karenjo46

Soulmated (Joining of Souls #1)

4.5 ★ – An Addictive and Fun Read

Published by Month9Books, LLC January 24, 2017

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: Paperback 300

I received an E-Copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Liam Whelan, a royal Irish empath, has grown tiresome of moving around year after year. He has been searching for “The One” in order to fulfill his father’s visions and help cement his family’s position in empath politics.

Laxshmi Kapadilla, an Indian-American high school student, has been feeling trapped dealing with her controlling mother. She either must go to medical school or commit to an arranged marriage.

Two lost souls, both struggling to stay on the paths set before them, suddenly find themselves in an unexpected attraction — one they simply cannot ignore. Full Synopsis on Goodreads.

With lovable characters, off the charts chemistry with plenty of kissing, and an intriguing storyline, Soulmated has become an instant favorite. I enjoyed every moment of the book and fell in love with Liam and Laxshmi’s story.

Neither of them were prepared, but when Liam and Laxshmi (Lucky) meet, their world suddenly became one. Sparks fly and a magnetic pull keeps leading them to each other. The undeniable connection between them only intensifies with each passing moment. Their chemistry is witty, sweet, and so electrifying (literally and you’ll know why once you read the book) it will leave you swooning for days!

So obviously, there’s an insta-love vibe going on. It is after all the premise of the book…even the title is a dead giveaway. Personally, the romance won me over and kept me turning the pages. I love reading about love and about being in love. If that’s not your thing, then this book might not be for you. I do, however, have to say that Shaila Patel’s beautiful poetic writing is definitely worth the read. Her ability to capture Liam and Lucky’s emotions and vividly describe them reminds me of Shakesphere’s Romeo and Juliet. There’s just something about over the top “I can’t live without you” kind of love/romance… although some might find cheesy and mushy, that totally works. I kept rereading my favorite parts just for the feels.

And while the romance between Liam and Lucky is mainly the focal point the story, I love that Patel also tackles important issues relevant in the present day. She weaves real life problems that arise in interracial relationships, dealing with disapproving and controlling parents, and overcoming one’s everyday insecurities.

With so many more unanswered questions, a mysterious threat lurking around, and an ending like that (need to breathe…), I’m beyond excited for what’s coming next. I really loved the idea of empaths and being able to sense and manipulate someone else’s emotions so I’m hoping this concept will be developed more in the sequel. Oh and that chemistry… I cannot forget about that sizzle! It’s is so addicting and Liam and Laxshmi are so darn cute together you can’t help but totally ship them. Definitely 100% Yes really need the sequel sooner than later because I’m already having serious withdrawals.

Soulmated is absolutely charming, romantic and such a fun read. Shaila Patel’s beautiful prose will keep you intrigued, have you swooning, and leave you wanting more.

Sincerely Karen Jo

When Dimple Met Rishi

By Sandhya Menon

5 ★ – Irresistibly Adorkable, Fun and Heartwarming

Published by Simon Pulse May 30, 2017

Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: Hardcover 380

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THIS BOOK IS HONESTLY SO AMAZING AND WONDERFUL AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND HILARIOUS AND CHEESY AND OH SO UNDENIABLY CUTE — EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS ASAP.

I absolutely without a doubt… none whatsoever ADORED and ENJOYED reading WDMR from beginning to end. From the first time Dimple Met Rishi to the very last page – I seriously could not stop swooning and smiling. And if you didn’t know, I have a weakness for stories that can make me feel all the FEELS! Dimple and Rishi are the cutest dorks and just so perfect together. They’re seriously my new favorite OTPs. It was so fun and entertaining seeing them work out their feelings for each other and Rishi is just the best hopeless romantic there is.

Sandhya Menon’s debut novel exceeded my expectations – it’s just that awesome. This book has everything and more that I look for in a YA contemporary romance: Romantic in the sweet cutesy way (Swooning like an idiot the entire time), cheesy in all the right moments (yes some were pretty mushy – but it freaking worked for me and I loved it!), hilarious with so many laugh out loud moments (Gosh, I love it when a book can make me laugh don’t you?), great characters who are easily relatable (I saw little pieces of high school me in Dimple, Rishi and Celia), and just an overall beautiful story with a lot of love and heart that will stay with you forever (Be warned! There will be some tears – and when you get to the last few chapters and think about the story as a whole – you’ll be in utter amazement).

I was practically in a nostalgic bliss walking down memory lane and remembering my own real life love stories as I read WDMR. Menon’s fantastic storytelling and writing make readers feel that thrill and excitement of falling in love, the butterflies and tingly feeling of having your first kiss, and that overwhelming happiness you feel when you’re with the person you love. But When Dimple Met Rishi is so much more than a fun cute rom-com about first love. Through Dimple and Rishi’s story, Menon also does a wonderful job exploring the Indian culture, family expectations and values, friendships, self-discovery, and what it means to forge your own path and follow your dreams — because “No matter what life, family, gender, or situation you are born into, it is still 100% up to you to decide how to live your life.” WDMR is full of hope, inspiration, empowerment and so many other life lessons. I can keep talking about all the good things in this book and go on and on and on about my favorite parts (and I have sooo many), but I don’t want to ruin the experience for you. Just trust me on this… you need to read WDMR times infinity and beyond.

Oh and one more thing… Menon totally nailed that ending! She wraps up the story so beautifully without leaving out that quirky humor I’ve fallen in love with. I’m so happy Dimple and Rishi’s story came into my life. This book is definitely one of my favorite reads ever and it’s hand down just bursting with so much awesomeness — So don’t even try to argue with me because I’m truly, madly, deeply in love with this book. I cannot find enough words to express all the LOVE I have for Dimple and Rishi. Thank you Sandhya Menon for writing this gem! I can’t wait to read whatever you write next.