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Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage
After the glitter settles…
Tina Sharma and Dev Arjun’s whirlwind romance made them Bollywood royalty, but beneath the glitz and glamour there’s trouble – Tina is about to demand a divorce!
But Dev won’t give in without a fight, so he proposes a deal: play the dutiful wife for two months, then he’ll let her go. Tina is furious! He clearly regrets their shotgun wedding, so why stay together a day longer? But it isn’t the days she should be worried about…
As Dev turns up the heat Tina might just find herself wishing for a lifetime of pleasure with her devilishly delicious husband!
‘Exotic and exciting, the Bollywood setting is sensational!’ – Christine, Sales Assistant, Macclesfield
Discover more at www.millsandboon.co.uk/susannacarr
Tina Sharma and Dev Arjun’s whirlwind romance made them Bollywood royalty, but beneath the glitz and glamour there’s trouble – Tina is about to demand a divorce!
But Dev won’t give in without a fight, so he proposes a deal: play the dutiful wife for two months, then he’ll let her go. Tina is furious! He clearly regrets their shotgun wedding, so why stay together a day longer? But it isn’t the days she should be worried about…
As Dev turns up the heat Tina might just find herself wishing for a lifetime of pleasure with her devilishly delicious husband!
‘Exotic and exciting, the Bollywood setting is sensational!’ – Christine, Sales Assistant, Macclesfield
Discover more at www.millsandboon.co.uk/susannacarr
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
14 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Carr
151 books327 followersReaders throughout the world find Susanna Carr's award-winning contemporary romances a delightful escape that has often helped them through difficult times. Reviewers frequently describe her work as "fun", "sexy" and a "must read".
Susanna Carr lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. When she isn’t writing, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online. Visit her website at susannacarr.com.
Susanna Carr lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. When she isn’t writing, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online. Visit her website at susannacarr.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 14, 2018
Marriage in trouble story that started out strong, sagged in the middle and didn't exactly wrap up all of their issues by the end.
The initial problem, the heroine's miscarriage that lead to four months of clinical depression, was addressed - but not in any extended scenes. Instead, the author added in the problems of the H/h's family interference, the heroine's social status vs. the hero's, the pressures of Bollywood and the gossip mills, and a wannabe OW. There was just a bit too much going on for the author to tie off each one of these plot threads in a satisfying manner.
The last minute black moment for the hero was also a disappointment. It was a complete 180 for him after he had been so devoted and so determined to win her back.
I enjoyed glimpses of the Bollywood production factories, the incredible dedication and hard work it takes to be a star as well as the glimpses of Mumbai and the food. *drools*
This is certainly worth reading, I just wish the author had dug a little deeper into the emotions of the H/h. I felt I was outside looking in.
The initial problem, the heroine's miscarriage that lead to four months of clinical depression, was addressed - but not in any extended scenes. Instead, the author added in the problems of the H/h's family interference, the heroine's social status vs. the hero's, the pressures of Bollywood and the gossip mills, and a wannabe OW. There was just a bit too much going on for the author to tie off each one of these plot threads in a satisfying manner.
The last minute black moment for the hero was also a disappointment. It was a complete 180 for him after he had been so devoted and so determined to win her back.
I enjoyed glimpses of the Bollywood production factories, the incredible dedication and hard work it takes to be a star as well as the glimpses of Mumbai and the food. *drools*
This is certainly worth reading, I just wish the author had dug a little deeper into the emotions of the H/h. I felt I was outside looking in.
March 5, 2014
Tina Sharma and Dev were married and a popular celeb couple but their marriage fall apart after her miscarriage. Tina walked out on him but four months later she is back demanding a divorce Dev is not willing to give. He is determined to save his marriage and break down Tina's emotional walls.
Super emotional and intense read. Hero is a gem! He pursues the heroine with everything he has. His obsession and desperation for the heroine broke my heart. I love heroes that are desperately in love with the heroine. I love men who love their heroines desperately, passionately, without reserve who will abandon everything they have to win their heroines hearts.
I had some issues with the heroine. Dev was so nice to her, he didn't deserve her cruelty and rejection. I wanted to slap her for treating him like crap and being such a b****. I couldn't stomach her sour personality. Still I could sympathize with her cause she was dealing with severe depression and miscarriage is such a traumatic and devastating experience for a woman especially when u lose a baby in late pregnancy. Plus she believed Dev married her cause of her unplanned pregnancy and she had to deal with a bad mother and a vicious mother in law.
Epilogue was super adorable and cute! It was great watching these two expanding their family after everything they've been through. Plus during their time apart they both kept their marriage vows and hero was heroine's only lover something which I found incredibly romantic.
The book was an emotional roller coaster filled with tons of drama, angst, passion. Can't recommend highly enough!
Super emotional and intense read. Hero is a gem! He pursues the heroine with everything he has. His obsession and desperation for the heroine broke my heart. I love heroes that are desperately in love with the heroine. I love men who love their heroines desperately, passionately, without reserve who will abandon everything they have to win their heroines hearts.
I had some issues with the heroine. Dev was so nice to her, he didn't deserve her cruelty and rejection. I wanted to slap her for treating him like crap and being such a b****. I couldn't stomach her sour personality. Still I could sympathize with her cause she was dealing with severe depression and miscarriage is such a traumatic and devastating experience for a woman especially when u lose a baby in late pregnancy. Plus she believed Dev married her cause of her unplanned pregnancy and she had to deal with a bad mother and a vicious mother in law.
Epilogue was super adorable and cute! It was great watching these two expanding their family after everything they've been through. Plus during their time apart they both kept their marriage vows and hero was heroine's only lover something which I found incredibly romantic.
The book was an emotional roller coaster filled with tons of drama, angst, passion. Can't recommend highly enough!
May 31, 2014
I'll make a confession. I like this book more than I expected.
This is the first book I read about a Bollywood romance. Even Bollywood movie I know only one remarkable movie of all time. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, I bet you know it too. That, I can watch it repeatedly without getting bored. But a novel? So you understand I didn't give it too much expectation.
I distinctly remember when I was a child, 6 yo or something, every time I saw a Bolywood movie and then they started dancing, my mom would ask me to follow them. Unfortunately, me and my body couldn't, can't, follow a command that good. I'm so stiff I'll crack if I slightly bend, or worse my back would've been gone out. Don't mention that I'm a clumsy mess too :))
Dev and Tina had started an affair after Dev fell in love at her first sight. That affair ended when Tina figured it out that she'd fallen pregnant and they got married. After a short blissful marriage, everything had gone from one trouble to another. He'd been so busy, they grew distance, she had miscarriage, and the worst of it? They faced their own grieves apart, with their own way. She closed up the minute she knew her baby son had died, rejected him again and again and finally snapped, she run away from their marriage to contain her depression.
Dev had been broken-hearted when she left him. You see, contrast to his image as a reckless actor, he loved her so much I bleed for him. But he still had mistake in his marriage, though. He's so busy in his work that he didn't give her the attention he should had give from the first. Yes, he provided her, the servants, the doctors, but not his caring. That's why they grew distance. She thought that he only married her for the heir.
So when she came back out of nowhere and asked for the divorce, this time he vowed not to miss even one miss-out. She would have to stay for two months then he would grant her the divorce. Well, of course that's only a talk.
I remember I have read some books that using this exact plot, but not all of them deserved a second-chance marriage. This one, Dev and Tina, definitely deserved it.
They both matured all the way together and started to trust each other. I didn't like Tina at first, she seemed so weak to me and you may feel the same way with me if you read it (tho it seemed not fair to judge her since I never experience it), but later on, she started to grow on me and I understood her more. I found I admire her all the more because she's strong enough to overcome her weakness.
Dev wasn't the complex character here. Oddly, I liked it. I'm at the point when I'm bored with all the Harlequin heroes that have lotta baggages. Dev might not come from a happy family, yes, he had a little baggage, but it's only rather a habit. His parents' life centered around works, so he just simply followed through. Well, maybe he wanted to prove something a bit too, but that's a normal thing. Even you have to prove something to yourself too.
I liked that they didn't spite out at each other too much. They had their introspection within themselves and learned their past mistakes. I liked it more that after they learned it, they actually put into actions to do something better. Unfortunately, one of them had been burned enough in the end. This little miss-step had me disappointed a bit although I was understood the reason and felt sorry too.
The epilogue was the one you wouldn't want to miss. For a sucker like me for a happy ending epilogue (the longer the time span, the better), I absolutely loved it! Hence the final 5 stars.
PS. Don't miss the dancing. You won't feel the Bollywood unless you feel the dancing ;)
This is the first book I read about a Bollywood romance. Even Bollywood movie I know only one remarkable movie of all time. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, I bet you know it too. That, I can watch it repeatedly without getting bored. But a novel? So you understand I didn't give it too much expectation.
I distinctly remember when I was a child, 6 yo or something, every time I saw a Bolywood movie and then they started dancing, my mom would ask me to follow them. Unfortunately, me and my body couldn't, can't, follow a command that good. I'm so stiff I'll crack if I slightly bend, or worse my back would've been gone out. Don't mention that I'm a clumsy mess too :))
Dev and Tina had started an affair after Dev fell in love at her first sight. That affair ended when Tina figured it out that she'd fallen pregnant and they got married. After a short blissful marriage, everything had gone from one trouble to another. He'd been so busy, they grew distance, she had miscarriage, and the worst of it? They faced their own grieves apart, with their own way. She closed up the minute she knew her baby son had died, rejected him again and again and finally snapped, she run away from their marriage to contain her depression.
Dev had been broken-hearted when she left him. You see, contrast to his image as a reckless actor, he loved her so much I bleed for him. But he still had mistake in his marriage, though. He's so busy in his work that he didn't give her the attention he should had give from the first. Yes, he provided her, the servants, the doctors, but not his caring. That's why they grew distance. She thought that he only married her for the heir.
So when she came back out of nowhere and asked for the divorce, this time he vowed not to miss even one miss-out. She would have to stay for two months then he would grant her the divorce. Well, of course that's only a talk.
I remember I have read some books that using this exact plot, but not all of them deserved a second-chance marriage. This one, Dev and Tina, definitely deserved it.
They both matured all the way together and started to trust each other. I didn't like Tina at first, she seemed so weak to me and you may feel the same way with me if you read it (tho it seemed not fair to judge her since I never experience it), but later on, she started to grow on me and I understood her more. I found I admire her all the more because she's strong enough to overcome her weakness.
Dev wasn't the complex character here. Oddly, I liked it. I'm at the point when I'm bored with all the Harlequin heroes that have lotta baggages. Dev might not come from a happy family, yes, he had a little baggage, but it's only rather a habit. His parents' life centered around works, so he just simply followed through. Well, maybe he wanted to prove something a bit too, but that's a normal thing. Even you have to prove something to yourself too.
I liked that they didn't spite out at each other too much. They had their introspection within themselves and learned their past mistakes. I liked it more that after they learned it, they actually put into actions to do something better. Unfortunately, one of them had been burned enough in the end. This little miss-step had me disappointed a bit although I was understood the reason and felt sorry too.
The epilogue was the one you wouldn't want to miss. For a sucker like me for a happy ending epilogue (the longer the time span, the better), I absolutely loved it! Hence the final 5 stars.
PS. Don't miss the dancing. You won't feel the Bollywood unless you feel the dancing ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2016
I am truly amazed with the way Carr has perfectly depicted Indian life.
The settings of Mumbai are just ideal - the street sellers, the stalls...
The traditions of how an arranged marriage is honoured while a love marriage is despised, considered as a mark of rebellion, and looked down upon,
The dowry system, as usual, crushing the oldest of the family, not to mention the duty of the oldest's providence in every aspect of the family members.
A nagging mother-in-law, who is just so keen on tearing down the marriage, and destroying the daughter-in-law's life (all awhile doing more unknown damage on the son);
ever-blaming the daughter-in-law for every issue, be it a miscarriage to a divorce, just anything to pin it on her!
(This is usually done because they cannot bear the sight of their sons enjoying with another women).
Oh, and the unhealthy, unhygienic settings of studios!
Although there's just one thing that goes a bit off -
Women don't chew "paan", unless they are from the very, very low caste families... middle class families don't indulge in that as yet, though some would have tried, it is not likely they continue in it.
[Tina's life is more a middle class, not the low (there are people far poorer than her)]
It is a very peculiar habit, if found among the middle class, especially if she were an actress - she'd have to receive some training in ethics at least!
Now moving on to the review of the story...
I can so relate to the h, the way she suffered, her insecurities.
The H was way too nice, he went out of his way to help her out in every way!
Dev did not want the divorce Tina was bringing forth, no, he would not go down, without a fight!!
Thinking she failed as her wife, Tina drowned herself into the depths of pain, closing her heart to love.
So when her husband pursued her, and loved her even in the weakest, giving her a second chance, she knew he broke through all her walls, and in the end surrendered herself to his love.
Dev fought his own battles, the loss of their son, the disappearing act of his wife for the 4 months he needed her the most...and why?....he had absolutely no clue!
So when he learned the truth, he knew he was partly to blame for their falling-apart marriage.
Still he fought all his battles, and and the greatest...hers too, pursued her, till he won, and then....relished in the victory and his real family, the one he always loved dearly!
The settings of Mumbai are just ideal - the street sellers, the stalls...
The traditions of how an arranged marriage is honoured while a love marriage is despised, considered as a mark of rebellion, and looked down upon,
The dowry system, as usual, crushing the oldest of the family, not to mention the duty of the oldest's providence in every aspect of the family members.
A nagging mother-in-law, who is just so keen on tearing down the marriage, and destroying the daughter-in-law's life (all awhile doing more unknown damage on the son);
ever-blaming the daughter-in-law for every issue, be it a miscarriage to a divorce, just anything to pin it on her!
(This is usually done because they cannot bear the sight of their sons enjoying with another women).
Oh, and the unhealthy, unhygienic settings of studios!
Although there's just one thing that goes a bit off -
Women don't chew "paan", unless they are from the very, very low caste families... middle class families don't indulge in that as yet, though some would have tried, it is not likely they continue in it.
[Tina's life is more a middle class, not the low (there are people far poorer than her)]
It is a very peculiar habit, if found among the middle class, especially if she were an actress - she'd have to receive some training in ethics at least!
Now moving on to the review of the story...
I can so relate to the h, the way she suffered, her insecurities.
The H was way too nice, he went out of his way to help her out in every way!
Dev did not want the divorce Tina was bringing forth, no, he would not go down, without a fight!!
Thinking she failed as her wife, Tina drowned herself into the depths of pain, closing her heart to love.
So when her husband pursued her, and loved her even in the weakest, giving her a second chance, she knew he broke through all her walls, and in the end surrendered herself to his love.
Dev fought his own battles, the loss of their son, the disappearing act of his wife for the 4 months he needed her the most...and why?....he had absolutely no clue!
So when he learned the truth, he knew he was partly to blame for their falling-apart marriage.
Still he fought all his battles, and and the greatest...hers too, pursued her, till he won, and then....relished in the victory and his real family, the one he always loved dearly!
June 4, 2021
After the glitter settles…
Tina Sharma and Dev Arjun's whirlwind romance made them Bollywood royalty, but beneath the glitz and glamour there's trouble—Tina is about to demand a divorce!
But Dev won't give in without a fight, so he proposes a deal: play the dutiful wife for two months, then he'll let her go. Tina is furious! He clearly regrets their shotgun wedding, so why stay together a day longer? But it isn't the days she should be worried about….
As Dev turns up the heat, Tina may just find herself wishing for a lifetime of pleasure with her devilishly delicious husband!
Tina Sharma and Dev Arjun's whirlwind romance made them Bollywood royalty, but beneath the glitz and glamour there's trouble—Tina is about to demand a divorce!
But Dev won't give in without a fight, so he proposes a deal: play the dutiful wife for two months, then he'll let her go. Tina is furious! He clearly regrets their shotgun wedding, so why stay together a day longer? But it isn't the days she should be worried about….
As Dev turns up the heat, Tina may just find herself wishing for a lifetime of pleasure with her devilishly delicious husband!
July 10, 2014
I have to admit this is my first Harlequin Presents read. Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage marks book 3228, according to Amazon! That’s a crazy number of books! Anywho, my knowledge of Bollywood movies, fashion, lifestyle, etc is extremely limited. I’ve always been interested in learning more about Indian culture and it was really refreshing to read a romance in that setting. I can’t guarantee authenticity and accuracy but I’d like to think the author stayed as true to the traditions and customs portrayed in the novel as possible. I also loved the idea of a marriage on the brink of divorce and having a couple fight for their happily ever after.
Tina is an underdog heroine married to the prince of the Bollywood world. Growing up in the slums and having to struggle her way to her current position everyone, from fans to fellow actors and actresses, is very skeptical and judgmental of their marriage. The tragic circumstances the couple faces soon after their marriage is definitely crippling but not beyond mending. Tina insists Dev married her only out of duty while the rest of the world thinks she seduced him just for fame, fortune, and a way into the Arjun Empire. She wants a divorce and she wants one now! But Dev refuses to give in without a fight. He demands Tina stay with him for a while longer so he can reel her back to his side. Love is a battlefield and it’s up to both parties and their arsenal of emotional tactics to determine who will win.
While I really enjoyed a lot of aspects of the novel I felt even at 192 pages it was too long for the story that was being told. I found myself a little frustrated at the lack of communication between Tina and Dev. The fact that they were both standing in each other’s way was very redundant. I felt their heartache and I felt the rip in their marriage but I wanted to smack them both many times! They were obviously making things a lot harder than it needed to be by simply not being forthcoming with their feelings about their lives, their emotions towards each other, and their outlook on life. While I was definitely rooting for them and their marriage to succeed I found their problems and petty jealousies got old and tired very quickly. However, I will say that every time the two came together was electric. I adored the realistic passion the couple shared.
Things progressed quickly enough but nothing really stood out for me to love the book. This one had a number of pluses and minuses that balanced out to a pretty enjoyable read. I wasn’t blown away and I may or may not be reading another book by the author. I guess it all depends on the subject matter and if I feel like giving her another go. I think many people will enjoy Tina and Dev. They had pretty good personalities and were a very decent couple to read about. I can definitely see a lot of people liking this one more than I did and I say give it a go if the synopsis appeals to you.
**I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Tina is an underdog heroine married to the prince of the Bollywood world. Growing up in the slums and having to struggle her way to her current position everyone, from fans to fellow actors and actresses, is very skeptical and judgmental of their marriage. The tragic circumstances the couple faces soon after their marriage is definitely crippling but not beyond mending. Tina insists Dev married her only out of duty while the rest of the world thinks she seduced him just for fame, fortune, and a way into the Arjun Empire. She wants a divorce and she wants one now! But Dev refuses to give in without a fight. He demands Tina stay with him for a while longer so he can reel her back to his side. Love is a battlefield and it’s up to both parties and their arsenal of emotional tactics to determine who will win.
While I really enjoyed a lot of aspects of the novel I felt even at 192 pages it was too long for the story that was being told. I found myself a little frustrated at the lack of communication between Tina and Dev. The fact that they were both standing in each other’s way was very redundant. I felt their heartache and I felt the rip in their marriage but I wanted to smack them both many times! They were obviously making things a lot harder than it needed to be by simply not being forthcoming with their feelings about their lives, their emotions towards each other, and their outlook on life. While I was definitely rooting for them and their marriage to succeed I found their problems and petty jealousies got old and tired very quickly. However, I will say that every time the two came together was electric. I adored the realistic passion the couple shared.
Things progressed quickly enough but nothing really stood out for me to love the book. This one had a number of pluses and minuses that balanced out to a pretty enjoyable read. I wasn’t blown away and I may or may not be reading another book by the author. I guess it all depends on the subject matter and if I feel like giving her another go. I think many people will enjoy Tina and Dev. They had pretty good personalities and were a very decent couple to read about. I can definitely see a lot of people liking this one more than I did and I say give it a go if the synopsis appeals to you.
**I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
December 19, 2016
I've been looking at this book for months now but I've waited the price to become low, lol. But I knew I've got to read it someday because of the "Bollywood" in it.
I'm a Filipina but I'm a big fan of Bollywood thats why I became curious. And wow! This book is a well researched one. I feel like I've been to India.
How nice it is to read your favorite books (harlequin presents) with a topic of your favorite films. And bonus! My favorite trope! Marriage, reuniting and complicatex pregnancies. LOL I feel bias but I love the details of this book
I'm a Filipina but I'm a big fan of Bollywood thats why I became curious. And wow! This book is a well researched one. I feel like I've been to India.
How nice it is to read your favorite books (harlequin presents) with a topic of your favorite films. And bonus! My favorite trope! Marriage, reuniting and complicatex pregnancies. LOL I feel bias but I love the details of this book
April 19, 2014
Very fascinating setting, excellent read - I would have given it 5 stars but the heroine annoyed me to no end a couple of times. I hope Carr writes more HQPs with exotic settings like this one. I found myself reaching for the online dictionary to find out what some of the Indian words meant - learning something new every day is not a bad thing at all.
December 6, 2014
Just another mixed up harlequin, though I have to say the H was pretty decent. Unusual in that it introduced the concept of clinical depression but unfortunately the h's behavior wasn't set in context of this. Least I didn't think so....nothing to linger over and certainly not a keeper.
Read
January 12, 2016"Carr's romance is exotic enough to keep one's imagination firing, yet Americanized enough to empathize readers to the plight of her characters. Her fabulous Mumbai settings and sensual love scenes add insight to the tale (RT Book Reviews)". 4 stars
Read
January 12, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
December 24, 2013
really liked this one. surprising setting and loved the emphasis on the Indian culture.
special-unread-plot
August 1, 2021This book was boring. The h was a doormat for her family. There was no chemistry and I didn't get it why the h even got involved with the H if she didn't want anything from him, even his partnership. Also she wasn't really realistic, how many people think she could become a famous actor actress with similar to her background?! She refused all help from the H and he was left out even in their grief.
The h acted as she didn't need him and then blamed the H for not being there. Also she accused him of taking decision instead of her but she didn't mind being a doormat for her ungrateful family. The H was was just dumb, he acted as if money would solve everything, it was just ''business'' when he went out with ow. I get it that he has to meet people, women for work but he acts as if there is no such thing as jealousy and he never reads gossip magazine. I wonder how he would have reacted if the h was famous and she went out with other famous male actors.
The h acted as she didn't need him and then blamed the H for not being there. Also she accused him of taking decision instead of her but she didn't mind being a doormat for her ungrateful family. The H was was just dumb, he acted as if money would solve everything, it was just ''business'' when he went out with ow. I get it that he has to meet people, women for work but he acts as if there is no such thing as jealousy and he never reads gossip magazine. I wonder how he would have reacted if the h was famous and she went out with other famous male actors.
September 11, 2019
Protagonistas: Tina & Dev
Profesiones: Actores
Pais: Bombay
Profesiones: Actores
Pais: Bombay
June 10, 2015
Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I’ve been sitting on this review for months. I’ve been having a hard time putting my thoughts down in some sort of coherent review. I was asked to review this book over a year ago. I got it, started, put it down and then realized I never finished it. So, I tried again. I finally finished it but when I was done, I was just stumped as to what to say about it. So, here we go…
So, as the title implies, this is a story revolving around the Indian culture and the main characters have ties to Bollywood. I’ll admit that I don’t have much knowledge of this culture and that may have been a huge part of reluctance to write this review. I was finding it hard to understand the character’s motivations and so I just wasn’t connecting to the story. Dev is a bigwig in Bollywood, having taken over the running of a studio from his father. Tina was an up and coming actress who fell hard for Dev although most people thought she married Dev to advance her career.
So, quick overview of the story… Tina mas a miscarriage and falls into depression and then just disappears from Dev’s life. She comes back a few months later asking for a divorce. Dev concocts a plan to win her back by making her play wife while he’s working on some movie deals. So here’s where I got lost. I got the first part of the plot… the miscarriage, depression, separation. I even get that Dev wants to win her back. I just didn’t like how he went about it. He never flat out said, I still love you and you hurt me. I know he was guarding his heart, but he was just so cold most of the time. Of course, it was also probably cultural. But in the end, it didn’t work for me as the reader.
The part of the story that touched me and actually made me cry was when Dev and Tina finally talked about the miscarriage and aftermath. That crossed cultural lines and hit me in the heart. I found that I needed a box of tissue nearby since the tears kept coming. And that was what saved this book for me.
In the end, this was a so-so read for me. I’ve read other works by Ms Carr and enjoyed them. But this one just didn’t resonate with me… but perhaps it will with you.
Book provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I’ve been sitting on this review for months. I’ve been having a hard time putting my thoughts down in some sort of coherent review. I was asked to review this book over a year ago. I got it, started, put it down and then realized I never finished it. So, I tried again. I finally finished it but when I was done, I was just stumped as to what to say about it. So, here we go…
So, as the title implies, this is a story revolving around the Indian culture and the main characters have ties to Bollywood. I’ll admit that I don’t have much knowledge of this culture and that may have been a huge part of reluctance to write this review. I was finding it hard to understand the character’s motivations and so I just wasn’t connecting to the story. Dev is a bigwig in Bollywood, having taken over the running of a studio from his father. Tina was an up and coming actress who fell hard for Dev although most people thought she married Dev to advance her career.
So, quick overview of the story… Tina mas a miscarriage and falls into depression and then just disappears from Dev’s life. She comes back a few months later asking for a divorce. Dev concocts a plan to win her back by making her play wife while he’s working on some movie deals. So here’s where I got lost. I got the first part of the plot… the miscarriage, depression, separation. I even get that Dev wants to win her back. I just didn’t like how he went about it. He never flat out said, I still love you and you hurt me. I know he was guarding his heart, but he was just so cold most of the time. Of course, it was also probably cultural. But in the end, it didn’t work for me as the reader.
The part of the story that touched me and actually made me cry was when Dev and Tina finally talked about the miscarriage and aftermath. That crossed cultural lines and hit me in the heart. I found that I needed a box of tissue nearby since the tears kept coming. And that was what saved this book for me.
In the end, this was a so-so read for me. I’ve read other works by Ms Carr and enjoyed them. But this one just didn’t resonate with me… but perhaps it will with you.
March 17, 2014
Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage is a second chance at love romance. It's also a big misunderstanding romance.
What I liked- the hero and heroine are Indian and the background is Bollywood. Very Original. I liked the angst. I liked the hero's pov was included because without it the reader would think he was a heartless cheating bastard. I liked that the heroine's only lover is the hero.
What I didn't like- the hero seemed a bit emasculated. He spent much of the book trying to get the heroine back while she kept rejecting him and accusing him of untruths. Much of the angst was in the heroine's head. It wasn't till the near the end that the hero is fed up enough to tell the heroine to get out. Then the heroine stopped rejecting the hero.
The heroine, she frustrated me for much of the book. A simple conversation with a marriage counselor could have saved the marriage earlier. The heroine left the hero without telling him why. Very cruel. Thank goodness for the hero's pov cause we see he's not the bastard the heroine imagines him to be.
Last, the chemistry between the heroine and hero was underwhelming. I couldn't see them together. The angst was palpable but that's all that was palpable.
Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage was just ok. I've read better second chance at marriage romances.
What I liked- the hero and heroine are Indian and the background is Bollywood. Very Original. I liked the angst. I liked the hero's pov was included because without it the reader would think he was a heartless cheating bastard. I liked that the heroine's only lover is the hero.
What I didn't like- the hero seemed a bit emasculated. He spent much of the book trying to get the heroine back while she kept rejecting him and accusing him of untruths. Much of the angst was in the heroine's head. It wasn't till the near the end that the hero is fed up enough to tell the heroine to get out. Then the heroine stopped rejecting the hero.
The heroine, she frustrated me for much of the book. A simple conversation with a marriage counselor could have saved the marriage earlier. The heroine left the hero without telling him why. Very cruel. Thank goodness for the hero's pov cause we see he's not the bastard the heroine imagines him to be.
Last, the chemistry between the heroine and hero was underwhelming. I couldn't see them together. The angst was palpable but that's all that was palpable.
Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage was just ok. I've read better second chance at marriage romances.
May 5, 2015
While the story itself was amazing, it was the cultural ties that I appreciated most. The book is set in Mumbai, and instead of culturally stripping the story as I have seen done many times, the author integrated many aspects of Indian culture. I felt like it helped me to better imagine what was going on in the plot, and helped me to learn kmore about a culture which I am not as acquainted with. The characters were likeable and realistic, and I appreciated that their history was not stereotypical. I also liked that the story covered a different romantic situation than is normally found in romance novels. The story is of a married couple on the precipice of divorce taking a trial period together to see if they can save their marriage. Both characters view their interactions and each other's intentions very differently. The reader is confronted with the tragic events that haunt this couple's relationship, and empathize with them as they are forced to confront their own demons in able to save themselves and survive the trial period. This was an excellent read. Susanna Carr has succeeded yet again.
October 19, 2014
A Bollywood romance written by an American author! I wanted to check it out right away. And I must say I was impressed. Susanna Carr has done impeccable research of all things Bollywood and Mumbai, even going so far as to quote a song from one of the most popular Bollywood films, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. I could even guess the name of the real-life actress on whom the protagonist Tina Sharma has been modeled. :D
The story definitely felt authentic and it was a fascinating read. There was only one little stumble in an otherwise flawless plotline... the character of Tina's mother. While ambitious moms who drive their actress daughters to dizzying heights of success in Bollywood rang true, what didn't was Tina's mom resenting her daughter's marriage to superstar Dev. In fact, it would have been more realistic if she had milked this relationship for all it was worth. Despite the little stumble, the romance was great and, I totally empathised with the heroine's angst and what seemed like her cruel behaviour towards the besotted Dev. It made the HEA ending all the more satisfying.
The story definitely felt authentic and it was a fascinating read. There was only one little stumble in an otherwise flawless plotline... the character of Tina's mother. While ambitious moms who drive their actress daughters to dizzying heights of success in Bollywood rang true, what didn't was Tina's mom resenting her daughter's marriage to superstar Dev. In fact, it would have been more realistic if she had milked this relationship for all it was worth. Despite the little stumble, the romance was great and, I totally empathised with the heroine's angst and what seemed like her cruel behaviour towards the besotted Dev. It made the HEA ending all the more satisfying.
August 12, 2016
I received Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Dev Arjun and Tina Sharma have been estranged since shortly after their marriage, both devastated by a miscarriage. Tina went to Los Angeles, while Dev continued to run the family's film empire in Mumbai. Now Tina approaches Dev, demanding the only logical solution: a divorce. However, Dev isn't giving up that easily, and demands that Tina live by his side for two months before granting her request. Will Dev and Tina rediscover what they've lost, and heal past hurts and misunderstandings before their time is up?
For a Harlequin Presents, I rather enjoyed this one. Dev isn't as hypermasculine-Type A as many of the series leads, the Indian setting was a nice change of pace, and the book occasionally delves into darker topics as well. As other readers have noted, the angst and drama that powers the storyline gets a little repetitive and dull after a while, but all in all it's a solid read.
Dev Arjun and Tina Sharma have been estranged since shortly after their marriage, both devastated by a miscarriage. Tina went to Los Angeles, while Dev continued to run the family's film empire in Mumbai. Now Tina approaches Dev, demanding the only logical solution: a divorce. However, Dev isn't giving up that easily, and demands that Tina live by his side for two months before granting her request. Will Dev and Tina rediscover what they've lost, and heal past hurts and misunderstandings before their time is up?
For a Harlequin Presents, I rather enjoyed this one. Dev isn't as hypermasculine-Type A as many of the series leads, the Indian setting was a nice change of pace, and the book occasionally delves into darker topics as well. As other readers have noted, the angst and drama that powers the storyline gets a little repetitive and dull after a while, but all in all it's a solid read.
August 9, 2014
This book is about second chance at love between two people who due to some misunderstanding, separated the first time. Tina and Dev’s marriage was on the rocks before it even get started due to their different in family background. It was their love for each other that kept them strong despite all the challenges that they went thru. Throughout the story, both the characters has demonstrated their strong personality and very decent couple to read about, a well done job by the author. During the course of reading this book, I felt their heartache but at times, I do feel frustrated especially when they make things more complicated than what it is already. Overall, it is a good read to me and I enjoyed reading the book very much.
April 28, 2014
I was lucky to be able to read this book from cover to cover because there was no way I was going to put it down!
Tina and Dev's marriage was on the rocks before it started, but it was their love that kept them strong despite the odds. Regardless of personal, family, or professional issues, these two demonstrate that they are strong on their own, but stronger as a couple.
Susanna Carr gives the reader a look at the Bollywood scene and Indian culture. You don't have know a lot about the Bollywood film industry to follow along. The characters are well developed and I would love to see Dev's best friend be the next hero in one of her books.
Tina and Dev's marriage was on the rocks before it started, but it was their love that kept them strong despite the odds. Regardless of personal, family, or professional issues, these two demonstrate that they are strong on their own, but stronger as a couple.
Susanna Carr gives the reader a look at the Bollywood scene and Indian culture. You don't have know a lot about the Bollywood film industry to follow along. The characters are well developed and I would love to see Dev's best friend be the next hero in one of her books.
June 6, 2016
Lace's Review:
Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage is such an emotional roller coaster ride that I enjoyed until the end. It had so much going for it, I found that I could not put the book down.
Dev is the prince of the Bollywood movie scene and wanted by everyone; well almost everyone. The one person who mattered the most locked him out of her life and out of their marriage. I struggled liking Dev because his hero and devil complex drove me crazy, but in the end Ms. Carr clears this up for me. Read More. . . http://www.blackravensreviews.com/aut...
Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage is such an emotional roller coaster ride that I enjoyed until the end. It had so much going for it, I found that I could not put the book down.
Dev is the prince of the Bollywood movie scene and wanted by everyone; well almost everyone. The one person who mattered the most locked him out of her life and out of their marriage. I struggled liking Dev because his hero and devil complex drove me crazy, but in the end Ms. Carr clears this up for me. Read More. . . http://www.blackravensreviews.com/aut...
April 13, 2014
Loved that both leads were desi - my surprise at the title and blurb made me actually buy a physical copy of the book when I saw it in the grocery store. Indian context was relatively well handled, too, though I may be forgetting nitpicks since I didn't write this review immediately on finishing. The flat characterizations of both mother and mother-in-law were annoying, but I can understand that the format demands hyper focus on the leads. The specifics of the angst got repetitive really quickly, but still, it's a good, emotion-wringing read.
August 8, 2014
I recieved a signed copy free as one of the daily giveaways.
The book was well written. I would have liked a little more information from the beginning, rather than the characters eventually revealing what happened to bring them to this point. However, I read it in a couple of hours one afternoon, so it was easy to read. And it did make me reflect on my own experiences, and I am working on implementing some of the lessons that can be found in the story.
The book was well written. I would have liked a little more information from the beginning, rather than the characters eventually revealing what happened to bring them to this point. However, I read it in a couple of hours one afternoon, so it was easy to read. And it did make me reflect on my own experiences, and I am working on implementing some of the lessons that can be found in the story.
October 12, 2015
**Won in a Goodreads Giveaway**
It was a nice,cute little romance novel.
In my opinion, it was very predictable.
I got through it rather quickly.
The chemistry between the main characters was written good and the ending was nice. I knew how the couple would end up, but not how the author would go about doing it. I think this book is good for readers beginning their romance novel journey. I have passed this milestone years ago.
It was a nice,cute little romance novel.
In my opinion, it was very predictable.
I got through it rather quickly.
The chemistry between the main characters was written good and the ending was nice. I knew how the couple would end up, but not how the author would go about doing it. I think this book is good for readers beginning their romance novel journey. I have passed this milestone years ago.
August 10, 2016
I wasn't sure about this book because I've never read anything like it (bollywood I mean), but it was really good. It kept me wanting to read page after page to find out what would happen. Very enjoyable.
October 17, 2016
Way better than I anticipated. Very emotional and intense story, I liked the way the author slowly reveals details, so we are learning to trust the characters along with plot. I would advise Harlequin fans to read this!
August 10, 2014
Wonderful book - couldn't put it down - highly recommend it!
November 6, 2014
This was a great read. I loved the entire Bollywood concept and thought it was fresh and contemporary. My first by SC and it won't be my last.
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