Blog Tour: SHILPA GARG reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Shilpa Garg

I got to know Shilpa Garg when she contacted me through Write Tribe to review my book Double Jeopardy. Thank you Shilpa! 

About Shilpa Garg in her own words:

"Shilpa Garg is a blogger from the Pink City of India who is passionate about the written words, sweets and beautiful conversations that happen over a mug of tea. She loves writing micro fiction, book reviews and general observations of life, things and circumstances on her blog,  A rose is a rose is a rose! Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Google+."

Shilpa's review of DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Double Jeopardy is a 55 page eBook which I finished reading in an hour! It is a hot and spicy, is coming of age story of a young girl, Sanya!  The book is about Sanya’s journey to woo her childhood love along with finding her true calling and listening to her heart despite the disapproval from the head. It is a story packed with love, romance and passion.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review on her blog.....

#SheReadsSouthAsia

Blog Tour: INDERPREET KAUR UPPAL reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I got to know Inderpreet Kaur Uppal via Write Tribe when she offered to review my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY. Inderpreet says that the book is "Sensual, Serious and Swift!"

About Inderpreet in her own words:

"Inderpreet Kaur Uppal is a freelance Writer, Blogger and Lecturer. She has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management and loves to read, travel, discuss and write. Writing comes to her naturally as a gift from her parents whose love of the English language and correct expression has become a way of life for her. You can read some of her writings of www.inderpreetkaur.blogspot.in."  

Inderpreet Kaur Uppal's take on the book 

Sensual, Serious & Swift

The premise of the book is evident from the title 'Double Jeopardy' as well as the cover; that it still manages to surprise the reader is what is special about the book. The story traces the unrest in the mind and life of Sanya, a rich, pampered girl. 

The story is handled in a mature fashion which appeals to readers past their 20’s even though it is about a young girl. The hallmark of a good romance is that it attracts all with its ‘love story’.  All age groups can identify with the dilemma the main protagonists face.

Double Jeopardy  has plenty of love; with Sanya’s story you get to read about the love of Arth and Ansh too. The parents to have their share of love! The best part about the book is the generous amount of love sprinkled within the pages. It rubs off on the reader too.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review on her blog.....

#SheReadsSouthAsia

Blog Tour: GAURI KEKRE reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Dr. Gauri Kekre

Dr. Gauri Kekre, a blogger attached to Write Tribe reviewed my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY. The reason in her own words being, "I am an incurable romantic at heart. I love love LURRRRRV everything that has to do with romance, the candle-lit dinners, the wooing, the gifts… the works. Which is why I jumped when I was getting the chance to review Sundari Venkatraman’s Double Jeopardy." Am I glad!

About Dr. Gauri Kekre in her own words:

"My name is Dr. Gauri Kekre, a dental surgeon by education and a baker and blogger by passion and profession. Mother to two lovely girls, whose births triggered a host of unknown passions that were hidden deep within me. I write for two of my blogs, Mind Brew (http://mindbrewblog.wordpress.com) and Parent Avenue (http://parentavenue.wordpress.com). For me, always learning something new to make life better for my daughters, is paramount. In knowing that I know nothing, I found myself."

Review of DOUBLE JEOPARDY

I finished reading the book in just a couple of hours and given that I have two kids which in itself is self-explanatory to most, it can be construed that this book is an engaging read. The language flows effortlessly, as you delve into the lives of Sanya, Ansh and Arth. Their confusion becomes yours. You can’t wait to find out what happens in the end.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review on Gauri Kekre's blog.....

#SheReadsSouthAsia 

Blog Tour: VISHAL BHEEROO reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Vishal Bheeroo

It was a lucky day when Corinne Rodrigues of Write Tribe agreed to write about my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY on her website, inviting bloggers to review it. Vishal Bheeroo downloaded the book from Indireads and gave me his honest review on his blog Scripting the story of Life. 

About Vishal Bheeroo (in his own words):

"The author has worked as a journalist for three years in an Indian newspaper based in Mauritius and is a freelance writer, an avid blogger where he writes about anything Indian. He can be found on www.vishalbheeroo.wordpress and his life revolves around books, bloggo-scope and writing. He swears by Hindi cinema, Amitabh Bachchan and the city he calls his own, Mumbai. He is working on a rom-com novel based in Mumbai and loves poetry and travelling."

Review of DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Rom-com is the flavor of the season and many authors are flocking the market with their uninhibited take on sex, sensuality and new age romance. What distinguishes Sundari Venkatraman take on this new age romance is that the novel is not restricted to candy floss or mushy stuffs neither it is all bout’ sex. In one sentence: Sassy twin love story with a twist that will hold your breath. The book  efficiently explores the complexity of human relationships, yearning for a partner and the sensitive portrayal of what goes inside the mind of a young woman, what she craves for-lust, love, sex- and what her heart wants. Love is an oxymoron, somebody truly said. Yeah! I am not apologetic that I enjoy reading well etched tales of sensuality, sexuality and eroticism. The author has beautifully described the sex scenes in a dignified, crisp and passionate way.The book will touch your heart and make you re-think on the traditional concept of love if you have a sensitive heart.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review on Vishal's blog.....

Blog Tour: MARIA PERRY MOHAN reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Maria Perry Mohan

Maria Perry Mohan has reviewed my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY and has given it nothing less than 4 stars. She is a member of The Book Club. Thank you Maria for the lovely review. I am so glad you liked my book.

About Maria:

"Irish born Maria has lived in north India since she married eighteen years ago. She is the mother of four schoolgoing children and has had several short stories and articles published in both Irish and Indian magazines. She's a contributor to the recently published 'Foreign Flavours', an anthology of short stories and features by expat writers. She enjoys reading all genres of fiction, especially romance and thrillers.  She also enjoys and reviews non-fiction.

You can find her on Facebook, Twitter and she also blogs.   Her reviews appear on her blog Gaelikaa's Diary and also at Romance Book Haven, Amazon, Goodreads, Romancing the Book and writing.ie."

DOUBLE JEOPARDY by Sundari Venkatraman

Sanya has been the childhood companion of the handsome twin brothers, Arth and Ansh. Arth was her childhood hero and she nurtured a dream in her heart that she’d get together with him one day. Ansh, on the other hand, was the bane of her life, who teased her, taunted her and made her life miserable with his pranks. It’s been a few years, and Sanya has met the brothers again. Now she’s ready to make Arth her own. But something strange is afoot. Ansh is the one now lavishing attention on the now ravishingly pretty Sanya. Always hovering about, waiting on her every word.  Her beloved Arth, however, doesn’t know she exists. Apart from the usual pleasantries, of course.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review of Double Jeopardy by Maria Perry Mohan....

Blog Tour: SUGANDHA AGRAWAL reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Sugandha Agrawal

It was a lucky day when I got introduced to Corinne Rodrigues of Write Tribe fame. Corinne has got together a group of bloggers to review my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY.

Sugandha Agrawal is the first one from this group to review my book. She couldn't resist completing my book between 10 pm & 1.30 am despite having travelled 600 km that very day.

About Sugandha in her own words:

"I am a reader, an amateur writer, a dreamer, a competitor, a blogger.

I am extremely talkative and love to express my views or questions on things I know or I don't. This blog here a bit of dreams, stories, imaginations and wonders. This blog helps me to express myself more clearly than I can think in a rapid conversation.  Most of my posts are conversations, waiting for your response.

I began blogging in April, 2013 and have been loving it since then. Most of my post tell you a bit more about me. Till then, I leave you with my favorite lines.

I am wrong and I am right,

I Crawl and I fly.

I love and I hate,

I live my life learning.

I am what I am...

A human with making"

Thank you Sugandha Agrawal for a 3-star review. I am so glad you liked my book. 

Before I begin the review, I’d like to give a highlight of my day on which I downloaded this book from Indireads, i.e. yesterday.

My day yesterday began at 5 am and consisted of 600 km travel through the day. It was supposed to end at 10 owing to a headache. At about 9.45, just checking mail before I slept, I decided to download the book from Indireads and prepare myself to read it the next day.

One the download was completed, my phone automatically opened the file for me to preview.

What began as preview of the book at 10 pm, ended at 1.30 am in completion of the book.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review of Double Jeopardy by Sugandha Agrawal...

Blog Tour: NILIMA MOHITE reviews DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Nilima Mohite

I have known Nilima since 2007 when I joined Web18. We became close only since 2009 and I have to mention that she's a great friend of mine.

About Nilima in her own words:

"If you cant see the bright side, polish the dull side ;) 
Good day PPL ! :D

Carpe Diem ! Seize the day :)
My Motto: Live Life Queensize !!! Whatever I do in life I give it my 100% & then hope for the best else I dont do it. Enjoy each moment, coz THE PRESENT IS THE GIFT U GIFT URSELF!

A software engineer, blogger, trekker, music/dance/books lover, photography (current new hobby & part time job ;) ), knowledge seeker, adventurer, meditation, healer also preacher (pravachan dena), marathon runner, a New-Mom now ...."

Nilima's reviewed my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY on her blog Just Any Random Topic:

Valentine Week has started. Got to know this year, there are days lined up before 14th Feb such as Love day, I love you Day, Propose Day,....

So what better way to get in the mood than to read the  Romance Novel Double Jeopardy  by The Indian Mills & Boon queen, proclaimed by me, my friend Sundari Venkatraman !

I have read multiple short stories by her, follow her blog posts ardently, chat almost daily with her, have read her novel The Malhotra Bride too. Reading all these and talking to her, I have given her the title of The Indian Mills & Boon queen ;)

CLICK HERE to read the complete review....

Thank you Nilima Mohite for the lovely feedback.

Blog Tour: REVIEW & INTERVIEW BY JAIBALA RAO

Jaibala Rao

I got introduced to Jaibala Rao via The Book Club. I can see that Jaibala is fond of romances and I am glad to see the 4-star rating she has given my book. People who read romances on a regular basis surely know what works best in that genre. Thank you for the wonderful review Jaibala!

And the interview! I enjoyed answering Jaibala Rao's questions. There were a couple of thought provoking ones too. I hope I have answered them well too.

About Jaibala Rao in her own words:

"Although new to professional writing and reviewing, Jaibala has lived in a world of books ever since she could read. Outside that Utopia of books, she is academically a Microbiologist and professionally has been an Event Manger and Content Writer. Just like her colourful professional background her interest in books is also spread across various genres. “There is something good in every book”, is a belief she carries while reading."

BOOK REVIEW & INTERVIEW

Recently I got the chance to rekindle my affair with Mills and Boon style romances when I read Double Jeopardy by Sundari Venkatraman. To say that the courting was quick would be an understatement. I fell in love with everything about the book, the story, characters and I sure wanted more. To read a more detailed review click on the image below.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review & interview....

Blog Tour: REVIEW BY SUMEETHA MANIKANDAN

Sumeetha Manikandan

Today, it is Author Sumeetha Manikandan who has reviewed my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY. Thank you for the lovely review Sumeetha! I am glad you liked my book.

About Sumeetha Manikandan in her own words:

"Sumeetha Manikandan, a freelance content writer is an English literature graduate with a journalism and mass communication diploma. She lives in Chennai with her husband and daughter. After a decade long career in dotcom industry, she started working as a content writer from home. She wrote her debut novel, ‘The Perfect Groom’ as a script for a serial, which she converted into a novella for Indireads."

BOOK REVIEW

Two guys and one girl. Initially when I read the blurb, I secretly wondered whether this could be the modern version of the old hindi movie, ‘Ek Phool Do Mali’. But this fiction is quite unlike any of the normal run-of-the-mill romance that M & B churns out regularly.

Sanya is in love with the warm hearted Arth. Arth is polite, friendly and charming. While his identical twin Ansh is a charming rogue. Unable to forget Arth, her childhood hero Sanya comes to Mumbai. Her sojourn to Mumbai is for various reasons. She needs to do some soul searching about what profession to pursue and to make Arth fall in love with her.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review....

Blog Tour: REVIEW BY NEELESH GAJANAN INAMDAR

Neelesh Gajanan Inamdar

Today, I present a book review of DOUBLE JEOPARDY by Neelesh Inamdar. I know him via The Book Club. I was quite thrilled to read the superbly written review by Neelesh and he has given my book no less than 3 stars. Thank you Neelesh! And thank you for that wonderful title.

About Neelesh Gajanan Inamdar in his own words:

"I am a qualified Chemical Engineer; worked as a director and executive producer for a few flop films and hit TV serials before shifting base to the United Arab Emirates. Was an avid reader since age 8 and have read a lot from Dickens to Kiran Desai, from Mills & Boon/Harlequin to The Old Man and the Sea/The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi). Like to read anything from books to blogs to technical manuals to whatever paper the bhel-puri is packed in. B I G fan of William Somerset Maugham & Ernest Hemingway.  Fav books: The God of Small Things, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, Anna Karenina, A Farewell To Arms, We The Living."

BOOK REVIEW

I used to read Mills & Boon romances around 2 decades back. My male friends used to make fun of me for reading those mushy mushy girly novels and my female friends used to lend me their favourites. In those days everyone used to say that if you read one M & B you need not read the second and if you read the second, you could easily write the third. I know that's easier said than done, and I'm glad Sundari decided to write this one.

Frankly, I began Sundari Venkataraman’s Double Jeopardy expecting the same run-of-the-mill boy and girl stuff. But I wasn’t ready for what I got. Society has changed, and so has today’s romance novel, of which ‘Double Jeopardy’ is a living example. It weaves a romantic tale of three individuals, Sanya, Arth and Ansh, and their dreams and ambitions in a world where the male is no longer the alpha male and the dreamy-eyed young woman has to grapple with the realities of a city which is quite different from what it was ten years ago.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review....

Blog Tour: INTERVIEW BY SONIA RAO

Sonia Rao

I bless the moment when Rubina Ramesh was struck with the idea of a Blog Tour on her blog The Book Club. I feel so lucky that DOUBLE JEOPARDY was first in line for this idea. Today, it is Sonia Rao's turn to interview me. Sonia asked me some wonderful questions and I hope I have given the answers that she was seeking. Thank you Sonia Rao!

About Sonia Rao, in her own words:

"Sonia Rao is the NaNoWriMo Municipal Liaison (ML) for India region and she loves nothing more than motivating  (okay, goading even, sometimes) Wrimos to complete the mandatory 50K words of a novel to become NaNo winners because, with four first drafts of novels under her belt (or rather,  in her PC), she knows that the thrill of completing a first draft of a novel is unparalleled (yeah, even beats slurping on that big bar of Cadbury’s Silk).

Sonia Rao’s idea of paradise is a beautiful garden full of different types of gel pens and writing paper and a muse ‘on call’.  Sadly, such a paradise does not exist (it does not!!!) except in her vivid imagination and so if you should talk to her and find her ‘spaced out’ don’t worry too much or send out for reinforcements. She must be on one of her ‘trips’.  And she’s hopeful that those trips will result in some worthwhile writings.  You see, she loves to write about ‘Writing’, when she’s not working on her novel.

On Planet Earth, though, Sonia lives in the busiest of cities, Mumbai, which gives her innumerable opportunities to observe people and learn more about life; and then share this knowledge. Do check out her sometimes-humorous and sometimes-poignant view of life in Mumbai in ‘life in the city’ collection.

Sonia likes to believe she is ‘high-minded’ but strangely, her fave hobby is thinking up torture devices for those autorickshawallahs who consider the roads to be their personal spittoon. Who knew?"

Author Interview

Even though, once upon a time, a day was not complete if I had not read 2-3 Mills&Boon, the craving had petered off once higher studies and other mundane activities of living took over. So, it was with mixed emotions that I came to Double Jeopardy and then, could not put down the book till I reached the end. Let’s just say, for the inveterate romantic that I am, this book was a treat. If you are one, too, then read this book. Even if you are not, still read Double Jeopardy. You might discover you actually are one.

Let us know more, then,  about the person behind Double Jeopardy, the author, Sundari Venkatraman.

Sonia Rao (SR): Sundari, you’ve mentioned “you got home one evening after your walk and took some sheets of paper and began writing. And that was how your first novel was born.”  Tell us what happened on that walk.

Sundari Venkatraman (SV): I was actually in a very disturbed state of mind, Sonia, when I left home for the walk as I had no sense of direction in my life. I had quit my job a few months earlier and was quite fed up of only reading books. I had to do something, I thought. I am huge a fan of Mills & Boon and I used to keep visualizing Indian heroes and heroines in many of the scenes. As I was brooding about my life, it suddenly struck me that I should put my imagination into words on paper. I had never written before – unless my arm was twisted, of course. And that too was for essays in school and college. My walk home was pretty fast for me as I felt compelled to write the book. Writing fiction was like a dam burst. I loved it. I still do.

CLICK HERE to read the complete interview....

Blog Tour: REVIEW BY VISHWAS MANJULA BYRAPPA

Vishwas Manjula Byrappa

I must say I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the 4-star rating given my book by Vishwas Manjula Byrappa. As he says it himself, he is not a fan of the romance genre. Thank you so much for your words of appreciation Vishwas!

About Vishwas in his own words:

"Byrappa is a Philosopher in Love, a Chief Applied Imagineer, a Parenthesis Whore, a Roamer & a Professional Bullshitter. Byrappa is an editor, ghost writer / re-writer and publisher; and has been breaking and taking things apart (Under the guise of testing and/or reviewing) apps, gadgets, games, cameras, mobiles, and websites since the late 90s. After a long crazy ride, he delusionally thinks he can write and has just started to review books."

Book Review

Double Jeopardy by Sundari Venkatraman is short romantic novella, which by judging its cover, looks like a triangle love story, telling the story of Sanya who is caught between her childhood crush for Arth, and the unexplainable feeling she has for Ansh.

What I like…

Sundari has created characters that are at once both likeable and relatable. The characters, their personalities, intentions, relationships, conflicts, and feelings have all been described in a simplistic and effortless manner, yet it still leaves a lasting impression on you.

While parts of the story are predicable, the suspense has been handled very well, giving you a bold and interesting twist. The story also explores various topics like relationship with family, insecurities which rip apart friends, the concept of the crazy thing we call love, sensitive social issues, insensitive society & media, and importantly the journey of a self-discovery, of Sanya, a poster child for Millennials.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review....

Blog Tour: INTERVIEW BY RUCHI VASUDEVA

Ruchi Vasudeva

I was thrilled when Mills & Boon author Ruchi Vasudeva offered to interview me for Double Jeopardy. She has authored two books for M&B; You Can't Fight A Royal Attraction & Bollywood Fiancé For A Day.

About Ruchi Vasudeva in her own words:

"An author who’s found a second career in writing, the first is being a medico. I write romantic and emotional stories. My debut book, out in August ’13, is Bollywood Fiance For A Day, published with Harlequin Mills and Boon.

I discovered or rather rediscovered my writing zen rather late, after a gap of about twenty years from when I first thought of being a writer. However, once it caught hold, the spirit to get published didn’t let go of me. Despite many upsets in daily routine, it’s been a fun journey and I look forward to sharing similar experiences with other writers and readers. This blog is a landing space for the flight of my writing side and its endeavours."

Thank you Ruchi for doing the interview!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Today I have with me author Sundari Venkataraman, talking about her new book with the intriguing title of Double Jeopardy. Let’s get to know her better through this question and answer session.

Q: Tell us something about yourself and how you got into writing?

A: I have grown up in a family where a woman’s main aim in life is to get married, preferably an arranged marriage. I got married to my husband Venkatraman when I was 23 and had two kids. While I always loved reading, I never could write creatively.

I enjoy Mills & Boon romances and kept visualizing Indian heroes and heroines in them. I used to weave a number of scenes in my head but never wrote as I had no confidence in my writing.
One fine day, I just decided to put my thoughts into words in the form of a novel and quite liked the way it read. And that’s how my writing happened in my life.

CLICK HERE to read the complete interview....

Blog Tour: REVIEW BY SRIDEVI DATTA

Sridevi Datta

The blog tour of DOUBLE JEOPARDY continues...

Today, Sridevi Datta has posted her review of my book on her blog called The Write Journey.

In Sridevi’s own words on her blog

"I strongly believe every word written or uttered serves a larger purpose in life. I am here to find that purpose and find myself nearing that goal every time I write.  Would love to connect with you all at many many levels."

Thank you Sridevi for the lovely review!

Book Review

Sundari Venkatraman’s “Double Jeopardy” is a treat for the romantic within us who keeps dreaming of those moments where everything is beautiful, polished and scratch free. The story centers around the beautiful Sanya and her heartbreaking childhood crush for the quieter, more mature of the two twins –the unconventionally handsome Arth.

CLICK HERE to read the complete review....

Blog Tour: REVIEW BY RUBINA RAMESH

Rubina Ramesh

Hello Everyone,

As I had mentioned in the earlier blog, the blog tour of my book DOUBLE JEOPARDY took off with a bang yesterday with a spotlight by Adite Banerjie, author of the Mills & Boon INDIAN TYCOON'S MARRIAGE DEAL. Thank you Adite! The response has been great and it's thanks to all of you readers.

Today, my book has been reviewed by Rubina Ramesh. Rubina is a voracious reader, blogger and reviewer. She is the brain behind the blog tours on The Book Club. The lady is a go-getter and I am glad to see that she likes my book. She also interviewed me on her blog. Thank you Rubina! You can scroll down to check both the articles.

Book Review

Disclaimer: I have done this review based on the original version bought from Indireads. The book has undergone some editorial changes after this review. But it no way affects what I feel about this novel.

She…..

She is Sanya. A spoilt brat with a childhood crush. She travels from London to Mumbai. She has so hoped for the love of her life, Arth, to pick her up from the airport but instead she got the infuriating twin, Ansh, waiting for her.

From there begins her battle of the heart. On one hand she knew she loved Arth, the one who would always keep her safe in their childhood days, who would protect her from the torments of his other twin.

But today she is caught between the love of her childhood and this passionate stranger that Ansh had become. Would she succumb to his charms or will she be able to find her heart’s desire.

He…..

Now if I write about the ‘HE’ I will be giving away the whole story. That won’t be fun for you will it? Though I am itching to type here, but it is for you to find out … Arth? Ansh? Arth? Ansh?.....

CLICK HERE to read the complete review on Rubina's blog.

Author Interview

What inspired you to write your first book?

I am a diehard romantic at heart. I used to love reading fairytales as a kid and thoroughly enjoyed the ‘lived happily ever after’ endings. Later on, as a teen, I turned my attention to Mills & Boon romances. I am not quite sure when the interest turned and I began to imagine Indian heroes and heroines. While I have a fertile imagination, I never could string two sentences together.

I was almost 40 when I penned my first novel – The Malhotra Bride. I had quit my job and was at home, playing housewife. I felt quite useless. Suddenly, one evening, inspiration struck. I returned from my walk and sat down to write. By night, I had completed 14 pages of ruled foolscap paper. Thoroughly excited, I finished the first script of the novel (35,000 + words) in 20 days.

CLICK HERE to read the full interview on Rubina's blog

Sharing: DOUBLE JEOPARDY on Indireads

CLICK HERE to purchase your copy of DOUBLE JEOPARDY on Indireads

CLICK HERE to LIKE my author page on Facebook

CLICK HERE to LIKE Indireads page on Facebook

Indireads is launching tomorrow (June 12, 2013) with Summer of Love – a collection of 30 romance novellas. I am proud to say that my novel DOUBLE JEOPARDY is one of them.

They have loads of offers through the whole month

• Special book bundles that couple the best books together into great deals for you. They will be running 2 book bundles a day for the entire week.

• Special discounts throughout the day for people who wish to purchase multiple books, including special coupons that are only available from the authors, so that you can get to know them better. My Coupon Code is SVN10. Please use it! It gets you a discount of purchase over $5 (currency converter available on page). You can use the code any number of times from June 12 to July 12 2013.

Well folks, this is just the beginning - there’s loads more to come.

I would like to share some of the reviews that I have received from those who have already read DOUBLE JEOPARDY. Do check them out.

Sujatha says…

A complete story in less than ninety pages! Totally absorbing and a very good read. Well dealt characterizations, clear and concise situations written in well thought out dialogues.
The absorption of a young woman in her childhood memories of twins who were her friends and her present growing understanding of the difference in their grown up versions leading to the congruence of her mind and heart are handled with sympathy and logic.
In all, I totally enjoyed the mini novel. All the very best for all your other attempts also. Looking forward to more and varied reading.
Your proud and loving sister
Suja

Jaya Biswas says…

Love makes life worth living. Isn’t it? I’m sure eight out of 10 women would vouch for it. No wonder M&Bs are still a rage among women of all ages. But in this age and time, when you’d rather prefer reading an e-book on your phone than flipping pages of a paperback, romantic stories can indeed make your journey smoother — transporting you to a different word altogether. Take for example, Sundari Venkatraman’s latest offing, Double Jeopardy. This short and sweet love story makes for a nice and quick read.

All of 80 pages, the book talks about teenage infatuation and how, gradually, it matures into love. The protagonist, Sanya, seems real — someone you can immediately relate to. Sanya is in love with Arth and to meet him, she comes to Mumbai all the way from UK. To her disappointment, she is received by Arth’s twin brother Ansh at the airport. Sanya hated Ansh ever since she was a kid and she makes her dislike apparent from the very beginning. But where is Arth, her knight in the shining armor? Will Sanya finally get to meet her true love?

Sundari has kept the language really simple, which in fact adds a certain pace to the storyline.  For a love story, this one too has its share of twists, but surely that could have been handled in a bit matured way. The story almost runs in a linear pattern and lacks depth. But if reading romance is your staple diet, no harm trying this one.

fmj says…

I have to say Double Jeopardy surprised me. I expected a completely fun and frolic kind of romance but it is much, much more than just that. Extremely well written, Double Jeopardy explores sensitive social issues, fraternal bonds, a young girl’s journey of self-discovery and of course love.

Sundari’s rendition of an Indian household is interesting and gives a non-Indian a wonderful insight into it. One can’t help but fall in love with all the characters, because Sundari’s etched them all, with such sensitivity and depth. I really, really enjoyed reading the novella and look forward to reading more from Sundari.

Jaya Siva Murty says…

A really really sweet story, Double Jeopardy takes us through the life of a woman who battles between her heart and her head. A quick read that’s woven well by Sundari’s easy storytelling style, this one is all ready to be rolled into a film!

roopa80 says…

Sundari Venkatraman’s Double Jeopardy is completely contemporary-right from its cover, title to its overall feel. Set against the backdrop of urban India, Sundari Venkatraman has successfully managed to weave a sizzling, Bollywood style love story with ease. The liberal attitudes and mindset of all the characters clearly keeps with the urbane milieu of the book making it a very refreshing read. With her perky writing style Sundari Venkatraman has effectively managed to let the reader indulge in the headiness of young love and crushes without any inhibitions. This one is a really delightful read!

ShwetaGK says…

This one is so Bollywood!

A gorgeous heroine who finds her calling when she returns to her roots and two handsome hunks, twin brothers who are alike only in appearance and nothing else.

A quick read about young love and old crushes – Sundari Venkatraman’s Double Jeopardy is a fun read with characters that make you want to fall in love all over again.

saimini says…

Sizzling! That’s what Double Jeopardy is. I love the way Sundari has penned the electricity between Sanya and Ansh. The intimate scenes and deliciously lyrical and sensuous without being vulgar or erotic. The end seemed to drag on a bit, but the romance between the lead characters in the climax more than made up for any shortcoming . The first thought that came into my mind after reading this was, “THIS is what romance novels are all about!”

Sumeetha says…

Sanya is in love with the warm hearted son of her host in Mumbai since childhood. But handsome Arth is polite and friendly but sadly he does not set her heart on fire as opposed to his twin Ansh. But faithful to her childhood memory, Sanya tries to rekindle the love that she felt for Arth but things do not always happen as we plan. Instead of Arth, it is playful and wickedly sexy Ansh who is buzzing around her trying to catch her fancy.

Loved Sanya’s character as her bewildered heart falls for Ansh but is too proud to accept the truth. Very interesting read!