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Joining of Souls #1
Soulmated
Two souls. One Fate.
Eighteen-year-old Liam Whelan, an Irish royal empath, has been searching for his elusive soulmate. The rare union will cement his family's standing in empath politics and afford the couple legendary powers, while also making them targets of those seeking to oust them.
Laxshmi Kapadia, an Indian-American high school student from a traditional family, faces her mother's ultimatum: Graduate early and go to medical school, or commit to an arranged marriage.
When Liam moves next door to Laxshmi, he’s immediately and inexplicably drawn to her. In Liam, Laxshmi envisions a future with the freedom to follow her heart.
Liam's father isn't convinced Laxshmi is "The One" and Laxshmi's mother won't even let her talk to their handsome new neighbor. Will Liam and Laxshmi defy expectations and embrace a shared destiny? Or is the risk of choosing one's own fate too great a price for the soulmated?
Eighteen-year-old Liam Whelan, an Irish royal empath, has been searching for his elusive soulmate. The rare union will cement his family's standing in empath politics and afford the couple legendary powers, while also making them targets of those seeking to oust them.
Laxshmi Kapadia, an Indian-American high school student from a traditional family, faces her mother's ultimatum: Graduate early and go to medical school, or commit to an arranged marriage.
When Liam moves next door to Laxshmi, he’s immediately and inexplicably drawn to her. In Liam, Laxshmi envisions a future with the freedom to follow her heart.
Liam's father isn't convinced Laxshmi is "The One" and Laxshmi's mother won't even let her talk to their handsome new neighbor. Will Liam and Laxshmi defy expectations and embrace a shared destiny? Or is the risk of choosing one's own fate too great a price for the soulmated?
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2017
13 people are currently reading
2037 people want to read
About the author
Shaila Patel
5 books629 followersAs an unabashed lover of all things happily ever after, Shaila's younger self would finish reading Cinderella and fling her copy across the room because it didn't mention what happened next. Now she writes from her home in the Carolinas and dreams up all sorts of stories with epilogues and characters who look like her.
Her #ownvoices debut novel, Soulmated, won first place in the YA category of the 2015 Chanticleer Book Reviews Paranormal Awards, The Author's Circle 2017 YA Book of the Year, the RWA's FF&P's 2018 PRISM award for Best First Book and Best Young Adult Paranormal, and second place in the YARWA's ATHENA award for YA Paranormal. Fighting Fate and Enduring Destiny, Books 2 and 3, are out now!
A member of the Romance Writers of America, Shaila is a pharmacist by training, a medical office manager by day, and a writer by night. She enjoys traveling, craft beer, and teas, and loves reading books—especially in cozy window seats. You might find her sneaking in a few paragraphs at a red light or connecting with other readers online at:
www.ShailaPatelAuthor.com
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Her #ownvoices debut novel, Soulmated, won first place in the YA category of the 2015 Chanticleer Book Reviews Paranormal Awards, The Author's Circle 2017 YA Book of the Year, the RWA's FF&P's 2018 PRISM award for Best First Book and Best Young Adult Paranormal, and second place in the YARWA's ATHENA award for YA Paranormal. Fighting Fate and Enduring Destiny, Books 2 and 3, are out now!
A member of the Romance Writers of America, Shaila is a pharmacist by training, a medical office manager by day, and a writer by night. She enjoys traveling, craft beer, and teas, and loves reading books—especially in cozy window seats. You might find her sneaking in a few paragraphs at a red light or connecting with other readers online at:
www.ShailaPatelAuthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
June 11, 2019
Soulmated by Shaila Patel
Cliffhanger.
Book 1 in a young adult paranormal series Joining of Souls. Considered a romance but.....cliffhanger.
Subsequent books 2 and 3 are available.
Eighteen year old Liam is an empath from Ireland. After searching for many years, he believes he’s finally met his Soulmate, The One, Laxshmi. An Indian-American from North Carolina.
She’s a typical high school good girl. She follows her mother’s edicts for the most part, but has her own dreams. The two are instantly draw to each other and soon carry heartache when they are apart. But danger is near in the political world that Liam belongs to. Not everyone wants Liam to find his Soulmate.
It is a compelling read. The only thing that I didn’t care for were the typical up and down thoughts of Lucky throughout. “He likes me.” “He doesn’t like me.” “He likes me.” “He’s using me.” “He likes me.” I’m not a big fan of teen angst.
This book is the first in a series and as such, ends with issues unresolved.
Cliffhanger.
Book 1 in a young adult paranormal series Joining of Souls. Considered a romance but.....cliffhanger.
Subsequent books 2 and 3 are available.
Eighteen year old Liam is an empath from Ireland. After searching for many years, he believes he’s finally met his Soulmate, The One, Laxshmi. An Indian-American from North Carolina.
She’s a typical high school good girl. She follows her mother’s edicts for the most part, but has her own dreams. The two are instantly draw to each other and soon carry heartache when they are apart. But danger is near in the political world that Liam belongs to. Not everyone wants Liam to find his Soulmate.
It is a compelling read. The only thing that I didn’t care for were the typical up and down thoughts of Lucky throughout. “He likes me.” “He doesn’t like me.” “He likes me.” “He’s using me.” “He likes me.” I’m not a big fan of teen angst.
This book is the first in a series and as such, ends with issues unresolved.
October 31, 2016
SOULMATED (a YA Fantasy by Shaila Patel) is pure, delicious fun. If you're in the market for a wildly charming, funny and HOT Irish book boyfriend (with empathic powers!), then this book will put a very broad smile on your face. Hero Liam is on the hunt for his empathic soulmate. So far, he's struck out in his search. Lucky (a nickname for Laxshmi) is an Indian-American teen who isn't aware of her latent empathic powers (and who has a traditional mom who wants her only dating Indian boys). When Lucky & Liam meet, empathic powers are awakened and sparks fly right off the pages (oh my, do these two have chemistry - nice job, Shaila Patel ;) The side characters - Lucky's friends, Liam's warm, boisterous family, Lucky's overprotective but loving mom - are charmingly drawn. And the empath villain is evil enough to raise the stakes quite high - leaving me eagerly awaiting Book Two. I most highly recommend this delightful, romantic fantasy gem.
November 30, 2016
Imagine a guy so sensitive, so emotionally tuned in, that he knows exactly how you're feeling all the time without having to be told. It's a nice fantasy, right? Now imagine he's also devastatingly handsome and speaks with a cute Irish accent. Are you melting yet? This is Liam, the male POV in Soulmated, and he happens to be one of the most powerful empaths in the world. Liam comes to America in search of his soulmate, and he soon encounters Lucky, a highly relatable Indian girl who might just be the one. Sparks fly. Much kissing ensues... There's plenty of conflict and intrigue to keep the plot clicking along, but the chemistry between Liam and Lucky is the star of the show. Swoon!
February 7, 2017
Lakshmi loves to dance, but she's being pressured by her mother to either graduate high school early or submit to an arranged marriage. She's all but resigned to a life that isn't hers, but when gorgeous Liam and his family moved in two doors down, she can't help but thing outside the box her mother's set out for her. Liam is tired of following his father's visions in search of "The One" who will make his empathic powers unmatched in their secret world, but when he meets Lakshmi, he finds himself not caring if she's his destined match––he's smitten! With forces determined to stop Liam from achieving such power, Liam is torn between worlds. Lakshmi struggles with a parallel problem as she's pulled between her American life and her Indian mother's expectations and demands. When the two worlds collide and dangerous choices are made, neither of their lives will ever be the same. The ending left me wanting the next installment now!
SOULMATED was a fun read! First and foremost, I LOVED Lakshmi. She is a great heroine. She's strong, makes good decisions, and while she's swoony over Liam, she keeps her head and has the best comebacks for him. She's fantastic. As for Liam––oh my, Ms. Patel wrote that hot Irish accent perfectly. I was half in love with him after his first line of dialogue. *Sigh.* The romance is the central plot of this book, and the secrets and intrigue are woven in as both Liam and Lakshmi's relationship deepens. This book was a great beginning of an exciting YA paranormal romance series. I found myself wanting book 2 as soon as I was done!
I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
SOULMATED was a fun read! First and foremost, I LOVED Lakshmi. She is a great heroine. She's strong, makes good decisions, and while she's swoony over Liam, she keeps her head and has the best comebacks for him. She's fantastic. As for Liam––oh my, Ms. Patel wrote that hot Irish accent perfectly. I was half in love with him after his first line of dialogue. *Sigh.* The romance is the central plot of this book, and the secrets and intrigue are woven in as both Liam and Lakshmi's relationship deepens. This book was a great beginning of an exciting YA paranormal romance series. I found myself wanting book 2 as soon as I was done!
I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2017
Can I just say CHEMISTRY?! I haven't read a book with such sizzling, agonizing (in the best way possible) chemistry in a very long time. Lucky and Liam's connection was such a treat to follow throughout SOULMATED and I am actually dying for book 2. I read SOULMATED in a solid afternoon because I could not put it down. I'm warning you, Liam will soon reach the top of your book boyfriend list even from the first moment you meet him! If you're looking for a sizzling paranormal romance with complex characters, and a super hunky Irish love interest, SOULMATED is perfect for you.
February 5, 2017
I'm a sucker for a good love story, especially a cross-cultural one, and this is a good love story times a million. I loved Lucky, the Indian-American teen girl facing an arranged marriage. I loved Liam, the handsome Irish empath finding his way. The book was heart-warming and humorous and very, very swoon-worthy. If you're looking for a sweet escape, this is it. I fell headlong into Soulmated, and can't wait for the sequel!
October 31, 2016
Soulmated renews your faith in love. What a sweet story with two wonderfully rich characters. While Lucky falls in love, she struggles with her insecurities, her doubts, and her mother's overwhelming control. We experience her beautiful culture through her eyes and watch her balance her true Indian self with her westernized upbringing. Liam is sweet, heroic, and gorgeous (Hello, accent*waggles brows*) and he helps Lucky realize how great she is, that she fits in this world by his side. Even with enemies, faulty visions, and doubts these two come together in a beautiful, soaring romance.
December 30, 2016
Soulmated by Shaila Patel
Liam is an empath and a prince. He has just earned the responsibility of leading his royal house. Liam’s sense of duty to his family is strong, and though at times, his duty is in conflict with what he wants, he stands by his duty. Until he meets Lucky.
Lucky (Laxmi) has been given a choice for her future by her very traditional Indian mother. She can go to medical school or get married. Or she can get married and go to medical school. Either way, her mother will decide whom she marries and where she goes to medical school. Lucky is not pleased with any of these options, and it doesn’t get any easier for her after she meets Liam.
Forces that seem stronger than normal attraction draw Lucky and Liam to each other. But they are teenagers, and teenagers want what they want.
Join Lucky and Liam as they start this journey together. In a world of empaths and magic, true love is only the beginning.
Soulmated will capture you instantly. Ms. Patel has captured the Irish brogue in Liam with such detail, he easily comes off the page. Lucky’s experience as an Indian-American girl vacillating between two cultures is so true, you can smell the Indian spices cooking.
Liam and Lucky will draw you in and you will be unable to put this book down. I wait with great impatience for Ms. Patel’s second installment in the Joining of Souls series!
Liam is an empath and a prince. He has just earned the responsibility of leading his royal house. Liam’s sense of duty to his family is strong, and though at times, his duty is in conflict with what he wants, he stands by his duty. Until he meets Lucky.
Lucky (Laxmi) has been given a choice for her future by her very traditional Indian mother. She can go to medical school or get married. Or she can get married and go to medical school. Either way, her mother will decide whom she marries and where she goes to medical school. Lucky is not pleased with any of these options, and it doesn’t get any easier for her after she meets Liam.
Forces that seem stronger than normal attraction draw Lucky and Liam to each other. But they are teenagers, and teenagers want what they want.
Join Lucky and Liam as they start this journey together. In a world of empaths and magic, true love is only the beginning.
Soulmated will capture you instantly. Ms. Patel has captured the Irish brogue in Liam with such detail, he easily comes off the page. Lucky’s experience as an Indian-American girl vacillating between two cultures is so true, you can smell the Indian spices cooking.
Liam and Lucky will draw you in and you will be unable to put this book down. I wait with great impatience for Ms. Patel’s second installment in the Joining of Souls series!
October 27, 2016
Two teens getting parental pressure to fulfill their parent-chosen destiny: it’s a classic storyline, but Shaila Patel puts a fresh twist on it. Liam, an Irish royal empath, is getting pressure to find the one and fulfill his destiny in a soulmated union. Laxshmi, a first-generation Indian American high school student, is getting pressure from her mother to finish school early and get into a top college ASAP so she’ll be on track to finish medical school while she’s still got her looks and can land a husband! The two “crash into” each other in an ordinary suburb in Cary, North Carolina and sparks fly. Could Lucky be The One? Patel has a great ear for dialogue, and it’s so fun to watch as Lucky and Liam’s worlds collide. More than just another teen love story, this book is charged with imagination and all the interesting details and insights about crossing cultures in modern America. So smart, so many great lines and references. A delightful read..and their story is just getting started. Can't wait to see where this story goes next!
February 7, 2017
Ms. Shaila Patel is definitely on my radar!
Soulmated grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go! Liam is a prince and an empath. His father wants him to solidify a position on the council. The best way to do that? Find the one person you are DESTINED to be with. The problem, it conflicts with what Liam wants and feels.
Lucky has the two options of graduating early and going to the Medical school of her mother's choice or an arranged marriage to a guy of her mother's choice. Neither option are desirable.
Everything changes when Liam moves in next door to Lucky. Their chemistry is off the charts! The interaction between Lucky and Liam is breathtaking. Both have the weight of the world on their shoulders, with impossible options and high expectations from their parents. What are they to do?!
What I loved the most was reading about Lucky's and Liam's cultures. Each culture was rich and beautifully written. I look forward to the next installment!
- See more at: https://www.yainsider.com/b/soulmated...
Soulmated grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go! Liam is a prince and an empath. His father wants him to solidify a position on the council. The best way to do that? Find the one person you are DESTINED to be with. The problem, it conflicts with what Liam wants and feels.
Lucky has the two options of graduating early and going to the Medical school of her mother's choice or an arranged marriage to a guy of her mother's choice. Neither option are desirable.
Everything changes when Liam moves in next door to Lucky. Their chemistry is off the charts! The interaction between Lucky and Liam is breathtaking. Both have the weight of the world on their shoulders, with impossible options and high expectations from their parents. What are they to do?!
What I loved the most was reading about Lucky's and Liam's cultures. Each culture was rich and beautifully written. I look forward to the next installment!
- See more at: https://www.yainsider.com/b/soulmated...
November 21, 2016
This book! It's one of those that when you finish, you close it, and release a long, lovely sigh. I thoroughly enjoyed Lucky's and Liam's story. It was exciting and mysterious and utterly swoon-worthy (and, admittedly, it takes a lot to get me 'swooning'). The author wrote these characters beautifully with complexities and flaws and made them so very relatable--I was rooting for them the entire time. The setting was well thought-out and the strikingly different cultures of the main characters were woven throughout, becoming just as important a piece to the story as the plot. I tore through this novel and thought about it when I wasn't reading it. Shaila Patel kept me turning the pages and when I reached the end, she left me wanting more of Liam and Lucky's story! I'll be on the lookout for book 2. Would definitely recommend!
*I was allowed to read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book for an honest review*
*I was allowed to read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book for an honest review*
November 1, 2016
Soulmated by Shaila Patel is a colorful, romantic YA story with the combination I always love – real teenage life clashing with magical/paranormal life. Cross-cultural times two, the Irish boy with a magic lineage and the Indian American girl from a non-magical family; both struggling under their parents’ control but also threatened by something much bigger. Waiting for the next installment!
I received an ARC of this 2017 book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this 2017 book in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2016
I was given an ARC of SOULMATED and enjoyed every minute of it.
If you're looking for a modern day Romeo and Juliet with a flare of magic, look no further. SOULMATED has all the excitement of first love while delving deep into the lives of two different characters and their cultures. An Irish boy and an Indian girl. What could be more different and yet so similar. The fire is hot on this book, with a climatic end that'll make you weep waiting for the next one!
If you're looking for a modern day Romeo and Juliet with a flare of magic, look no further. SOULMATED has all the excitement of first love while delving deep into the lives of two different characters and their cultures. An Irish boy and an Indian girl. What could be more different and yet so similar. The fire is hot on this book, with a climatic end that'll make you weep waiting for the next one!
November 2, 2016
I love, love, loved this book. I hate giving anything away in reviews so just know that there is love,poetry, magic, dancing and gorgeous writing involved. The only thing I don't like-- waiting for book #2!!!!
November 10, 2017
This is a very incredible story. I have enjoyed and felt all the tingling that Lucky and Liam felt. I felt like I was a teenager again. This book brought back memories of being carefree, reckless and with no responsibilities. When life was easier, full of hope and dreams that are within reach.
This is a story of finding your soulmate which is what everyone wants. It is so full of hope that out of the 6 billion people in the world, there is that one person who is meant for you and you alone. One who will share your life, dreams, hopes and aspirations until you both grow wrinkly and arthritic. It's a story with a hint of a fairy tale and paranormal. Add in the cultural mix with a solidly establish background which spans generations made the story even more plausible and believable. It seemed like this was too good that it might just be real.
This is an amazingly written story that had caught me in its magic and I don't want to be released. It had me very involved and it felt like I have a stake in the story of Lucky and Liam. It felt like I will definitely be disappointed if these two won't work out. It was both exciting and scary to eventually find out what awaited these two or if there could be a couple at the end of the story.
The end was a deadly cliffhanger. Though it hinted of a very tiny spark of hope that everything might just be alright for these two and the rest of the Royal Empaths. At the same time, danger lurks in the shadows and a very vicious man is planning their downfall. I can't wait for the next book. It promises a more exciting and intense turn of events. Congratulations Shaila Patel for this first baby. You have definitely done it.
I give the book 5/5 books of poetry. This is definitely a must-read book and Shaila Patel is an author to watch out for.
And wings that leave their cages
Find a love to span the ages
Find it in yourself to push aside your fears and spread your wings
With all the love of a father could have
- Shaila Patel, Soulmated -
This is a story of finding your soulmate which is what everyone wants. It is so full of hope that out of the 6 billion people in the world, there is that one person who is meant for you and you alone. One who will share your life, dreams, hopes and aspirations until you both grow wrinkly and arthritic. It's a story with a hint of a fairy tale and paranormal. Add in the cultural mix with a solidly establish background which spans generations made the story even more plausible and believable. It seemed like this was too good that it might just be real.
This is an amazingly written story that had caught me in its magic and I don't want to be released. It had me very involved and it felt like I have a stake in the story of Lucky and Liam. It felt like I will definitely be disappointed if these two won't work out. It was both exciting and scary to eventually find out what awaited these two or if there could be a couple at the end of the story.
The end was a deadly cliffhanger. Though it hinted of a very tiny spark of hope that everything might just be alright for these two and the rest of the Royal Empaths. At the same time, danger lurks in the shadows and a very vicious man is planning their downfall. I can't wait for the next book. It promises a more exciting and intense turn of events. Congratulations Shaila Patel for this first baby. You have definitely done it.
I give the book 5/5 books of poetry. This is definitely a must-read book and Shaila Patel is an author to watch out for.
And wings that leave their cages
Find a love to span the ages
Find it in yourself to push aside your fears and spread your wings
With all the love of a father could have
- Shaila Patel, Soulmated -
November 3, 2016
WOW! I loved it!!!
This is an exceptional story.
Two unique people from two very different cultures come together in as beautiful of a way as I've ever read. I love YA Paranormal Romance, especially when an author takes me on a journey I don't want to break away from. The pacing in this book is well done. The cast of characters are deeply drawn. The story, despite the paranormal aspect, is believeable. I couldn't stop myself from turning page after page, and honestly got looks as I snuck in some reading time while at a wedding reception.
I loved Lucky. "With everyone else, I was someone specific—a dancer, an Indian girl, an American, a daugher—but with Liam, I was no one in particular. I was just me. And for the first time, I had a million colors to choose from. The only problem was the giant eraser in the form of my mother downstairs."
I pulled so hard for her. She so much wants to fit in. But can she? She is rather special.
As is Liam...sigh...OMG!!
I loved him—his charm, his protective nature, his empath abilities. I can't wait for more of these two!
Ms. Patel doesn't just tell you the story. She shows it to you with rhythm and beauty. You feel it. You experience it. You will beg her for more. I did.
Will there be a Joining of Souls? Or will someone, or something, interfere with destiny?
SOULMATED by Shaila Patel is a must read for all who love YA Paranormal Romance. I more than loved it!
This is an exceptional story.
Two unique people from two very different cultures come together in as beautiful of a way as I've ever read. I love YA Paranormal Romance, especially when an author takes me on a journey I don't want to break away from. The pacing in this book is well done. The cast of characters are deeply drawn. The story, despite the paranormal aspect, is believeable. I couldn't stop myself from turning page after page, and honestly got looks as I snuck in some reading time while at a wedding reception.
I loved Lucky. "With everyone else, I was someone specific—a dancer, an Indian girl, an American, a daugher—but with Liam, I was no one in particular. I was just me. And for the first time, I had a million colors to choose from. The only problem was the giant eraser in the form of my mother downstairs."
I pulled so hard for her. She so much wants to fit in. But can she? She is rather special.
As is Liam...sigh...OMG!!
I loved him—his charm, his protective nature, his empath abilities. I can't wait for more of these two!
Ms. Patel doesn't just tell you the story. She shows it to you with rhythm and beauty. You feel it. You experience it. You will beg her for more. I did.
Will there be a Joining of Souls? Or will someone, or something, interfere with destiny?
SOULMATED by Shaila Patel is a must read for all who love YA Paranormal Romance. I more than loved it!
February 7, 2017
Ready, set, swoon! I won't be posting my full review until 02/02 as part of Soulmated's blog tour. But if you like books that feature all-encompassing love stories, be sure to pick this one up!
February 7, 2017
Will be putting up review on February 3rd for ARC TOURRR THANK YOU SHAILA AND 9 MONTH BOOKS FOR LETTING ME DO THISSS.
Hiya Guys Welcome to the Nether! Today I have the honor and privilege of reviewing Soulmated by Shaila Patel! Thank you Shaila and 9MonthBooks for letting me review this in the book tour ! LETS GET STARTED SHALL WE? If you want to see the FULL POST for the Tour go to Netherreads.tumblr.com to see!
Point 1: I always start with the romance of the novel- and since this book is mostly about the romance of the said characters this is going to be a easy point to talk out with you guys. I, to be honest, at first thought that the instant connection between the two main characters, Lucky and Liam, was kind of a instant connection. Granted you guys probably know that is one of my biggest turn offs when it comes to paranormal romances- but that does not mean that I can’t like it in some cases. Shaila took the time to explain to me the magical connection between the two characters- which is some type of force that makes them instantly connected to each other. Granted I don’t believe that this book reads more like a FANTASY it reads more like a CONTEMPORARY romance where the two characters meet and start developing a relationship. I personally liked that the two characters were so different from each other. As you can see in the summery I just gave you guys- Liam is a Prince from Ireland and Lucky is a Indian American. The two seem to click very early in the novel and they seem to joke a lot with one another. The book seems to establish the romance early on- and then proceeds to go into detail about why they like each other. I wish there was more cute-sy scenes within the novel- but what can you do. LADYBUGS IN CLEAVAGE ARE NICE THOUGH…Ladybugs in cleavage.
Point 2: This is where I am going to get into the actual plot of the story. This book is told by two points of view- Lucky and Liams. Liams is more on the magical political side- and Lucky’s is more realistic. I actually liked Lucky side of the story slightly better because I liked learning about the Indian culture a bit. Lucky talks about her mother and how she is so strict on what is in store for Lucky’s future. Her mother also seems to not like white people for some reason ((this is actually unexplained- but that is why she doesn’t want Lucky dating Liam)). This is normal in Indian Cultures- not the racist part but the cultural part. Usually, girls especially, would be subjected to what the parents desire of them. Usually this involves arrange marriages- which Lucky is does get constantly harped on about. Liam recognizes the strictness about Indian parents- but he does not know about the arrange marriage as of this book. Liam side of the story consists of his father harping on him about finding his empath before the Elders do- something about his aunt too trying to help them by going to a library where she is not suppose to go. I think it is pretty different for the most part. Granted I gotten confused about it until Shaila explained it to me better- but mostly Liam has to find his soulmate in order to be a part of this political circle of Elders back in Ireland. I guess with their soulmate it makes it easier for them to channel their powers. Being in a empath with someone only comes every several generations, and the only people who know about the empath are physics who have visions about them. ((this is what I got from reading the beginning)) Liam’s father, Patrick, is a physic- and he starts having visions about Liam having a empath. There the family ((his mom and dad- and Liam)) go to America ((where Patrick seems to be having these visions about)) to find a Indian girl who suppose to be Liam’s Soulmate. Liam has dated about four to six girls in the past ((all looking a like)) but finds out within a year non of them are his soulmate. When he meets Lucky all of his emotions start to change- and the connection is REAL. This makes it so he knows he found his soulmate- and most of this book is about him developing a relationship with Lucky and a little bit about the politics around the empath. There is also the Elders ((technically the bad guys of the story)), who are already in the circle - and are trying to find the empath as well. Some are trying to take Lucky for their own ((because they want to power)). Will Liam be able to protect Lucky from the Elders? APPARENTLY THAT IS IN BOOK 2!
Point 3: The side characters- I wish there was a little more development within them, but in terms of this book they aren’t really the main event so I will let it pass. Shiney and Jack are cool additions- I think that they add some comic relief to the tale. I like that the Lucky’s mother,Moria ((I hope that’s how you spell her name)), is very strict and wanting only the best for her daughter. Lucky’s father is dead- but you can see the connection Lucky had with him even though he is gone. Liam’s Mother and Father probably have the most spotlight out of all the side characters in the tale- maybe because Liam has a better connection with his parents than Lucky has with her mother. I think Liam’s Mother is a sweetie I liked her. Would I call the Elders side characters? Probably not- I would call them main antagonists. They seem to always want to know what Liam is doing and when he is doing it. Liam wants to protect Lucky from them but with their powers he seems to ultimately fail at that. We will see what happens with that because Shaila doesn’t go into extreme detail about what they truly are and what are some of their intentions.
Point 4: I would say the writing is very riviting- it seemed to flow nicely together in the story. Like I said I am treating this more like a contemporary with some fantasy elements so I would say the writing is well sorted for a love story about a girl and a boy with many issues surrounding them. I was slightly confused about what was hurting Lucky be the end of the novel- like they were being ‘soulmated’ together and all the sudden a magical force was like swinging her around and I was kind of confused on that part- but I would say it overall made sense that Liam wanted to stay away until he found out how to safely empath with her without hurting her. I thought that was a truly noble thing to do specially when his literal life was to find a girl to soulmate with for power. Good job Liam!
In Conclusion I am going to give Soulmated a 4 star rating for being different and for actually teaching me about certain things in Indian culture. I liked that she danced a traditional dance I like that they fell in love on their own terms. It is a pretty different book overall and I would hope you guys would want to pick it up for your own enjoyment.
Hiya Guys Welcome to the Nether! Today I have the honor and privilege of reviewing Soulmated by Shaila Patel! Thank you Shaila and 9MonthBooks for letting me review this in the book tour ! LETS GET STARTED SHALL WE? If you want to see the FULL POST for the Tour go to Netherreads.tumblr.com to see!
Point 1: I always start with the romance of the novel- and since this book is mostly about the romance of the said characters this is going to be a easy point to talk out with you guys. I, to be honest, at first thought that the instant connection between the two main characters, Lucky and Liam, was kind of a instant connection. Granted you guys probably know that is one of my biggest turn offs when it comes to paranormal romances- but that does not mean that I can’t like it in some cases. Shaila took the time to explain to me the magical connection between the two characters- which is some type of force that makes them instantly connected to each other. Granted I don’t believe that this book reads more like a FANTASY it reads more like a CONTEMPORARY romance where the two characters meet and start developing a relationship. I personally liked that the two characters were so different from each other. As you can see in the summery I just gave you guys- Liam is a Prince from Ireland and Lucky is a Indian American. The two seem to click very early in the novel and they seem to joke a lot with one another. The book seems to establish the romance early on- and then proceeds to go into detail about why they like each other. I wish there was more cute-sy scenes within the novel- but what can you do. LADYBUGS IN CLEAVAGE ARE NICE THOUGH…Ladybugs in cleavage.
Point 2: This is where I am going to get into the actual plot of the story. This book is told by two points of view- Lucky and Liams. Liams is more on the magical political side- and Lucky’s is more realistic. I actually liked Lucky side of the story slightly better because I liked learning about the Indian culture a bit. Lucky talks about her mother and how she is so strict on what is in store for Lucky’s future. Her mother also seems to not like white people for some reason ((this is actually unexplained- but that is why she doesn’t want Lucky dating Liam)). This is normal in Indian Cultures- not the racist part but the cultural part. Usually, girls especially, would be subjected to what the parents desire of them. Usually this involves arrange marriages- which Lucky is does get constantly harped on about. Liam recognizes the strictness about Indian parents- but he does not know about the arrange marriage as of this book. Liam side of the story consists of his father harping on him about finding his empath before the Elders do- something about his aunt too trying to help them by going to a library where she is not suppose to go. I think it is pretty different for the most part. Granted I gotten confused about it until Shaila explained it to me better- but mostly Liam has to find his soulmate in order to be a part of this political circle of Elders back in Ireland. I guess with their soulmate it makes it easier for them to channel their powers. Being in a empath with someone only comes every several generations, and the only people who know about the empath are physics who have visions about them. ((this is what I got from reading the beginning)) Liam’s father, Patrick, is a physic- and he starts having visions about Liam having a empath. There the family ((his mom and dad- and Liam)) go to America ((where Patrick seems to be having these visions about)) to find a Indian girl who suppose to be Liam’s Soulmate. Liam has dated about four to six girls in the past ((all looking a like)) but finds out within a year non of them are his soulmate. When he meets Lucky all of his emotions start to change- and the connection is REAL. This makes it so he knows he found his soulmate- and most of this book is about him developing a relationship with Lucky and a little bit about the politics around the empath. There is also the Elders ((technically the bad guys of the story)), who are already in the circle - and are trying to find the empath as well. Some are trying to take Lucky for their own ((because they want to power)). Will Liam be able to protect Lucky from the Elders? APPARENTLY THAT IS IN BOOK 2!
Point 3: The side characters- I wish there was a little more development within them, but in terms of this book they aren’t really the main event so I will let it pass. Shiney and Jack are cool additions- I think that they add some comic relief to the tale. I like that the Lucky’s mother,Moria ((I hope that’s how you spell her name)), is very strict and wanting only the best for her daughter. Lucky’s father is dead- but you can see the connection Lucky had with him even though he is gone. Liam’s Mother and Father probably have the most spotlight out of all the side characters in the tale- maybe because Liam has a better connection with his parents than Lucky has with her mother. I think Liam’s Mother is a sweetie I liked her. Would I call the Elders side characters? Probably not- I would call them main antagonists. They seem to always want to know what Liam is doing and when he is doing it. Liam wants to protect Lucky from them but with their powers he seems to ultimately fail at that. We will see what happens with that because Shaila doesn’t go into extreme detail about what they truly are and what are some of their intentions.
Point 4: I would say the writing is very riviting- it seemed to flow nicely together in the story. Like I said I am treating this more like a contemporary with some fantasy elements so I would say the writing is well sorted for a love story about a girl and a boy with many issues surrounding them. I was slightly confused about what was hurting Lucky be the end of the novel- like they were being ‘soulmated’ together and all the sudden a magical force was like swinging her around and I was kind of confused on that part- but I would say it overall made sense that Liam wanted to stay away until he found out how to safely empath with her without hurting her. I thought that was a truly noble thing to do specially when his literal life was to find a girl to soulmate with for power. Good job Liam!
In Conclusion I am going to give Soulmated a 4 star rating for being different and for actually teaching me about certain things in Indian culture. I liked that she danced a traditional dance I like that they fell in love on their own terms. It is a pretty different book overall and I would hope you guys would want to pick it up for your own enjoyment.
January 17, 2017
Read as an E-ARC, but I need the book in my hands so I can re-read the bits I want to find.
So I adored Lucky and Liam. I love cross cultural romances like this because everything is so new to each of the characters it adds a fabulous layer to the story. They also both struggle to protect the other from their families and for completely different reasons. Author Patel keeps the romantic tension so tight you feel it could break any second, and I loved it until the end. Then I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
So I adored Lucky and Liam. I love cross cultural romances like this because everything is so new to each of the characters it adds a fabulous layer to the story. They also both struggle to protect the other from their families and for completely different reasons. Author Patel keeps the romantic tension so tight you feel it could break any second, and I loved it until the end. Then I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
January 24, 2017
Ohhhh, how I loved this book! It was just an awesome YA paranormal romance. I happen to be a huge fan of Indian fiction, *and* I have always wanted to visit Ireland and adore all things Irish, so it was like the perfect blend of cultures for me! In my opinion, that’s one of the strongest things about the book - the fact that Ms. Patel begins the blending of two rather distinct and “old” cultures, and does it so well. Meanwhile, although Laxshmi is Indian American and Liam is Irish, the book is set in North Carolina, my home state, which pretty immediately endeared me to it! I didn’t realize until I started the book and read something about “Wake County Schools” that it was set in NC, and in fact just down the road, one county over from my own. While there’s not a ton of name-dropping of places in the area, it was so comfortable to me, and it was obvious that Ms. Patel knows the area (of course I immediately looked to the end and discovered she lives here herself!). And there was enough reference to local places as well as to other areas of the state that you don’t feel like you’re in some generic Anytown, USA. Although the mix of Irish and Indian cultures in the middle of the southern US state of North Carolina might sound weird at first, trust me, it works!
The characters were fantastic, so well-written and fleshed out. I am a sucker for an Irish boy, and Liam was absolutely drool-worthy… just, WOW. Ms. Patel had his voice down to an a T, and I spent the whole time convinced that her husband HAD to be Irish and that must be why she could so convincingly write his character. (I think I’m wrong about that, though, as she mentions in the acknowledgements that she dragged her husband and son to Ireland for research. And here I thought she was writing about herself (Lucky) and her hubs (Liam)! Oh well, even if it’s not true, she had me hook, line, and sinker!) Laxshmi, aka Lucky, unlike some female leads I’ve read before (especially in YA), is both good - basically a goody-two-shoes - *and* endearing. She’s earnest, focused, and on the whole a rule-follower - a good, traditional Indian daughter - and yet also makes you completely fall in love with her and root for her against all odds. Liam’s parents are quirky and adorable, and it was a delight to actually see them on the page a fair amount; they are an integral part of Liam’s story, even if he is 18 years old and newly-appointed ruler of his royal Irish empath family. Lucky’s dad has passed, but her mom is just perfectly written. Perfectly! I could hear her voice in my head every time she spoke, accent and all (just like with Liam), and it’s clear that although she’s a tough, traditional Indian mother, she always does what she believes to be in Lucky’s best interests. As a parent, I understood her, even if I didn’t always agree with her.
As I mentioned earlier, the budding romance between Lucky and Liam is the kind that gives the reader butterflies while reading, just as you can imagine the characters feeling; you find yourself smiling right along with them, feeling the ache of being apart, and remembering the unique emotions of falling in love, especially for the first time. The sexual tension fairly leaps off the page, while remaining appropriate for a YA book; they don’t do anything beyond kissing, and yet you can almost feel the tingling they experience when they touch. I truly did not want the story to end, and I am now already eagerly anticipating book two! I will say, I went back and forth on whether to rate this 4 stars or 5, and the reason I went with 4 is because - and I’m truly nitpicking here - the ending felt a little rushed to me. It was kind of like… “wait, that’s it?!” I can’t say much more without spoiling it, but suffice it to say I was confused about the joining, what exactly was happening to them physically, and why Liam made the choice he did. I think you’ll see what I mean when you get there. It’s also a cliffhanger, though not as bad as some I’ve read where you’re literally left with the characters dangling off a cliff, and I had hoped for some sort of more concrete resolution to this first part of the story.
However, lest I leave you with even an inkling of a negative reaction, let me say again that overall I absolutely adored this book, from the concept to the characters to the execution, and I am now a big fan of Ms. Patel! Her writing is so polished, and it’s clear that she truly took the time to write, edit, re-write, edit some more, rinse and repeat. You can just tell when an author really puts the time into not just developing the idea and the characters and the plot, but in the actual craft of writing, and that is clearly the case here. I highly recommend Soulmated to any and all fans of YA paranormal romance and/or contemporary, and if you’re someone who doesn’t normally pick up paranormal, please don’t let that stop you from reading this! There are absolutely zero vampires, werewolves, witches, trolls, goblins, zombies, or paranormal “creatures” of any kind, just normal humans with a special empathic ability. It reads much more like a contemporary with a bit of “somethin’ special” thrown in that heightens the feelings between our hero and heroine, so don’t be afraid that you’re going to see monsters! I really hope you’ll give Soulmated a try, and if you do, please let me know what you think. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Rating: It’s 4 feckin’ stars I’ll be leavin’, yeah? ;-)
The characters were fantastic, so well-written and fleshed out. I am a sucker for an Irish boy, and Liam was absolutely drool-worthy… just, WOW. Ms. Patel had his voice down to an a T, and I spent the whole time convinced that her husband HAD to be Irish and that must be why she could so convincingly write his character. (I think I’m wrong about that, though, as she mentions in the acknowledgements that she dragged her husband and son to Ireland for research. And here I thought she was writing about herself (Lucky) and her hubs (Liam)! Oh well, even if it’s not true, she had me hook, line, and sinker!) Laxshmi, aka Lucky, unlike some female leads I’ve read before (especially in YA), is both good - basically a goody-two-shoes - *and* endearing. She’s earnest, focused, and on the whole a rule-follower - a good, traditional Indian daughter - and yet also makes you completely fall in love with her and root for her against all odds. Liam’s parents are quirky and adorable, and it was a delight to actually see them on the page a fair amount; they are an integral part of Liam’s story, even if he is 18 years old and newly-appointed ruler of his royal Irish empath family. Lucky’s dad has passed, but her mom is just perfectly written. Perfectly! I could hear her voice in my head every time she spoke, accent and all (just like with Liam), and it’s clear that although she’s a tough, traditional Indian mother, she always does what she believes to be in Lucky’s best interests. As a parent, I understood her, even if I didn’t always agree with her.
As I mentioned earlier, the budding romance between Lucky and Liam is the kind that gives the reader butterflies while reading, just as you can imagine the characters feeling; you find yourself smiling right along with them, feeling the ache of being apart, and remembering the unique emotions of falling in love, especially for the first time. The sexual tension fairly leaps off the page, while remaining appropriate for a YA book; they don’t do anything beyond kissing, and yet you can almost feel the tingling they experience when they touch. I truly did not want the story to end, and I am now already eagerly anticipating book two! I will say, I went back and forth on whether to rate this 4 stars or 5, and the reason I went with 4 is because - and I’m truly nitpicking here - the ending felt a little rushed to me. It was kind of like… “wait, that’s it?!” I can’t say much more without spoiling it, but suffice it to say I was confused about the joining, what exactly was happening to them physically, and why Liam made the choice he did. I think you’ll see what I mean when you get there. It’s also a cliffhanger, though not as bad as some I’ve read where you’re literally left with the characters dangling off a cliff, and I had hoped for some sort of more concrete resolution to this first part of the story.
However, lest I leave you with even an inkling of a negative reaction, let me say again that overall I absolutely adored this book, from the concept to the characters to the execution, and I am now a big fan of Ms. Patel! Her writing is so polished, and it’s clear that she truly took the time to write, edit, re-write, edit some more, rinse and repeat. You can just tell when an author really puts the time into not just developing the idea and the characters and the plot, but in the actual craft of writing, and that is clearly the case here. I highly recommend Soulmated to any and all fans of YA paranormal romance and/or contemporary, and if you’re someone who doesn’t normally pick up paranormal, please don’t let that stop you from reading this! There are absolutely zero vampires, werewolves, witches, trolls, goblins, zombies, or paranormal “creatures” of any kind, just normal humans with a special empathic ability. It reads much more like a contemporary with a bit of “somethin’ special” thrown in that heightens the feelings between our hero and heroine, so don’t be afraid that you’re going to see monsters! I really hope you’ll give Soulmated a try, and if you do, please let me know what you think. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Rating: It’s 4 feckin’ stars I’ll be leavin’, yeah? ;-)
May 12, 2017
this book was amazing. I flew through it but at the same time held off on finishing. And that ending!! Also, I need Liam to be real b/c he's officially my new fav book bf <3
February 6, 2017
I got this a a ARC and at first I just couldn't get into it but once the main characters met it became more lively! I really didn't want this book to end! It is written so well and I can't wait for the next book! I believe this book came out Jan 24, 2017 and I recommend this book to everyone who loves romance and YA books! ❤
February 3, 2017
I don't read a lot of romance, but I might start now. Shaila Patel's YA debut, SOULMATED is the right blend of great characters, real-life obstacles, and love. I adored both Liam and Laxshmi - and was hooked by the alternating points of view. I can't wait to read the next installment in this will they/won't they saga.
February 1, 2017
LOVED this! Highly recommended.
October 6, 2017
I'm not even a contemporary romance reader, but this book had me so hooked that I read it in one sitting! Well done!
In Patel's debut Urban fantasy, 18-year-old Liam is one of a long line of Empaths who have an entire society hidden from the public eye. Not only is he the newly appointed head of his clan and one of the most powerful Empaths alive, but he is also fated to be "soulmated," - a rare phenomenon that promises him vague and unimaginable power. The only problem is that he has to find her.
Thanks to his dad's premonitions, Liam knows a few details, including that she is Indian American. So for the final year, Liam is starting a new high school and dating a new girl, but Laxshmi "Lucky" Kapadia doesn't seem like all the other girls, and for the first time, she checks off every one of Liam's father's premonitions. Could she be "The One?"
Soulmated was the perfect balance of urban fantasy and contemporary romance! For a so-called paranormal fantasy, I tend to expect something vaguely descended from Twilight, but the idea of Empaths was a unique and refreshing foray into the genre for me! Liam's early chapters lay the groundwork for the world of this series without bogging the plot down too much. And meanwhile, we get Lucky's narration of a normal American girl to snap us back into the normalcy of the world.
Liam is a fairly typical male love interest (I supposed as a female reader I'm supposed to be swooning), but I didn't find his predictability too boring. Lucky was the character I found to be really amazing. She's quirky but level headed. Her narration has plenty of girlish squeeling and "oh my god does he like me or not," but in a very realistic and rational way that really reflected the mind of a 16-year-old girl.
The really unique thing that this had for Urban fantasy was so much real-world culture building. I have no idea how accurate the Irish side was for Liam, but the author used her experience as a woman of Indian descent to craft a beautifully complex coming of age story as Lucky grapples with cultural expectations and her identity as an "Americanized" teenager.
The colliding of their worlds was great. Liam, who has been searching for his mystical soulmate his whole life, has suddenly realized the implications of pulling someone he loves into the dangers of his world. Meanwhile, Lucky doesn't know whether to trust her heart to a mysterious boy full of secrets when she has been told her whole life not to trust anyone outside of her culture. Aside from the whole fated soulmate thing, they are the perfect foils to each other in growing up and figuring out their own identities.
Major kudos to this debut author! I'll be keeping an eye out for her work!
In Patel's debut Urban fantasy, 18-year-old Liam is one of a long line of Empaths who have an entire society hidden from the public eye. Not only is he the newly appointed head of his clan and one of the most powerful Empaths alive, but he is also fated to be "soulmated," - a rare phenomenon that promises him vague and unimaginable power. The only problem is that he has to find her.
Thanks to his dad's premonitions, Liam knows a few details, including that she is Indian American. So for the final year, Liam is starting a new high school and dating a new girl, but Laxshmi "Lucky" Kapadia doesn't seem like all the other girls, and for the first time, she checks off every one of Liam's father's premonitions. Could she be "The One?"
Soulmated was the perfect balance of urban fantasy and contemporary romance! For a so-called paranormal fantasy, I tend to expect something vaguely descended from Twilight, but the idea of Empaths was a unique and refreshing foray into the genre for me! Liam's early chapters lay the groundwork for the world of this series without bogging the plot down too much. And meanwhile, we get Lucky's narration of a normal American girl to snap us back into the normalcy of the world.
Liam is a fairly typical male love interest (I supposed as a female reader I'm supposed to be swooning), but I didn't find his predictability too boring. Lucky was the character I found to be really amazing. She's quirky but level headed. Her narration has plenty of girlish squeeling and "oh my god does he like me or not," but in a very realistic and rational way that really reflected the mind of a 16-year-old girl.
The really unique thing that this had for Urban fantasy was so much real-world culture building. I have no idea how accurate the Irish side was for Liam, but the author used her experience as a woman of Indian descent to craft a beautifully complex coming of age story as Lucky grapples with cultural expectations and her identity as an "Americanized" teenager.
The colliding of their worlds was great. Liam, who has been searching for his mystical soulmate his whole life, has suddenly realized the implications of pulling someone he loves into the dangers of his world. Meanwhile, Lucky doesn't know whether to trust her heart to a mysterious boy full of secrets when she has been told her whole life not to trust anyone outside of her culture. Aside from the whole fated soulmate thing, they are the perfect foils to each other in growing up and figuring out their own identities.
Major kudos to this debut author! I'll be keeping an eye out for her work!
April 3, 2017
A new twist on soulmates, “Soulmated” is the first in the paranormal YA “Joining of Souls” series and full of exciting ups and downs, mixed cultures, and world building.
Read full review in the 2017 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 31, 2017
This review was originally posted on my blog Gentle Fingerprints.
Can we talk about how great it is that YA literature is making a push for diverse books? I feel it so important to learn about other people’s culture, as well as seeing things from their world, through their eyes. And to have diverse books written by diverse people? Hello, world! We’re making changes! Can we also talk about how this book ripped out my heart at the cliffhanger at the end and is now holding it until Book 2 is out? That’s a real thing.
This book was a ton of fun to read. Shaila Patel’s descriptions are so vivid, I felt like I was there: that the characters emotions and confusion was MY emotions and confusion. I could see the world and could almost touch it. The book is written from both Liam’s and Laxshmi’s points of view, each chapter switching the narration. This was perfect for this story, and I could really understand each point of view and get deeply immersed in each person’s culture and families. It was fun to read Liam’s chapters in his Irish accent, and I even learned some of his language when looking words up. The text was even more interactive than this, though. (What? How could it be? I’ll tell you if you’ll stop being impatient.) Patel has also created a Pinterest board and a music playlist for readers to really dive head first in the story. This is a pretty cool trend happening in YA, but it makes me a little concerned that it will cause the book to lose relevance down the road, as does brand dropping in YA.
Now, I’m not a love-at-first-sight kinda gal, so I appreciate the magical elements behind it, rather than just another cheesy love story. It made it more believable and caused me to root for the characters more. The magical world fit so seamlessly into reality, there was no reason for unbelief. Plus, Liam says kind of cute things when he’s in love: “She needed me, and it gave me hope. The sort of hope that cured diseases and stopped wars” p. 240. But sometimes the scenes between Liam and Laxshmi were just: HELLO, HORMONES!
I love the multi-cultural aspects, including the Indian-American culture of Laxshmi’s family, the Irish culture of Liam’s family, as well as the culture of this magical world that Liam’s family is a part of. The cultural aspects of this book are the foundation that the story is built on and the selling point of the whole book. Throughout Soulmated, Laxshmi and Liam both are struggling to learn how to create their own futures, to fight for their own dreams, while respecting their parents, and their parents’ desires for their children to pass on and live through their cultural norms. This is a typical stage of life for teenagers in high school—boy oh boy, do I remember going through that. Patel makes this very relatable, real experience even more interesting by showing the way it affects a diverse type of teenagers. Teenagers need to be able to see themselves in their books, but they also need to learn how to have an empathetic viewpoint of differences between people of different backgrounds, experiences, dreams, and ultimately, characteristics. Books like these are important.
I am a huge fan of fantasy in YA, specifically because there’s the ability to deal with real things that people go through, but through a lens of the magical, the dangerous, and the stretched imagination. Fantasy and the paranormal allows for ideas to be ideas, allows for the readers to explore different perspectives and experiences, while being engaged through the magical storytelling. Soulmated takes a look at first love, searching for your future, and learning how to relate to your parents as you approach a time in life where you have to make your own decisions, and relating to people who are different than you, all through an engaging lens of magical culture.
Can we talk about how great it is that YA literature is making a push for diverse books? I feel it so important to learn about other people’s culture, as well as seeing things from their world, through their eyes. And to have diverse books written by diverse people? Hello, world! We’re making changes! Can we also talk about how this book ripped out my heart at the cliffhanger at the end and is now holding it until Book 2 is out? That’s a real thing.
This book was a ton of fun to read. Shaila Patel’s descriptions are so vivid, I felt like I was there: that the characters emotions and confusion was MY emotions and confusion. I could see the world and could almost touch it. The book is written from both Liam’s and Laxshmi’s points of view, each chapter switching the narration. This was perfect for this story, and I could really understand each point of view and get deeply immersed in each person’s culture and families. It was fun to read Liam’s chapters in his Irish accent, and I even learned some of his language when looking words up. The text was even more interactive than this, though. (What? How could it be? I’ll tell you if you’ll stop being impatient.) Patel has also created a Pinterest board and a music playlist for readers to really dive head first in the story. This is a pretty cool trend happening in YA, but it makes me a little concerned that it will cause the book to lose relevance down the road, as does brand dropping in YA.
Now, I’m not a love-at-first-sight kinda gal, so I appreciate the magical elements behind it, rather than just another cheesy love story. It made it more believable and caused me to root for the characters more. The magical world fit so seamlessly into reality, there was no reason for unbelief. Plus, Liam says kind of cute things when he’s in love: “She needed me, and it gave me hope. The sort of hope that cured diseases and stopped wars” p. 240. But sometimes the scenes between Liam and Laxshmi were just: HELLO, HORMONES!
I love the multi-cultural aspects, including the Indian-American culture of Laxshmi’s family, the Irish culture of Liam’s family, as well as the culture of this magical world that Liam’s family is a part of. The cultural aspects of this book are the foundation that the story is built on and the selling point of the whole book. Throughout Soulmated, Laxshmi and Liam both are struggling to learn how to create their own futures, to fight for their own dreams, while respecting their parents, and their parents’ desires for their children to pass on and live through their cultural norms. This is a typical stage of life for teenagers in high school—boy oh boy, do I remember going through that. Patel makes this very relatable, real experience even more interesting by showing the way it affects a diverse type of teenagers. Teenagers need to be able to see themselves in their books, but they also need to learn how to have an empathetic viewpoint of differences between people of different backgrounds, experiences, dreams, and ultimately, characteristics. Books like these are important.
I am a huge fan of fantasy in YA, specifically because there’s the ability to deal with real things that people go through, but through a lens of the magical, the dangerous, and the stretched imagination. Fantasy and the paranormal allows for ideas to be ideas, allows for the readers to explore different perspectives and experiences, while being engaged through the magical storytelling. Soulmated takes a look at first love, searching for your future, and learning how to relate to your parents as you approach a time in life where you have to make your own decisions, and relating to people who are different than you, all through an engaging lens of magical culture.
June 7, 2017
Okay. So. I totally did NOT expect how much I would love this book. It's a YA Paranormal Romance, so I honestly figured it would be a decent few hours of enjoyment, a good read that I'd like. Uh, yeah, no. I LOVED IT. Patel writes romance so freaking well, I'm bloody intimidated.
Her main characters are: Laxshmi Kapadia, an Indian-American high school student with an overbearing mother; and Liam Whelan, an Irish royal empath who's searching for his soulmate, in order to facilitate a union that will solidify his family's position in the empath political sphere (and give him & his soulmate legendary powers).
I don't often pick up romance-centric titles (nothing wrong with them, just not my usual flavor) but sparks flew with these characters right away and I was hooked. Even with the insta-love trope (I mean, the falling-in-love aspect only happens over the course of several days -- not a spoiler, it's PNR so you know it's going to happen) I found it totally believable, engaging, and I'm actually kind of upset that I have to wait to find out what happens in the next book. Liam and Lucky are delights and just burst through the page with cultural authenticity. Absolutely looking forward to more from this author!
Her main characters are: Laxshmi Kapadia, an Indian-American high school student with an overbearing mother; and Liam Whelan, an Irish royal empath who's searching for his soulmate, in order to facilitate a union that will solidify his family's position in the empath political sphere (and give him & his soulmate legendary powers).
I don't often pick up romance-centric titles (nothing wrong with them, just not my usual flavor) but sparks flew with these characters right away and I was hooked. Even with the insta-love trope (I mean, the falling-in-love aspect only happens over the course of several days -- not a spoiler, it's PNR so you know it's going to happen) I found it totally believable, engaging, and I'm actually kind of upset that I have to wait to find out what happens in the next book. Liam and Lucky are delights and just burst through the page with cultural authenticity. Absolutely looking forward to more from this author!
June 7, 2017
This is one of the best Y.A. novels I've read in a long while. I feel that not only was the plot line amazing, but the writing was fantastic. Patel leads you on a journey that makes you want to continue reading.
I cannot wait for the second book to come out.
I cannot wait for the second book to come out.
June 7, 2017
I came for the curiosity about empaths (seriously, I don't think I've ever read about empaths before), and I stayed for the swoony romance, well written, diverse characters, and amazing writing.
I can't say too much about Soulmated without starting to gush and accidentally spoiling literally everything, but I will say if you're into humor and wit with your romance, you'll totally dig this book. Throw in the fact that Lucky and Liam have blazing hot chemistry between them and you'll fly right through this book like I did.
We're shown a few different types of family dynamics, and they all feel authentic because of how well written and complex each character is. Shaila Patel did an awesome job of giving everyone their own personality and feel, and really letting them come to life as their own people.
Trust me when I say that you want to pick this one up. I gave it 5 stars!
I can't say too much about Soulmated without starting to gush and accidentally spoiling literally everything, but I will say if you're into humor and wit with your romance, you'll totally dig this book. Throw in the fact that Lucky and Liam have blazing hot chemistry between them and you'll fly right through this book like I did.
We're shown a few different types of family dynamics, and they all feel authentic because of how well written and complex each character is. Shaila Patel did an awesome job of giving everyone their own personality and feel, and really letting them come to life as their own people.
Trust me when I say that you want to pick this one up. I gave it 5 stars!
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