Review: In Pursuit of the Woman by Rajbir Gill

Some stories are made up with an intent. They are narrated with a passion and a desire which has to be felt be the readers in equal fervor. Author Rajbir Gill in his book "In Pursuit of the Woman" let readers follow a trail of words which is going to leave them mesmerized for a long time. So will this magic work? Let's find out. 

Facebook, smart phones, WhatsApp, Skype from business to love stories, these words have given a new definition to everything. Love birds have benefited the most with the surge of new technology! I Love You the three magical words can be conveyed to someone in a fraction of second. But imagine the time when communication was not this easy! Social Networking and apps were alien to us and mobile phones were just introduced; not to forget, they were too expensive for a common man to afford!
But the dashing navel pilot Dev and gorgeous Suman should be thankful for being in love in the year 2000 when not everyone used a mobile phones and getting in touch with someone who does not have access to landline phone 24*7 was not so easy because if it was so, their love story would have never taken place.
In Pursuit of the Woman is a love story that starts with confusion, proceeds with emotional trauma, passes through family drama and spices-up with heart attacks, reincarnation and their urge to stay together in spite of everything.
If you are bored with the sappy college love stories every second book has and wish to read something different, yet so romantic, this book is for you! 

First look at the title and the cover and a lot of will be said about love. A beautiful cover image with a glittering background and a title with some mystery to it leaves readers in a lurch. The blurb talks about a man and a woman and their love for each other. It's a blurb which has been written with care guarding against all the guesses that one makes as what to expect from the story line. 

The story is of Navy Lieutenant Devinder Kapoor and a young college girl Suman. Suman comes to Goa on a college trip and their she fells in love with Dev immediately. The progress is slow and steady but it all happens so soon that none of them is able to get the wind of it. But destiny plays havoc when a brutal confusion creates chaos in the life of not one, not two but many people it leads to a lot of clashes, ego problems, the past and the present colliding. So what is going to happen to Dev & Suman's love story? Is there a twist in the tale? Where will all this utter confusion lead to? That's what the story is all about. 

Spinning a romantic tale with a spiced up surprise for the reader is a rare art. This story is just the exact bit of spice you need in your reading flavor. It's not outrageous but it's furious. It's misleading but in a fun way. It's full of excitement which never dulls down. It's a cocktail which will spin a lot of heads and it's a perfect recipe which will cook and taste balanced when it ends. The narration is candid and the events of the story glitzy. Nothing is less than a grand affair and the revelations are just top notch and handled well. 

The downside of the book is it's one character in the book which is constantly part of the story but not been given any front line monologue with Dev. That would have made everything perfect. 

All in all this book is just one step ahead of the expectations. It makes you run after it and then leaves you gasping for air for quite sometime. There's no stopping reading this one. It's the intensity and depth and the simplicity which will captivate the readers attention. It's the book for the masses and especially for the lovers. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

Review: Two Winters and 365 Days by Anuradha Prasad

A lot of instances in life teach you a lot. Some bring you back to the present and keeps you in the loop as to what has happened around you and how one has to conduct themselves. Author Anuradha Prasad in her book "Two Winters and 365 Days" talks about one such journey undertook by a person and it's consequences. So has she done justice to this journey? Let's find out. 

When Ananya's life fell apart and crumpled at a young age she was helpless with the sole intention of supporting her family. she takes up editing an equally crumbling lifestyle magazine After tea not knowing what lay ahead thus Ananya's journey into the mad mad world of the media begins. Though her journey as a professional is replete with adventure, thrill and risks she starts enjoying it, as fate could not steal away her innate talent and an eye for perfection. But as they say in the beautiful Bollywood city of Mumbai anything is possible! A die hard professional and a construction magnate Vicky Arora falls hopelessly in love with simple Ananya though Vicky feels most happy and himself with her does she feel the same? Was she ready to look at love again in the eye? Or was life playing a double game with her? Will she fall this time never to get up? It is a thrilling story of a journey replete with adventure, hope, romance and of self discovery.

First look at the title and the cover and a lot of things come in mind. The cover image is a bit mysterious not highlighting to something specific. The title is a very interesting aspect of the book. It's different from what we get to see on the other books. The blurb talks about a woman and a man and how their paths cross each other. It's a good blurb keeping the interesting facts intact and giving out very less. 

The story revolves around Ananya who suddenly has a culture shock once she comes back from U.S to Mumbai along with her daughter Alia but sans her husband Rahul. Her life is in bits and pieces and she has been left to fend for herself. Amanda her longtime friend fixes her up and tries to get her out of the misery. Ananya chances upon an opportunity and soon everything around her starts to gather momentum. During this time she gets to meet Vicky who in turn falls in love with her at first sight. So will Vicky be able to pour his feelings for Ananya? Will Ananya be able to balance her life out? What part the past will play in her life? Will she succeed at all? That's what the story is all about. 

The simple narration along with a ambitious and a grieving story line makes some head ways. The first half of the story has a lot more emotions to it which keeps things in balance. The story has handled both the grief and the meticulous rise from the ashes in a convincing manner. The book has an air of hope in it which makes it a very interesting read for the readers. The excitement factor surrounding the protagonist is very much evident in the first half of the story. 

The downside of the book is some mistakes which could have been avoided easily. The second half is a hurried proposition and could have been done in a more elaborate manner. Some events are a harakiri which could have been either detailed or done away with in the book. Some characters are felt left out in the book. 

All in all it's a mixed emotions story which has both it's negatives and positives. The thought process of the author puts a lot of charm in the book and then leaves a trail of passion, hunger for more in this world. It aspires everyone to have that feel of positivity in themselves. It's not done justice to the few things but that doesn't hampers the exact message it wants to leave for the readers. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5 

Review: Eighteen Plus by Apurv Nagpal

An anthology of romance, thriller and many other genres readers have seen it all. Most of them with combined efforts. What about an anthology of erotic fiction? Author Apurv Nagpal in his debut book "Eighteen Plus" goes beyond the imagination of a reader and burdens the weight of an anthology comprising of adult stories tailor made for grown ups. So has he produced a marvel out of the blue? Let's find out. 

Eighteen Plus: Bedtime Stories. For Grown-Ups., published in 2013, consists of eighteen short erotic stories that revolve around regular people.Eighteen Plus: Bedtime Stories. For Grown-Ups. begins with Going Down To Rise Up, a story that shows how Meenu Verma displays a PowerPoint presentation to the Ladies Kitty Party Group, North Zone about her sexual encounters on the journey to reach the top. In The Speaker Phone, a boss listens to a couple having sex on the other side of the phone line. The fifth and sixth stories, The Corner Room and Her Turn, are interlinked to each other. Eighteen Plus: Bedtime Stories. For Grown-Ups. also contains Sexting: Fast and Furious, The Confessions of An IPL Escort, and A Boat Part On The Hoogly. In La Senza, a couple finds a cinema hall to be too childish, and a hotel to be too cheap. What is the next best alternative?In Scoring At The Big Fat Indian Wedding, Aditya decides to agree to an arranged marriage if things don't turn out the way he wants them to at his cousin's wedding. Blame It On the Generation Gap shows how an older woman fails to understand how a husband and a wife who were fighting with each other, end up in bed together later than night. Some other stories in the book are Twenty Things That Arouse, The Condom Chronicles, and Two Day’s In A Nerd’s Life. Memoir Of A Sexologist revolves around a politician who kidnaps a sexologist couple, and how money is not what he wants for ransom.Eighteen Plus: Bedtime Stories. For Grown-Ups. is a well-written erotic fiction for adults. The stories are delicate and bold, without being vulgar. Funny, mischievous, and spicy, the eighteen stories are sure to keep readers entertained.

First look at the title and the cover and it says all about what is there in store for the readers. The bold and shouting title with a seductive cover image is a turn on in many ways. The blurb has some few excerpts from various stories which arouses the reader and demands for their attention. It's an appealing factor which makes the readers pick it up and go through it.  

Story No. 1:

How can one mistake of yours can become a source of entertainment for others. That's what the story is all about. It's a very unique and a different story from what readers generally read. A naughty story yet having a solid dose of humor in it.

Story No. 2:

It's a story of precision of a man and the calculative methods he needs to deploy in order to win his wife's mood back and then go for the kill. There's not much of an excitement in the story but still it tingles some chords while the readers go through it.

Story No. 3:

This is a conference of women on how to get their work done by working on men's pleasure and giving them the right amount of satisfaction. The idea is pretty unique again and a lot of points raised in fact will surprise the readers too. But it's a bold attempt of writing a short story mixing business and pleasure.

Story No. 4:

This ain't a story. These are some tips to get your libido working and arouse your senses at the right time and the right place. These tips might be helpful for young lovers and for those who have knowledge in this area.

Story No. 5:

This story is about chance encounter and how sexting works in the favor for both of them. It's a good story highlighting another new aspect of having intercourse. It makes you high and leaves you excited with it's wild narration and description.

Story No. 6:

The story is continuation of the previous story and it highlights some more newer methods to achieve sexual pleasure. It'll give you heights of pleasure and make you feel erotic the way it has been sketched by the author. Chance encounters like this are always fun according to the story.

Story No. 7:

It's another story of a chance and a steamy encounter between two people. Public expressions of love are always wild and funny which this story depicts and the passion of the story has been kept alive by the author all the time. It has some wittiness to it too.

Story No. 8:

It's a story never heard of or tried before by any couple even in their wildest dreams. The author has taken the imagination to the next level making the content more wild. It has that tone of sensuality, pleasure and excitement all throughout.

Story No. 9:

It's a story of a small town girl who intends to make big but somehow waivers off and in the end becomes something which gives her the perks and luxuries. It's a pulsating story of a good girl gone bad but also highlights what goes on behind the scenes in real life. A nice story of sexual encounters and real life.

Story No. 10:

It's a story based on the concept of sexting. It's fast paced, naughty as usual but pretty raw in it's approach. It could have been done more tastefully.

Story No. 11:

It's again not a story but a few tips of how to conduct yourself before anything happens between two people. It has some interesting points but pretty much common and known to many nowadays.

Story No. 12:

It's a story of a single man and his unsatiated desires which come to life when he bumps into some pretty women and what happens aftermath is fun. It's a story of some past and present bits and pieces and a lot of intercourses. But the story is not up to the mark.

Story No. 13:

A lot of couples, their longing for each other, forced marriages and a friend to rely on. It's a no-non sense story with a lot of drama, sexual encounters and a lot of hype before it takes a u-turn and comes back to the point. A story to enjoy and have fun with. It's the best story of the lot.

Story No. 14:

A modern day couple and their issues and the way they sort it out. A story with dilemmas and problems and issues with a touch of wildness and a lot of excitement. The story is at par with many of the other stories in the book.

Story No. 15:

A story of a hot and a steam encounter and the dilemma of using condoms or not. It's a quick story but doesn't have enough firepower to give goosebumps to the reader. 

Story No. 16: 

A story of wit, desire and in the end something out of the blue which will leave everyone spell bound. It's a good story though the content is on the same lines but towards the end it has an interesting aspect considering the genre of the book. 

Story No. 17: 

It's a story of a corporate man and his strange encounter with a woman which turns out into an experience of some kind. A story which is pretty much on real lines. A lot of sexual encounters and wildness along with some wit and fun. 

Story No. 18: 

It's the story of two sexologists and their unfortunate encounter with one of the most influential person of their area and his problem. It's a funny story true to it's nature with a mix of some moans and groans but humorous in it's narration. 

All the 18 stories have the wildness and naughtiness as a flavor of spice. The stories are a mix of passion and decision making ability of every individual. The narration has been kept fluid and story after story it jolts you out of reverie. It creates a scene of awkwardness at first but has a lot of potential in it. It's demanding with it's open ended discussion on many sensitive subjects related to sex. Some real time adventures blended with fiction make it a pretty interesting prospect for the readers. 

The downside of the book is it's repetitive theme of sex hungry women in many stories. That could have been changed a bit making it both ways. Few stories like story no. 5,6,10 and 15 could have been handled in a much better manner. 

All in all it's a good experience of reading an anthology based on sex, modern day dilemmas and the mix of youth and old and their share of experiences. It's not your regular romance book but a touch different with it's outrageous boldness and shear audacity. It is spicy, saucy, raunchy and a bit realistic too. It's hard to gulp it at first but it can be digested slowly and enjoyed steadily as a reader. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5

Review: Bollywood Fiance for A Day by Ruchi Vasudeva

Mills & Boons is known to churn out some heart wrenching love stories using a common medium love but expressions different in everyone of them. Author Ruchi Vasudeva in her Mills & Boons novel "Bollywood Fiance For A Day" has a love story for the readers to enjoy and feel the M & B factor in it. So has it the right flavor and essence of M & B? Let's find out. 

Winning the chance to meet the ultimate Bollywood heart-throb, Zaheer Saxena, is just What Vishakha needs to take her mind off her recent humiliation - being jilted the week before her wedding! And when gorgeous Zaheer offers to be her fake fiance, the chance to save with her family is just too tempting...
It's a deal that benefits them both - Zaheer is warding off any unwanted female attention until his next film is finished; but can Vishakha trust herself not to hope that her dream fiance for a day will her forever man? 

First look at the title and the cover and it's speaks about itself. A real cover image with a glamorous woman makes it a perfect Mills & Boons setting. The title too is very catchy and is a rhythmic representation of the book. The blurb has been kept very short and sweet and talks about a woman and her life's dilemmas and some unknown events. 

The story is of Vishakha a doctor who happens to win a contest and gets a dream date with Zaheer Saxena the Bollywood heartthrob but it all goes haywire when it doesn't ends up well for her. Zaheer's flirting ways don't go down well with Vishakha and she rebukes his presence near her. Zaheer tries to charm her back and from there on it becomes a pact and an eventful journey is undertook by both of them for their own benefits. So will Vishakha be able to fight off her past demons? Will Zaheer be able to shrug off the tag of a playboy? Will their pact work or is there something else in store for them? That's what the story is all about. 

A classic full of romance, woman dominated story and a perfect setup of emotions and drama as expected from a M&B novel. The author with her immaculate narration and expanded vocabulary makes the story very interesting for the readers. The constant exchanges in the story are a highlight and the entire setup is too real. 

The downside of the book is it's predictable story line and weak towards the second half and the end. It could have been tightened up a bit more in terms of more space to other characters and some cut down on constant verbal exchanges between the two characters.

All in all it's not an amazing piece of M&B but has some elements which will hold off the fort while the readers go though it. The excitement and romance are at a high and also other emotions are present in equal measure too. It's a perfect one for romantics and romance lovers. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5 

Review: Mistress Of The Throne by Ruchir Gupta

Mughal dynasty is one subject of research which can excite even a man who is in his deep slumber. Right from the times of Babur to Aurangzeb and others this dynasty has always proved to be a subject of grave interest as they ruled for long and paved way for a newer India with their approach and methods. Author Ruchir Gupta in his debut novel "Mistress Of The Throne" talks about one such era in the Mughal dynasty which is probably one the most scandalizing and enlightening one too. So has he been able to shed light on it? Let's find out. 

1631, the Empress of India Mumtaz Mahal has died. Yet, rather than anoint one of his several other wives to take her place as Empress of India, Mughal King Shah Jahan anoints his seventeen-year-old daughter Jahanara as the next Queen of India. Bearing an almost identical resemblance to her mother, Jahanara is the first ever daughter of a sitting Mughal King to be anointed queen. She is reluctant to accept this title, but does so in hopes of averting the storm approaching her family and Mughal India. Her younger siblings harbor extreme personalities from a liberal multi culturalist (who views religion as an agent of evil) to an orthodox Muslim (who views razing non-Muslim buildings as divine will). Meanwhile, Jahanara struggles to come to terms with her own dark reality as the daughter of a sitting King, she is forbidden to marry. Thus, while she lives in the shadow of her parents unflinching love story, she is devastated by the harsh reality that she is forbidden to share such a romance with another. Mistress of the Throne narrates the powerful story of one of India's most opulent and turbulent times through the eyes of an unsuspecting character - a Muslim queen. It uses actual historical figures to illuminate the complexity of an era that has often been called India's Golden Age.

First look at the title and the cover and the readers will be flattered. The mesmerizing image of a woman, Taj Mahal & few Urdu couplets make it a very tempting prospect for every reader. The title itself speaks volumes about the book. The blurb talks about a woman and her life during an era. It's a blurb which gives a bit insight about what to expect from the book. It could have been put in question form which could have made it more interesting. 

The story is of Jahanara Begum the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal. It revolves around her life which starts off when her mother passes away and her father mourns deep. How she accelerates to the throne of Empress of India and from there on how she manages her father, a large dynasty, her own life, her love for someone and the top of all her brothers who make life miserable for her at each and every step. She plays a role of an empress,sister, a caring mother and a diplomat in order to restore sanctity to the struggling raj of Shah Jahan. So will she be able to prove good for the others? How will she restore order? Will there be peace ever in her life? How will Mughal dynasty hold up under her command and wit? That's what the story is all about. 

It's a story which people might say that they have heard over and over again but it has a different perspective to it this time in form of one of the most ignored rulers of Mughal era i.e Jahanara. Her life, her struggles, her ways and methods the entire saga unfolds in this book in the most serene manner. A beautiful insight about the life of a woman who had to sacrifice a lot in order to keep everything intact. The compelling narration along with some vivid descriptions makes it a wonderful journey. The impactful writing of the author with sheer brilliance when it comes to research is a cherry on top for the readers. There's no dull moment whatsoever in the book. 

The words like Aba & Ami could have been spelled with their original spellings. It was an eyesore throughout. A few pars were unnecessary in the book which could have been easily ignored. 

All in all it's a first hand experience of an Empress as powerful as any Mughal king. The readers will be enlightened completely at the end of this book. It's a thoroughly satisfying experience for eyes and the mind. It let's your imagination wander in times of the golden era of India. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

Review: Me N Her- A Strange Feeling by Rikky Bhartia

Love while some say it's an over-rated emotion others who are able to carry it beautifully totally disagree to it and have counter arguments of their own. It's a journey of a lifetime and happens to everyone for once. Author Rikky Bhartia in his debut novel "Me "N" Her-A Strange Feeling" has penned down a love story with some touch of elegance to it. So has he done it with flair? Let's find out. 

Love, Life, Separation? Love - Implies three words smiles, tears and endings. Endings are not always happy, yet they leave a mark in our lives in some way. Me N Her A Strange Feeling is an involving and intriguing love story of two young people, of strangers, whose paths cross and lead to strange feelings, later discovered as love. Harsh is passionate and ambitious but forgets his ambition when he meets Janvi. Janvi loves to dream, but is lost in life reasons unknown. At the height of their celebration a strange twist in life happens, that changes everything forever. Love is what brings them close and love is what separates them. Does love change with time? Is it possible to fall in love repeatedly with the same person? Harsh and Janvi give you every answer, their love story will remind you of your first love. Its unexpected ending will bring tears and smiles.

 

First look at the title and the cover and a lot of things will come in a readers mind. It's a mixed feeling as what to expect from this novel. The cover image is a good one but could have been done in a much better way. The blurb talks about love and the emotions associated with it and it's effect on the life of two people. It's a very good blurb giving out very little and engaging the readers curiosity. 

The story is of Harsh Bhartia & Janvi Aggarwal. Both of them join the same company and on the first day they become partners in their office. With time Harsh tries to get close to her but Janvi rebukes his advances and lays a line which is not supposed to be cross by him. But time changes it all and their office partner status is changed into friendship which gradually culminates in to a fruitful relationship. But a lot is on the line when things don't go their way and they find themselves stuck in a similar yet compelling situation. So will Harsh & Janvi be together? Will Janvi be able to accept her present and move on from her past? What will Harsh be able to do for her and for him? Will this story end on a happy or a sad note? That's what it is all about. 

One word which comes in mind after reading the story is elegance. It's a story with simplest of narrations but done very beautifully by the author. It has been decked up with all sorts of emotions and all kinds of situations which a normal person encounters in day to day life. The ups and downs, the joy and sorrows, the dilemma and the ease with which everything has been handled in the story has been done perfectly. The poems and shayari adds up a beautiful effect to the entire saga. It's like a free flowing river with an aura of calm, upheaval and comfort and discomfort. 

The only downside of the book is the use of word "yaar" which should have been kept less. Few Hindi word spellings are not correct. 

It's a simple story with lot's of grace and clean touch to it. It has been presented in a very positive manner and the move from past to present and again past then present is worth every minute. It's a book with a lot of hope and spirit to it. It's an endless feel of love and the attachments which come with it. It's a perfect flavor of love and friendship this season. 

RATINGS:

4 OUT OF 5 

Review: 244 Days: A Life by Partha Saha

Love is a bug which bites very hard. It either leaves you high or completely dry. Be it a man or a woman there are a lot of considerations before the two decide to fall in love. Author Partha Saha in his debut book "244 Days: A Life" has tried his hand on a love story. So has he put anything new for the readers? Let's find out.

Have you ever developed a best friendship through Facebook?
How many ways have you ever tried to convince your girl?
Have you ever done loyalty test on your partner?
How many times have you split up your relation and again patched up?
Have you ever felt about being a patient of Love?
Its a story of one dorky couple whose love was in the sky to fly but Alas! Negative emotions and maker of their relation tricked and they got separated. The boy begged her to come back but she didn't respond. The boy screamed but she didn't want to hear that. At last the boy thought patience is not a virtue, its a waste of time and being impatient made a blunder, when she came back to his life it had been too late. She got to know everything about being embedded to crime. He repented for his mistake and penanced. Now what do you think, can they meet again? Lets switch to 244 days a life.

First look at the title and the cover and the readers will fall in love with it. The colors of the cover image could have been done more tastefully. The title is pretty different from what readers generally see on the other book covers. The blurb talks about love and it's implications in two people's lives. It's a good blurb leaving thing on readers imaginations. 

The story is of Bunty a typical college boy who is bitten by internet and chatting mania. His life goes through a new phase when he accidentally befriends Babli online and from there on starts a friendship. Things progress slowly and steadily as they both fall in love with each other. But with time the haste in commitment results in cracks and insecurities and emotional dilemmas too. So will their love be able to withstand the test of time? Will it be the first and last time Bunty falls in love with someone? What role Babli will play in Bunty's life? That's what the story is all about. 

It's a love story with two young lovers and a lot masala in it for the readers. A message to the readers that never commit in haste. 

The downside of the book is it's weak narration and story line. It has nothing new to offer in terms of love and romance. The concept is an old and over used one. A lot more could have been done with the story line and the author could have tinkered with better ways to portray love. 

The book overall is for hopeless romantics but disappoints on a lot of counts. It could have been made better in terms of narration and a newish idea of love between two people. It falls flat and from there on it's a struggle to relate to it. 

RATINGS: 

2 OUT OF 5