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Luv Shuv #2
Luv Under Starlight
Luv Under Starlight is a steamy, roommates-to-lovers romance, set in a small village in India, between a grumpy village teacher and her new sunshine American tenant, full of closed proximity goodness, an adorable little brother, and opening your heart to love after losing a loved one.
Meera Dixit
My life has one purpose: take care of my little brother Hari and my mother.
Five years ago, my father killed himself, leaving us behind to bear bone-deep agony and a back-breaking debt from a loan shark. All I care about is paying off this debt and giving my family a normal, happy life. Love and relationships have no place in my life.
Then I agreed to rent my room to the American roommate of my friend Akira’s boyfriend.
Luke Wilson.
A paying guest for the next three months.
I thought he would come in with the big bucks, and I’d get a breather from barely making ends meet. Never have I been more wrong in my life.
He came into my life with a big smile and an even bigger heart. He was joy and laughter and adventure. He was a beacon of sunshine in my dark, gloomy world.
I didn’t want to hear it. After all, he was leaving in three months. And I would be right here in my little village, taking care of my family.
But with every carefree smile and electrifying touch, he burrowed his way deep into my heart.
But I cannot allow myself to fall for him and be left behind by a person I love. Again.
Meera Dixit
My life has one purpose: take care of my little brother Hari and my mother.
Five years ago, my father killed himself, leaving us behind to bear bone-deep agony and a back-breaking debt from a loan shark. All I care about is paying off this debt and giving my family a normal, happy life. Love and relationships have no place in my life.
Then I agreed to rent my room to the American roommate of my friend Akira’s boyfriend.
Luke Wilson.
A paying guest for the next three months.
I thought he would come in with the big bucks, and I’d get a breather from barely making ends meet. Never have I been more wrong in my life.
He came into my life with a big smile and an even bigger heart. He was joy and laughter and adventure. He was a beacon of sunshine in my dark, gloomy world.
I didn’t want to hear it. After all, he was leaving in three months. And I would be right here in my little village, taking care of my family.
But with every carefree smile and electrifying touch, he burrowed his way deep into my heart.
But I cannot allow myself to fall for him and be left behind by a person I love. Again.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
228 people are currently reading
3533 people want to read
About the author
N.M. Patel
3 books469 followersN.M. Patel is a passionate author who writes romance novels inspired by her love of Bollywood movies. Her books are filled with humor, steam, and plenty of love, featuring strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes. Get ready to be transported into a world of desi culture, unforgettable characters, and a romantic escape that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
September 15, 2023
Had the chance to work with N.M Patel and alpha read this adorable Hindi romance.
Inter-cultural romances are one of my favorites, since I am also married to someone from a different country and culture. There is always something so genuine and romantic about two people willing to understand each other worlds' even if they are so unbelievably different.
They were raised differently, they speak different languages, they have different customs, beliefs, religions and having them still love each other beyond all of that... shit hits different.
Excited to see what Patel is coming up with next.
November 24, 2023
Started reading this in hopes of making my bad day become better ...
Okay, this story made a bit more sense than her first one in terms of character and plot line. But keeping all that aside, there's just something in the authors writing that doesn't bring any appeal to be fully invested in the book and characters. Her second book felt like the cliche brown girl in a village and a white guy comes and saves her type of story which was a very common plot line in movies during the early 2000s (correct me if I am wrong ).
Honestly, her books feel like a person who has a white-savior complex. There's nothing unique in her writing that makes it stand out amongst other inter-racial romance novels.
Coming to the smut ... author needs to either take lessons from Ana Huang or just keep the smut out of her books. In this book, especially it felt like she was writing smut for the blind, giving a play by play of each action and reaction. Again, as mentioned in my previous review of her first book, it feels like some hormonal teenager has written it, who's just getting a hang of their lust driven mind.
Also, something that logically made it impossible to make sense for me was- which Indian mom would be okay with her daughter going off with some random guy for a WHOLE MONTH! Like, seriously !?!? It was like ja simran jeelay apni zindagi ( Go simran live your life) types of a scenario happening right under her roof lol.
All in all, yeah, I don't have anything to say now. I doubt the taste of the reviewers who have given this book more than 3 stars.
Actual rating: 1.5 /5 ⭐️ (and that's for the improvement in character)
Okay, this story made a bit more sense than her first one in terms of character and plot line. But keeping all that aside, there's just something in the authors writing that doesn't bring any appeal to be fully invested in the book and characters. Her second book felt like the cliche brown girl in a village and a white guy comes and saves her type of story which was a very common plot line in movies during the early 2000s (correct me if I am wrong ).
Honestly, her books feel like a person who has a white-savior complex. There's nothing unique in her writing that makes it stand out amongst other inter-racial romance novels.
Coming to the smut ... author needs to either take lessons from Ana Huang or just keep the smut out of her books. In this book, especially it felt like she was writing smut for the blind, giving a play by play of each action and reaction. Again, as mentioned in my previous review of her first book, it feels like some hormonal teenager has written it, who's just getting a hang of their lust driven mind.
Also, something that logically made it impossible to make sense for me was- which Indian mom would be okay with her daughter going off with some random guy for a WHOLE MONTH! Like, seriously !?!? It was like ja simran jeelay apni zindagi ( Go simran live your life) types of a scenario happening right under her roof lol.
All in all, yeah, I don't have anything to say now. I doubt the taste of the reviewers who have given this book more than 3 stars.
Actual rating: 1.5 /5 ⭐️ (and that's for the improvement in character)
November 9, 2024
3.25
Very cute. I love how the author did justice to the farmer suicides happening every year. The village portrayal was pretty accurate.
There were definitely few things that could have been different in aspect to add on to the story.
I personally believe the story could have been shorter but then again I understand why it wasn’t. Which can be somewhat boring at times.
I could see some plot holes regarding the visa.
I LOVEED the MMC, my evergreen rainforest , Luke. I loved the way he was ALWAYS there for her. To support her. The translation of Hindi songs, the Bollywood feels that I got from this book was so heart warming.
And there was nothing that was cringe in this book.
The friendship between Kriti, Meera and Surbhi didi melted my heart.
This is a perfect book for people who want to start off with a desi romance. It has almost everything. Love, friendship, family, struggles of life.
Very cute. I love how the author did justice to the farmer suicides happening every year. The village portrayal was pretty accurate.
There were definitely few things that could have been different in aspect to add on to the story.
I personally believe the story could have been shorter but then again I understand why it wasn’t. Which can be somewhat boring at times.
I could see some plot holes regarding the visa.
I LOVEED the MMC, my evergreen rainforest , Luke. I loved the way he was ALWAYS there for her. To support her. The translation of Hindi songs, the Bollywood feels that I got from this book was so heart warming.
And there was nothing that was cringe in this book.
The friendship between Kriti, Meera and Surbhi didi melted my heart.
This is a perfect book for people who want to start off with a desi romance. It has almost everything. Love, friendship, family, struggles of life.
May 21, 2025
If this man isn't the greenest green flag in the world idk who is. He lived, dreamed and breathed her.
November 27, 2023
This was such a heartwarming book. I really enjoyed the slow-burn romance. Luke was a ray of sunshine and his only purpose in life was to make Meera smile. The letters made my heart melt… 🥹
Tropes: Intra-cultural, Forced Proximity, Grumpy X Sunshine, Cinnamon Roll Hero
↳ Luv Under Starlight is the 2nd book in the series, but can be read as a standalone
Tropes: Intra-cultural, Forced Proximity, Grumpy X Sunshine, Cinnamon Roll Hero
↳ Luv Under Starlight is the 2nd book in the series, but can be read as a standalone
November 21, 2023
THIS BOOK DESERVES AN AWARD🏆
N.M. Patel, Ma'am YOUR BOOKS JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.
A romantic comedy with a agreeable tint of sadness was just what I needed.
I've read both the books from this series and OMG this book is just soo soo soo amazing. I love the humor used in this book, I LOVE the relationship which started to build between Luke and Meera. THIS BOOK LEGIT HAD ME GIGGLING and THROWING MY LEGS IN THE AIR. I loved every bit of this book.
How can a book BE SO PREFECTLY WRITTEN. 🥹🤌
The cover of the book is just as pretty as the story, clearly shows Meera and Luke sleeping together while listening to the cassettes on the player while they admire the stars in the dark night.
Every scene every plot every chapter has been written so smoothly and the author has not made any haste when it came to the timings. The letters during the long distance...wow. And YES! the songs dedicated to every chapter reminded me of those 90s and 80s old love songs I still listen till today and how they put a smile on my face, especially the songs by the legendary Mohammad Rafi.
The way the author has presented the two protagonists and the twists shows how much effort she has put in writing them and shaping them to make a perfect couple. I'm extremely grateful to N.M Patel for writing this book, truly.
I found Meera extremely bold and according to me she is like a 'Sherni' (lioness) who doesn't give up on anyone she loves and she shows a sense of bravery, confidence, self worth and me being a woman loved to see such a character being the queen of the house. Luke, a ray of sunshine who now raised the standards of many fictional readers!
One of the best things that the author pointed on in the last few chapters was 'Hope' which is so beautiful pinned.
"There's no happily after, without hope"
I love Little Hari, hes very cute and Akar who also played a role in saving Meera.
Kriti, Surbhi and of course Akira were also really good characters who supported Meera through her highs and lows and I'm sure everyone deserves that friendship.
Overall I love this book so much, I won't be able to get over it for the next month or so. Surely will re read it when I miss Meera and Luke's love story because "Luke and Meera, y'all are the sun. Y'all are all i can see." 🫶
N.M. Patel, Ma'am YOUR BOOKS JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.
A romantic comedy with a agreeable tint of sadness was just what I needed.
I've read both the books from this series and OMG this book is just soo soo soo amazing. I love the humor used in this book, I LOVE the relationship which started to build between Luke and Meera. THIS BOOK LEGIT HAD ME GIGGLING and THROWING MY LEGS IN THE AIR. I loved every bit of this book.
How can a book BE SO PREFECTLY WRITTEN. 🥹🤌
The cover of the book is just as pretty as the story, clearly shows Meera and Luke sleeping together while listening to the cassettes on the player while they admire the stars in the dark night.
Every scene every plot every chapter has been written so smoothly and the author has not made any haste when it came to the timings. The letters during the long distance...wow. And YES! the songs dedicated to every chapter reminded me of those 90s and 80s old love songs I still listen till today and how they put a smile on my face, especially the songs by the legendary Mohammad Rafi.
The way the author has presented the two protagonists and the twists shows how much effort she has put in writing them and shaping them to make a perfect couple. I'm extremely grateful to N.M Patel for writing this book, truly.
I found Meera extremely bold and according to me she is like a 'Sherni' (lioness) who doesn't give up on anyone she loves and she shows a sense of bravery, confidence, self worth and me being a woman loved to see such a character being the queen of the house. Luke, a ray of sunshine who now raised the standards of many fictional readers!
One of the best things that the author pointed on in the last few chapters was 'Hope' which is so beautiful pinned.
"There's no happily after, without hope"
I love Little Hari, hes very cute and Akar who also played a role in saving Meera.
Kriti, Surbhi and of course Akira were also really good characters who supported Meera through her highs and lows and I'm sure everyone deserves that friendship.
Overall I love this book so much, I won't be able to get over it for the next month or so. Surely will re read it when I miss Meera and Luke's love story because "Luke and Meera, y'all are the sun. Y'all are all i can see." 🫶
October 16, 2023
ARC SENT FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
RATING⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This author has done it again!
I just finished this book, and I cannot believe the masterpiece I just read! Patel's writing style and her way of beautifying India and the Indian culture, and writing with such detail, make it feel like a Bollywood movie playing in front of your eyes! 😍
Luke ❤️
He has my heart! The way he treats Meera like the queen she is and how much love he has for her and her entire family made me so emotional... 😭
Meera 👸
My strong and beautiful girl who has such a pure heart and great taste in music! I loved her simplicity, yet how she could be once she opens up, and I definitely related to her jokes, iykyk. 😂
This book is beyond beautiful, and our amazing author did it again! It made me feel so lonely... 😅 I cried with the book, I laughed, and I just enjoyed how perfect of an ending it had! 📚🎉 This is a perfect Bollywood movie bookified! 🎥 Someone, please tell Karan Johar to make this into a movie, and while he's at it, he can't leave out the OG couple, Sam and Akira, can he? 😉✨🎬
RATING⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This author has done it again!
I just finished this book, and I cannot believe the masterpiece I just read! Patel's writing style and her way of beautifying India and the Indian culture, and writing with such detail, make it feel like a Bollywood movie playing in front of your eyes! 😍
Luke ❤️
He has my heart! The way he treats Meera like the queen she is and how much love he has for her and her entire family made me so emotional... 😭
Meera 👸
My strong and beautiful girl who has such a pure heart and great taste in music! I loved her simplicity, yet how she could be once she opens up, and I definitely related to her jokes, iykyk. 😂
This book is beyond beautiful, and our amazing author did it again! It made me feel so lonely... 😅 I cried with the book, I laughed, and I just enjoyed how perfect of an ending it had! 📚🎉 This is a perfect Bollywood movie bookified! 🎥 Someone, please tell Karan Johar to make this into a movie, and while he's at it, he can't leave out the OG couple, Sam and Akira, can he? 😉✨🎬
November 21, 2024
Title: Luv Under Starlight
Series: Luv Shuv
# in series: 2
Author: N.M. Patel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Keywords: Cinnamon roll MMC, Epistolary, Close Proximity, Grumpy/Sunshine, Protective MMC, Traveling
Rep: Author and FMC are Indian
Pages: 402
Steam: Open Door
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Synopsis:
Luv Under Starlight is a steamy, roommates-to-lovers romance, set in a small village in India, between a grumpy village teacher and her new sunshine American tenant, full of closed proximity goodness, an adorable little brother, and opening your heart to love after losing a loved one.
Review:
I really enjoyed the relationship development between our couple in the story, and how deeply they felt a connection to each other. I also loved the amount of knowledge I gained about stepwells, from this book but also from looking them up myself out of curiosity. But my favorite part has to be how the whole family comes together to support and love one another, especially the FMC younger brother. He and the MMC develop such a lovely bond.
Quotes:
“Will you stay with me on the terrace?” And I couldn’t stop myself. I brushed her hair behind her ear, the feel of her skin causing electricity to rush down my fingers. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“And what will we do with more time? It will only make me want this—want you—more. It will only destroy me more when you leave. It will ruin me.”
The sadness of the day mixed with the joy of holding Meera in my arms.
All I wanted was to give her everything her heart desired, and if there was one more thing that I could ask for from whoever and whatever higher force was up there, then it was this— I really, really wanted to keep her.
.
.
.
.
.
.
CW: Past mentions of suicide of a family member. Current off-page mention of suicide. Intimidation re: money. Poverty.
Pregnancy?: No
Babies/Children?: FMC has a 10 year old younger brother who is a large part of the story
**ARC provided by the author. All thoughts are my own**
Series: Luv Shuv
# in series: 2
Author: N.M. Patel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Keywords: Cinnamon roll MMC, Epistolary, Close Proximity, Grumpy/Sunshine, Protective MMC, Traveling
Rep: Author and FMC are Indian
Pages: 402
Steam: Open Door
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Synopsis:
Luv Under Starlight is a steamy, roommates-to-lovers romance, set in a small village in India, between a grumpy village teacher and her new sunshine American tenant, full of closed proximity goodness, an adorable little brother, and opening your heart to love after losing a loved one.
Review:
I really enjoyed the relationship development between our couple in the story, and how deeply they felt a connection to each other. I also loved the amount of knowledge I gained about stepwells, from this book but also from looking them up myself out of curiosity. But my favorite part has to be how the whole family comes together to support and love one another, especially the FMC younger brother. He and the MMC develop such a lovely bond.
Quotes:
“Will you stay with me on the terrace?” And I couldn’t stop myself. I brushed her hair behind her ear, the feel of her skin causing electricity to rush down my fingers. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“And what will we do with more time? It will only make me want this—want you—more. It will only destroy me more when you leave. It will ruin me.”
The sadness of the day mixed with the joy of holding Meera in my arms.
All I wanted was to give her everything her heart desired, and if there was one more thing that I could ask for from whoever and whatever higher force was up there, then it was this— I really, really wanted to keep her.
.
.
.
.
.
.
CW: Past mentions of suicide of a family member. Current off-page mention of suicide. Intimidation re: money. Poverty.
Pregnancy?: No
Babies/Children?: FMC has a 10 year old younger brother who is a large part of the story
**ARC provided by the author. All thoughts are my own**
November 17, 2023
First of all I want to say thanks to N.M.Patel for writing such a beautiful book that made me feel all the emotions I could feel. It’s the second book in the series and it revolves around the Best Friend of Sam- Luke & Akira’s family friend Meera. This is one of those stories that will always stay close to my heart, no matter the number of books I read. Everything was written and threaded in such a balanced way that it felt an honest letter and tribute to Indian people and readers.
I won’t lie and say Desi/ Indian Representation is my favourite because obviously, very rare it is that it is written well, except by the exceptional ladies like Anna P., Ruby Rana, Ava Rani . It’s just that writing a book which represents a community or ethnicity is never an easy fleet because the writer has to not only write a story that would reward them but they have to write something that will feel the actual representation to the actual humans and not the clichés and prejudices society has set.
N.M. Patel has written this story with so much patience, pain and love that it showed in every chapter. From the song selection to feeling the bookish girlies with what we want the most, a cinnamon roll hero who is a dirty dirty boy.
I am daughter of a couple who fell in love with each other in late 90s. They have shown me the real standards for love and how you show up each and everyday, in any manner possible. That is what Luke did for Meera. It’s a girl math that every eldest daughter deserves the youngest son as their partner so that he can be her sun, the person who won’t mind walking behind her just so she can walk in the independent girl way but will be there to be her place to rest.
This is not the usual way I do my reviews but this is not the book I usually read. But yeah the book.
The chemistry, the moments, the glimpse of Bollywood movies and songs shifted me to a different world and I am not ready to come back to reality. The entire old school vibe called me out single in 100 ways but I am willing to wait for my Luke or I might be the Kriti who will be matched with her Aakar.
I won’t lie and say Desi/ Indian Representation is my favourite because obviously, very rare it is that it is written well, except by the exceptional ladies like Anna P., Ruby Rana, Ava Rani . It’s just that writing a book which represents a community or ethnicity is never an easy fleet because the writer has to not only write a story that would reward them but they have to write something that will feel the actual representation to the actual humans and not the clichés and prejudices society has set.
N.M. Patel has written this story with so much patience, pain and love that it showed in every chapter. From the song selection to feeling the bookish girlies with what we want the most, a cinnamon roll hero who is a dirty dirty boy.
I am daughter of a couple who fell in love with each other in late 90s. They have shown me the real standards for love and how you show up each and everyday, in any manner possible. That is what Luke did for Meera. It’s a girl math that every eldest daughter deserves the youngest son as their partner so that he can be her sun, the person who won’t mind walking behind her just so she can walk in the independent girl way but will be there to be her place to rest.
This is not the usual way I do my reviews but this is not the book I usually read. But yeah the book.
The chemistry, the moments, the glimpse of Bollywood movies and songs shifted me to a different world and I am not ready to come back to reality. The entire old school vibe called me out single in 100 ways but I am willing to wait for my Luke or I might be the Kriti who will be matched with her Aakar.
November 14, 2023
“She kissed me, and I forgot my own name.
I kissed her, and I forgot the whole world.”
ARC Review~
Meera has a hard life. She’s the sole breadwinner in her family after her father’s death and she’s barely holding it together for her mother and 10 year old brother. What little she makes goes to pay off the debt from her father’s loan on the farm they live on. Her mother is lost in her own grief but refuses to sell the farm so Meera is stuck.
Luke exchanged barely three words with her in book one and knew that his life’s purpose was to make her smile. Before his final year in his architecture program, he decides to spend the summer in India studying the stepwells he loves so much and he pays to stay at Meera’s house as a tenant. She needs the money and he needs to know her.
This is such a beautiful book about grief, moving on, love, and family. Luke and Meera come from different worlds but bond over how loss has touched their lives and together they find a little bit of happiness. His character was almost like a fairytale prince come to life and it was a joy to watch him step in (at times bumbling or overstepping) to show Meera how much he wanted to support her - mess and all.
Music plays a big role in this book and I encourage readers to listen to a few tracks to help set the scene. Music is one of those things that transcends language and it was used so beautifully here to express emotions at times when words didn’t come easily.
Their struggles were heartbreaking, their love was passionate, and it all ended exactly how I wanted it to. *swoon*
I kissed her, and I forgot the whole world.”
ARC Review~
Meera has a hard life. She’s the sole breadwinner in her family after her father’s death and she’s barely holding it together for her mother and 10 year old brother. What little she makes goes to pay off the debt from her father’s loan on the farm they live on. Her mother is lost in her own grief but refuses to sell the farm so Meera is stuck.
Luke exchanged barely three words with her in book one and knew that his life’s purpose was to make her smile. Before his final year in his architecture program, he decides to spend the summer in India studying the stepwells he loves so much and he pays to stay at Meera’s house as a tenant. She needs the money and he needs to know her.
This is such a beautiful book about grief, moving on, love, and family. Luke and Meera come from different worlds but bond over how loss has touched their lives and together they find a little bit of happiness. His character was almost like a fairytale prince come to life and it was a joy to watch him step in (at times bumbling or overstepping) to show Meera how much he wanted to support her - mess and all.
Music plays a big role in this book and I encourage readers to listen to a few tracks to help set the scene. Music is one of those things that transcends language and it was used so beautifully here to express emotions at times when words didn’t come easily.
Their struggles were heartbreaking, their love was passionate, and it all ended exactly how I wanted it to. *swoon*
February 12, 2024
You know there is a perfect book,for perfect season.This book is suited for that cool gentle breeze that sets off in the early summer months.Luke and Meera they are just a wholesome couple.Their cute nokhjhoks, sitting on the roof listening to old Bollywood songs, literally they were holding hands and I was feeling the butterflies.Luke,he is not a green flag ,he is a green forest,the actual sunshine/golden retriever hero, possessive in a cute way.Meera,the way she single-handedly supports her family is truly admirable.How they both grow together,the way their relationship develops
September 30, 2024
Wow, just wow! Luv Under Starlight completely stole my heart. This steamy roommates-to-lovers romance is everything I didn’t know I needed. Set in a small Indian village, it beautifully mixes the weight of grief with the lightness of love, and let me tell you, it hits hard.
Meera is such a relatable character—she’s juggling family responsibilities after a tragic loss, and her life revolves around taking care of her little brother, Hari. Her struggle is palpable, and you can’t help but root for her as she tries to navigate life under such heavy pressure. Enter Luke, her American roommate, who brings sunshine into her dark world. Seriously, this guy is pure joy! His adventurous spirit and infectious smile are a perfect counterbalance to Meera’s grumpy, guarded demeanor.
The chemistry between them is electric, and the slow burn is done just right. Their banter is fun, and those close-proximity moments? Chef’s kiss! The way Luke helps Meera open her heart again after loss is so beautifully portrayed. You feel every moment of their connection, and it’s impossible not to get swept away.
Plus, Meera’s relationship with her little brother adds such a sweet layer to the story. It’s a perfect mix of warmth, humor, and that little bit of steaminess that makes your heart race.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance that’s both steamy and emotional, this book is a must-read. Luv Under Starlight is a beautiful reminder that love can bloom even in the darkest times. I’m officially obsessed! 🌟❤️
Meera is such a relatable character—she’s juggling family responsibilities after a tragic loss, and her life revolves around taking care of her little brother, Hari. Her struggle is palpable, and you can’t help but root for her as she tries to navigate life under such heavy pressure. Enter Luke, her American roommate, who brings sunshine into her dark world. Seriously, this guy is pure joy! His adventurous spirit and infectious smile are a perfect counterbalance to Meera’s grumpy, guarded demeanor.
The chemistry between them is electric, and the slow burn is done just right. Their banter is fun, and those close-proximity moments? Chef’s kiss! The way Luke helps Meera open her heart again after loss is so beautifully portrayed. You feel every moment of their connection, and it’s impossible not to get swept away.
Plus, Meera’s relationship with her little brother adds such a sweet layer to the story. It’s a perfect mix of warmth, humor, and that little bit of steaminess that makes your heart race.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance that’s both steamy and emotional, this book is a must-read. Luv Under Starlight is a beautiful reminder that love can bloom even in the darkest times. I’m officially obsessed! 🌟❤️
November 19, 2023
waiting for a Luke Wilson in my life <3
forever indebted to you for giving us the saari romances :D
forever indebted to you for giving us the saari romances :D
November 13, 2023
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of this one, and oh did I love it.
It’s not only a beautiful love story, but also an eye opening book on a culture so different than mine, as the book is set in India, and I loved it so so so much.
I can only recommend it ✨
It’s not only a beautiful love story, but also an eye opening book on a culture so different than mine, as the book is set in India, and I loved it so so so much.
I can only recommend it ✨
March 25, 2025
4.5⭐
God i really enjoyed it more than the first one
No doubt it was more emotional and the helplessness of can't be together easily but still doesn't make it an excuse or break of their relationship but find a way to overcome that was such a fresh thing to read
When luke really assured Meera and make her trust him and the understanding they have was so good
....the longing they felt was 😘
the scene where seeing Meera after 8 months luke face plant himself and run to her was both funny and lovely at the same time🙈
God i really enjoyed it more than the first one
No doubt it was more emotional and the helplessness of can't be together easily but still doesn't make it an excuse or break of their relationship but find a way to overcome that was such a fresh thing to read
When luke really assured Meera and make her trust him and the understanding they have was so good
....the longing they felt was 😘
the scene where seeing Meera after 8 months luke face plant himself and run to her was both funny and lovely at the same time🙈
November 15, 2024
While this book started off strong and was promising, there were so many unrealistic things about it. Those, I could somehow excuse because its a book and not real life - however, the thing that bothered me the most was the fact that Meera abandoned her principles and ended up doing the one thing she said she would never, for half the book. She took someone else's money to pay off the loan, and she said she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and that she was not in debt anymore, but does she not technically owe Luke all that money now?
Using Luke's money to go to the USA and surprise him was very cute, but that whole graduation scene was also odd. He didn't say bye to his family or friends, or complete the ceremony, he just went to have sex because he saw his long-distance girlfriend.
The intimate scenes at first were alright because it felt right to have them, but towards the end of the book, it just felt like the book was only filled with sex and there was no real substance to it, and every second page, another sex scene - it felt like it was there to just fill the pages.
I think the first book in this series was much better, as it was realistic, it showed the struggles of an interracial relationship while also balancing it with romance properly. This book, while the first half was quite promising - I quite enjoyed the trip to see the step wells, and Luke's relationship with Hari, since the long distance started and she came to the USA, everything happened way too quickly and it was quite unrealistic.
I did appreciate the mentions on suicide and mental health, also the effort to touch upon farmers and those whose lives are affected, but I think that in the second half of the book, this was neglected and it should have been in the spotlight.
Using Luke's money to go to the USA and surprise him was very cute, but that whole graduation scene was also odd. He didn't say bye to his family or friends, or complete the ceremony, he just went to have sex because he saw his long-distance girlfriend.
The intimate scenes at first were alright because it felt right to have them, but towards the end of the book, it just felt like the book was only filled with sex and there was no real substance to it, and every second page, another sex scene - it felt like it was there to just fill the pages.
I think the first book in this series was much better, as it was realistic, it showed the struggles of an interracial relationship while also balancing it with romance properly. This book, while the first half was quite promising - I quite enjoyed the trip to see the step wells, and Luke's relationship with Hari, since the long distance started and she came to the USA, everything happened way too quickly and it was quite unrealistic.
I did appreciate the mentions on suicide and mental health, also the effort to touch upon farmers and those whose lives are affected, but I think that in the second half of the book, this was neglected and it should have been in the spotlight.
February 26, 2024
Thank you N.M. Patel for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review. It took me some time to write a review due to my schedule!
Although this is the book 2 of the series, it’s my first time reading Patel’s book! It has all the tropes that i love; sunshine x grumpy, roommates to lovers, Desi representation, interracial relationships, opposites attract. The dedication had my heart. I loved how there’s an old hindi song dedicated to each chapter.
The romance progression and slow burn is so poetic.🔥 l’m impressed with how all the characters grew throughout the story! First of all, Luke is such a green flag from the beginning! 🥹 It took me a few days to get out of Luke & Meera’s love story and omg the bond between Luke and Meera’s brother was too adorable! Also, the scene where Meera and her mom openly had “the talk” was heartwarming.
Overall, i truly enjoyed the book! It was emotional, entertaining, cheesy, romantic and filled with Indian cultural references. A beautifully written story on grief, love, the importance of family. I’m looking forward to read the third instalment of this series; Kriti & Aakar story! 🤩
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: Suicide, Death of a loved one, grief
Although this is the book 2 of the series, it’s my first time reading Patel’s book! It has all the tropes that i love; sunshine x grumpy, roommates to lovers, Desi representation, interracial relationships, opposites attract. The dedication had my heart. I loved how there’s an old hindi song dedicated to each chapter.
The romance progression and slow burn is so poetic.🔥 l’m impressed with how all the characters grew throughout the story! First of all, Luke is such a green flag from the beginning! 🥹 It took me a few days to get out of Luke & Meera’s love story and omg the bond between Luke and Meera’s brother was too adorable! Also, the scene where Meera and her mom openly had “the talk” was heartwarming.
Overall, i truly enjoyed the book! It was emotional, entertaining, cheesy, romantic and filled with Indian cultural references. A beautifully written story on grief, love, the importance of family. I’m looking forward to read the third instalment of this series; Kriti & Aakar story! 🤩
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
TW: Suicide, Death of a loved one, grief
September 30, 2024
Ohh what a book this was!!
My first intercultural romance book and it was a blast. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Meera is our strong girl. She has been through so much, and still, she shined like a star throughout the book.
And obviously, words would be less for Luke... the charm, the character, the zen he is. I am happy to say he is one of my favorite book boyfriends for sure now.
The way their relationship grows from strangers to friends and then to lovers is so well written. Character development that was seen specially as the hurdles came was so well written that it showed their vulnerability, their love, and care for each other was something I loved.
Their sweet terrace moments, the unplanned trip for meera and chef Luke were definitely some of my favorite moments that made me feel all the butterflies and jumping in happiness at 2 am.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!!
My first intercultural romance book and it was a blast. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Meera is our strong girl. She has been through so much, and still, she shined like a star throughout the book.
And obviously, words would be less for Luke... the charm, the character, the zen he is. I am happy to say he is one of my favorite book boyfriends for sure now.
The way their relationship grows from strangers to friends and then to lovers is so well written. Character development that was seen specially as the hurdles came was so well written that it showed their vulnerability, their love, and care for each other was something I loved.
Their sweet terrace moments, the unplanned trip for meera and chef Luke were definitely some of my favorite moments that made me feel all the butterflies and jumping in happiness at 2 am.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!!
September 30, 2024
This book was so beautiful , I found it relatable and I actually cried while reading this book. Compared to the first book this touched my heart more and I felt connected to it.
April 12, 2025
I mean....atleast the playlist was nice🙂
August 29, 2024
I read this book about 8 -9 months back (before I started my Bookstagram @destiny._.decides) it still brings the joy and nostalgic sweetness of the story back to my mind whenever I recall it☺💗.
"Luv Under Starlight" by NM Patel is a captivating, steamy romance that masterfully combines the charm of a small Indian village with the irresistible tension of a roommates-to-lovers story. With a grumpy village teacher and her sunshine American tenant, this book is filled with delightful moments, heartfelt connections, and all the cozy feels of close proximity romance.
The story follows Meera Dixit, a dedicated and reserved teacher who has built walls around her heart after a profound loss, and Luke Wilson, a cheerful American traveler who becomes her unexpected housemate.
When Luke rents a room in Meera’s home, he brings a burst of light into her quiet, structured life. Their contrasting personalities—Meera’s grumpiness and Luke’s sunny disposition—create a dynamic that is both hilarious and heartwarming.
One of the most adorable scenes in the book is when Luke tries to help Meera’s little brother with his homework, despite not knowing a word of Hindi. Meera walks in to find them both laughing over a Hindi-to-English dictionary, with Luke trying his best to pronounce words correctly. The scene is a perfect mix of comedy and charm, showcasing Luke’s earnest efforts to fit into this new world and his genuine affection for Meera’s family.
The forced proximity trope is in full effect when a monsoon unexpectedly hits the village, and they’re stuck indoors together. During this time, Luke’s presence starts to chip away at Meera’s icy exterior. There’s a particularly sweet moment where they find themselves sharing a kitchen, cooking together by candlelight because of a power outage. As they fumble around, their hands accidentally touch, sending a spark through the air. Meera, who’s usually so composed, feels her heartbeat quicken, and Luke’s playful smile shows he’s not immune to the tension either.
Then there’s the steamy scene where Luke, after seeing Meera’s vulnerable side for the first time, can’t hold back his feelings any longer. In a heated exchange, he confesses, “I’ve seen the stars around the world, but nothing compares to the way you light up this room.” Their kiss is electric, charged with all the pent-up emotions they’ve been holding back, making it a perfect climax for fans of slow-burn romances.
Beyond the romance, the book beautifully explores themes of healing and opening up to love again after loss. Meera’s journey is both touching and relatable, as she learns to let go of her past and embrace the new possibilities in front of her. Luke’s unwavering support and his own backstory add depth to their relationship, making their connection feel genuine and heartfelt.
"Luv Under Starlight" is a delightful blend of humor, emotion, and steam. NM Patel captures the magic of unexpected love blossoming in the most unlikely of places, under the starlit skies of a charming Indian village. With its lovable characters, adorable family dynamics, and a story that warms your heart, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good roommates-to-lovers romance filled with both laughter and tender moments.
To finalize it in simple words : "N.M.Patel's Books are the Best Indian romance Novels"🤌🏻💗☺💫❣📚🔥
@destiny._.decides
💫💗❣
"Luv Under Starlight" by NM Patel is a captivating, steamy romance that masterfully combines the charm of a small Indian village with the irresistible tension of a roommates-to-lovers story. With a grumpy village teacher and her sunshine American tenant, this book is filled with delightful moments, heartfelt connections, and all the cozy feels of close proximity romance.
The story follows Meera Dixit, a dedicated and reserved teacher who has built walls around her heart after a profound loss, and Luke Wilson, a cheerful American traveler who becomes her unexpected housemate.
When Luke rents a room in Meera’s home, he brings a burst of light into her quiet, structured life. Their contrasting personalities—Meera’s grumpiness and Luke’s sunny disposition—create a dynamic that is both hilarious and heartwarming.
One of the most adorable scenes in the book is when Luke tries to help Meera’s little brother with his homework, despite not knowing a word of Hindi. Meera walks in to find them both laughing over a Hindi-to-English dictionary, with Luke trying his best to pronounce words correctly. The scene is a perfect mix of comedy and charm, showcasing Luke’s earnest efforts to fit into this new world and his genuine affection for Meera’s family.
The forced proximity trope is in full effect when a monsoon unexpectedly hits the village, and they’re stuck indoors together. During this time, Luke’s presence starts to chip away at Meera’s icy exterior. There’s a particularly sweet moment where they find themselves sharing a kitchen, cooking together by candlelight because of a power outage. As they fumble around, their hands accidentally touch, sending a spark through the air. Meera, who’s usually so composed, feels her heartbeat quicken, and Luke’s playful smile shows he’s not immune to the tension either.
Then there’s the steamy scene where Luke, after seeing Meera’s vulnerable side for the first time, can’t hold back his feelings any longer. In a heated exchange, he confesses, “I’ve seen the stars around the world, but nothing compares to the way you light up this room.” Their kiss is electric, charged with all the pent-up emotions they’ve been holding back, making it a perfect climax for fans of slow-burn romances.
Beyond the romance, the book beautifully explores themes of healing and opening up to love again after loss. Meera’s journey is both touching and relatable, as she learns to let go of her past and embrace the new possibilities in front of her. Luke’s unwavering support and his own backstory add depth to their relationship, making their connection feel genuine and heartfelt.
"Luv Under Starlight" is a delightful blend of humor, emotion, and steam. NM Patel captures the magic of unexpected love blossoming in the most unlikely of places, under the starlit skies of a charming Indian village. With its lovable characters, adorable family dynamics, and a story that warms your heart, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good roommates-to-lovers romance filled with both laughter and tender moments.
To finalize it in simple words : "N.M.Patel's Books are the Best Indian romance Novels"🤌🏻💗☺💫❣📚🔥
@destiny._.decides
💫💗❣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
"Luv Under Starlight" by N. M. Patel is a heartwarming and steamy roommates-to-lovers romance that beautifully explores the complexity of love, loss, and healing. Set in the idyllic backdrop of a small Indian village, this novel follows the story of Meera Dixit, a grumpy village teacher burdened by family responsibilities, and Luke Wilson, her sunshine-filled American ttenant. The characters in this novel are more than just protagonists-they are deeply relatable and endearing individuals whose journeys resonate on an emotional level. Meera, with her devotion to her family and the weight of her past, is a character who elicits empathy from the outset. Meanwhile, Luke's easygoing, joy-filled demeanor contrasts sharply with Meera's guarded heart, creating a dynamic that is not only compelling but also authentic. Their development throughout the story feels natural, adding layers of depth to the romance, as they help each other rediscover the beauty of life and love. One of the standout features of "Luv Under Starlight" is Patel's mesmerizing prose. The writing is poetic, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the small village, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the story. Every scene, whether it be a quiet moment under the stars or a heartfelt conversation, is infused with a magical quality that makes the reader believe in the transformative power of love. The balance between tender moments and humor is impeccable. The story is laced with delightful humor, particularly in the interactions between Luke and Meera's little brother, Hari. Their bond adds a heartwarming dimension to the story and amplifies Luke's charm as the golden retriever-like man who easily wins the hearts of those around him. One of the most enchanting aspects of the novel is the pair's nightly conversations under the moonlit sky, accompanied by a cool summer breeze and soothing music. These moments feel nostalgic and intimate, as if the reader is sitting beside them, witnessing their emotional connection deepen. Author skillfully captures the highs and lows of their budding relationship, and the pacing of the story is flawless-allowing the romance to build slowly yet steadily, keeping readers hooked until the very end. DID I TELL YOU HOW MUCH I'VE FALLEN FOR LUKE... that man has my whole heart, like seriously, a whole green forest. What do I like in this book? Everything. Every single thing. Luke and Meera have my heart They've set an example for all my romance ships. The novel successfully brings out a wide range of emotions-joy, laughter, sadness, and yes, even a touch of spicy romance, all woven together in a way that feels both real and cinematic. In short, is a must-read for fans of steamy, feel-good romances. It is a swoon-worthy romance. A movie adaptation would be a dream come true for fans of this cute, filmy love story! The letters between the couple brought me to tears. If you're looking for a cute, emotional, and spicy read, this is the perfect book! Highly recommend!
May 29, 2025
I am a big fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope, especially when the girl is grumpy and the boy is the sunshine. When we meet Meera, our heroine, she’s pretty much given up hope of ever being happy. It has been five years since her farmer father killed himself, leaving Meera to take care of her widowed mother and ten year old brother and pay off his debt, which uses up all that she earns as a government school teacher. Leisure? Love? Meera has neither the money nor the time for either.
Enter Luke, our sunshine, an aspiring American architect who had crossed paths with Meera in the first book and cannot bring himself to forget the sombre young woman he barely spoke to. He is doing his master’s thesis on Indian Stepwells with the one in Meera’s village being the focus of his research. He needs a place to stay and Meera needs the money, so they settle on him staying as a paying guest at Meera’s house.
It’s fun to read about Luke, a true city boy, living in a small Indian village and adapting to village life. Meera, initially wary of him and his friendly ways, finds her walls crumbling in the face of his unrelenting kindness. Sometimes, they meet on Meera’s terrace, and listen to old hindi songs under the stars, hence the title, Luv Under Starlight. When I was reading these particular scenes, which were written so beautifully, I so badly wanted to be in Meera’s shoes with a Luke of my own.
Luke has cemented a place for himself on my top ten book boyfriends list for 2025. He is smart, funny, kind, handsome and duh, tall. He has been through a lot in life, but is not jaded by it. Instead, he wants to do all he can to help others. He tries his level best to be there for Meera. She has been living a sort of half life, burdened by all that life has thrown at her, and he helps her to learn to live for herself again. I guess we could all use someone to remind us about how good life can be when times are tough, be a Luke to our Meera.
The very definition of an old school slow burn romance, this book is a balm to the soul of every eldest daughter who feels the burden of the world on her shoulders. As an eldest daughter myself, who had to take on some responsibilities early in life, I felt so seen. If there was an award for it, I would nominate Meera because she has one of the best character arcs I have read in recent memory. And Luke, I want him and maybe I want to be him too because he is like a tree that will bend almost backward in a storm, but won't break.
I love romance novels, and they rarely disappoint. But in these times of booktok, where romance novels are reduced to micro-tropes, this book really stood out as a true blue romance novel. It shows two people from two different sides of the world, meeting in an unlikely place and finding their soulmate in each other and doing all they can to hold on to each other. I really enjoyed reading this book, if it was not obvious from the heartfelt review, and I just want to say that if you are a romance reader (and an eldest daughter) this book is for you, that’s it.
MAGIC INGREDIENTS
Grumpy X Sunshine
Golden Retriever Hero X Black Cat Heroine
Roommates to Lovers
He falls first
Slow Burn; Angst
Top Tier Spice
Major Character Growth
Only One Bed
Hero’s bond with heroine’s family (chef’s kiss)
Enter Luke, our sunshine, an aspiring American architect who had crossed paths with Meera in the first book and cannot bring himself to forget the sombre young woman he barely spoke to. He is doing his master’s thesis on Indian Stepwells with the one in Meera’s village being the focus of his research. He needs a place to stay and Meera needs the money, so they settle on him staying as a paying guest at Meera’s house.
It’s fun to read about Luke, a true city boy, living in a small Indian village and adapting to village life. Meera, initially wary of him and his friendly ways, finds her walls crumbling in the face of his unrelenting kindness. Sometimes, they meet on Meera’s terrace, and listen to old hindi songs under the stars, hence the title, Luv Under Starlight. When I was reading these particular scenes, which were written so beautifully, I so badly wanted to be in Meera’s shoes with a Luke of my own.
Luke has cemented a place for himself on my top ten book boyfriends list for 2025. He is smart, funny, kind, handsome and duh, tall. He has been through a lot in life, but is not jaded by it. Instead, he wants to do all he can to help others. He tries his level best to be there for Meera. She has been living a sort of half life, burdened by all that life has thrown at her, and he helps her to learn to live for herself again. I guess we could all use someone to remind us about how good life can be when times are tough, be a Luke to our Meera.
The very definition of an old school slow burn romance, this book is a balm to the soul of every eldest daughter who feels the burden of the world on her shoulders. As an eldest daughter myself, who had to take on some responsibilities early in life, I felt so seen. If there was an award for it, I would nominate Meera because she has one of the best character arcs I have read in recent memory. And Luke, I want him and maybe I want to be him too because he is like a tree that will bend almost backward in a storm, but won't break.
I love romance novels, and they rarely disappoint. But in these times of booktok, where romance novels are reduced to micro-tropes, this book really stood out as a true blue romance novel. It shows two people from two different sides of the world, meeting in an unlikely place and finding their soulmate in each other and doing all they can to hold on to each other. I really enjoyed reading this book, if it was not obvious from the heartfelt review, and I just want to say that if you are a romance reader (and an eldest daughter) this book is for you, that’s it.
MAGIC INGREDIENTS
Grumpy X Sunshine
Golden Retriever Hero X Black Cat Heroine
Roommates to Lovers
He falls first
Slow Burn; Angst
Top Tier Spice
Major Character Growth
Only One Bed
Hero’s bond with heroine’s family (chef’s kiss)
June 1, 2025
Luv Under Starlight is a steamy, emotional, and beautiful roommate-to-lovers, interracial romance where Meera Dixit and Luke Wilson fall in love with each other while Luke stays at Meera's house as a tenant.
Meera is a strong woman who is the sole breadwinner in her family. Five years ago, her father took his own life, leaving the family in deep agony and burdened with a back-breaking debt from a loan shark. She's barely holding it together for her mother and 10-year-old brother. Every penny she makes goes toward paying off the debt her father incurred. Meera’s mother, lost in her own grief, refuses to sell the farm. All Meera ever wanted and dreamed of was to pay off the debt her father left behind and move to the city, Ahmedabad.
Luke, full of joy, laughter, and adventure, visited India with his friend Sam for moral support. He fell in love with the stepwells and their architecture in the village and planned to spend the summer in India studying them for his final thesis. But something more happened—just three words with Meera, and he knew his life’s purpose was to make her smile. Now, he's back as a paying guest in her house for three months—she needs the money, and he needs to know her.
Luke's determination to make Meera smile and have fun was endearing, and music played a critical role in bringing them closer. It helped them open up to each other’s vulnerabilities, grief, and pain when words didn’t come easily.
I really enjoyed the relationship development between them and how deeply they felt a connection to each other. Their effort to make it work, even in the distance, was heartwarming. Their texts, letters, gifts, and calls were wholesome, and their longing for each other was evident in every line.
My favorite part has to be how the whole family comes together to support and love one another, especially Meera's younger brother. The way Meera’s mother supports her, even in their situation, and tells her not to worry about what others might think, shows the love she has for her.
The most heartfelt connection I felt was the bond Luke and Hari shared. It was so pure, even though language was a barrier between them—they communicated through their hearts.
This is one of those stories that will always stay close to my heart, no matter how many books I read. Everything was written in such a balanced way that it felt like an honest letter and tribute to Indian people and readers.
At last — This is a beautiful book about is grief, moving on, love, and family. Luke and Meera come from different worlds but bond over how loss has touched their lives. Together, they find a little bit of happiness.
Meera is a strong woman who is the sole breadwinner in her family. Five years ago, her father took his own life, leaving the family in deep agony and burdened with a back-breaking debt from a loan shark. She's barely holding it together for her mother and 10-year-old brother. Every penny she makes goes toward paying off the debt her father incurred. Meera’s mother, lost in her own grief, refuses to sell the farm. All Meera ever wanted and dreamed of was to pay off the debt her father left behind and move to the city, Ahmedabad.
Luke, full of joy, laughter, and adventure, visited India with his friend Sam for moral support. He fell in love with the stepwells and their architecture in the village and planned to spend the summer in India studying them for his final thesis. But something more happened—just three words with Meera, and he knew his life’s purpose was to make her smile. Now, he's back as a paying guest in her house for three months—she needs the money, and he needs to know her.
Luke's determination to make Meera smile and have fun was endearing, and music played a critical role in bringing them closer. It helped them open up to each other’s vulnerabilities, grief, and pain when words didn’t come easily.
I really enjoyed the relationship development between them and how deeply they felt a connection to each other. Their effort to make it work, even in the distance, was heartwarming. Their texts, letters, gifts, and calls were wholesome, and their longing for each other was evident in every line.
My favorite part has to be how the whole family comes together to support and love one another, especially Meera's younger brother. The way Meera’s mother supports her, even in their situation, and tells her not to worry about what others might think, shows the love she has for her.
The most heartfelt connection I felt was the bond Luke and Hari shared. It was so pure, even though language was a barrier between them—they communicated through their hearts.
This is one of those stories that will always stay close to my heart, no matter how many books I read. Everything was written in such a balanced way that it felt like an honest letter and tribute to Indian people and readers.
At last — This is a beautiful book about is grief, moving on, love, and family. Luke and Meera come from different worlds but bond over how loss has touched their lives. Together, they find a little bit of happiness.
November 24, 2023
Despite a busy academic month with my first trip traveling over seas and an ongoing allergic reaction, I finally had a chance to finish this beautiful book!
The story follows Luke as he travels to India (for research) and stays with a traditional Indian family where he meets with the FMC Meera. During his stay he learns about the hardships and trials so many villagers face - especially Meera and after many nights where they both look at the stars together and have meaningful conversations, love starts to bloom.
At night is where all their burdens seem to fall away and they open up to each other - my favorite wholesome part is when their shared grief opens a doorway to many more moments for the both of them to get even closer as they travel across India. Defying their cultural differences, religious barriers and long distance - these two made it work not only for them, but others around them through selfless acts.
Meera reminded me a lot of myself in some instances. We both lost our father and we both are teachers. So reading her story made it more personal and heartfelt - it also offered solace where I didn't know I needed it. Reading about her growth from being prideful about not accepting help when it's being offered to embracing extended arms offered by loved ones made my heart so full.
Luke was so perfect and supportive - he really encapsulated that word. He respected her boundaries, made an effort to learn about her culture and was added to my list of book boyfriends by the end of this story. Mans literally was on the verge of leaving everything behind to move to a foreign village in India because of Meera - he's a such a simp (and a munch). Meera was really getting her pasta and lobster when it came to him 🥵
Smh where's my gora pakora? 🙄
Forced proximity, a brown girl being loved so loudly and unapologetically, wholesome interactions, hilarious moments that made me snort and steamy chapters that made me turn as red as Meera when Luke opened his mouth.
What more could you want in a book? 🥰
Many thanks to Nisha for giving me an ARC. I can't wait to read about Aakar and Krithi!
The story follows Luke as he travels to India (for research) and stays with a traditional Indian family where he meets with the FMC Meera. During his stay he learns about the hardships and trials so many villagers face - especially Meera and after many nights where they both look at the stars together and have meaningful conversations, love starts to bloom.
At night is where all their burdens seem to fall away and they open up to each other - my favorite wholesome part is when their shared grief opens a doorway to many more moments for the both of them to get even closer as they travel across India. Defying their cultural differences, religious barriers and long distance - these two made it work not only for them, but others around them through selfless acts.
Meera reminded me a lot of myself in some instances. We both lost our father and we both are teachers. So reading her story made it more personal and heartfelt - it also offered solace where I didn't know I needed it. Reading about her growth from being prideful about not accepting help when it's being offered to embracing extended arms offered by loved ones made my heart so full.
Luke was so perfect and supportive - he really encapsulated that word. He respected her boundaries, made an effort to learn about her culture and was added to my list of book boyfriends by the end of this story. Mans literally was on the verge of leaving everything behind to move to a foreign village in India because of Meera - he's a such a simp (and a munch). Meera was really getting her pasta and lobster when it came to him 🥵
Smh where's my gora pakora? 🙄
Forced proximity, a brown girl being loved so loudly and unapologetically, wholesome interactions, hilarious moments that made me snort and steamy chapters that made me turn as red as Meera when Luke opened his mouth.
What more could you want in a book? 🥰
Many thanks to Nisha for giving me an ARC. I can't wait to read about Aakar and Krithi!
December 26, 2023
Rating: 5 and all the million stars above
|| She kissed me and I forgot my own name.
I kissed her, and I forgot the whole world ||
The way this book made me feel is way beyond words and I might be squealing, crying, giggling all at the same time😭❤️
♡♡ Alexa play 'O re Piya' by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan ♡♡
How do I even start?! This book was like a warm embrace for me. The soft romance, the old Bollywood vibes, the passion...it was all a gentle caress. Did I squeal as soon as I saw the first chapter having the song 'Mere Sapno Ki Rani' in it's first line? HELL YES! The entire playlist for this book was so accurate and heart-warming that I couldn't but make a playlist out of it asap🌠🥻🫶
Also, did I mention how the romance in this book was so soft and gentle? The late night talks, the slow music, the holding hands, the first kiss..omg...it brought me back to all the old Indian romance movies vibes and I DEVOURED IT! Just when I thought 'Could the book get any better', there it was with all the handwritten letters, text messages, lyric translations and making me fall in love with love. The fact that this book was so gentle and at the same time spicy was 🤌🔥
Coming to my man🧎♀️🫶
Luke (I'd give you a thousand more bangles if I'm the one putting them on you) Wilson is a wholesome green flag out there and I just want to hug him right now and I'm not even joking😭❤️ This guy is a complete sunshine, cinnamon roll, golden retriever...you name it, IT'S HIM!
|| "You're staring," she said looking at me with a shy smile.
"Damn right, I am." ||
Also, can I appreciate how strong our FMC was? Even after such a traumatic past, Meera pushed past her struggles and built her entire family. I also loved how much she expressed her love for Luke. It made me see, 'why should it always be the men?'
||"Luke, you are like the sun. You are all I can see." ||
This book is for all the Indian girls out there asking to fall in love🫶
P.S: N.M.Patel, I want all your books to have a playlist now...pretty please?!
|| She kissed me and I forgot my own name.
I kissed her, and I forgot the whole world ||
The way this book made me feel is way beyond words and I might be squealing, crying, giggling all at the same time😭❤️
♡♡ Alexa play 'O re Piya' by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan ♡♡
How do I even start?! This book was like a warm embrace for me. The soft romance, the old Bollywood vibes, the passion...it was all a gentle caress. Did I squeal as soon as I saw the first chapter having the song 'Mere Sapno Ki Rani' in it's first line? HELL YES! The entire playlist for this book was so accurate and heart-warming that I couldn't but make a playlist out of it asap🌠🥻🫶
Also, did I mention how the romance in this book was so soft and gentle? The late night talks, the slow music, the holding hands, the first kiss..omg...it brought me back to all the old Indian romance movies vibes and I DEVOURED IT! Just when I thought 'Could the book get any better', there it was with all the handwritten letters, text messages, lyric translations and making me fall in love with love. The fact that this book was so gentle and at the same time spicy was 🤌🔥
Coming to my man🧎♀️🫶
Luke (I'd give you a thousand more bangles if I'm the one putting them on you) Wilson is a wholesome green flag out there and I just want to hug him right now and I'm not even joking😭❤️ This guy is a complete sunshine, cinnamon roll, golden retriever...you name it, IT'S HIM!
|| "You're staring," she said looking at me with a shy smile.
"Damn right, I am." ||
Also, can I appreciate how strong our FMC was? Even after such a traumatic past, Meera pushed past her struggles and built her entire family. I also loved how much she expressed her love for Luke. It made me see, 'why should it always be the men?'
||"Luke, you are like the sun. You are all I can see." ||
This book is for all the Indian girls out there asking to fall in love🫶
P.S: N.M.Patel, I want all your books to have a playlist now...pretty please?!
January 8, 2024
📖: Luv Under Starlight
✍🏻: N. M. Patel
Luv Shuv #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Inter-Racial Romance
Rating: A full 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(GOT THIS COPY FOR AN ARC Review but couldn't manage to read it due to the college deadlines and I regret it sooooo much)
Never read a book so pretty, so cute and so cheesy. It got me all mushy with the characters and I can't believe that the guy who never wanted to date an Indian Girl ends up falling in love with an Indian Girl.
Luke is head over heels in love with Meera. Meera is an Indian Girl, who comes from a small village situated in India called Laxminagar. She has seen the toughest times yet has a smile that can light up the room but only Luke saw what was beneath the smile. The pain behind the smile is so so so reallll. While her father committed suicide and left the family with a massive loan to pay, there is Luke who has his own grief of losing a sister at the age of 10. Well, no one understands Meera better than this American boy.
He makes it his life mission to make her life better, to make her smile, to make sure she is happy with everything and that nothing bothers her. He makes sure to do whatever he can in the span of 3 months and while vibing on the Indian songs, and her explaining every verse to him, he falls for her flat on the ass. He falls like he's never fallen and she loves like she's never ever thought. He brings spice and love into her life while she brings peace into his.
Oh, did I mention, that every chapter has a SONGGGGGGGG? EVERY CHAPTER. And the fact that the playlist is too goodddd to be true of the book. I have hands down never read such a beautiful book in my life. NEVER.
2024, started with this and I think every elder daughter deserves someone she can lean on like Meera got Luke.
#bookrecommendations #book #booknerdsespresso #bookphotography #booklover #books #bookreview #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #booktok #boookworm #review #recommendations #românce #fypシ #aesthetic #trendingbooks #nmpatel #luvshuv #luvunderstarlight #meeraandluke
✍🏻: N. M. Patel
Luv Shuv #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Inter-Racial Romance
Rating: A full 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(GOT THIS COPY FOR AN ARC Review but couldn't manage to read it due to the college deadlines and I regret it sooooo much)
Never read a book so pretty, so cute and so cheesy. It got me all mushy with the characters and I can't believe that the guy who never wanted to date an Indian Girl ends up falling in love with an Indian Girl.
Luke is head over heels in love with Meera. Meera is an Indian Girl, who comes from a small village situated in India called Laxminagar. She has seen the toughest times yet has a smile that can light up the room but only Luke saw what was beneath the smile. The pain behind the smile is so so so reallll. While her father committed suicide and left the family with a massive loan to pay, there is Luke who has his own grief of losing a sister at the age of 10. Well, no one understands Meera better than this American boy.
He makes it his life mission to make her life better, to make her smile, to make sure she is happy with everything and that nothing bothers her. He makes sure to do whatever he can in the span of 3 months and while vibing on the Indian songs, and her explaining every verse to him, he falls for her flat on the ass. He falls like he's never fallen and she loves like she's never ever thought. He brings spice and love into her life while she brings peace into his.
Oh, did I mention, that every chapter has a SONGGGGGGGG? EVERY CHAPTER. And the fact that the playlist is too goodddd to be true of the book. I have hands down never read such a beautiful book in my life. NEVER.
2024, started with this and I think every elder daughter deserves someone she can lean on like Meera got Luke.
#bookrecommendations #book #booknerdsespresso #bookphotography #booklover #books #bookreview #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #booktok #boookworm #review #recommendations #românce #fypシ #aesthetic #trendingbooks #nmpatel #luvshuv #luvunderstarlight #meeraandluke
November 11, 2025
Standalone: 2.5 stars, maybe 3
Within the series: 4/5
SUMMARY
Meera Dixit’s primary goal is to pay off the debt that was left behind following her father’s suicide so that her family may one day be able to live a normal life free from the jaws of loan sharks. So when American student Luke Wilson rents a room in her home for the next three months, she’s happy to play the role of the perfect hostess. But between brewing chai and late night talks under the starlight, something is sure to stir.
Open door: this book does contain mature/spicy scenes so be warned!
Genre: romance
Tropes: intercultural romance, slow-ish burn, ‘grumpy/sunshine’, ‘roommates to lovers’, close proximity?
REVIEW
My expectations were extremely low after reading Luv Shuv in New York: I really thought I would detest it and struggle to get through this book. Especially when I’d read the blurb: it felt very Indian damsel x white saviour. Surprisingly though, I didn’t hate it. It was definitely better than the first installment in this series. I didn’t find myself cringing at every little thing with this book (that isn’t to say that I didn’t cringe at all). Now is it the best romance I’ve ever read? Probably not. But did I have a good time with this? Yeah. I can understand why it has the highest rating of the series to date.
I think the thing that puts this book above the others in the series is the fact that yes, whilst it’s a romance book, the romance wasn’t shoved down your throat at every which turn. You still got to see the characters as individuals, and there’s more backstory/sub-plots being explored too .
OVERALL
If I had to recommend one from the series, it would be this one. However, it’s not a must-read.
Content warnings: suicide, debt, spice (open door)
Within the series: 4/5
SUMMARY
Meera Dixit’s primary goal is to pay off the debt that was left behind following her father’s suicide so that her family may one day be able to live a normal life free from the jaws of loan sharks. So when American student Luke Wilson rents a room in her home for the next three months, she’s happy to play the role of the perfect hostess. But between brewing chai and late night talks under the starlight, something is sure to stir.
Open door: this book does contain mature/spicy scenes so be warned!
Genre: romance
Tropes: intercultural romance, slow-ish burn, ‘grumpy/sunshine’, ‘roommates to lovers’, close proximity?
REVIEW
My expectations were extremely low after reading Luv Shuv in New York: I really thought I would detest it and struggle to get through this book. Especially when I’d read the blurb: it felt very Indian damsel x white saviour. Surprisingly though, I didn’t hate it. It was definitely better than the first installment in this series. I didn’t find myself cringing at every little thing with this book (that isn’t to say that I didn’t cringe at all). Now is it the best romance I’ve ever read? Probably not. But did I have a good time with this? Yeah. I can understand why it has the highest rating of the series to date.
I think the thing that puts this book above the others in the series is the fact that yes, whilst it’s a romance book, the romance wasn’t shoved down your throat at every which turn. You still got to see the characters as individuals, and there’s more backstory/sub-plots being explored too .
OVERALL
If I had to recommend one from the series, it would be this one. However, it’s not a must-read.
Content warnings: suicide, debt, spice (open door)
December 6, 2023
𝙇𝙪𝙫 𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩
- 𝘕. 𝘔. 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭
Meera Dixit
Luke Wilson
Luke and American sunshine guy comes to a small town in Ahmedabad, India for his Architectural research and also to spend some time with a girl who caught his attention in his previous visit.
Meera is a teacher in a school who is burdened with the loss of her father and the debt he left behind when he committed suside a few years ago...
With a heap of responsibilities on her shoulders Meera is struggling everyday to make ends meet, keep her little brother from the dark side of reality and reduce her mother's worries....
Now that they have a paying guest at their place for a couple of months Meera's financial burden will decrease a bit but what she didn't expect with Luke's arrival was the amount of joy, hope and happiness it brought not only to her but her little brother too...
But will her new found hope survive with Luke's date of return nearing??? Will she be able to get Love of someone so selfless and special as Luke or he will forget her when she's out of his sight???
I enjoyed the book as it shows the reality of rural India and what farmers have to go through on a daily basis to meet their ends.... Where the book spotlights the reality, it also balances well with the love quotient in it...
I really adored Luke and Meera's chai dates and late night song session...
And guys the book has an Indian songs' playlist... I mean can you believe it because it's like my wish came true... I loved the songs used in the book and how beautifully it has conveyed those emotions... I have always been a fan of the small moments and how these songs have a deep meaning hence these were my most favorite parts...
If you are looking for a interracial, small town romance with the secret meetings at the terrace and some Bollywood vibes... This one's for you...
Toodles 💕
- 𝘕. 𝘔. 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭
Meera Dixit
Luke Wilson
Luke and American sunshine guy comes to a small town in Ahmedabad, India for his Architectural research and also to spend some time with a girl who caught his attention in his previous visit.
Meera is a teacher in a school who is burdened with the loss of her father and the debt he left behind when he committed suside a few years ago...
With a heap of responsibilities on her shoulders Meera is struggling everyday to make ends meet, keep her little brother from the dark side of reality and reduce her mother's worries....
Now that they have a paying guest at their place for a couple of months Meera's financial burden will decrease a bit but what she didn't expect with Luke's arrival was the amount of joy, hope and happiness it brought not only to her but her little brother too...
But will her new found hope survive with Luke's date of return nearing??? Will she be able to get Love of someone so selfless and special as Luke or he will forget her when she's out of his sight???
I enjoyed the book as it shows the reality of rural India and what farmers have to go through on a daily basis to meet their ends.... Where the book spotlights the reality, it also balances well with the love quotient in it...
I really adored Luke and Meera's chai dates and late night song session...
And guys the book has an Indian songs' playlist... I mean can you believe it because it's like my wish came true... I loved the songs used in the book and how beautifully it has conveyed those emotions... I have always been a fan of the small moments and how these songs have a deep meaning hence these were my most favorite parts...
If you are looking for a interracial, small town romance with the secret meetings at the terrace and some Bollywood vibes... This one's for you...
Toodles 💕
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