bookchor and there I was introduced to many new great authors and books. "One Day" by David Nicholls is one of them. The pace at which this book was selling At the event intrigued me, so out of curiosity I also picked up the copy.

Book Blurb

It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another.

Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.

Twenty years, two people, one day. 

"One Day" is a love story but it's something that I haven't read before. It's a story of two friends who are in love with each other secretly, but due to circumstances they always drift apart. And finally when they are together and everything fall in their place tragedy strikes and everything crumbles.

The plot of the book is not very unique but the way it is written is something peculiar. It's written as every chapter of the book is written as one day "15th July" of every year. BTW that is how the name of the book "One day "

For me, it's really unique and incredible that author is only writing one day of the whole year and still be able to explain where the headspace of the characters are, what feelings characters are having and is able to describe their whole life, their whole personality, their whole love story in just one day.

I was really impressed by the writing style of the author. This book was a unique and new experience for me. Though the plot is a bit familiar, the way it's written makes up for it and I am looking forward to reading other books from David Nicholls.

Ratings

1. Cover : - 4/5
2. Content : - 4.5/5
3. Character : -4.5/5
4. Concept : - 5/5
5. Overall : - 4.5/5

Book can be found at - Amazon India, Amazon USA & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - A Girl to Remember by Ajay Pandey

A wonderful cover & best selling author, one doesn't need a better reason to go for "A Girl to Remember" by Ajay Pandey. We got this book as a surprise Diwali gift (as honest review copy). A bookworm like me could not get a better gift than this.

Book Blurb

In every angel a demon hides, And in every demon, an angel strides. Neel is a self-proclaimed demon, a slave to his desires, putting at stake even the purest of relationships for it. He lives for himself, takes life as it comes, and considers people who love as emotional fools. When he first sets his eyes on his new landlady, a widow who is eleven years elder to him, all he can see is an opportunity. He has a plan to get rich and is working hard to achieve it, until he bumps into Pihu. She is an immature teenager who likes Neel for no apparent reason, and blindly believes that he is an angel who will take away all her life’s troubles. Neel hates Pihu for her unexplained obsession, and her being a hindrance in his plan, but her firm resolve to see a good person in him shakes Neel to the core. Will Pihu make a difference? Does inner transformation come to a man who has gone to a point of no return? A Girl to Remember is an emotional roller coaster which will make you believe that confession is the best punishment.

"A Girl to Remember" is the story of Pihu, Neel, and Annu. I think blurb and many reviewers have covered story so I am giving a brief. Neel was a devil person. For his, emotion and relationship come after his greed for money and lust. Annu was a widow who had rented her flat to Neel. Pihu was the daughter of Annu. And then comes a love triangle between these three, though not same as normal Bollywood movie.

Coming to book, I liked the following things

• Simple language usage & straight narration style
• The uniqueness of the plot
• Characterization of Neel & Pihu
• The short & apt story for traveling

This was my first book by Ajay Pandey and I am really impressed. We are really gladful and would like to thank Srishti Publisher for giving us chance to review this book.

Rating

1. Cover - 4.5/5
2. Concept - 4/5
3. Character - 4/5
4. Overall - 4/5

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - In Pursuit of a Family by Shilpa Menon

This is my second read from Shilpa Menon. She has got a unique trait. She touches less discussed topics and makes a story around it. In her first book "Scars Do Heal" she has taken rape victim as a protagonist, who was scared of men & relationship. A wonderful guy made her head her wounds and marry her. I was thoroughly impressed by the story and the author's approach to writing it. So it was obvious when I was given choice of reviewing "In Pursuit of a Family", I said yes immediately.

Book Blurb

Zsofia Lakatos was orphaned early in life. Hardships forged her into becoming strong and independent. With her wit and determination she fulfilled her dream of becoming a fine architect. She never allowed anyone to break down the fences she had created around herself.

Until meeting Kevin.

Kevin Percy had everything going well in his life – a loving family and living his dream of running a successful architecture firm in London.

Kevin’s first meeting with Zsofia leaves him intrigued. He hatches a plan to bring her closer to him by offering her a job at his firm.

Will the two be able to resist their attraction to each other? Will their differences be too big to overcome? Will Kevin’s past hurt their plans? Will Zsofia finally be able to dream of having a family of her own?

In this book, the author has created an orphan's story. Zsofia is our protagonist, who had lost her parents at age of four. By age of 24, she had been through a hell lot of hardship mostly alone. The harsh reality of society & survival made her extreme introvert, the only friend she had got was Martha (Mimi). Our story started when Mimi fell sick during Christmas and asked Zsofia to fill in for her place. Zsofia had obliged and had broken her 6-7 years old tradition of hibernation. But that brought a wonderful twist in her life. Kevin Percy (younger brother of Ryan - first part's hero) & his partner had organized a Christmas party for their company, where Zsofia filled in for Mimi's place. Spark of love, at first sight, ignited in Zsofia & Kevin when they saw each other. But the entry of Kevin's ex-girlfriend made some errands. Kevin handled mess later on for Zsofia, but he was not able to get more information than her name. The spark of love made him dig more for Zsofia so he hired a private detective. The story shifted 3 months later when Zsofia suddenly got an internship in Kevin's firm and due to unavoidable circumstances Zsofia had to move into Kevin's home. Romantic turns started taking place as they both started knowing each other good & bad sides. But the darkness in both of their past may affect their relationship. Read the book to know more.

The romantic moments between couple make you remind your courtship period (if you have been through) or gives you butterfly (if you are single). The love story written by Shilpa would be always sweet and fairy-like, you will keep smiling and feel to go back to book again and again.

Shilpa has mastery over the flow. The pace of the book is so smooth that you won't feel you have just read around 290 pages long book in one go. The book is written in the first person/character from Kevin and Zsofia point of view. Each chapter is spread alternatively from Kevin & Zsofia as the first person.  Coming to characterization, the majority of supporting characters are from first part which was awesome then and awesome now. I think the independent character of Zsofia & caring character of Kevin would be the star of the book. Use of language is simple and even 14+ can read it with great ease. Line spacing and character size are apt for a better reading experience.

Overall a wonderful romantic read. Ratings

1. Cover - 3.5/5 (I feel need a strong cover)
2. Concept - 4.5/5
3. Character - 4/5
4. Overall - 4/5

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - Seductive Affair by Rishabh Puri

The moment I laid my eyes upon "Seductive Affair" by Rishabh Puri I made up my mind to read it. I was so into it that I have finished this book in just 2 days.

Book Blurb

Prisha Khatri is a regular college graduate, focused on her career, desperate to finally move out of her parents’ house… and freshly dumped by her successful fiancé. When she lands a job at a prestigious media house, she’s glad to have something to take her mind off her heartbreak.

What she doesn’t expect is to be landed on a business trip with a famously fiery reporter Rajesh Lagheri. He’s travelling to a business conference for a story, and doesn’t seem impressed by her involvement. But as soon as they’re out of the office, things change, and it becomes clear that there is more to Rajesh’s trip than meets the eye. 

As Prisha is drawn into the story he’s trying to hide from their editor, their hunt for the story grows more intense, and she finds herself growing closer to Rajesh. As their chemistry threatens to overwhelm them and Prisha is pulled deeper into the Seductive Affair, she must decide what matters most to her – matters of the head, or of the heart.

The story is basically about forbidden love of Parish and Rajesh. Parish had a bad breakup. She was in a new job where she met a fellow journalist Rajesh. Rajesh was an overly attractive handsome hunk, with whom Parish was deeply attracted. They both went to trip for work together where all the inevitable things happened.

This book has a really goofy and young adult book kinda vibes. Being a young adult I possibly read every love story, so how can I not read this one. And it had not disappointed me

This book has everything to make a love story legendary. Past tragedy, Romance, a little bit of girl being badass, a crazily handsome hero and a cherry on the cake, a fairytale ending.

I recommend this book to every teenager and young adult searching for love stories to read, the older readers won't like it as much as the millennials but all and all its a good love story.

Ratings

1. Cover : - 3/5
2. Content : - 3/5
3. Character : -3/5
4. Concept : - 3/5
5. Overall : - 3.5/5

The book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - What's Your Dream? by Heena

“What’s your dream?” by Heena isn’t it looking likes a self-help book by the title, and yes the cover is also not able to give any hint of the story. So you need to check the blurb. Well, I got kindle copy during its promotion and through communication from Author’s Inc. The description was okay and I downloaded the book so that in future if I want I can read it.

Book Blurb

Sometimes you don’t find your dreams, they find you!!

Priyanshi is a small town girl who gets scholarship in Delhi University, but struggles to keep up with the fast paced life and finds it difficult to come to terms with people around.

Rohan is an oversized boy who has a secret dream of being a guitarist but does not have the courage to come out in front and showcase his talent.

Deepali is a tomboy who is hiding her soft side behind her tough and bold personality, trying to concede pain she has been holding in her heart.

Varun is a rich but careless boy, who is made to leave his lavish life and stay at college hostel by his mother where he gets to know the true meaning of life!!

What happens when these vivid personalities start walking the same path and somewhere along become an inseparable part of each other? A simple tale of Friendship, Courage, Struggles, Fears, Dreams and Love - that will tug at your heartstrings and take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

How important are your friends in your journey of accomplishing your Dreams???

After checking the blurb of the book I was sure that the book is going to be a light read on college life. And it turned out to be on the exact line. It is the story of 5 friends, who joined Delhi University. Priyanshi a hardworking girl from Bihar, Varun a super-rich boy. Deepali daughter of a successful businessman who disliked his daughters, Rohan an oversized super talented guitarist and Priyanshi’s roommate. The story revolves around each character’s personal and college life. Their 3 years’ college life which was full of fights bonding and relationship was portrayed in the book.

The book has following attractive points

• College life masala that reminds you your own golden times
• Sweet love story
• The simple and straight storyline

Now coming to improvement points – the author has forgotten to check final draft. All double quotes are converted into “=” sign. Apart from that at many placed new paragraph or dialog seems misplaced and made me confused. There were some typing mistakes as well. 80% of the book covered the first year only and remaining story went fly as if the author was in hurry to finish it.

A nice book that you can gift to your girlfriend.

Ratings

1. Cover – 3.5/5
2. Concept – 3/5
3. Characters – 3/5
4. Overall – 3/5    

Book can be found at Amazon

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - Story of Shakuntala and Dushyant - 9 Yards of Silk

The best part of the Vedic and Mythological stories are you can retell it the way you want. No one is going to sue you for any modifications. I have read many such retelling and I usually love to read much more versions. From our childhood, we have listened and watched stories, movies, and dramas of the love story between Dushyant and Shakuntala. "9 yards of silk" is another straight version of the story. 

Book Blurb

Shakuntala lives with her son Bharat in a deep forest. One fine day Bharat reminds her of his father, resulting to upset her. As the child goes out to play a celestial maiden Menaka appears in front of her who offers friendship, suggesting to share their stories with each other. Menaka tells her about Kaushik, a sage to whom she was sent by Indra for disturbing his fierce penance and how they ended up falling for one another. Shakuntala also shares her story of meeting and marrying the charming prince of Hastinapur who later abandoned her. During the conversation Shakuntala finds blessings in her life, why she was abandoned by parents at birth and how her estranged husband was just a victim of circumstances for leaving her. After Menaka's departure, Dushyant returns to her in the hope of reuniting with family. Now it is Shakuntala's turn to decide. What would she choose? 

We all know the story of Shakuntala and Dushyant. This book covers how Shakuntala met Dushyant. It also covers the love story of Menaka and Vishwamitra (Shakuntala's parents). As an exception, this story shows Menaka & Vishwamitra's relationship a bit longer than the other. The author has used narrations style in a different way. The story started with Shakuntala staying alone with her son Bharata. Unknown to her Menaka came to her to relieve Shakuntala from anger towards Dushyant. Menaka also wanted to relieve her own guilt. From their conversation started two stories in flashback.

The book has the following good points

• The central theme and title selection
• The plain and simple narration style
• Nicely described the emotional turmoil of characters
• Written for almost all age group

You can give this to

• Kids of an age group of 8 to 16
• New entrants to reading
• People learning English

Talking about ratings talking about

1. Cover - 4/5
2. Characters 3.5/5
3. Concept 3.5/5
4. Overall 3.5/5

Book can be found at Amazon

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - The Girl I Love by Amit Nangia

I saw "The Girl I Love" by Amit Nangia in our mailbox one day. Its romantic cover reminded me Mills & Boons love story series that I have collected, read and adored during my teenage years. I have completely lost touch with this genre for the last 7 years. So I decided to take this book.

Book Blurb

“Every girl has a guy that she won't stop loving, And every guy has a girl that he won't stop fighting for.”

Myra loves Kairav, and she does not even remember since when! Not just his best friend, she is also his partner in a successful dream startup.

Kairav has broken up again, and turns to Myra for relief. His broken heart needs the tender love of a friend to mend.

While Myra has loved him forever, Kairav cannot seem to see her more than a best friend. Time is running out and she needs to take control of her life before it's too late. And it's not like she does not have choices – there is Akhil, who would commit to her the moment she says yes; and Ratan, who would like to woo her to the altar.

Except that Kairav objects to her admirers, much to her annoyance. She has always been around, and the thought of losing her scares him no end. Can Myra break out of her going-nowhere relationship with Kairav?

Will she let her mind win over her heart? Will Kairav ever figure out a relationship beyond his no- commitment status, to discover the girl he loves?

The girl I love is a kind of love quadrangle between a girl and three men. Let's go in sequence, Kairav is an entrepreneur settled in lavish life. He recently broke up and looking for emotional support in his best friend Maira. Maira was in one-sided love with Kairav since college days but she has to face him as a best friend and business partner. Akhil who wants to marry Maira and always tried to convey his feeling to her. Rajat who wanted to be with Maira but his intentions were limited to his lust. Maira was aware of Akhil and Rajat's constant efforts but her intentions were crystal clear towards Kairav. But she started feeling hopelessness as her age was approaching 28.

Frankly speaking, the book has reminded me of the old time. The story is based on plain drama. The narration style is straightforward. Though characters and its emotional sides were portrayed well, the story itself was not up to the mark. An overall touch of uniqueness was missing. I have read more than 100 romance stories, and I found this story repeating in bits and pieces.

Still, the book can be liked by teens who are having crush or fall in love. They can read the book with a blush on their face.

Overall it is a one time read. I would give it 3/5 stars.

Book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Review of a Sweet Love Story - The Song of the Caged Bird by Susha Satish

A decent looking cover with a sad looking title could be the first impression of "The Song of the Caged Bird" by Susha Satish. I was a bit reluctant for the book, as I read fewer lover stories and on top of that a sad one. But the blurb was encouraging enough to venture into the love story.

Book Blurb

Snooty meets Simple. And Cupid pitches in! 

You’d think that love is an outdated concept in the 21st century. At least, that is what Yash thinks. Yash, the brash young man with attitude and wealth. Cynical and arrogant. 

That is till he meets Malini. 

For Malini, love is the last thing on her mind. She is a small town girl with dreams in her eyes. Bubbly, vivacious and believing in life and the goodness of mankind. 

Life is not a vanilla love story though, and Fate always has the last laugh. 

Not a nice laugh at that.

"The Song of the Caged Bird" is a story of Yash and Malini. Malini belonged to a middle-class family from a small town Akola. She joined the college with big dreams. Yash was a spoilt brat of a rich businessman. Both were completely opposite in nature. But as they say, there will be a magnetic force between two opposites. Yash and Malini both were strongly attracted to each other due to unknown reasons. Their friendly pickup and drop schedule was converted into a deep love before they knew it. But if things went as simple as next stage as marriage it would be a boring story. So there were some circumstances which had separated Yash and Malini. Check out the book if you would like to know more.

The first half of the book can remind you of your courtship period. The old/classical Bollywood love songs, long drive, messages/chat for hours, tea at local haat were common in college years. Many have lived that life and they still cherish it as a treasure. Even those who had serious break up can relate their "Orange Hangover" a.k.a. depression due to breakups with Malini's situation.

The best part about the book is that the author has shown professional (direction) sense in Malini and Yash, even during separation. I personally dislike the complete hopelessness of characters after separation. (Exclude scene of Malini)

"The Song of the Caged Bird" is one of those books which remind you that sweet love stories still come out once in a while. It is not only "Love, Sex and Dhoka" which can deliver an entertaining story, sweet kind of tone win heart in a long run. Use of characters and their inner turmoil was properly portrayed. You won't find it too emotional to put it under emotional dramas and not too casual to put it under normal C.B. style stories. A book which can be gifted to any 12+ age readers. Simple language and narration style make you finish the book in 3-4 sittings. It is a perfect companion for rainy train travel.

Talking about ratings

1. Cover - 4/5
2. Concept - 3/5
3. Characters - 3.5/5
4. Overall - 3.5/5

Book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads