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Falling into Place
Romance is not for Tara. Embittered after a college fling, she vows to never fall in love again–especially since she believes there’s no future for same-sex love in her home in urban India. Then, one rain-drenched evening, an insane decision brings the bubbly Sameen into her life and everything changes. Sameen is beautiful, a breath of fresh air…and almost certainly straight. All Tara’s carefully built-up defences start to crumble, one after the other. But is this relationship doomed before it can even start?
56,000 words
56,000 words
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2018
3 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Sheryn Munir
4 books31 followersSheryn Munir is a big fan of romances. After reading countless lesbian romance novels based in Western countries, she wanted to read a lesfic based in India. She didn’t know how long she’d have to wait for that wish to come true, so she decided to have a crack at writing one herself. Falling Into Place, out in January 2018, is the result of that endeavour.
Sheryn was born in Lucknow and grew up in Delhi, India. Though she started writing from the age of seven, she was only recently inspired to write an entire book in a genre close to her heart that is about her own people. She has studied journalism and freelances as a writer, editor, and web developer. While she likes visiting new places, the journeys are a tad unpleasant. She has a weakness for chocolates, Indian street foods, and British television dramas. She lives in Delhi with three laptops and an e-reader.
Sheryn was born in Lucknow and grew up in Delhi, India. Though she started writing from the age of seven, she was only recently inspired to write an entire book in a genre close to her heart that is about her own people. She has studied journalism and freelances as a writer, editor, and web developer. While she likes visiting new places, the journeys are a tad unpleasant. She has a weakness for chocolates, Indian street foods, and British television dramas. She lives in Delhi with three laptops and an e-reader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 23, 2018
I could be biased because I had the honor of reading one of the drafts of Falling into Place a year and half ago, I really liked it then, and I like this published version even more. Considering that each and every review is highly subjective, here is how I experienced this debut novel.
The story is a contemporary romance set in urban India. It is also a sort of window to Indian culture and way of life, and I really like that, especially because it is incorporated into the story very well -- interesting and informative without being overwhelming.
The protagonists are journalist Tara Dixit (31) and commissioning editor Sameen Siddiqi (29). Pessimistic, reticent and semi-closeted Tara promised herself to stay away from romantic relationships, but lively and outgoing Sameen broke through her defense. This is a pure romance novel and some kind of conflict between main characters is needed, so of course that an eternal skeptic in Tara will try to ruin the best chance for happiness in her life.
The romance is a slow-burn and very convincing. Tara's struggle with herself is a good trigger for some angst, drama and tension between her and Sameen, and the extent of it is just right. The story is rounded and clear in its message, well structured, with no plot holes and with good pacing. The characterization of the protagonists is good, I found myself strongly rooting for them no matter what. The secondary characters are also well done (especially Tara's goofy mother Chhaya), and the dialogue is quite natural and smooth. Even the book cover is very nice. For the fans of sex scenes, a fair warning that they are only implied, nothing explicit here.
All in all, Falling into Place is a very solid first book, I sincerely recommend it, and am looking forward to more nice stories from Sheryn Munir.
4.25 stars
Jan 23, 2018
The story is a contemporary romance set in urban India. It is also a sort of window to Indian culture and way of life, and I really like that, especially because it is incorporated into the story very well -- interesting and informative without being overwhelming.
The protagonists are journalist Tara Dixit (31) and commissioning editor Sameen Siddiqi (29). Pessimistic, reticent and semi-closeted Tara promised herself to stay away from romantic relationships, but lively and outgoing Sameen broke through her defense. This is a pure romance novel and some kind of conflict between main characters is needed, so of course that an eternal skeptic in Tara will try to ruin the best chance for happiness in her life.
The romance is a slow-burn and very convincing. Tara's struggle with herself is a good trigger for some angst, drama and tension between her and Sameen, and the extent of it is just right. The story is rounded and clear in its message, well structured, with no plot holes and with good pacing. The characterization of the protagonists is good, I found myself strongly rooting for them no matter what. The secondary characters are also well done (especially Tara's goofy mother Chhaya), and the dialogue is quite natural and smooth. Even the book cover is very nice. For the fans of sex scenes, a fair warning that they are only implied, nothing explicit here.
All in all, Falling into Place is a very solid first book, I sincerely recommend it, and am looking forward to more nice stories from Sheryn Munir.
4.25 stars
Jan 23, 2018
December 20, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. I was struggling about if I wanted to read this book or not. I always enjoy reading books that take place in other parts of the world. But I have read other books with Indian character before and was worried a lesfic book taking place in India might be too depressing. Luckily this wasn’t the case. This had a few bumps for me, but overall it was nice romance and a good quality debut book.
Tara is a semi closeted lesbian that has sworn off ever being in a relationship again. Between pressure from her mother to marry a man, and how India views gay and lesbian relationships, she doesn’t think the trouble is worth it. Sameen, who works in publishing, is living with her boyfriend, but wants nothing to do with the societal pressures of getting married. As fate keeps putting these two women together, a strong friendship starts to form. But what happens if feeling start to become involved?
I have to admit, I found the book to be a little choppy in some of the beginning parts. It didn’t quite have that good flow feeling as it jumped around a bit. I’m happy to say that ended pretty quickly and the rest of the book flowed better. It seemed the more Munir wrote, the better the book became. There were a few Indian slang terms I did not know, but hey that is what Google is for.
This is a slow burn romance. The characters can barely stand each other at the beginning. There are no sex scenes though it is implied, but the characters did have chemistry together. While both mains could be frustrating at times, both are likeable. And I really enjoyed Tara’s mother, she was a hoot.
I think the biggest issue for me is the angst/conflict dragged on longer than I thought was necessary. They had such a strong friendship first, that I found it to be a little hard to believe it took the conflict so long to resolve. And because it took so long, it didn’t leave enough time at the end for happy things.
Overall, I did like this read and was glad I gave it a chance. This was well done for a debut and I think Munir is definitely talented. I will keep my eye out for her books in the future.
P.S. I love the cover. To me it is really eye catching.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review:)
Tara is a semi closeted lesbian that has sworn off ever being in a relationship again. Between pressure from her mother to marry a man, and how India views gay and lesbian relationships, she doesn’t think the trouble is worth it. Sameen, who works in publishing, is living with her boyfriend, but wants nothing to do with the societal pressures of getting married. As fate keeps putting these two women together, a strong friendship starts to form. But what happens if feeling start to become involved?
I have to admit, I found the book to be a little choppy in some of the beginning parts. It didn’t quite have that good flow feeling as it jumped around a bit. I’m happy to say that ended pretty quickly and the rest of the book flowed better. It seemed the more Munir wrote, the better the book became. There were a few Indian slang terms I did not know, but hey that is what Google is for.
This is a slow burn romance. The characters can barely stand each other at the beginning. There are no sex scenes though it is implied, but the characters did have chemistry together. While both mains could be frustrating at times, both are likeable. And I really enjoyed Tara’s mother, she was a hoot.
I think the biggest issue for me is the angst/conflict dragged on longer than I thought was necessary. They had such a strong friendship first, that I found it to be a little hard to believe it took the conflict so long to resolve. And because it took so long, it didn’t leave enough time at the end for happy things.
Overall, I did like this read and was glad I gave it a chance. This was well done for a debut and I think Munir is definitely talented. I will keep my eye out for her books in the future.
P.S. I love the cover. To me it is really eye catching.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review:)
Read
November 8, 2021Super slow burn Delhi-set f/f romance, with two Indian leads. Tara is prickly and fearful of relationships, Sameen is warm and enthusiastic and in a good relationship with a man. Whoops. The romance is well developed: Tara is, frankly, a bit of a self-centred jerk over the break-up, but we see why and she really puts in the work afterwards. We don't see much of Sameen's actual break-up with the boyfriend, but the distress caused isn't underplayed, so we do feel the high stakes here. Very well written--it's a debut novel but the author's a writer--and the setting is fabulously and economically conveyed. I wolfed it down.
December 16, 2017
ARC received from YLVA for a fair review.
4.2 stars. I took a risk with this one and it paid off. Even though it's her first book Munir writes like a seasoned author. In her bio it's mentioned that she has studied journalism and it shows, she's definitely no amateur, the language flows well and is not repetitive.
India is a new and exciting location for me in lesfic. I had to google some things, sure. I'm not familiar with Indian food, clothing or locations or slang like "yaar" which is basically the equivalent of dude while casually referencing friends. But the story is pretty light on these words that were foreign to me and I enjoyed it. Gives the story a fresh flavor.
The political climate also presents different challenges for LGBT people there so the book works with that. It's nowhere near accepted in India to be in a lesbian relationship as it is in the western countries and family centric values do create a lot of pressure but it's also interesting and different to read about that.
Both leading ladies are fairly well developed. The introverted and closeted Tara and the social butterfly and supposedly straight Sameen make a good combo. I especially enjoyed how their relationship developed. They didn't even like each other at first, no insta love here folks so I thank the Indian godess of love and passion Rati for that. But while we're talking about passion, there's no sex in this book, it is implied about two times but there's not even anything to fade to black. That part of the story is completely skipped. The chemistry between them is incredible so I was left wanting. I assume it might be culturally unacceptable to talk about sex so openly in India but that is one of the reasons why it's not a 5 star book for me.
The supporting cast was also well developed, I guess my only nitpick is about the boyfriend Rohan being too perfect. I assume the author tried to forgo the trope of how all men are useless and deserve to be left for other women only to fall into the other extreme of it making him too perfect. Otherwise I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Tara's mother.
The development of drama felt natural too, nothing was forced like it often happens with drama in books by new authors.
Overall a pleasant surprise from a new author that's worth a read. Love the cover too.
4.2 stars. I took a risk with this one and it paid off. Even though it's her first book Munir writes like a seasoned author. In her bio it's mentioned that she has studied journalism and it shows, she's definitely no amateur, the language flows well and is not repetitive.
India is a new and exciting location for me in lesfic. I had to google some things, sure. I'm not familiar with Indian food, clothing or locations or slang like "yaar" which is basically the equivalent of dude while casually referencing friends. But the story is pretty light on these words that were foreign to me and I enjoyed it. Gives the story a fresh flavor.
The political climate also presents different challenges for LGBT people there so the book works with that. It's nowhere near accepted in India to be in a lesbian relationship as it is in the western countries and family centric values do create a lot of pressure but it's also interesting and different to read about that.
Both leading ladies are fairly well developed. The introverted and closeted Tara and the social butterfly and supposedly straight Sameen make a good combo. I especially enjoyed how their relationship developed. They didn't even like each other at first, no insta love here folks so I thank the Indian godess of love and passion Rati for that. But while we're talking about passion, there's no sex in this book, it is implied about two times but there's not even anything to fade to black. That part of the story is completely skipped. The chemistry between them is incredible so I was left wanting. I assume it might be culturally unacceptable to talk about sex so openly in India but that is one of the reasons why it's not a 5 star book for me.
The supporting cast was also well developed, I guess my only nitpick is about the boyfriend Rohan being too perfect. I assume the author tried to forgo the trope of how all men are useless and deserve to be left for other women only to fall into the other extreme of it making him too perfect. Otherwise I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Tara's mother.
The development of drama felt natural too, nothing was forced like it often happens with drama in books by new authors.
Overall a pleasant surprise from a new author that's worth a read. Love the cover too.
May 20, 2018
Wow, a different lesbian book! Well, actually a lesbian book set in a different place! In India!!!
This book tells the story of Tara and Sameen, from friendship to love. As a bonus, we get also an Indian food tour.
A very nice debut novel. 3.5 stars
This book tells the story of Tara and Sameen, from friendship to love. As a bonus, we get also an Indian food tour.
A very nice debut novel. 3.5 stars
December 21, 2017
I always love to read a book which takes place in parts of the world I haven’t visited and learn some things about the people and the country. I never went to Asia, because I’m more interested in Africa, Europe and America. But I wanted to give this book a try. And I’m happy that I did. I can’t really imagen, how it is to live in a country where in some parts of it, homosexuality still is a taboo.
It is the first book written by Sheryn Munir, and it is written very well, especially for a debut, it has a nice flow. The story is about the two women Sameen, living with her boyfriend, and Tara, still living in the same house with her mother. When they met, more or less accidentally, Tara can’t stand Sameen. But after a few random meetings they are bonding rather fast and build a strong friendship. But what happens when there are growing strong feelings, which have nothing to do with just friendship?
I liked both women very much. Semi closeted Tara, who does not believe in love and happily ever after in India anymore, has to learn, that feelings do not ask to develop. She struggles to keep them at bay, because Sameen is straight and is living with her boyfriend. There will be no chance to ever be together. Or maybe? Munir narrate in a beautiful way how Sameen’s feelings for Tara slowly change. And how she struggles to recognize and accept these new feelings.
The conflict was sometimes a little frustrating and I asked myself, why couldn’t they solve the problem faster (here I agree fully with Lex Kent’s review). They had such a strong bond and friendship, wouldn’t they have talked sooner? By contrast, the end was, in my opinion, a little hasty. I would have liked to know more, how they are taking their relationship further.
It is a slow burning romance what fits the story very well and the chemistry is perceptible. Despite there are no sex scenes in it, it doesn’t bother me. Also the secondary characters were likeable, especially Tara’s a little crazy mother.
My rating 4 stars
Thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
It is the first book written by Sheryn Munir, and it is written very well, especially for a debut, it has a nice flow. The story is about the two women Sameen, living with her boyfriend, and Tara, still living in the same house with her mother. When they met, more or less accidentally, Tara can’t stand Sameen. But after a few random meetings they are bonding rather fast and build a strong friendship. But what happens when there are growing strong feelings, which have nothing to do with just friendship?
I liked both women very much. Semi closeted Tara, who does not believe in love and happily ever after in India anymore, has to learn, that feelings do not ask to develop. She struggles to keep them at bay, because Sameen is straight and is living with her boyfriend. There will be no chance to ever be together. Or maybe? Munir narrate in a beautiful way how Sameen’s feelings for Tara slowly change. And how she struggles to recognize and accept these new feelings.
The conflict was sometimes a little frustrating and I asked myself, why couldn’t they solve the problem faster (here I agree fully with Lex Kent’s review). They had such a strong bond and friendship, wouldn’t they have talked sooner? By contrast, the end was, in my opinion, a little hasty. I would have liked to know more, how they are taking their relationship further.
It is a slow burning romance what fits the story very well and the chemistry is perceptible. Despite there are no sex scenes in it, it doesn’t bother me. Also the secondary characters were likeable, especially Tara’s a little crazy mother.
My rating 4 stars
Thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
April 29, 2023
I would be 100% on board for a movie of this friends to lovers / slow burn / out for you sapphic romance novel set in contemporary India, specifically the city of Delhi. For a first novel, it's quite well done, though judging from Goodreads I'm not the only one who felt it was a bit choppy in the beginning before smoothing out. It's worth hanging in there!
Tara, an introverted closeted sports journalist, connects by chance with outgoing Sameen, who works in publishing and lives with her long-time boyfriend. Tara's sworn off romance for life because of her fears about the anti-gay climate in India, but after spending more and more time with Sameen, she's horrified to discover that romantic feelings have found her anyway.
It's very Bollywood/Hollywood in its use of the classic romantic story beats, including longing looks across the room at fancy parties, an unplanned first kiss, and a "can this really be happening?" accidental reunion at a hotel after everything's gone to hell. It's very sincere with its characters' feelings, even the messy ones, and I liked that.
Munir was born in Lucknow, then grew up and lives in Delhi, and I'm so glad she dove into writing romance and gave those of us from elsewhere a window into life in her neck of the woods.
Tara, an introverted closeted sports journalist, connects by chance with outgoing Sameen, who works in publishing and lives with her long-time boyfriend. Tara's sworn off romance for life because of her fears about the anti-gay climate in India, but after spending more and more time with Sameen, she's horrified to discover that romantic feelings have found her anyway.
It's very Bollywood/Hollywood in its use of the classic romantic story beats, including longing looks across the room at fancy parties, an unplanned first kiss, and a "can this really be happening?" accidental reunion at a hotel after everything's gone to hell. It's very sincere with its characters' feelings, even the messy ones, and I liked that.
Munir was born in Lucknow, then grew up and lives in Delhi, and I'm so glad she dove into writing romance and gave those of us from elsewhere a window into life in her neck of the woods.
March 23, 2025
3 stars 🌟
I love the fact that this book exists, and everyone needs to read it. It may not be the best, but this representation is so important.
Content/ Trigger warnings- Homophobia, Discrimination, Cheating in a relationship, Ankle Injury
Reviewed in 2022.
DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite
I love the fact that this book exists, and everyone needs to read it. It may not be the best, but this representation is so important.
Content/ Trigger warnings- Homophobia, Discrimination, Cheating in a relationship, Ankle Injury
Reviewed in 2022.
DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite
December 23, 2017
DNF @ 80%
Just couldn't take it anymore. It was glacial to begin with. Too many road blocks to the MC's getting together. Soooooooo slow I was completely bored. By the time the crap hit the fan I couldn't care less anymore. Didn't feel like going through the whole rebuilding section after everything was broken. I get so bloody tired of that. Whatever.
I really wanted to like it too. I mean how often do you have a book set in India. Right? Hardly ever. But being there in and of itself was a massive roadblock for one of the MC's cause of the social acceptance for same sex relationships. That got bloody old in and of itself. I liked the build up talking about some of the culture, the cafe's, etc.
Swing and a miss for this reader.
Just couldn't take it anymore. It was glacial to begin with. Too many road blocks to the MC's getting together. Soooooooo slow I was completely bored. By the time the crap hit the fan I couldn't care less anymore. Didn't feel like going through the whole rebuilding section after everything was broken. I get so bloody tired of that. Whatever.
I really wanted to like it too. I mean how often do you have a book set in India. Right? Hardly ever. But being there in and of itself was a massive roadblock for one of the MC's cause of the social acceptance for same sex relationships. That got bloody old in and of itself. I liked the build up talking about some of the culture, the cafe's, etc.
Swing and a miss for this reader.
January 11, 2018
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
3.5 stars. For a first-time author, Sheryn Munir has done a good job of creating a compelling enough story with characters set in cosmopolitan Delhi, India. India is the largest democracy in the world with basic laws protecting women but one must still live in the society of family, friends and the ignorance of others (violence) one can find anywhere.
Tara, our main character, has truly given up on ever having a relationship with another woman simply seeing it as impossible in her culture. Nor does she wish to emigrate to a more liberal setting. She meets and falls for Sameen who is happy with her hetero relationship with a guy who seems pretty nice and interesting.
India. Not a surprise then I didn't know what many of the words in the story meant and found it entertaining to look them up to find out just what the characters were saying to each other and even what they were eating. I have already bookmarked some recipes for Indian dishes. I really enjoy stories set in countries and cultures not my own. The story could have been set anywhere in the world really. Religions and ethnicities are not really discussed.
The arc of this story is conventional, fluffy, with nothing rushed. The depth of emotions of the two main characters is detailed enough though I still felt somewhat distant. The conflict is with the two women and nothing societal. There is the usual cast of intelligent, well meaning friends who see everything clearly.
3.5 stars. For a first-time author, Sheryn Munir has done a good job of creating a compelling enough story with characters set in cosmopolitan Delhi, India. India is the largest democracy in the world with basic laws protecting women but one must still live in the society of family, friends and the ignorance of others (violence) one can find anywhere.
Tara, our main character, has truly given up on ever having a relationship with another woman simply seeing it as impossible in her culture. Nor does she wish to emigrate to a more liberal setting. She meets and falls for Sameen who is happy with her hetero relationship with a guy who seems pretty nice and interesting.
India. Not a surprise then I didn't know what many of the words in the story meant and found it entertaining to look them up to find out just what the characters were saying to each other and even what they were eating. I have already bookmarked some recipes for Indian dishes. I really enjoy stories set in countries and cultures not my own. The story could have been set anywhere in the world really. Religions and ethnicities are not really discussed.
The arc of this story is conventional, fluffy, with nothing rushed. The depth of emotions of the two main characters is detailed enough though I still felt somewhat distant. The conflict is with the two women and nothing societal. There is the usual cast of intelligent, well meaning friends who see everything clearly.
January 4, 2018
I was so looking forward to this book and I wasn't disappointed. What an excellent debut novel from this author, I'm looking forward to many many more.
Tara has been burned by falling for a straight girl before, and so when she finds herself falling for Sameen, totally straight and totally living with her boyfriend of several years, she's terrified of her feelings. Her instinct is to run and protect her heart from getting hurt again. But is love more powerful than fear? Can love bring together even the most unlikely of couples?
This book was just a feel good book all around. The food. My god, the girls just kept eating and I just kept getting hungrier and hungrier! Slow burn romance. I love slow burn romance, and this was such a slow burn. It was delicious and so so sweet as well. I loved this book so much. The characters were just so wonderful. I loved that Sameen's boyfriend wasn't a bad guy. The whole story is just this rich love story, bursting at the seams with fantastic people, good friends, and loving family. It just gives you this all-round warm, fuzzy feeling.
GORGEOUS cover design as well!
I received an ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
Tara has been burned by falling for a straight girl before, and so when she finds herself falling for Sameen, totally straight and totally living with her boyfriend of several years, she's terrified of her feelings. Her instinct is to run and protect her heart from getting hurt again. But is love more powerful than fear? Can love bring together even the most unlikely of couples?
This book was just a feel good book all around. The food. My god, the girls just kept eating and I just kept getting hungrier and hungrier! Slow burn romance. I love slow burn romance, and this was such a slow burn. It was delicious and so so sweet as well. I loved this book so much. The characters were just so wonderful. I loved that Sameen's boyfriend wasn't a bad guy. The whole story is just this rich love story, bursting at the seams with fantastic people, good friends, and loving family. It just gives you this all-round warm, fuzzy feeling.
GORGEOUS cover design as well!
I received an ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2018
Adorable. Beautifully written and as sweet as a jalebi. It’s really good to read a romance that isn’t set in the Western Hemisphere. The sweetness isn’t overdone as the characters are rooted in a realistic plot with authentic and witty dialogue. I enjoyed reading this one and will be watching out for more books from this author.
January 20, 2018
This is a pretty strong debut from an experienced writer. Munir's author bio says that she had been a journalist and this is her first fiction book. I can see where the polish is, and also where there could be things that can work on to make her book just a little bit smoother.
The characters are rightfully charming, with Sameen being a little too over the top to begin with (she strays very close to "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" territory) but is tempered as the book moves a long. I relate closely to Tara, who is a person that tends to keep things close to the vest. The supporting characters are a strong bunch.
The plot is a nice, slow-ish burn in which each of our leading ladies are hit with epiphanies about their feelings at around the same time. What happens is a massive amount of missed communication, and hurt feelings. It does suffer from a ton of pacing issues for me, as the events are very spaced out and the time jump transitions are a little jarring. Time jumps are fine, and I know some people don't like them, but I felt like there were times where it was difficult to follow the events of the story. There were multiple times where I'd have to re-read a passage because I thought I missed something.
*I received this ARC from Ylva in exchange for my honest review.*
The characters are rightfully charming, with Sameen being a little too over the top to begin with (she strays very close to "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" territory) but is tempered as the book moves a long. I relate closely to Tara, who is a person that tends to keep things close to the vest. The supporting characters are a strong bunch.
The plot is a nice, slow-ish burn in which each of our leading ladies are hit with epiphanies about their feelings at around the same time. What happens is a massive amount of missed communication, and hurt feelings. It does suffer from a ton of pacing issues for me, as the events are very spaced out and the time jump transitions are a little jarring. Time jumps are fine, and I know some people don't like them, but I felt like there were times where it was difficult to follow the events of the story. There were multiple times where I'd have to re-read a passage because I thought I missed something.
*I received this ARC from Ylva in exchange for my honest review.*
January 19, 2022
A sweet book, but it lacked a little bit in emotional depth…?
January 2, 2018
This was an engaging book. It’s set in India and features two women who meet in a most inauspicious way, although humorously. Somehow, they develop a friendship. One is straight, living with her boyfriend, and the other, a closeted lesbian, lives with her mother. They become close friends. Much of the book is taken up with their adventures in various locations in Bombay and has to do with seeking out new places to eat. The author really gives a good feel for India, especially for the lives of young urban professionals. They live between two worlds, the traditional one of their families and the modern one of social media and cohabiting. Adding to this mix is a gay male couple who are friends of Sameen; this relationship provided more background about the Indian culture and LGBT people.
So somewhere in this mix of old and new cultures, Tara and Sameen navigate their growing feelings for one another and their fears. Tara doesn’t want to get hurt again, and Sameen isn’t sure what she feels. It’s a slow dance to and from one another. I’d say it’s a slow burn romance but Tara admits her feelings to herself pretty quickly, although she tries to keep everything on a friendship level. There are ups and downs, some big misunderstandings, and a resolution eventually.
Although I found the setting and culture fascinating, it was difficult to get involved in the lives of these two women. It was a slow start, and the emotional angst was almost too much for me. The ending was worth it for me, though.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
So somewhere in this mix of old and new cultures, Tara and Sameen navigate their growing feelings for one another and their fears. Tara doesn’t want to get hurt again, and Sameen isn’t sure what she feels. It’s a slow dance to and from one another. I’d say it’s a slow burn romance but Tara admits her feelings to herself pretty quickly, although she tries to keep everything on a friendship level. There are ups and downs, some big misunderstandings, and a resolution eventually.
Although I found the setting and culture fascinating, it was difficult to get involved in the lives of these two women. It was a slow start, and the emotional angst was almost too much for me. The ending was worth it for me, though.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 17, 2018
This was a lovely contemporary romance with likeable, realistic characters and a vivid setting. I've never been to Delhi, but was easily absorbed by the portrayal. Though I'm usually somewhat wary of love stories that begin when one party is in a relationship with someone else, I had no issues with this one. A frankly hilarious meet-cute leads naturally into a friendship made of snacks, laughter, binge-watching TV and supporting one another, and without either woman really noticing, it blossoms into love. There's no sneaking around; once a moment of passion makes it clear that something more than friendship is going on, the realisation changes everything, and they just have to see if they can be honest enough with themselves and each other to make a go of it.
(I received a free copy of this book for an honest review)
(I received a free copy of this book for an honest review)
January 1, 2018
Fall into Place is the first published novel for Sheryn Munir and quite an enjoyable read. It centers around Sameen a straight woman living with her boyfriend and Tara a closeted Lesbian once burned by love and vowed never to love again. This slow burn love story uses Delhi, India as the location and we are immersed into the East Indian culture. I enjoyed having to look up the different foods they ate such as Momos ( a steamed dumpling) and onion kachoris ( a ball of fried dough stuffed with onions).
The writing has a cadence and rhythm to it which reminds me of the Hindi language. It flows. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to any future works from Sheryn Munir.
The writing has a cadence and rhythm to it which reminds me of the Hindi language. It flows. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to any future works from Sheryn Munir.
March 1, 2018
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review*
I am a huge fan of lesbian fiction that is centered on other cultures, so I was really looking forward to this book.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this story and it's authenticity. The author does a brilliant job of conveying the different personalities in the book.
The only reason I am not giving this book 4 stars is because I didn't really feel like I engaged with Tara and and Sameen's relationship for the first half of the book.
The second half of the book was a bit emotional for me so I can say that I overall enjoyed this book.
*3.7 stars
I am a huge fan of lesbian fiction that is centered on other cultures, so I was really looking forward to this book.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this story and it's authenticity. The author does a brilliant job of conveying the different personalities in the book.
The only reason I am not giving this book 4 stars is because I didn't really feel like I engaged with Tara and and Sameen's relationship for the first half of the book.
The second half of the book was a bit emotional for me so I can say that I overall enjoyed this book.
*3.7 stars
January 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this story with its insights into modern India. All too often I fall into the trap of believing that developing countries are not as ‘advanced’ as western countries when it comes to issues of sexuality. In spite of the fact that the Indian people I know don’t fit this stereotype, I still find myself thinking in terms of arranged marriages, oppression of women and intolerance of homosexuality. So it’s great to read a book that challenges my racist preconceptions. Munir is Indian, living in Delhi with her partner, so she presumably can speak with authority on the issues faced by lesbians in India.
Of course, there are threats and intolerance to be faced by Indian lesbians (just as there still are for western lesbians) and the protagonists of this book are well aware of them.
Tara knows she’s a lesbian but has decided that living life as an out lesbian would be too hard. She has concluded that the best course of action is to ignore sex altogether and concentrate on her career. Sameen lives happily with her boyfriend and enjoys her social life. One rainy day the pair meet when Sameen jumps into Tara’s taxi. As they live close to each other they start to become close friends. Tara knows she is attracted to Sameen, but that’s ok because Sameen is straight. Isn’t she?
This is a believable story of how a friendship can gradually turn into desire. I liked that their relationship develops slowly. It’s a convincing romance that kept me turning the pages to see how it would develop. Predictably, there’s some angst that gets in the way of their relationship – for longer than I liked – but there’s no real tragedy and the minor characters are, for the most part, supportive.
If you like slow-burn romances and stories set in cultures other that the western, then I recommend this book. Munir does a great job for a first time author, and I hope she writes many more books.
Note: I was given an advance copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, there are threats and intolerance to be faced by Indian lesbians (just as there still are for western lesbians) and the protagonists of this book are well aware of them.
Tara knows she’s a lesbian but has decided that living life as an out lesbian would be too hard. She has concluded that the best course of action is to ignore sex altogether and concentrate on her career. Sameen lives happily with her boyfriend and enjoys her social life. One rainy day the pair meet when Sameen jumps into Tara’s taxi. As they live close to each other they start to become close friends. Tara knows she is attracted to Sameen, but that’s ok because Sameen is straight. Isn’t she?
This is a believable story of how a friendship can gradually turn into desire. I liked that their relationship develops slowly. It’s a convincing romance that kept me turning the pages to see how it would develop. Predictably, there’s some angst that gets in the way of their relationship – for longer than I liked – but there’s no real tragedy and the minor characters are, for the most part, supportive.
If you like slow-burn romances and stories set in cultures other that the western, then I recommend this book. Munir does a great job for a first time author, and I hope she writes many more books.
Note: I was given an advance copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author. I'll admit alarm bells went of in my head when I realised it was set in India. I'm going on my experience of previous books that left me feeling angry and kinda depressed.
This is about two women who when they meet actually dislike each other. Over time their friendship develops and so do their feelings.
But for me there were too many roadblocks. Too much conflict. It was well written but not for me. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
This is about two women who when they meet actually dislike each other. Over time their friendship develops and so do their feelings.
But for me there were too many roadblocks. Too much conflict. It was well written but not for me. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
October 5, 2019
i think this genuinely might be the only wlw book i've ever read that i have been able to really relate to? things i loved: BOTH girls being brown (!!!), the story being set in India without society being portrayed as 'backwards' or 'oppressive', a very realistic and culturally appropriate lgbt storyline and a very hopeful happy ending offering an alternative vision of how brown lgbt people can live & build the life they want (as opposed to the usual white people option of being estranged from your family). ALSO the girls were SO PURE wow i love love???
January 24, 2023
Rep: Indian setting and characters, lesbian mc, bi li
December 25, 2017
4 full stars
This was a very nice slow burn romance with two very likeable leads and some well done minor characters, especially Tara's mother. My first time reading a romance novel in the urban Indian setting and I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. Google was my friend for some of the words I didn't understand, but I've learned a lot from reading this about names, food, apparel and so on in India. I'm looking forward to more books by this debut author.
eARC by Ylva Publishing
This was a very nice slow burn romance with two very likeable leads and some well done minor characters, especially Tara's mother. My first time reading a romance novel in the urban Indian setting and I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. Google was my friend for some of the words I didn't understand, but I've learned a lot from reading this about names, food, apparel and so on in India. I'm looking forward to more books by this debut author.
eARC by Ylva Publishing
January 6, 2018
If you like slow-burn, angsty friends to lovers lesbian romance stories, then this is for you. I enjoyed the setting and the minor characters. I sometimes had a hard time distinguishing the main characters and they didn't have quite as much chemistry as I would've liked. In addition the obstacle/angst went on a little long for me. But, in general I would recommend this book to fans of the genre.
*I received an ebook from Ylva in exchange for a review*
*I received an ebook from Ylva in exchange for a review*
March 17, 2019
Liked the setting - India - but the story didn't quite work, book themes were set up really well, then solved in one too easy step that jilted with this reader. Erring on a 4* - I always round up - rather than 3*.
January 2, 2020
Rezension
„Falling into Place – Der Geschmack von Glück“ ist im @ylvaverlag erschienen. Dankenswerteweise wurde mir dieses Buch als Rezenionsexemplar vom Verlag zur Verfügung gestellt. Dieses Buch erhielt vom Verlag eine Chilischote. (das bedeutet, dass keine Sexszenen bzw. nicht detailliert beschriebene Sexszenen vorhanden sind)
Inhalt: Nachdem Tara in ihrer Vergangenheit eine gescheiterte Beziehung durchleben musste, schwört sie sich, sich nie wieder zu verlieben und ihr Leben allein zu Leben. Doch eines Tages stolpert durch einen Zufall Sameen in ihr Leben. Zunächst interessiert sich Tara nicht für die junge Frau, doch mit der Zeit entwickelt sich eine Freundschaft und die beiden verbringen sogar mehr Zeit miteinander als Sameen und ihr Freund Rohan. Sie gehen nach der Arbeit zusammen essen, schauen nächtelang Serien und genießen die Gegenwart des anderen. Tara beginnt sich in Sameen zu verlieben, doch hat diese Liebe überhaupt eine Chance?
Die Story spielt in Indien, genauer gesagt in Delhi. Die Autorin beschreibt den Charme der Stadt sehr schön. Neben der Hektik der Stadt, dem Chaos auf den Straßen und den von Menschen überfüllten Märkten, schafft sie trotzdem einen Raum für Ruhe in dem man die Protagonisten kennenlernen kann.
Die Protagonisten der Story wirken beide sehr Erwachsen. Tara ist eine sympathische, aber an manchen Stellen auch sehr sture Protagonistin. Leider rennt sie oft vor ihren Problemen weg, statt Lösungen dafür zu suchen. Besonders ihre Freundschaft zu ihrer besten Freundin Barkha, hat mir gegen Ende ein paar Tränen entlockt. Ich fand es toll wie hingebungsvoll sich Barkha um Tara gekümmert hat. Tara durchlebt in der Story eine gewaltige Entwicklung. Sameen steck voller Lebensfreude und ist ein kleiner Wirbelwind. Beide sind sehr intelligent, stehen sich aber oft selbst im Weg. Gerade die Eigenschaften der beiden machen dieses Buch so realistisch. Man kann sich sehr gut in die Protagonisten hineinversetzen, da man als Leser entweder Tara´s Einstellung, Probleme vor sich herzuschieben teilt, oder eben wie Sameen versucht Dinge zu klären. Gerade mit dem Hintergrund, dass in Indien (leider auch in vielen anderen Teilen der Welt) eine homosexuell geführte Beziehung weniger Stellenwert (bzw. gar keinen) hat als eine heterosexuell geführte Beziehung, lässt die Entscheidungen der Protagonisten noch realer und nachvollziehbarer wirken. Die Liebesgeschichte ist sehr schön in den Alltag der beiden eingearbeitet, wodurch die Story sehr real wirkt. Gegen Ende sind dann bei mir die Dämme gebrochen und ich wurde emotional abgeholt. Ich konnte die Gefühle der beiden so gut nachvollziehen und habe mit ihnen mitgefühlt.
Da dieses Buch in Indien spielt, bin ich über einige Wörter gestolpert, die mich mit einem Fragezeichen hinterlassen haben. Deshalb fand ich es gut, dass sich am Ende des Buches ein Glossar befindet, in dem man genau diese Wörter nachschlagen kann. Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und einfach, aber emotionsgeladen. Man ließt abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Tara und Sameen, wodurch man beide Charaktere sehr gut kennenlernt. Außerdem finden SMS, E-mails und die Gedanken der Protagonisten ihren Weg in die Geschichte, wodurch eine gewisse Abwechslung beim Lesen geschaffen wird.
Ich fand es auch besonders gut, dass die Problematik der Homosexualität (in diesem Fall in Indien) von der Autorin immer wieder aufgegriffen wurde und sich die Protagonisten (Vorsicht Spoiler) am Ende trotzdem dazu entscheiden, ihre Liebe zu akzeptieren, zu respektieren und dazu zu stehen. (Spoiler Ende)
Zum Schluss möchte ich noch einige Worte über das Cover verlieren. Ich finde die Gestaltung unglaublich schön. Die Silhouette der beiden, wie sie sich annähern, beschreibt perfekt die langsame und stetige Annäherung der beiden Protas in der Story. Auch das bunte Farbspiel gefällt mir sehr gut.
Fazit: Eine Liebesgeschichte mit wundervoll, realistisch ausgestalteten Charakteren, die trotz einigen Problemen zu sich selbst und ihrer Liebe stehen. Ich werde mir auf jeden Fall weitere Bücher der Autorin anschauen.
4/5 Sterne
#ylvaverlag #ylva #liebe #rezi #rezension #liebesgeschichte #fallingintoplace #lesbenbuch #lesen #lesenisttoll #lesenmachtglücklich #read #bookblogger #buchbloggerin #germanbookblogger #lesbenliteratur #lovereading #germanbookblog #bookgirl #lgbt #booklove #lgbtlove #lesbian #loveislove #queer #rainbowcommunity #book #buchempfehlung #booklife #bookcommunity
„Falling into Place – Der Geschmack von Glück“ ist im @ylvaverlag erschienen. Dankenswerteweise wurde mir dieses Buch als Rezenionsexemplar vom Verlag zur Verfügung gestellt. Dieses Buch erhielt vom Verlag eine Chilischote. (das bedeutet, dass keine Sexszenen bzw. nicht detailliert beschriebene Sexszenen vorhanden sind)
Inhalt: Nachdem Tara in ihrer Vergangenheit eine gescheiterte Beziehung durchleben musste, schwört sie sich, sich nie wieder zu verlieben und ihr Leben allein zu Leben. Doch eines Tages stolpert durch einen Zufall Sameen in ihr Leben. Zunächst interessiert sich Tara nicht für die junge Frau, doch mit der Zeit entwickelt sich eine Freundschaft und die beiden verbringen sogar mehr Zeit miteinander als Sameen und ihr Freund Rohan. Sie gehen nach der Arbeit zusammen essen, schauen nächtelang Serien und genießen die Gegenwart des anderen. Tara beginnt sich in Sameen zu verlieben, doch hat diese Liebe überhaupt eine Chance?
Die Story spielt in Indien, genauer gesagt in Delhi. Die Autorin beschreibt den Charme der Stadt sehr schön. Neben der Hektik der Stadt, dem Chaos auf den Straßen und den von Menschen überfüllten Märkten, schafft sie trotzdem einen Raum für Ruhe in dem man die Protagonisten kennenlernen kann.
Die Protagonisten der Story wirken beide sehr Erwachsen. Tara ist eine sympathische, aber an manchen Stellen auch sehr sture Protagonistin. Leider rennt sie oft vor ihren Problemen weg, statt Lösungen dafür zu suchen. Besonders ihre Freundschaft zu ihrer besten Freundin Barkha, hat mir gegen Ende ein paar Tränen entlockt. Ich fand es toll wie hingebungsvoll sich Barkha um Tara gekümmert hat. Tara durchlebt in der Story eine gewaltige Entwicklung. Sameen steck voller Lebensfreude und ist ein kleiner Wirbelwind. Beide sind sehr intelligent, stehen sich aber oft selbst im Weg. Gerade die Eigenschaften der beiden machen dieses Buch so realistisch. Man kann sich sehr gut in die Protagonisten hineinversetzen, da man als Leser entweder Tara´s Einstellung, Probleme vor sich herzuschieben teilt, oder eben wie Sameen versucht Dinge zu klären. Gerade mit dem Hintergrund, dass in Indien (leider auch in vielen anderen Teilen der Welt) eine homosexuell geführte Beziehung weniger Stellenwert (bzw. gar keinen) hat als eine heterosexuell geführte Beziehung, lässt die Entscheidungen der Protagonisten noch realer und nachvollziehbarer wirken. Die Liebesgeschichte ist sehr schön in den Alltag der beiden eingearbeitet, wodurch die Story sehr real wirkt. Gegen Ende sind dann bei mir die Dämme gebrochen und ich wurde emotional abgeholt. Ich konnte die Gefühle der beiden so gut nachvollziehen und habe mit ihnen mitgefühlt.
Da dieses Buch in Indien spielt, bin ich über einige Wörter gestolpert, die mich mit einem Fragezeichen hinterlassen haben. Deshalb fand ich es gut, dass sich am Ende des Buches ein Glossar befindet, in dem man genau diese Wörter nachschlagen kann. Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und einfach, aber emotionsgeladen. Man ließt abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Tara und Sameen, wodurch man beide Charaktere sehr gut kennenlernt. Außerdem finden SMS, E-mails und die Gedanken der Protagonisten ihren Weg in die Geschichte, wodurch eine gewisse Abwechslung beim Lesen geschaffen wird.
Ich fand es auch besonders gut, dass die Problematik der Homosexualität (in diesem Fall in Indien) von der Autorin immer wieder aufgegriffen wurde und sich die Protagonisten (Vorsicht Spoiler) am Ende trotzdem dazu entscheiden, ihre Liebe zu akzeptieren, zu respektieren und dazu zu stehen. (Spoiler Ende)
Zum Schluss möchte ich noch einige Worte über das Cover verlieren. Ich finde die Gestaltung unglaublich schön. Die Silhouette der beiden, wie sie sich annähern, beschreibt perfekt die langsame und stetige Annäherung der beiden Protas in der Story. Auch das bunte Farbspiel gefällt mir sehr gut.
Fazit: Eine Liebesgeschichte mit wundervoll, realistisch ausgestalteten Charakteren, die trotz einigen Problemen zu sich selbst und ihrer Liebe stehen. Ich werde mir auf jeden Fall weitere Bücher der Autorin anschauen.
4/5 Sterne
#ylvaverlag #ylva #liebe #rezi #rezension #liebesgeschichte #fallingintoplace #lesbenbuch #lesen #lesenisttoll #lesenmachtglücklich #read #bookblogger #buchbloggerin #germanbookblogger #lesbenliteratur #lovereading #germanbookblog #bookgirl #lgbt #booklove #lgbtlove #lesbian #loveislove #queer #rainbowcommunity #book #buchempfehlung #booklife #bookcommunity
June 2, 2019
I'm so disappointed in this. I loved so much about the setting, the culture, the food (the descriptions are so good, I was hungry for so much of this book) and I love that the main characters have such interesting jobs, but I feel like the romance and characters were sorely lacking in development. It moved way too quickly for me to ever invest myself in the characters and the romance.
Also, others say there isn't cheating in this. While no characters ever have sex cheating wise, two characters- one of whom is in a long-term relationship- do kiss and it really, really made me uncomfortable, especially going into this being told there's no cheating. Emotional cheating, to me, is as bad as physical/sexual cheating, and I just feel really deflated after reading this. I get having feelings for another person, but acting on those? Nyeh.
Also, others say there isn't cheating in this. While no characters ever have sex cheating wise, two characters- one of whom is in a long-term relationship- do kiss and it really, really made me uncomfortable, especially going into this being told there's no cheating. Emotional cheating, to me, is as bad as physical/sexual cheating, and I just feel really deflated after reading this. I get having feelings for another person, but acting on those? Nyeh.
September 14, 2023
Loved it until the third act conflict which I thought was irritatingly lopsided.
January 22, 2018
This was a really slow book that just dragged on with one roadblock after another...The characters were well done even the minor characters were enjoyable and made the story. It is a very slow burn romance with little chemistry between the main characters. The setting of the story is beautiful and well described.
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