Book Review: METRO DIARIES by Namrata

My Review

Metro Diaries is a collection of twenty tales written by Namrata aka Privy Trifles and they are all about love. I had to read this one as I just love the romance genre. 

I must say that Namrata has written a beautiful collection of love stories in all its forms and the many facets of relationships between couples. 

Some of the stories that I really liked are: 

Love Thy Dreams - It is the story of Abhi and Kavya; their love that holds steady over time and distance. Love blossoms in their pre-university days and holds good till the end. 

Then, Now and Forever - This one just got better. A short story of Ron and Anna; where he learns to live his life again through a letter written by his grandfather, his namesake. 

You & I - I simply loved the relationship between Zahir Khan and Radhika, their trust in each other. It’s the kind of love that’s ready to wait for a decade before tying the knot. Awesome! 

Once in a lifetime - The story is a poignant tale of love between Nitya and Ansh. The author touches the reader’s heart by the way she’s woven the words. Too good! 

While I have mentioned the above four, I must say that all of the tales are well-written and has something for the reader to take away. 

Some quotes from the book that I really enjoyed reading: 

"Love thy dreams, always, for they are the fuel that will drive you to your goal. I just helped you, but with your passion no dream of yours can remain incomplete.”

"Silent breeze, rustling leaves, and a faint music in the heart, Reminiscence of the beautiful time spent together, Wish I could hold you back today, tonight, and forever; Or maybe just pause the time and let you go away never!"

“I don’t know how, why, what, where and when. All I know is you have changed my world completely. You made me smile, which I had forgotten how to; you made me live when I had left it long back; most importantly, you made me love when I thought I would never be able to love, ever again. Today all that I want is to grow old with you and wake up in your arms every day, staring into your beautiful eyes, knowing that you are mine. Marry me, please!”

While the book has been very well written, I think that it needs a better editor and a tighter proofing. Except for that, it makes for a breezy and enjoyable read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in PDF format from the author in return for my honest review. 

Blurb 

Love is one of the most amazing feelings on this earth, one that makes you the most powerful person or the most helpless person in a split second. These stories capture those feelings of despair, longing, love, lust, desire, want, dejection and admiration to create deja vu. Hold onto your hearts as you flip through these pages and take a walk down the memory lane as "Metro Diaries" will revive your innermost feelings and imbibe in you the magic of love. Touching, amusing and deeply moving, Metro Diaries - Love Classics are tales that will hold you from start till end.

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About Namrata

Namrata is a prolific blogger known by the name Privy Trifles in the blogosphere who romances life through her writings and aspires to make love the universal language. She dons various hats between that of a contributing author to 6 anthologies a reviewer for leading publishing houses an editor to various books and a columnist. Apart from that she is also the editor for an online magazine called Writer's Ezine. Having mastered the nuances of finance till recently she also held the title of an investment banker closely to let it go to embrace her love for writing fully.

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Blog Tour: CHOICES by Ruchira Khanna

My Review

The novel is about Leonardo, the teenage son of Albert and Amelia. The couple have migrated to the USA from Portugal when Albert loses all his family property. He is the warden of the prison facility that is mainly dedicated to changing the lives of convicts. He takes his job seriously and works very diligently. Amelia is a homemaker who is also part of a knitting club that donates all the scarves created to charity. Leonardo is a brilliant student who is on his way to becoming a computer engineer. The three are a close-knit family, leading a middle class but happy life. When an unexpected turn happens, how does Leonardo deal with it? What choice does he make? That’s what the rest of the novel is about.

The book has a lovely cover and quite apt for the story concept. The story itself is heart-warming as it takes the reader through the journey of self-discovery by Leonardo and how he arrives at the particular choice that he does at the end.

The first few chapters are dedicated to Mateo and his family. Mateo works in the same facility as Albert. I didn’t understand the purpose of developing the story around this character. Leonardo’s story begins in the middle of Chapter Four and I needed to read a few more chapters before I realised the story was about them and not about Mateo. Why would three and a half chapters be dedicated to side characters (Mateo, his wife, his baby, his father, his parents-in-law, more about his mother-in-law’s background) - with great detailing - is beyond me.

The whole story has been written in the present tense, as one would write a play. It’s probably a new trend, but just not my cup of tea. Moreover, present and past tenses (and those in-between) have been mixed up badly. The ‘commas’ and ‘apostrophes’ are totally askew.


It’s a good story that needs a strong hand at editing to make it tighter and more readable.

Choices by Ruchira Khanna

The Blurb

Leonardo is a young man who is standing on a crossroad of life, facing choices. One road leads to a high stress career that brings in big bucks; the other is a chance to make a real difference in lives of others. He has a few questions, questions that all of us have faced when facing choices that can change our lives. Does fate make a man, or do his desires? Do ambitions and desires actually lead a person to true happiness and fulfillment, or does providence and life changing events actually show a person the true path to follow? 

‘Choices’ raises these questions, and attempts to answer them. It is a slice-of-life, a book written from the heart.(

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Meet the Author

Choices: A Novel talks about how we all come to crossroads in our respective lives, and then the impact it makes by a choice we make.
A biochemist by profession made a mere choice of enrolling myself into a technical writing course. Now, little did I know that this small decision would take me on a path to creative writing and eventually publishing a novel.

This novel, Choices helps answer many questions about man's ambitions and desires and how is it a road towards happiness and contentment that could eventually become your destiny. This is a "slice-of-life" genre thus, impacting all humans who have made a choice sometime or the other in this lifetime!

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eBook Review: LYNNA’S ROGUE by Kitty Margo

I bought this book on Amazon as I love historical romances. It turned out to be a worthy buy.

Lynna is the 17-year-old daughter of the rich French plantation owner Nathan Rhodes. Afraid that she might be kidnapped, he sends away his only child along with Captain Joshua Jordan to America, to live with her aunt.

Joshua is threatened with his life and a bag of gold to keep Lynna safe during the voyage, from the hands of kidnappers. But is she safe from Joshua?

The story spans five years with many people coming into Joshua’s and Lynna’s lives before they finally get together.

Lynna is as innocent as she is gorgeous when she leaves home, but not for long. She undergoes a lot of struggle, unwanted attention, almost raped twice and gets married once, before she gets together with the man she loves.

Joshua loses the love of his life to find her after three years. But he is stymied by the vile Suzanne who insists on wedding him, saying that she’s pregnant with his child. Joshua is too smart. Despite marrying her, he proves her to be the whore she is and gets their marriage annulled. He’s still not able to get together with Lynna as he is unable to find her. And when he does, she’s married to Michael. Will their woes never end?

MY PERCEPTION

The story is well written with strong characters. The author has described beautiful locations very well. The chemistry between Joshua and Lynna sizzles. I loved reading the story that’s set in the 1850s and talks about the lives of slaves working in the cotton plantations. The sugar plantations of Jamaica have been described beautifully and a joy to read.

I loved the tropical paradise where Lynna finally lands up along with Rob. It was gorgeous while the reader is anxious to know what’s going to happen next. I enjoyed reading the book.

My only peeve was how one person could land in so much trouble. Lynna is hounded by problems from start to end. It was a tad difficult to swallow.

CLICK HERE to get your copy for free on Amazon. Grab it while the offer lasts!

eBook Review: LOVE’S LABOR by ANDY PAULA

This review has been very long due. I finally made the time to read Love’s Labor by Andy Paula a couple of nights ago. I finished the lovely book at one go. Very interesting read!

Piali is a teacher who works with 12th standard students in Mussourie. She lives by herself at the accommodation close to her school. She is in charge of the centenary celebration that’s being organised at the school. In the middle of a busy day, she gets a call from Sathya, the love of her life. He has discovered her whereabouts.

From this point, the story takes you in flashback. If Sathya is the love of her life, then why are they not together? You have to read the story to find out.

I somehow feel that Piali’s character is very similar to author Andy Paula’s. It’s just an instinct. Both are teachers who love teaching English. Piali has a powerful leadership quality that also somehow tells me is a lot like Andy Paula. The President of the country visiting the school also seems to be based on Andy’s connection with Ex-President Abdul Kalam.

Apart from that, I liked the way Piali Roy has been etched. Her struggle with her parents, her father’s stubborn attitude and her mother’s silent support of her father – everything has been framed well.

I loved Sathya’s character. He is the perfect character for a romance and really came across as a hero. Lucky Piali!

One thing disappointed me, though. The end was abrupt and I was startled to see that that was it, the story was over. Quite unexpected!

All in all, a very well written, lovely story that is worth a read. Congratulations Andy Paula -  looking forward to reading more of your work!

The cover is perfect for the book and has been done by Naila Ahmed. Kudos Naila!

CLICK HERE to buy your copy of Andy Paula’s LOVE’S LABOR on Amazon. 

eBook Review: CANVAS OF DREAMS by JAYA SIVA MURTY

I have been meaning to read this book for a long time and finally managed to open Canvas of Dreams by Jaya Siva Murty last night. I could not shut down my phone until I finished reading at 2.45 am. It was completely un-put-downable!

I like the way the author has weaved the plot around dreams – nightmares actually. Riya has bad dreams every night. The 32-year-old has lost her husband Siddharth of barely a couple of years. She is an art curator who goes to Singapore on work. Most unexpectedly, she meets Ryan, the love of her life. Only it does not appear likely that they could rekindle their relationship.

She returns to Mumbai to set up her own gallery, encouraged by her best friend. Artist Rehaan enters her life. To begin with he is very rude. Soon, he patches up and gets close. Is he the man for her?

Riya tries to find love amidst the shattered remains of her broken life as she creates a niche for herself in the world of art. Until the end, the author keeps you guessing who Riya will end up with. Good one, Jaya Siva Murty!

I must congratulate Jaya on the way she has woven the fabric of the story and how it revolves around art. A lot of research has gone into the art world, but has been presented in a subtle fashion, making it a joy to read the book.

I could relate to Riya’s fears so well as they are quite real. Her determination to stride ahead and make something of her life is what makes her an endearing character. What she undergoes could be possible in just anyone’s life. Quite impressed with the way the characters have been etched.

I can’t think of a better title than CANVAS OF DREAMS for this book. It’s ‘oh so perfect’!

Kudos Jaya Siva Murty on your maiden venture - looking forward to reading more of your work!

CLICK HERE to purchase your copy of CANVAS OF DREAMS by Jaya Siva Murty.

eBook Review: THE PERFECT GROOM

I finally got my hands on The Perfect Groom a few days ago. After reading a few pages the night before last, I got time to read it only last night at around 12. I could not stop reading till I finished Sumeetha Manikandan’s book at 1.30 am. All I can say is The Perfect Groom is a perfect novel with all the right ingredients.

Nithya is the elder daughter of a widow and they are dependent on an uncle and aunt who are quite nasty. When Nithya gets married to Ashok in the USA, everyone insists that she is the luckiest woman on earth as all expenses are taken care of by the groom’s family. But is that the truth?

There is Vasu who has also been ill-treated by the same uncle-aunt duo. His is a rags-to-riches story. He goes to California to receive an award. That’s where he meets Nithya after a ten-year gap. Nithya is excited, but feels that she has no right to be. Will she ever find happiness?

From Chennai to California to Mumbai, Sumeetha Manikandan has woven a lovely story about Nithya’s life in the first person. Having lived in Chennai myself and also having undergone immense interference from a number of relatives, I could so relate to the circumstances surrounding the widow and her young daughters. There is an excellent twist in the tale and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The best part was that the author has not shown any of the main characters as bad, just different. Beautifully penned! Congratulations Sumeetha!

And why would Ashok get married if he is not interested in his wife? You will have to read the novel to find out.

CLICK HERE to purchase your copy of THE PERFECT GROOM by Sumeetha Manikandan on Indireads.

eBook Review: A NEWLYWED’S ADVENTURES IN MARRIED LAND By Shweta Ganesh Kumar

This story is all about the newly married Mythili adjusting to her life in Philippines along with her husband Siddharth who works for a call centre there. Mythili used to be a crime reporter in Bangalore and being idle does not suit her at all. Then there are the other expat wives who lead lives of leisure. Mythili finds it very difficult to fit in. With too much time on her hands and only gossiping women for company, Mythili finds life totally frustrating. Will her marriage work?

The story runs along the lines of Alice in Wonderland and has been written well. But… the first half a dozen chapters are dedicated to Mythili’s rants, making the reader wonder whether there is going to be any kind of a solution at all. I began to fidget and was not very sure I wanted to continue reading.

Creativity is something unique and a story is the sole creation of the author. I absolutely agree. But the way I see it, as one reads a story, the scenes should play out in front of one’s mind’s eye.

This one is in the form of a narrative where Mythili becomes a story teller who keeps talking about her life. I could not visualise what was happening. It was more like looking into Mythili’s head all the time. More dialogues and less of narrative make for an interesting read.

This is a romance novella. I wish there had been more about the relationship between Mythili and Siddharth other than their meeting on and off.

Shweta Ganesh Kumar is already a bestselling published author and I am sure she knows what sells best. I suppose this novel should work for a lot of people.

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eBook Review: LOVE WILL FIND A WAY by Parul Tyagi

I just loved the ebook – LOVE WILL FIND A WAY by Parul Tyagi.

Prabhat is married to Meeta. While Meeta adores her husband, Prabhat is just adjusting to this way of life. He had loved Nitya from since his school days. Then why are they not married? Suddenly, on meeting someone from his past, Prabhat feels torn between the need to meet Nitya and betraying his wife. That’s when Meeta comes forward to support her husband. She would rather have a husband who loves her completely than someone who feels duty bound to stay with her. But what will be the state of Meeta’s life be once she sets out on the journey along with her husband to trace the love of his life?

I could not move away from my computer to even stop for lunch once I began reading this story. I felt torn along with Prabhu as he oscillated between right and wrong. Nitya’s character was quite simple. But the others had so many layers. I just adored Meeta. Such wisdom! I could so understand her view point. She does not want to live her life in half measures. And what she is ready to do to set it right! Amazing character, superbly etched. And the story almost had me biting my nails till I reached the last chapter, when I broke down crying like a baby.

The title LOVE WILL FIND A WAY is perfect for the story. I am amazed! Excellent work Parul Tyagi! I seriously am keen to read your next. Wish you the very best.

I have to congratulate Amal Fatima Uppal for creating the perfect cover for this book.

Quote from the book that I thoroughly enjoyed:

“I’ll be happier than you. Right now there are three of us unable to have what we want. When you are with her, at least two of us will have found the meaning of their existence and the third will be instrumental in making that discovery,” Meeta replied.

Click Here to purchase your copy of LOVE WILL FIND A WAY by Parul Tyagi on Indireads

eBook Review: AGAINST ALL ODDS By Jazz Singh

Sanjana is a small-town girl who has moved to Delhi as an Interior Designer. While she’s slowly gaining a reputation, she slips and falls in front of millionaire industrialist Abhimanyu’s car. He’s convinced that she’s out to get what she could out of him, while she’s certain that he is an arrogant snob. She lands up with a hairline fracture.

Not long after, they meet again and yet again. While Sanjana finds herself falling in love with Abhimanyu, she is sure that she would never fit into his world. His mother is also positive about this. And what about Abhimanyu himself? Is he in love with Sanjana or is he just playing with her?

This juicy romance by Jazz Singh is an absolutely fun read. Sanjana is creative, hardworking as well as a cheerful young lady. Abhimanyu is a suave businessman who has been brought up to be protective about his wealth and status. The author weaves a lovely story around the small-town Sanjana and city-boy Abhimanyu that’s very endearing. Good language, interesting dialogues and realistic situations make for a good read. Congratulations, Jazz Singh! Way to go!

My only peeve is the last scene was a tad abrupt. But I suppose good things don’t last forever.

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eBook Review: FACEBOOK PYAR By Arti Arlene Martyris

Prateek lives and studies in Patna. An only child, he is very close to his mother who is constantly beaten up by his father. Gunjan lives about 1500 km away in Hyderabad. Belonging to a Christian family, she lives with her mother and school-going sister. Her father had left them long ago for another woman.

The two of them come in touch with each other on Facebook. Over many chat sessions of sharing their family histories and many other things, they fall in love. Enter James – Gunjan’s childhood sweetheart. Will the long-distant relationship with Prateek stand a chance against James’ proximity?

A cutesy love story that is very much contemporary. I fell in love with the title and that’s what made me buy the book.

Arti has penned a romance between two strangers who meet on the social media network, how they go on to trust each other and fall in love. It makes for a fun read and will surely appeal to all the college students. At the end, the author got me a mite worried whether Gunjan will ever get together with the man of her dreams. Good work Arti Arlene Martyris!

The cover illustration by Upasana Govindarajan is very appealing.

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eBook Review: A SCANDALOUS PROPOSITION By MM George

Ranbir Dewan is a multimillionaire businessman. Mira has recently moved to Delhi from Meerut. Sparks fly when the two meet. He offers to bed her for a price and Mira is scandalised. But she is unable to refute the deep attraction she feels for him. Would the boss of Dewan Group of Industries be interested in the assistant cook working in his office cafeteria? You will need to read the book to find out.

What can I say! I felt transported to my teens when I read this book. It was like falling in love with romance all over again, only this time it was set right here in India and not in some remote corner of England. Boy! George aka Mimmy Jain has woven a lovely story in superb English that is simply delightful. I could not stop midway as the story flowed so smoothly and just had to be finished at one go. Ranbir is an ideal romantic hero and Mira is his perfect match. A drool-worthy read indeed!

Mimmy Jain, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book and look forward to more.

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eBook Review: GIRL FROM FATEHPUR By Sarita Varma

Sanjana is shocked when Krish proposes marriage. She is not sure she wants to marry her colleague but he appears to take her for granted. That’s when she escapes to Fatehpur to attend a family wedding. Rajan turns up unexpectedly. In her teens, Sanjana had believed herself in love with Rajan. But he had not been interested. When opportunities throw Sanjana and Rajan together, again and again, she begins to dream of a second chance. But Krish turns up at the wedding in pursuit of her. Read Girl From Fatehpur to find out who will be the lucky man to get Sanjana.

It’s a lovely story woven together in well written English by Sarita Varma. I enjoyed the building up of relationship between the main characters. The wedding scene, the Kumbh Mela and the car ride taken by Rajan and Sanjana to Fatehpur make for an interesting read. The love triangle between Krish, Sanjana and Rajan keeps the reader hooked till the end, hoping that she would land up with the right man. Congratulations Sarita Varma! Way to go! Looking forward to more from you!

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eBook Review: ONLY A DREAM By Jazz Singh

Rhea holds a senior position in a hotel chain. To her shock, the chain has been sold out to Varun and his father. She had never thought she would set eyes on Varun, ever again. They had been so in love a few years back – until Varun had betrayed her in the worst way possible. Now it looks like he wants them to get back together. Is Rhea ready for her heart to be broken once again?

A cute love story with a five star hotel in the background! Then there are Varun’s friends Ajay and Kirpal who also become Rhea’s friends. A very typical Indian scenario with the parents of both main characters in the background and a lot of back and forth between the two in the form of dialogue throughout the book, keep the reader hooked.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Only a Dream by Jazz Singh. I look forward to reading another book by the same author which is called Against All Odds.

I have to mention here that the cover by Mariyam Iftikar looks delicious.

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eBook Review: PYAR AUR POETRY By Roopa Menon

Arundhati is beautiful, intelligent and a go-getter. Nikhil could not seem more different. He lacks confidence despite being intelligent; he works hard but does not know how to promote himself and he is not too popular. Professor Nadkarni insists that these two students get together to host the Founder’s Day program at St Paul’s College. Will it work? Arundhati is all set to murder Nikhil while the young man just plain adores her. In the meanwhile, there is this D.G. Beckett who gets between the two. While it seems as if Beckett must also be from the same college, the man remains incognito. Arundhati is strongly attracted to Beckett while Nikhil works hard – with a lot of help from his grandmother – to woo her. Who will win Arundhati’s hand? Nikhil or Beckett? Pyar or Poetry? Read the book to find out more.

What struck me the most is the excellent language in which Pyar Aur Poetry has been penned. I was truly impressed by Roopa Menon’s play with the Queen’s language. Kudos! The story is simple and beautifully written and the plot very interesting.

I liked Nikhil being there for all things Indian and how he slowly manages to convert the snooty Arundhati who is absolutely Firang in her tastes – in food, books as well as films. I enjoyed reading the Rajnikant sequence and Nikhil’s simple joy in teasing her.

The end has turned out beautifully and I found it absolutely romantic. Keep up the good work, Roopa Menon! Looking forward to more from you!

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eBook Review: UNSETTLED By Neelima Vinod

I somehow feel that Black Clove is going to be one of the favourite series of books on Indireads. It deals with the supernatural and hence is quite fascinating to the public. Although I am a great fan of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Series, I am rather wary of reading the genre.

But I have to mention here that I just loved reading UNSETTLED by Neelima Vinod. The book was totally fascinating and well researched.

Divya and Raghav’s married life appears to be going down the drain. When Divya visits the psychiatric Dr. Ray, he convinces her to bring Raghav over to the clinic. That’s when Dr. Ray persuades the couple to go on a quest to find the mythical Scrolls of Love. Unable to refuse, the two of them set out on a strange quest which brings them in touch with a Yakshi. Will the Yakshi agree to give them what they need? And what about their relationship? Is it possible for them to get back to a normal life? You will have to read the book to find out what happens.

An unusual book well put together. I thoroughly enjoyed travelling into this supernatural world. Keep up the good work, Neelima Vinod.

Click Here to buy your copy of UNSETTLED by Neelima Vinod.