Veda Gadde, Bharatnatyam dancer and media heiress believes in love, marriage, and happy-ever-afters. When her heart stumbles for her best friend's brother, she wishes on every star in the Universe to have a shot at a life with him. And the Universe delivers...
Agastya Kodela, IT Minister and future Prime Minister potential, rarely forgives and never forgets. When Veda's father runs a speculative story of corruption in the sitting government, targeting Agastya's father, the Chief Minister, he knows he can't let it slide. He uses Veda's love for him to leash the most powerful media voice in the state - her father's.
Freedom of the press clashes with politics of state as the stage is set for the wedding of the decade. Blind to his lie of omission, Veda believes that her every dream has come true. Until the day, her blinders fall away and she sees her husband for who he truly is – a ruthless liar with only one agenda – Power.
Will Veda ever forgive Agastya his betrayal? Can a marriage steeped in deceit ever hope for a happy ever after? Or are Veda and Agastya doomed to a political union that harbours no hope for peace? Just how badly did the Universe mess up?
Shilpa Suraj wears many hats - corporate drone, homemaker, mother to a fabulous toddler and author.
An avid reader with an overactive imagination, Shilpa has weaved stories in her head since she was a child. Her previous stints at Google, in an ad agency and as an entrepreneur provide colour to her present day stories, both fiction and non-fiction.
Veda Gadde, renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and daughter of Media Moghul Chaitanya Gadde always had a crush on Agastya Kodela, IT Minister and elder son of the Chief Minister. Veda and Agastya’s sister Priyanka are best friends which meant Veda moved in the same social circles and attended the events as Agastya and though she openly showed her admiration for him, Agastya always maintained a serious exterior and cared for his family and their political legacy than Veda’s interest in him.
When Veda’s father ran a sensational news-op about Agastya’s father misusing the funds raised for Pandemic relief, Agastya decides that he needs control on the news being churned by Chaitanya Gadde as this is not the first time this news channel tried to demolish Kodela family’s political interests; if ignored, these false news articles might bring down his father’s political career and their party’s future.
Agastya thinks marrying Veda is the ultimate solution to control her father; Chaitanya will not risk ruining his daughter’s marriage for the sake of his news channel. When this marriage is proposed, Chaitanya is happy with the alliance as it is common knowledge that Agastya is planning his political career to be the future Prime Minister. Veda is thrilled that she can finally have the man she loved all her life, as her partner.
But will this marriage ever bring happiness to Veda? Will she be able to forgive Agastya if she realizes she is a pawn in the rivalry of their families, forms the rest of the story.
Married in Deceit is the second book in the Dynasty Rebels series after Married in Hate . While the first book was about Priyanka Kodela and her marriage with Aarush, the second book is about the elder Kodela sibling Agastya. Agastya who played the perfect elder brother to Priyanka in book one returns as the protagonist and Veda who was introduced earlier as Priyanka’s best friend returns as Agastya’s wife in book two.
Like book one, the second book in the series also runs around the Kodela family, their political ambitions and though Agastya and his father are honest and live by their values and principles, this book highlights how they like to stay ahead in the race. The story captures contemporary politics and how media circus makes innocents culprits in public eye before proven guilty in the court of law.
Online forums spreading rumors, political parties countering corruption allegations with press meets and show of people power, anyone with a camera phone acting as a journalist and making viral videos — the high voltage drama that is happening in media in current times is well weaved by the author into the narrative. The USP of the story is the fast-paced narrative that will captivate the reader till the end. This is hands-down the only book I read without a break in recent times.
The characters of Agastya and Veda are as contrasting as it can get — Agastya has always lived a life that benefitted his family’s political ambitions even if meant he never got to live a normal life. Veda though brought up among ruthless men had only love to spread to everyone she met. Agastya the smart politician who got everything he ever eyed for, while Veda the people pleaser will sacrifice anything for the happiness of others.
I liked how the author showed the slow transition of Agastya over the timeline of the story and how the two contrasting personalities within him are portrayed — the one meant for the public and his political career and the other meant only for the most intimate bonds like his wife. Veda’s character also gets her due when she stands up to her Guruma. I could also relate to Veda at many levels as she is realistic in her behavior or the compromises that she makes like any average girl.
However, when compared to the first book in the series, this one pales a bit, especially since Priyanka and Aarush had a solid backstory and character development. Veda’s penchant to be the not-so-feisty person could have been established better, in my opinion. Also, the closing sequence is almost like the climax in book one and so are few other sequences which feel repetitive for those who read book one. The actual intention of this marriage trying to use Veda as collateral by Agastya against her father could have been explored more.
The third book in the series promises to explore the story of the third and coolest Kodela sibling Harsh and the sharp-tongued Raashi which I am eagerly looking forward to.
Pick this one to read a contemporary romance of contrasting personalities that is laced with political undertones.
Shilpa Suraj is one of my favourite authors, and you know, her books always get to me because there’s this unique charm in them, the found family, the dysfunctional family, and everything in between. But it hurts me, it truly pains me to say that this book failed me , not once, but twice.
I started reading this book earlier this year, but I ended up skimming through the pages because, honestly, I seriously don’t like Agastya. I just couldn’t digest the fact that Veda forgave him. His entire life revolved around proving himself to his father and becoming a big politician. That man was the greyest of grey male leads I’ve ever read — and no, I don’t like him, not even a little bit.
I ignored it the first time I read the book, but then I decided to give it another try, thinking maybe I didn’t read it properly or wasn’t in the right mindset. But even on the second try, I couldn’t get past three chapters. I was like, I just can’t.
To be honest, I hate it when the female lead has had a crush on the male lead for years, and that man uses that crush against her. It makes you feel like a fool for ever liking him in the first place. He literally used her feelings against her, and I can’t forget that betrayal, even if Veda decided to forgive him, I can’t.
And throughout most of the book (except maybe towards the end), she acted like a doormat. On the wedding night, instead of giving him a piece of her mind, she just slept with him like, okay, no problem. Then came the dinner plan; he ditched her, completely forgot about it, and she decided to go with his brother and sister instead. And that man had the audacity to be mad at her! I can’t. And the worst part? She didn’t even say anything.
Don’t even get me started on the family toxicity. Veda’s family is still better — not entirely good, but so much better than Kodella’s. It’s better than Arush’s family, better than Agastya’s family — but still, I didn’t like it.
I’m sorry, this book hurt me. It seriously hurt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
You know how modern men put in zero effort to impress someone they like? How they can’t be bothered to text first or act like they’re even mildly interested unless it’s convenient for them? Yeah, that’s the MMC. This man treated the FMC like absolute trash from start to finish. No effort, no groveling, just a tired little “sorry” after every screw up and like a good little doormat, she forgave him every time. 🙄
Let’s talk about the wedding night. This man disrespects her ON. THEIR. WEDDING. DAY. And what does our spineless queen do when they’re finally alone? Acts like she’s gonna punish him. Teases him. Builds it up like she’s about to serve justice between the sheets. I was READY for her to leave him high and dry. But what does she do? She lets him fuck her. Girl. What punishment???
Then there’s the dinner date fiasco. HE planned it. He asked her out. Then he completely forgot because of work and made other plans. So naturally, the FMC went out with her BIL & SIL. As she should. But guess what? The MMC came back to an empty bedroom and had the AUDACITY to get mad at her. Be. Fucking. For. Real. Did she finally stand up for herself? Nope. One half-assed apology later and everything’s magically fine again. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Plot-wise? A hot mess. It barely scratched the surface of romance, and instead focused way too much on finding some random culprit.
Needless to say, I won’t be continuing the series. My brain cells are begging for mercy.
The A IN AGASTYA STANDS FOR AURA. I GET WHY Veda likes him bro's aura could be felt through the page. I felt he was right Infront. He has sacrificed so much and this is the first time I felt sad for a person with in the first chapter.
Clearly representing the eldest child core. The protector. The solver.
I am 20mins into the book and excuse me. like Veda is so talented and intelligent... What's wrong with these ppl.
AGASTYA kodela... How could he do such a thing.
The first book pin pointed AGASTYA's mom kind of typical unusual like a bit but I love the fact she tried to explain to her son about his decision.
Omg This book is making me go whole delulu.
Actually I would like to make a plan with raashi for the axe event with AGASTYA as the target. Someone book the event.
Omg it's passed midnight and imma cry fr. The book. Omg love the book. This should be popular.
My heart might as well come out right now. What good deed s did I do to read such a good book. I LOVE THIS COUPLE LIKE COME ON MY POOKIE BEAR'S 😭😭.
ALR EPILOGUE HAS HARSH'S POV. THATS SO UNUSUAL AND SUS.
and whoever is thinking of reading this book. read it don't go for the 1star reviews I am afraid they didn't even read the book.
It is the story of Veda Gadde, Bharatnatyam dancer and media heiress and Agastya Kodela, IT Minister and future Prime Minister potential. They are opposites: She believes in love, marriage, and happy-ever-afters and he rarely forgives and never forgets. He is her best friend’s brother and she is in love with him. He knows that and marries her. What he doesn’t bargain for is to reciprocate her feelings. This story has a political angle to it and the suspense that is built along makes it all the more interesting. Agastya, Veda and their families have been portrayed beautifully and all of them have important roles to play in the story. Raashi and Ram as well as Priyanka and Harsh’s support for Veda was palpable. Having met most of the characters in the previous story, it was fun meeting them again. Harsh was again my favourite, the black sheep of the family with his heart in the right place and I am really looking forward to read his story next. Loved the story and am eagerly waiting for the next one in the series.
If you love stories where hidden crushes finally blossom, set against the backdrop of family, politics, and complex emotions, then Married in Deceit is an absolute must-read!!!! My Absolute Favorite From the series !!!
The family dynamics in Married in Deceit are a highlight. The bonds between siblings, the protective instincts of Agastya's family, and Veda' s own independent streak all come together in a rich, emotional tapestry. Whether it's the subtle power plays, the unspoken love between family members, or the way they rally around each other in crises, the familial love is deeply touching.
Their love evolves amidst misunderstandings, deceit, and secrets that threaten to tear them apart. The ‘best friend’s brother’ trope is handled beautifully.
Shipla Suraj skillfully balances these heavy themes with lighter moments, making this a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
I love Agastya and Veda. I was rooting for them since the first book because I'm a sucker for unrequited love turning into an epic love story. I loved how Veda took a stand for herself when Agastya's deceit came to light. And I also love how she returned not because she was pressured but because she chose it for herself.
(Also, I absolutely adore the equation between Veda and her father-in-law.)
My 2nd book from this author and I couldn't put it down, needed to finish it immediately, that's how delicious it was reading it. Her style of writing is phenomenal, Fell in love with the first book but fell deeper in love with this one. Can't wait for Harsh book because I know it will be marvellous as well. Five fabulous fantastic stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now this is a book that I have been genuinely waiting for. I have always wanted to read a book where the MCs is/are politician/s. And I got that in this book... Agastya and Veda's story was painted in many colours... unconditional, but unrequited, love; Love; Care; Heartbreak and many more... And using those colours Shilpa Suraj painted SUCH a beautiful story!
Agastya & Veda's story was so good! Veda loved Agastya very deeply and I loved how Agastya slowly but gradually realised his feelings for her too. The plot was solid and engaging and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it. Can't wait for Harsh's book next!
I was a bit confused how Agastya switched up so fast with his opinions of Veda but it was honestly so adorable. Also love the sibling chemistry happening in a toxic asian household, made me emotional at times.
Married in Deceit by Shilpa Suraj unveils the love story of handsome, honest, and ruthless Agastya Kodela and beautiful, sweet, and trained classical dancer Veda Gadde. Veda Gadde is a professional classical dancer and the daughter of a leading media house owner in Hyderabad. She is a sassy, badass, and beautiful girl who believes in love and happily ever after. She had a crush on her best friend's brother Agastya Kodela, the IT minister of the state. When Veda’s father runs a speculative story against the sitting prime minister Agastya can’t take it lightly. To shut the voice of the most powerful media house he uses Veda’s love for him. Veda believed that the universe had listened to her wish. Her heart broke into pieces when she came across the real face of Agastya Kodela, who only believes in power. Please read the full review and summary on my blog. The link is given in the bio.
In the heart of bustling city life, where ambitions clash and secrets lurk, the story of Veda Gadde and Agastya Kondela unfolds, weaving a tale of love, ambition, and betrayal.
Veda Gadde, a luminous dancer, follows her passion with unwavering determination, despite her family's disapproval. With her best friend Priyanka by her side, Veda finds solace in her artistry, pouring her soul into each graceful movement. Yet, beneath her confident facade lies a hidden longing for Agastya, a charismatic politician whose gaze she can never quite meet.
Agastya Kondela, a rising star in the political arena, is acutely aware of Veda's affection for him. When crisis threatens to tarnish his party's reputation, Agastya sees an opportunity to secure both his political future and his heart's desire. By proposing marriage to Veda and leveraging her father's media influence, he aims to quell the storm of scandal while fulfilling his own desires.
However, amidst the intricate dance of politics and passion, both Veda and Agastya find themselves ensnared by emotions they never anticipated. As they navigate the treacherous waters of deception and longing, their hearts yearn for the truth that lies buried beneath their carefully constructed facades.
Caught between duty and desire, Veda and Agastya must confront their own feelings and reconcile them with the roles they are expected to play. Will they find the courage to break free from the shackles of obligation and embrace the love that binds them together? Or will they remain prisoners of their own making, forever haunted by what could have been?
Against the backdrop of familial bonds and personal struggles, Veda and Agastya's journey unfolds with all the raw emotion and intensity of a love that defies conventions. With each page turned, readers are drawn deeper into the intricate web of relationships and aspirations, rooting for the protagonists as they navigate the tumultuous terrain of love and ambition.
In the end, as the final chapter draws to a close, readers are left with a sense of hope and longing, eagerly anticipating the next instalment of this captivating saga. For in the world of Veda and Agastya, where passion ignites and hearts collide, anything is possible, and love may yet triumph over all.