Srivalli Rekha (Semi-Hiatus)'s Blog, page 5

Courier of Death by Cara Devlin - Book Review

Series: Spencer & Reid Mysteries #3 

Publication Date: 14th June 2025 

Genre: Historical Mystery (Dark) 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: This is going great! 

1884, London 

It has been months since Leonora Spencer discovered the truth of her family’s death. She’s still struggling to cope with it and keeps her distance from Detective Inspector Jasper Reid. However, when a bomb blast outside the police station kills a young constable and a prominent suffragist is accused of the crime, Leo has to step in. 

Jasper has done his best to accept that Leo wanted space. He used this time to focus on his job. But when she begins to interfere in the last case, he is torn between warning her and helping her. 

As Jasper and Leo hunt for clues, they attract the attention of the most dangerous crime syndicate in London and the East End gang. 

The story comes in Leo and Jasper’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

After the cliffhanger in the previous book, I knew I had to read this as soon as possible. At the same time, reading this early would mean a long wait for the next one. Sigh! 

As the middle book of the series, this has some fairly important developments. Though there is enough detail provided, I wouldn’t recommend reading this as a standalone. Start with the first book. 

Compared to the previous two, this was a bit slower. However, it doesn’t drag at any point. With two cases and the tussle between the MCs, there’s enough to keep you flipping the pages. 

We get more details about the past, the FMC’s family, and stuff. I like how the delicate balance between their entwined pasts and the present is handled. We can see both their concerns. Neither is wrong, so we’ll be rooting for them. 

As always, the dark side of London, the gang wars, the suffragette movement and the vehement opposition to it, class differences, gender bias, etc., are seamlessly woven into the plot. 

The mysteries are well done with just enough twists for the suspense, but easy enough for readers to guess the culprits. 

The ending is my favorite. After, there’s a good development after waiting all this while. It still ends in a cliffhanger, and there is lots of danger swirling around, but there’s more hope this time. 

To summarize, Courier of Death is a suspenseful and intriguing mystery with danger, threats, gangs, and an intense past looming overhead. The next book will be out in Sep, and I can’t wait to read it! 

Thank you, Book Sirens and the author, for the eARC.

A Most Unlikely Lady by Darcy McGuire - Book Review

Series: The Queen's Deadly Damsels #4

Publication Date: 06th June 2025 

Genre: Historical Romance

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Not bad! Time-pass read 

Miss Ivy Cavendale becomes a headmistress at an orphanage. One night, she deals with an intruder, relieved that the fear that had gripped her for years hasn’t stopped her from saving her charges. Soon, it’s clear that she and her charges are the next target of The Devil’s Sons. 

Commissioner Edward Worthington owes the head of The Queen’s Deadly Damsels. So, he agrees to watch her latest ward, Ivy. It doesn’t take long to realize that he is attracted to her. But Ivy has childhood trauma, and danger surrounds them. 

Can they identify the criminal and make their happy ever after? 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Ivy and Edward. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the fourth book in the series and works as a standalone with possible minor spoilers for the previous ones. I read the first and second, so I have an idea about the mystery/ overarching plot. 

This is predominantly a romance despite the threat of an intruder and a dangerous gang lurking about. The gang hasn’t been dismantled yet, safe to say there will be more books in the series. 

We met Ivy in the previous books, though I’m not sure about the Commissioner. The events related to her family occur in book #1. In book #2, there are hints about her trauma. Here, we get more information. 

Though the romance is made to seem like it is not insta-love, it actually is. Still, I appreciate the attempt and the conversations that take place as Ivy learns to overcome her fears. That said, it is a spicy (4) book with open-door scenes. 

The first chapter can be a hit or a miss. That’s because it clearly shows the FMC’s character – someone who has always thought of herself as weak. Her inner monologue can be a bit grating, but she proves herself with her actions. 

The MMC is okay, kinda stereotypical, but he does the job. We get more than a glimpse into the Duchess’s past through him, so that’s good. 

A couple of kids shine despite the limited page space. I'd be happy to meet them in the subsequent books. 

The mystery is lackluster, TBH. The villains were too apparent the moment they were introduced. But then, this is not a mystery read but a romance with a touch of danger. 

There is an epilogue that doesn’t really give us much except a wee bit of info about the side characters. 

To summarize, A Most Unlikely Lady is a quick and easy read despite the triggers and the hints of danger. Let’s see what happens in the next book. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AMostUnlikelyLady

Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop by Jaimie Admans - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: Ever After Street #5 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 26th May 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/MagicalCuriosityShop

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218164658-finding-love-at-the-magical-curiosity-shop

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Sweet... somewhat!

Book Blurb:

In a shop full of stories, some magic isreal.

Mickey Teasdale loves her quaint curiosity shop,where every item feels magical to her. She loves imagining the past owners ofher knick-knacks and telling her made-up tales to customers, but lately, themagic has dimmed; the shop feels cluttered, and even her stories seem as wornas the items she sells.

Everything changes when the grumpiest customerMickey’s ever met—single dad Ren Montague—walks in with his surly teendaughter, Ava. Ren hates mess and clutter and prefers order and calm, but he'lldo anything to see Ava smile. Yet, something shifts in him when he meetsMickey, who seems like she stepped out of her very own fairy tale.

When Ava discovers a secret diary, hidden from yearslong ago, she and Mickey believe it must have once belonged to a real-lifemermaid! Ever sceptical, Ren tries to protect Ava from disappointment, but asthey unravel the mystery together, something special happens…

Ren learns that happy ever afters still exist ifyou're brave enough to look for them, and Mickey discovers that real life cansometimes be way more magical than anything she could have ever imagined.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Mickey’s first-person POV.

This is the fifth book in the standalone Ever AfterStreet Series. Though we see some couples from the previous books, this workswell as a standalone read. Of course, I recommend reading the other booksbecause they are all beautiful.

As a fan of the author's works, I tend to have highexpectations of her. Why not? I know she can write!

Like the other books, this one also deals withimportant topics. Here we have parental death, broken marriage, being a singledad, a young teen’s struggle with the changes in her life, a woman’s desire tosurround herself with material things to avoid reality, etc.

I could empathize with the FMC even when I knew hershop was a high-risk accident zone. No matter how much I de-clutter, theshelves tend to look the same, so yeah, it happens! She is a sweetheart, and Ilove her optimism and hope. Her determination to believe in magic isnoteworthy. I try too, though my cynical side doesn’t stay silent for long!

Naturally, I could easily understand the MMC’sperspective too. Yeah, he was rude and prickly, but he could be just as sweetif he allowed himself to be. Then, he had to go and make a mess of it (more onthis later).

Ava, the MMC’s thirteen-year-old, was a delight mostof the book. She is a teen, through and through, so I could see her outburstmaking sense to her. I didn’t mind it much as it aligned with her arc untilthen.

We get snippets from the diary, which read likeactual diary entries – thoughts, frantic scribbling, raw emotions, and randombits of information. Yay for this! However, the dialogues in this book feltlengthier somehow. Not a big deal, though.

As always, it’s heartwarming to read the lovey-doveyscenes between the main characters. It seems like the author thought much about my friend and fellow reviewer's reactions to the touchy-feely scenes; she used the same term twice inthe book! Haha… :P Of course, I loveeee these scenes the best, and those hugs!Find a partner who hugs you like you are their everything!

Now, we come to the dreaded third-act breakup. Iknew it would happen, but man, if I could punch him, I would have. I was ratherrooting for Lissa to do it for me… didn’t she? Read to find out.

The resolution came a bit too quickly, I think.While it still made me teary-eyed, I wanted a little more groveling. The FMCdoesn’t make it easy, which I appreciate. Still, make him repent more (Ihold grudges for a long time, if you haven’t figured out by now, lol).

I found it surprising that they don’t get muchdragon fruit in the UK. Thanks to social media, it became so famous in Indiathat we find it at the makeshift stalls on the street corners. Farmers havesuccessfully cultivated dragon fruit locally and are getting good results!Though I’m not a fan of it.

The ending is sweet, of course. There’s no epilogue,but there will be another (last… sniffle) book in the series, so we are likelyto get a wee update on them if nothing else.

To summarize, Finding Love at the Magical CuriosityShop is not as magical as the other books in the series, but it still creates a lovely, cozyfeeling in the heart. The romance is clean, comforting, warm, and like a heartycup of hot chocolate with extra sprinkles.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources andBoldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honestopinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Jaimie Admans

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of severalromantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane andThe Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. Her series for Boldwood, The Ever AfterStreet Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @JaimieAdmansBooks

Twitter: @be_the_spark

Instagram: @jaimieadmans1

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JaimieAdmansNews

Bookbub Profile: @jaimieadmans1

***

This has been a stop on the#FindingLoveAtTheMagicalCuriosityShop blog tour by Rachel's RandomResources (@rararesources).Thanks for stopping by!

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison - Book Review

Publication Date: 03rd June 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming! 

Meg Bryan, aka Lana Lord, is a household name after her hit TV show and her relationship with Hollywood’s latest heartthrob. However, her perfect life comes at a great cost. After a small breakdown on her thirtieth birthday, Meg goes on an impromptu trip to Ireland, that one place she and her best friend Aimee wanted to visit. An accident claimed Aimee’s life a decade ago, and now Meg makes the trip alone. 

However, Meg seemed to have traveled into an alternative universe where she is not a celebrity. The hot bartender is apparently her ex, and her bestie, Aimee, is alive but not talking to her for some reason. Now, Meg has to figure out how and why she broke up with her ex and what happened between her and Aimee. As she navigates through her new life, Meg realizes what she remembers about her past isn’t the complete truth. And soon, she has to decide on her future. 

The story comes in Meg’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Firstly, I’d tag this women’s fiction or contemporary fiction with a touch of romance. The focal point of the book is Meg’s acceptance of the past and her growth in the present. 

The book starts with a prologue that gives us an insight into the MC’s relationship with her bestie. Then, we jump to the present timeline. 

I like the sliding doors/ alternative setting that occurs pretty soon. No need to wait for it to happen. This gives the MC and us enough time to get used to the shift, dig through the past, and peel her character’s layers. 

The side characters, especially Kiera and Cillian, are terrific. They brighten up the story when it starts to feel repetitive. The bestie, Aimee, is interesting, though I wish to know more about her. 

The first-person POV works for the plot. It has dry humor and a bit of forced humor as well. The first is good, the latter isn’t, but the overall effect is nice. The MC has enough flaws, but is also a nice person, which we can see in her voice. However, it also feels quite YAish, even though she is 30. Maybe because the author is a YA writer, and this is her first adult novel. 

The pacing is uneven thanks to the repetition in the middle. Maybe some of it was necessary, though I feel this could have been used to add some depth to the bestie’s character. 

The ending is more on the line of women’s fiction. It is hopeful and positive, but not fully rounded. Still, it works for the storyline and leaves the reader with a smile (that’s job done right). 

Given the premise, there are many references to Hollywood, celebs, movies, and related drama. Not my jam, exactly. If you enjoy this, you might like the book more. 

The acknowledgments section at the end was fun to read. The author’s natural style did drip a lot into the main character’s voice, but it worked here. 

To summarize, The Other Side of Now is a heartwarming story about grief of losing a loved one, trying to find oneself, making friends (found family), and learning that life goes on. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

Lessons in Heartbreak by Karla Sorensen - Book Review

Series: The Kings #1

Publication Date: 20th May 2025

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: This was good! 

Ruby, a shy small-town librarian, decided to hire an escort to get over her fear of intimacy without the risk of heartbreak. However, instead of a dating coach, Ruby’s childhood neighbor and pro football player, Griffin King, arrived. He was not the escort, but she didn’t know that! 

As if the embarrassing mix-up wasn’t enough, Ruby stumbles across Griffin everywhere in their little town. He is more than happy to help her, but with their closeness increasing, Ruby has much to think about. 

The story comes in Ruby and Griffin’s first-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

This is my first book by the author. Turns out, this is also the first in a new series, so I intend to read the others. 

The pacing is slow, but it doesn’t feel boring. We get enough backstory and depth for the characters to be more than their physical appearances, though there are many references to how hot they look. Note that the characters start as clichés but gradually show they can do much better than that. 

The MCs are easy to like. They are smart, sweet, and have their issues to deal with. They inevitably help each other grow, which comes across well as the story progresses. The chemistry is great, too, so it’s not long before we root for them. 

There’s enough humor to make the readers laugh or chuckle. This balances the somber elements, especially the scenes dealing with health issues. 

The side characters need a special mention. I liked Lauren right away. Wasn’t sure about Marcus, but he proved himself. Don’t be tricked by his OTT act. He is a sweet guy. 

My favorite part has to be these hunky football players sighing over classic romances like Pride and Prejudice. How they react to the hand flex by Darcy is adorable! 

The book is spicy, probably 4 or more. There’s some dirty talk, but not a lot. However, the story doesn’t feel rushed. There is enough time for feelings to develop. 

We have not one but two epilogues. I love it when authors do this. A regular epilogue is great, but when it is followed by an extended one, it is a double bonus. 

To summarize, Lessons in Heartbreak is a heartwarming, entertaining, and delightful romance set in a small town. Bring on the next book! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #LessonsInHeartbreak

The Roommate Experiment by Camilla Isley - Book Review

Series: Funny Feelings #3 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 27th May 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/RoommateExperiment

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223606076-the-roommate-experiment

Genre: Contemporary Romance

3 Stars

One Liner: Some nice moments

Book Blurb:

Could there be room for attraction?

Hunter has secretly been in love with her bestfriend’s brother, Dylan, for years, despite barely registering as a blip on hisradar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like the friend zone adjacent.But her luck is about to change: Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she'sbeing promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?

Not so fast. When Dylan moves in, he carries morethan just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living underthe same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasonsHunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder itbecomes to ignore her feelings.

But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart incheck—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in atowel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoonwhen he bakes cookies.

But after he saves her from a terrible date andthey’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach abreaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell himthe truth—or lose him forever?

The Roommate Experiment is aroommates-to-lovers, forced proximity, STEMinist rom-com perfect for fans ofLynn Painter, Sarah Adams, and Abby Jimenez.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Hunter and Dylan’s first-personPOVs.

Though the book can be a standalone, I wouldrecommend reading book #2 first. Even better if you start at the beginning (Ididn’t). But I read the previous book (If the Ring Fits), and it helped. That’sbecause the events in both books take place at the same time. Seeing Hunter andDylan from Rowena and Adrian’s POVs first makes this book less awkward.

It’s interesting to revisit a few scenes from theprevious book from other POVs. I like such experiments (another reason Irecommend reading book #2 first).

This is my fourth book by the author. While I hadminor issues with the previous three, I happily rounded up the rating to 4stars. Unfortunately, this is the weakest one so far.

Firstly, there’s no denying the touches of humor inthe narration. The writing style is light even when it deals with seriousissues like dyslexia and endometriosis. This prevents the story from feelingtoo heavy or overwhelming.

Hunter’s crush/ obsession with Dylan feelsauthentic. It is painfully embarrassing at times, but that’s exactly the point.It was supposed to be that way, given she harbored feelings and spun fantasies forover a decade. Her reluctance, jealousy, anger, frustration, hopelessness,etc., come out very well.

Dylan started decent but then got on my nerves. Itried to be patient and see things from his perspective, but there’s a thinline between being good and being a coward. Despite his other noteworthyqualities, he didn’t impress me. The break-up scene was crucial for hischaracter arc, and it was messed up big time.

Not really sure how to classify Olivia. Clingy?Dense? Optimistic? No idea!

There are some spicy scenes towards the end, thoughit’s a fade-to-black and a closed door. The last quarter rather ups the sexiness,which wasn’t necessary, but okay!

Since this is the last book of the series, we get acombined epilogue. I like it a lot. It has happy developments and leaves oneelement on a hopeful note; the right way to conclude this series.

To summarize, The Roommate Experiment is asteady-paced and lighthearted romance that touches upon a couple of healthissues (lightly). While it is not my favorite (Adrian is still the winner), Iwill continue to enjoy more books by the author.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and BoldwoodBooks, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion aboutthe book. 

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Camilla Isley

Camilla Isley is an engineer who left science behindto write bestselling contemporary rom-coms set all around the world. She livesin Italy.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @CamillaIsley

Twitter: @camillaisley

Instagram: @camillaisley

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/CamillaIsleyNews

Bookbub Profile:@CamillaIsley

***

This has been a stop on the #TheRoommateExperimentblog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources).Thanks for stopping by!

All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson - Book Review

Publication Date: 20th May 2025

Genre: General Fiction 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Nice! 

Charlie Knight is a family doctor in his late thirties. He has a fixed routine and the same clients he’d been seeing since he was a child. However, Charlie has a secret plan to escape and live the life he wants, even if Genevieve Longstaff, the woman he wanted, has long since left the town.  

However, Genevieve is back. Suddenly, Charlie realizes he has gained a new gift. He can see exactly how many days are left in the lives of his visitors/ patients. Charlie thinks he could use his gift to help his patients, but every gift comes with a price. What if there are things he would rather not know? 

The story comes in Charlie’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Should I tag this general fiction or men’s fiction? Either works, I guess. 

The story starts with the MC gaining his gift unexpectedly and goes on from there. He is an easy guy to like. A friendly, sweet, and dedicated doctor whose life feels too structured and safe. He is also lonely. 

While there is some ‘romance’, it is not a love story or a romcom. So if you go in expecting it to be heavy on this element, you will be disappointed. Moreover, there isn’t much chemistry between Charlie and Gen as such. They’d make good friends, though. 

The book deals with themes like guilt, decisions, wanting a second chance, life, death, etc. Naturally, death is a bigger theme, so it does occur more than once. 

Characters like MaryAnn, Gen, Lorraine, etc., had potential, but it seems to be barely explored. In fact, it’s the same for the entire book. The whole narration has a slow and mellow tone. Quite a few topics are touched upon, but none are given full attention. 

The concept of seeing the numbers is intriguing. We get a probable explanation, which is not perfect since even the characters don’t know. This may not appeal to some readers, but it aligns with the book’s tone. 

The ending is hopeful and a tad bittersweet. I guess I can call it an open-ish ending since some issues are never discussed. Still, the book feels complete, so it is not vague or random.  

To summarize, All the Perfect Days offers quite a bit to think about, but doesn’t delve deep into any of those. The pacing is slow, so plan accordingly. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AllThePerfectDays

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark - Book Review

Publication Date: 03rd June 2025 

Genre: Suspense Thriller 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Interesting! 

Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont hid the truth about her father. He was the famous horror author Vincent Taylor, who also happened to be a suspect in his sibling’s brutal death. When Olivia reluctantly agrees to ghostwrite her father’s last book, she doesn’t realize she will have to face her past and the darkness that comes with it. 

The story comes in the first-person POVs of Olivia (more %), Poppy, and Vincent. 

My Thoughts: 

Firstly, that cover deserves a special mention. I admit to grabbing the book more for the cover than the premise. Of course, I previously enjoyed one of the author’s books, so that was a factor too. 

The pacing is great in the first-half. There’s a short note about the setting, which should help readers familiar with the region to understand the changes the author made.  

The story starts with a bang. Nothing like murder and secrets to keep people of all ages gossiping for decades! 

Emotions like resentment, frustration, anger, helplessness, caution, worry, etc., freely flow on the pages. It’s easy to feel for the FMC and root for her success. 

The second half has more reveals about the past (naturally), so the pacing dips a little. Also, there are times when the plot seems to go nowhere. I think this is deliberate as the narration is in the first-person and shows how the FMC struggles with the events. 

Some of the side characters are surprisingly good. Jack and Poppy, especially! There isn’t much character development, but that’s not what this genre is about. We get the thrills, though you can guess a few reveals. 

Still, I like that the FMC doesn’t drink herself into oblivion from start to finish. She’s got a brain and does her best to use it. She actually listens to good advice, so that’s even better! Someone else seems to have taken that role, though it is thankfully off-page. 

Another reason I enjoyed the book was the ending. Unlike the current trend of ‘twisty’ last chapters that add carter-sized plot holes to the story, this one has a more balanced ending. It could be a bit tame for thriller fans, but I approve of it. 

This isn’t your edge-of-the-seat thriller or a high-tension suspense novel. It’s got a mystery, some thrills, a bit of drama, many lies and secrets, and a conclusion that manages to bring everything together. Predictable, but no big deal.  

To summarize, The Ghostwriter is an interesting book with a bit of everything to keep your entertained for a while. The writing style is easy and keeps the dark elements contained despite the triggers. 

Thank you, NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheGhostwriter

***

TW: Mentions of animal death, mention of rape, mentions of abortion, mention/ hints of pedophilia, alcoholism, drug abuse, parental abandonment, and chronic illness. 

Death at the Highland Loch by Lydia Travers - Book Review

Series: Lady Poppy Proudfoot #1

Publication Date: 19th May 2025 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: It was fun 

1924, Scotland 

Lady Poppy Proudfoot travels to the Highlands for a midsummer party, where a body turns up beside the loch. When Inspector MacKenzie doesn’t seem to take her seriously, Poppy jumps into action and decides to solve the case. 

Of course, another mystery grabs her attention - Lady Constance Balfour, the host, claims her diamond and emerald bracelet is stolen. Are the two events connected? Without more than enough suspects in the house party, Poppy has work cut out for her. 

The story comes in Poppy’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

While I didn’t particularly enjoy the first book of The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency series, I liked this better. 

The FMC is an almost 30-year-old rich widow with a university education and some social service during WWI to her name. This makes her quite entitled, which comes across clearly in her thoughts, actions, and reactions. 

You’ll have to be patient initially to get used to the FMC’s attitude. Yeah, she has quite a few flaws. However, these feel realistic and aligned with how the ladies with titles behaved back then. Makes it hard to like her immediately, but good for the character arc. 

There’s a large cast since a house party is going on, and more people pop up in Edinburgh, but I didn’t find it confusing. The key ones are easy enough to track. Gregor, the 14-year-old lad, is a delight to read. He adds a lot of humor and lightness to the story. 

The lady’s maid is a bit annoying, but I think that’s the intention. We also have two dogs, a chihuahua named Ollie and a Lab named Major. Major is the FMC’s dog, so he’ll be a recurring character. Yay! 

Inspector MacKenzie, the prospective love interest, is actually a decent guy. He shows much patience dealing with the FMC’s antics. He’ll need to be patient in the coming books, too! 

The mystery or mysteries, as such, are decent. I like how they don’t go into the tried and tested path but try something different. The reveal is believable, too. 

The characters from the previous series make an entry as both books are set in the same region, and they have overlapping social circles. 

We get enough descriptions of the highlands to imagine the beautiful place without getting distracted from the main plot. This keeps the pacing moderate and steady. 

To summarize, Death at the Highland Loch is a solid start to a new cozy mystery series with yet another female amateur sleuth. As I look forward to the next book, I hope the FMC’s arc shows some growth. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #DeathAtTheHighlandLoch

 

Sanskari Sweetheart by Ananya Devarajan - Book Review

Series: Book #2 (standalone after Kismat Connection) 

Publication Date: 20th May 2025

Genre: YA Romance, Own Voices 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Depends on your expectations 

Raina wants to win the National Bollywood Dance Circuit Scholarship to prove that dance is a stable career choice. She also wants to show that she and her boyfriend, Aditya, are still the perfect couple despite the current differences between them. However, Aditya breaks up with her, and the choreography for the event is a mess. 

Raina’s hopes for a do-over put her in a time loop where she repeats the same day again and again. Raina has to figure out what went wrong and fix it to fix the issues in her real life. But perfection may not be the only thing required! 

The story comes in Raina’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Before I start the review, I have to confess to laughing at the title. I like alliterations, but this one is so cheesy! Anyhoo! 

Though the book is presented as a standalone, it is the story of Raina, Madhuri’s younger sister, from Kismat Connection, the author’s debut novel. Reading book one might help familiarize oneself with her character arc and the family dynamics. 

In Kismat Connection, Raina and Aditya are the perfect couple (though they are teenagers). Raina was one of my favorite characters (I liked her more than Madhuri). Here, we see the actual Raina, whose zeal for perfection comes with a ton of insecurities and relationship disasters. 

We get straight to the conflict. The time loop starts early, which means there are eight of them before real life resumes. Luckily, the pacing is quite good. However, this is an advantage and a disadvantage. 

You will like the book more if your focus is on the time loop or Groundhog Day trope, where Raina tries to figure out how to fix the situation. However, you are likely to be disappointed if you want more elements about Indian American communities, families, or even the trending Bollywood dancing trope. That’s because the book is laser-focused on Raina’s character growth, and the other elements take a back seat. They are used only when necessary and discarded afterward. 

Raina’s arc is actually good. She learns a lot thanks to the time loop and understands how and where she went wrong. Aditya shows promise, but since he has been made the perfect boyfriend, there isn’t a chance for much growth. He is easy to like, so no complaints. 

I can also see an improvement in the writing style. This book is less clunky and has a smoother flow. Raina is flawed but not a red flag; something that didn’t work as it was supposed to in Kismat Connection. 

Now, my issue is with the rest of the details. Though it’s a dance competition, we don’t see a lot of it except for some formations and a couple of moves. Given how dance is integral to Raina’s life, using it as more than a foundation would have helped. Then, there’s that competitor who never got exposed for what she did. It doesn’t seem right that she gets away. Then, the roles of Raina’s mother and sister are severely limited when their presence could have enhanced the plot and added another layer to it. We still don’t know what’s troubling Madhuri. 

Though we get some typical competition between aunties and the ‘sanskari’ standards Raina has to deal with, they don’t add much to the plot. It feels superficial and stereotypical. 

While there are a few desi emotions and moments, the book doesn’t, as such, stand out among many others that ride the same wave. It’s just another Western book with Indian characters using a few known tropes. It could have been with any characters from a slightly conservative background, and would have read the same. 

To summarize, Sanskari Sweetheart is a decent sophomore novel dealing with YA romance. It has improved upon certain elements from the previous book, but it has a few issues of its own. Of course, I’d read more by the author. She shows promise and is a work in progress, just as she should be at this stage of her writing career. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #SanskariSweetheart

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PS: While the cover is cute, I don’t think it is accurate. Raina has long black curly hair (to her waist), and Aditya has thick black waves framing his face.