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Just The Way You Are
Single mom and bridal makeup artiste Shikha Verma is finally in a good place – both professionally and on the personal front. A chance encounter with a charming musician, who is much younger than her, has her throwing caution to the winds and breaking vows she’s made to herself. Walking away is the right thing to do. After all, she can't risk another heartbreak when she has only just recovered from one.
Yash Kulsreshtha has never been more attracted to a woman and the lady definitely is into him. Why then is Shikha is hell bent on pushing him away? Surely their age difference is not such a big deal? But before he can convince her, she storms out of his life. Are Yash and Shikha destined to stay apart or will life hand them a chance at happily-ever-after?
This novella is a feel-good, emotional romance and the first book of the Soulmates Series.
Yash Kulsreshtha has never been more attracted to a woman and the lady definitely is into him. Why then is Shikha is hell bent on pushing him away? Surely their age difference is not such a big deal? But before he can convince her, she storms out of his life. Are Yash and Shikha destined to stay apart or will life hand them a chance at happily-ever-after?
This novella is a feel-good, emotional romance and the first book of the Soulmates Series.
- GenresRomance
64 pages, ebook
Published October 2, 2019
12 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Adite Banerjie
11 books345 followersAdite Banerjie discovered the wonderful world of books at an early age which sparked her interest in writing. After a fulfilling and exciting career as a business journalist she turned her attention to fiction.
Three of her romance novels have been published by Harlequin/Harper Collins India. In 2018 she embarked on her indie journey as an author-publisher.
She also writes screenplays. 7 Lives, a short film she wrote on organ donation is currently streaming on Amazon Prime (US, UK). In 2017 one of her scripts made it to the semi-finals of the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowships. She is currently writing the script for a culture and cuisine show to be hosted my master chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
When she is not grappling with her current work-in-progress, she enjoys spending time with her husband and watching back-to-back movies.
She loves to connect with her readers through her website www.aditebanerjie.com, Facebook page (https://facebook.com/AditeBanerjieWriter) and Twitter account (https://twitter.com/adite).
Three of her romance novels have been published by Harlequin/Harper Collins India. In 2018 she embarked on her indie journey as an author-publisher.
She also writes screenplays. 7 Lives, a short film she wrote on organ donation is currently streaming on Amazon Prime (US, UK). In 2017 one of her scripts made it to the semi-finals of the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowships. She is currently writing the script for a culture and cuisine show to be hosted my master chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
When she is not grappling with her current work-in-progress, she enjoys spending time with her husband and watching back-to-back movies.
She loves to connect with her readers through her website www.aditebanerjie.com, Facebook page (https://facebook.com/AditeBanerjieWriter) and Twitter account (https://twitter.com/adite).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 25, 2020
I admit that I am rather uncomfortable with the older woman-younger man trope. Many would say that age is just a number. But for me, age is about this burden of experience of having lived life for a certain number of years and having gone through irreversible changes in oneself that can't be understood by the younger generation (unless they experience it themselves). Being the eldest of four siblings myself, I have a propensity to consider all those who are younger than me through the eyes of a clucking matronly hen;-)
For me it's all about balance in relationships. Friendship is alright, but love and commitment for the long haul might be a little difficult to pull through. Not that it does not happen, or should not! But that's just personal opinion.
Having said that, I must say that Adite's story, Just The Way You Are is finely tuned with realism to make the trope convincing enough. The writing is smooth and crisp. It should have been difficult to add the layers of back story and character development to a novella, but Adite does it with great finesse. The relationship between the main characters was multi-faceted and became deeper as I turned the pages. I liked the minor characters and the theme of different aspects of parenting and how it affects children in a marriage. I also liked that there were no perfect people in the story. They were human and fallible.
The first thing that I look for in a love story is compassion and forgiveness. I loved how the characters changed to accommodate loved ones in their lives, especially the father and son.
A heartwarming, short and sweet read!
For me it's all about balance in relationships. Friendship is alright, but love and commitment for the long haul might be a little difficult to pull through. Not that it does not happen, or should not! But that's just personal opinion.
Having said that, I must say that Adite's story, Just The Way You Are is finely tuned with realism to make the trope convincing enough. The writing is smooth and crisp. It should have been difficult to add the layers of back story and character development to a novella, but Adite does it with great finesse. The relationship between the main characters was multi-faceted and became deeper as I turned the pages. I liked the minor characters and the theme of different aspects of parenting and how it affects children in a marriage. I also liked that there were no perfect people in the story. They were human and fallible.
The first thing that I look for in a love story is compassion and forgiveness. I loved how the characters changed to accommodate loved ones in their lives, especially the father and son.
A heartwarming, short and sweet read!
October 29, 2019
I picked this one because 1) I haven't been able to finish Adite's other book that I started ages ago 2) It is short and I like books that I can finish in one go. I literally finished it while making lunch today.
The book is about 40-ish Shikha, a makeup artist and single mom to a teenage Aman; and Yash, a 32 years old musician with some unresolved differences with his father.
It is a short, quick and unusual romance. The vocabulary is fab - it sounds poetic and doesn't need you to pick up dictionary.
I'd recommend it to everyone who likes short and clean romance story.
Oh, and my blog has the detailed review.
The book is about 40-ish Shikha, a makeup artist and single mom to a teenage Aman; and Yash, a 32 years old musician with some unresolved differences with his father.
It is a short, quick and unusual romance. The vocabulary is fab - it sounds poetic and doesn't need you to pick up dictionary.
I'd recommend it to everyone who likes short and clean romance story.
Oh, and my blog has the detailed review.
September 6, 2020
Lovely romance
Shikha is a single mother and after some heavy drinking at a marriage she finds herself asleep next to a gorgeous stranger.
Slowly, the events move across as we come to know Yash.
The love story is cute with music being the bind between the couple. How Shikha overcomes her past and gets with Yash, is enjoyably told.
Liked it.
Shikha is a single mother and after some heavy drinking at a marriage she finds herself asleep next to a gorgeous stranger.
Slowly, the events move across as we come to know Yash.
The love story is cute with music being the bind between the couple. How Shikha overcomes her past and gets with Yash, is enjoyably told.
Liked it.
October 2, 2019
Just love the cover. Clean, bright, and feel-good, like the story line.
This is the first novella I've read by the author and it's an excellent prelude to the others expected in the 'soulmates' series. The older heroine - younger hero trope is pulled off quite convincingly, I have to hand it to the author!
Yash is naughty and flirty and charming - something I'm beginning to expect from Adite's heroes (Ashwin in Bombay Heights; Neel in Wedding Shenanigans) and Shikha is single-minded in trying not to fall under his spell.
Thankfully for me, since I love happy endings, she doesn't succeed - or does she? Read this lovely story to find out how it ends...
This is the first novella I've read by the author and it's an excellent prelude to the others expected in the 'soulmates' series. The older heroine - younger hero trope is pulled off quite convincingly, I have to hand it to the author!
Yash is naughty and flirty and charming - something I'm beginning to expect from Adite's heroes (Ashwin in Bombay Heights; Neel in Wedding Shenanigans) and Shikha is single-minded in trying not to fall under his spell.
Thankfully for me, since I love happy endings, she doesn't succeed - or does she? Read this lovely story to find out how it ends...
October 23, 2020
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Just The Way You Are
Subtitle: Soulmates, #1
Author: Adite Banerjie
Genre: Romance
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Meet Shikha and Yash. The two young people seem an unlikely match and Shikha fights against her attraction to the younger man. Both are loveable characters and the story is well-written.
What I liked about the book:
Although this is a short, romantic read, the story was complete. It also shattered some preconceived ideas about relationships between Indian men and women.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
When Yash accidentally meets Shikha’s son and gets in touch with Shikha again that way.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The end. I wanted to know what happened next. But, joking aside, I loved this book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first in a series. I really have to stop myself at the moment from buying the next one and find out what happens next. It will be a follow on from this one, right?
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book was an eye-opener, romantic and had a feel good factor. As such, it could be compared with any books that also have this.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like reading feel good, romantic stories, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
Single mom and bridal makeup artiste Shikha Verma is finally in a good place – both professionally and on the personal front. A chance encounter with a charming musician, who is much younger than her, has her throwing caution to the winds and breaking vows she’s made to herself. Walking away is the right thing to do. After all, she can't risk another heartbreak when she has only just recovered from one.
Yash Kulsreshtha has never been more attracted to a woman and the lady definitely is into him. Why then is Shikha is hell bent on pushing him away? Surely their age difference is not such a big deal? But before he can convince her, she storms out of his life. Are Yash and Shikha destined to stay apart or will life hand them a chance at happily-ever-after?
This novella is a feel-good, emotional romance and the first book of the Soulmates Series.
About the Author:
Adite Banerjie discovered the wonderful world of books at an early age which sparked her interest in writing. After a fulfilling and exciting career as a business journalist she turned her attention to fiction.
Three of her romance novels have been published by Harlequin/Harper Collins India. In 2018 she embarked on her indie journey as an author-publisher.
She also writes screenplays. 7 Lives, a short film she wrote on organ donation is currently streaming on Amazon Prime (US, UK). In 2017 one of her scripts made it to the semi-finals of the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowships.
When she is not grappling with her current work-in-progress, she enjoys spending time with her husband and watching back-to-back movies.
She loves to connect with her readers through her website www.aditebanerjie.com, Facebook page (https://facebook.com/AditeBanerjieWriter) and Twitter account (https://twitter.com/adite).
Basic Details:
Book Title: Just The Way You Are
Subtitle: Soulmates, #1
Author: Adite Banerjie
Genre: Romance
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Meet Shikha and Yash. The two young people seem an unlikely match and Shikha fights against her attraction to the younger man. Both are loveable characters and the story is well-written.
What I liked about the book:
Although this is a short, romantic read, the story was complete. It also shattered some preconceived ideas about relationships between Indian men and women.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
When Yash accidentally meets Shikha’s son and gets in touch with Shikha again that way.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The end. I wanted to know what happened next. But, joking aside, I loved this book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first in a series. I really have to stop myself at the moment from buying the next one and find out what happens next. It will be a follow on from this one, right?
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book was an eye-opener, romantic and had a feel good factor. As such, it could be compared with any books that also have this.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like reading feel good, romantic stories, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
Single mom and bridal makeup artiste Shikha Verma is finally in a good place – both professionally and on the personal front. A chance encounter with a charming musician, who is much younger than her, has her throwing caution to the winds and breaking vows she’s made to herself. Walking away is the right thing to do. After all, she can't risk another heartbreak when she has only just recovered from one.
Yash Kulsreshtha has never been more attracted to a woman and the lady definitely is into him. Why then is Shikha is hell bent on pushing him away? Surely their age difference is not such a big deal? But before he can convince her, she storms out of his life. Are Yash and Shikha destined to stay apart or will life hand them a chance at happily-ever-after?
This novella is a feel-good, emotional romance and the first book of the Soulmates Series.
About the Author:
Adite Banerjie discovered the wonderful world of books at an early age which sparked her interest in writing. After a fulfilling and exciting career as a business journalist she turned her attention to fiction.
Three of her romance novels have been published by Harlequin/Harper Collins India. In 2018 she embarked on her indie journey as an author-publisher.
She also writes screenplays. 7 Lives, a short film she wrote on organ donation is currently streaming on Amazon Prime (US, UK). In 2017 one of her scripts made it to the semi-finals of the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowships.
When she is not grappling with her current work-in-progress, she enjoys spending time with her husband and watching back-to-back movies.
She loves to connect with her readers through her website www.aditebanerjie.com, Facebook page (https://facebook.com/AditeBanerjieWriter) and Twitter account (https://twitter.com/adite).
July 31, 2020
Short and sweet love story
Loved the way the story end, short and sweet.
Loved it how Yash stepped into the moment didn’t see that coming. Very cute short story
Loved the way the story end, short and sweet.
Loved it how Yash stepped into the moment didn’t see that coming. Very cute short story
October 3, 2019
A sweet romance
This short novella is all about love, friendship and second chances. A quick dope for the parched soul. Enjoyed reading this quickie
This short novella is all about love, friendship and second chances. A quick dope for the parched soul. Enjoyed reading this quickie
October 20, 2019
Perfect second chance romance for a lazy weekend. I love Adite’s writing style and this story is no less than her previous longer works. Pick it up if you want to believe in love and friendship.
November 9, 2019
What happens when music brings two unlikely souls together? This is one such story. A mature love story where the protagonists deal with their own demons as they seek solace in the haven of love.
September 1, 2020
Sweet love story..
An easy to read, short and sweet love story. Pick this one up for a quick one to uplift your happy vibes ..
An easy to read, short and sweet love story. Pick this one up for a quick one to uplift your happy vibes ..
February 28, 2020
I always enjoy the characters in Adite's stories. This one was no exception. She deals with an older woman and younger man romance in this book. It's nice without being too mushy. Short novella. Quick and sweet read.
February 7, 2020
Liked it.
I got lost in the names a time or two but was able to figure it out. The author teases you until the very end.
I got lost in the names a time or two but was able to figure it out. The author teases you until the very end.
December 30, 2019
I have been a big fan of Adite Banerjie's writing for quite some time now. Her books have warmth and romance and just what I am looking for in my read. Just the Way You Are by Adite Banerjie is a novella. I liked it and it was a super quick read.
This is the story of Yash and Shikha. Shikha is a single mom who has had a bad relationship experience in the past. She is not so open to trust anyone and she is definitely not looking for love. But a chance meeting with Yash leaves her feeling more. Yash is a musician who is younger than Shikha. He has an easy going attitude, but he can't take his mind off of Shikha.
I liked Yash and Shikha. They were both right in their own places. The format of a novella is as such that things cannot be explored more in depth. So that is the only issue I had with Just the Way You Are. I would have liked to see more of Yash's siblings and the bond they shared. I would have liked to see Yash make efforts with his father and vice versa. I would have wanted to see more bonding experiences between Yash and Shikha's son and how they go further with their relationship.
But all in all Just the Way You Are was a cute and a super quick read. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who enjoys novellas.
*Please note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
This is the story of Yash and Shikha. Shikha is a single mom who has had a bad relationship experience in the past. She is not so open to trust anyone and she is definitely not looking for love. But a chance meeting with Yash leaves her feeling more. Yash is a musician who is younger than Shikha. He has an easy going attitude, but he can't take his mind off of Shikha.
I liked Yash and Shikha. They were both right in their own places. The format of a novella is as such that things cannot be explored more in depth. So that is the only issue I had with Just the Way You Are. I would have liked to see more of Yash's siblings and the bond they shared. I would have liked to see Yash make efforts with his father and vice versa. I would have wanted to see more bonding experiences between Yash and Shikha's son and how they go further with their relationship.
But all in all Just the Way You Are was a cute and a super quick read. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who enjoys novellas.
*Please note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
October 3, 2019
What a quick but intresting read it has been!
The very first thing that attracts me to this book was it's cover. Then the length. As I'm not reading full length novels these days, this quick one is an easy breeze for me. I loved the storyline and the connection it made as an reader with me from the first page. I love her style of writing. This one is my first read from the author but I'm sure I'll read other ones too.
The very first thing that attracts me to this book was it's cover. Then the length. As I'm not reading full length novels these days, this quick one is an easy breeze for me. I loved the storyline and the connection it made as an reader with me from the first page. I love her style of writing. This one is my first read from the author but I'm sure I'll read other ones too.
November 7, 2019
Just The Way You Are has it all. There’s friendship, romance, humor and wit, drama and all so realistic. It also comes with a great message that while it’s true that you may not get it right the first time, but when you do get a second chance, and the universe smiles at you, grab it both hands. A lovely read!!
November 29, 2019
Who says age is a barrier to accomplish or desire anything? Adite Banerjie breaks the notion with this sweet romance between Shikha and Yash. The chemistry between the protagonists is sizzling and the storyline is seeped into reality. Though the story has a fitting end, I wish it went a little longer--didn't want the fun to end. Highly recommended.
December 2, 2019
A well-written book with loads of emotions. Loved the mother-son duo and how well their bonding is portrayed. Language is lucid and the flow of the story is smooth. One can easily relate to the characters that are nicely drawn out and realistic. It's a short read that can easily fit our hectic schedules. Looking forward to the next book in the soulmate series.
October 3, 2019
I am always on the lookout for a short and sweet romance and that is exactly what I got from this book! It's fun. It's serious. There's flirting. There are real life issues. The whole package with just the right amount of each. A must read for romance readers.
October 21, 2019
The story is beautiful and the cover is very nice. The characters are beautifully developed, and they are realistic. I liked the conversations between the characters. I loved Shikha’s son and also the social security that Shikha has.
Waiting for the other books in the 'soulmates' series.
Waiting for the other books in the 'soulmates' series.
October 7, 2019
Another great novella by Adite Banerjie. I love the fluid way the author used to create a beautiful "second chance at love" story. It is a must read and an unputdownable book.
March 26, 2020
A very unconventional love story that will keep you turning the pages of the book. Well etched characters and great chemistry to get hooked into. An emotional roller coaster brings out not only the strengths but also the vulnerabilities of the character. The story weaves some delicious moments between Yash and Shikha, two souls who are not meant to be till they mean. After that, you can’t stop rooting for them. Looking forward to reading others from Adite Banerjie.
September 6, 2022
"Just the way you are" is a mature romance that is filled with passion and layers of human emotions. It is not just a romance novella but is a reflection of an unconventional love story that probably our society does not approve of. Shikha, a single mom, and Yash, a budding musician meet at a wedding and before they could know each other properly, the hyperactive atmosphere of the marriage proceedings infused with laughter & music has its magic on them and they give in to their desires. But what happens next is a treat for the readers. The story develops beautifully when Shikha realizes that she is about eight years older than Yash and tries to withdraw herself from everything, despite her falling for his devilish charm. What I particularly liked about this book is that it deals with flaws that we all have, making the protagonists seem real & relatable. This is a romance novella that is sure to warm your heart, put a smile on your face & of course make one believe that love is the greatest power of all that exists on planet earth. As a die-hard romantic, I completely enjoyed this book and recommend it wholeheartedly to my readers. If you love romance as a genre, then this is a must-read!
March 31, 2020
Lovely, quick, entertaining read. Interesting characters (especially Yash ___he's cool and charming) and dialogues. You will like it if you enjoy reading love stories.
October 31, 2019
https://www.njkinnysblog.com/2019/10/...
Just The Way You Are is the latest romance from author Adite Banerjie. An emotionally rich romantic novella about a single mom and a charming musician who meet at a wedding and fall for each other, this book raises serious issues like society acceptable age mandates for couples but in a sweet and feel-good-a-happy-ending-is-guaranteed way.
I enjoyed meeting Shikha who is finally moving forward from the trauma of her broken marriage and Yash who looks carefree on the outside but isn't untouched by painful moments in his life. Both have their own demons to conquer and challenges to overcome but love conquers all in this beautifully written romance.
I loved the banter between Yash and Shikha that expertly moved the story forward fluidly. The secondary characters are also given their due and I would love to read Vanita and Avantika's stories too. I hope we get to read their own stories soon.
Short and sweet, this novella hooks you right from the start and you can easily finish it in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed this light romance that left me feeling happy, content and satisfied at seeing the hero-heroine get their happily-ever-after.
If you are looking for a feel-good, short, sweet and clean romance then look no further, grab Adite Banerjie's Just The Way You Are now and you can thank me later, after you have finished reading and loving the book, ofcourse!
4 shiny stars out of 5 to Just The Way You Are by Adite Banerjie. Njkinny recommends this clean romance novella to all lovers of love stories and happily-ever-afters.
Just The Way You Are is the latest romance from author Adite Banerjie. An emotionally rich romantic novella about a single mom and a charming musician who meet at a wedding and fall for each other, this book raises serious issues like society acceptable age mandates for couples but in a sweet and feel-good-a-happy-ending-is-guaranteed way.
I enjoyed meeting Shikha who is finally moving forward from the trauma of her broken marriage and Yash who looks carefree on the outside but isn't untouched by painful moments in his life. Both have their own demons to conquer and challenges to overcome but love conquers all in this beautifully written romance.
I loved the banter between Yash and Shikha that expertly moved the story forward fluidly. The secondary characters are also given their due and I would love to read Vanita and Avantika's stories too. I hope we get to read their own stories soon.
Short and sweet, this novella hooks you right from the start and you can easily finish it in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed this light romance that left me feeling happy, content and satisfied at seeing the hero-heroine get their happily-ever-after.
If you are looking for a feel-good, short, sweet and clean romance then look no further, grab Adite Banerjie's Just The Way You Are now and you can thank me later, after you have finished reading and loving the book, ofcourse!
4 shiny stars out of 5 to Just The Way You Are by Adite Banerjie. Njkinny recommends this clean romance novella to all lovers of love stories and happily-ever-afters.
January 27, 2020
A Lucid Story written silkenly words
The short novel is beautifully written with choicest words and well edited sentences. Betraying the simple canvas of story that is revealed at first, the author courageously add complex angles and hidden emotions and unlayers their feelings to show readers what matters at the heart of things is really very simple and uncomplicated, the human feeling of love. I finished it in few hours spread over a couple of days and it left me with a fresh upbeat mood.
The short novel is beautifully written with choicest words and well edited sentences. Betraying the simple canvas of story that is revealed at first, the author courageously add complex angles and hidden emotions and unlayers their feelings to show readers what matters at the heart of things is really very simple and uncomplicated, the human feeling of love. I finished it in few hours spread over a couple of days and it left me with a fresh upbeat mood.
October 19, 2019
Reading an unconventional romance after a really long time. It takes lot of professional finesse to write on topics that are not usually talked about.
A very well written, mature love story with many emotions and quite a few well timed twists.
If you enjoy reading romance and have less time then you will love this one.
A very well written, mature love story with many emotions and quite a few well timed twists.
If you enjoy reading romance and have less time then you will love this one.
December 30, 2019
This is not my favourite genre, so I picked it on an invite from Goodreads and completed it in a single sitting. It is a good plot, well planned, no inconsistencies of plot, only one spelling mistake I found in my quick reading.
Fans of this genre will surely like it with the comment that they want more from this author, preferably longer tales.
Fans of this genre will surely like it with the comment that they want more from this author, preferably longer tales.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews