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21 Shades of Love
About the
Movies often depict grand romances with epic gestures. Like the story of Raj and Simran from DDLJ, or Jack and Rose from Titanic. Many of us yearn to experience such a love.
But is it the only kind that exists?
There’s the excitement of first love, and the depth of long-term relationships. There’s a quiet simplicity in going from friends to lovers and the uncertainty of second chances. Love in its varied manifestations, transforms our life.
Join a therapist, as he weaves the landscape of love—inspired by the people and the diversity of love he has witnessed in life. Find reflections of your own heart in these characters, who feel like you’ve known them forever.
Discover how love, in all its shades, connects us all.
About the Author
Dr. Sheetal Nair is an award-winning Author, three-time TEDx Speaker, a reputed orator, and a Human Resource professional with more than a decade of experience in facilitating and training with organisations. He is also an Entrepreneur and a Clinical Psychotherapist.
Dr Sheetal has authored three national bestsellers called The Midas Touch, The Monk’s Secret, and The Subtle Art of Not Thinking, respectively. He has also published two textbooks on Communication Skills and Advanced Human Resource. His other works range from anthologies in fiction to non-fiction books. Crumpled Voices, Frozen Emotions, The Seasons, Wait Till I Tell You, Unchained Melodies, Memories, and Mirages, are some of his other works.
He has also written articles for major publications like The Times of India, The Outlook Magazine, Business World, The Hindu, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Economic Times, among many others.
21 Shades of Love (Tentative), a contemporary romance, is his latest book.
Movies often depict grand romances with epic gestures. Like the story of Raj and Simran from DDLJ, or Jack and Rose from Titanic. Many of us yearn to experience such a love.
But is it the only kind that exists?
There’s the excitement of first love, and the depth of long-term relationships. There’s a quiet simplicity in going from friends to lovers and the uncertainty of second chances. Love in its varied manifestations, transforms our life.
Join a therapist, as he weaves the landscape of love—inspired by the people and the diversity of love he has witnessed in life. Find reflections of your own heart in these characters, who feel like you’ve known them forever.
Discover how love, in all its shades, connects us all.
About the Author
Dr. Sheetal Nair is an award-winning Author, three-time TEDx Speaker, a reputed orator, and a Human Resource professional with more than a decade of experience in facilitating and training with organisations. He is also an Entrepreneur and a Clinical Psychotherapist.
Dr Sheetal has authored three national bestsellers called The Midas Touch, The Monk’s Secret, and The Subtle Art of Not Thinking, respectively. He has also published two textbooks on Communication Skills and Advanced Human Resource. His other works range from anthologies in fiction to non-fiction books. Crumpled Voices, Frozen Emotions, The Seasons, Wait Till I Tell You, Unchained Melodies, Memories, and Mirages, are some of his other works.
He has also written articles for major publications like The Times of India, The Outlook Magazine, Business World, The Hindu, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Economic Times, among many others.
21 Shades of Love (Tentative), a contemporary romance, is his latest book.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
About the author
Sheetal Nair
6 books2 followersDr. Sheetal Nair is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, a coach & a Human Resource professional with more than a decade of experience in facilitating and training with organizations like Barclays, United Nations, Brentwood, GSFC, Fives Group et al.
He holds a doctorate in Training and Development from North Central University, Arizona & is pursuing his second Doctorate from Parul University, Vadodara. He holds an MBA in Human Resources from Symbiosis International University & a Diploma in Corporate Law from IIM-Calcutta.
He is a certified PFA counsellor from John Hopkins University, USA & has also learnt Comprehensive Teaching & Learning techniques from Harvard University. He is also a certified Lead Auditor of QMS certified by NBQP.
He is an orator of repute and a trainer certified by NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) & Dale Carnegie Associates, USA.
He has been a Guest Faculty & has conducted workshops at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (Pune), SIES (Mumbai), Parul University (Vadodara), Navrachana University (Vadodara), Gujarat Forensic Science University (Gandhinagar), Rashtriya Raksha University (Ahmedabad), ISBM (Kolkata) etc.
He currently is the Corporate Head at DSS Group of Companies & is currently serving on the Board of Studies for School of Internal Security & Police Administration (Rashtriya Raksha University). He also held the additional charge as the Vice President – Training of SSSDC (NSDC).
He is a MC member of IIM Ahmedabad Alumni Association & Chairman of the Indian Society for Training & Development Vadodara Chapter; also, he is a National Joint Secretary of CAPSI. He is a member of International Coach Federation & Quality Circle Forum of India & Young Indians (CII).
He is a published author having to his credit three National Bestseller’s “The Midas Touch”, “The Monk’s Secret”, “The Subtle Art of Not Thinking”.
His other works range from anthologies in fiction to non-fiction books. Crumpled Voices, Frozen Emotions, The Seasons, Wait Till I Tell You, Unchained Melodies, Memories & Mirages to list a few of his other works.
A winner of the Gujarat Icon – Award (2022), he was also listed amongst the Top 50 most Influential Indian Authors of 2021.
He is also a contributing author to Economic Times, The Times of India Business World, People Matters, Outlook India etc.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 13, 2025
21 Shades of Love is a captivating anthology that explores the diverse and multifaceted nature of love. Through a collection of 21 short stories, author Nair delves into the complexities of human relationships, showcasing the joys, sorrows, and uncertainties that come with love in all its forms.
Each story offers a unique perspective on love, from the thrill of first romance to the enduring power of long-term commitment. The author masterfully captures the nuances of human emotion, exploring themes of loss, forgiveness, and the enduring hope for connection. The writing style is engaging and heartfelt, with a touch of poetic lyricism that enhances the emotional impact of each story.
21 Shades of Love is a poignant and thought-provoking collection that will resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned romantic or simply seeking a glimpse into the complexities of human connection, this anthology offers a diverse and enriching reading experience.
Each story offers a unique perspective on love, from the thrill of first romance to the enduring power of long-term commitment. The author masterfully captures the nuances of human emotion, exploring themes of loss, forgiveness, and the enduring hope for connection. The writing style is engaging and heartfelt, with a touch of poetic lyricism that enhances the emotional impact of each story.
21 Shades of Love is a poignant and thought-provoking collection that will resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned romantic or simply seeking a glimpse into the complexities of human connection, this anthology offers a diverse and enriching reading experience.
February 10, 2025
21 Shades of Love by Dr. Sheetal Nair is a collection of 21 short stories, each exploring a different side and kind of love. From the excitement of first love to the comfort of long-term relationships, from second chances to friendships turning into something more—this book covers it all. With simple yet impactful storytelling, the author weaves the stories beautifully and takes us on a journey through different emotions and feelings of love.
Okay, first of all, the cover? Gorgeous! totally in love w it.I love how it instantly gives off a warm and romantic vibe. Now, about the stories—some of them hit me right in the feels, while others made me think about love in a new way. The writing is smooth and very easy to read, and I especially enjoyed how each story starts with a poem (which the author revealed in a recent interview with me was inspired by Bollywood and how nothing can express the feeling of love better than poetry). Also, if you're a Bollywood fan (or an SRK lover like the author), you’ll definitely catch those subtle movie-like references (like DDLJ and many more) throughout the book. If you like everything filmy, you'll enjoy this one a lottt!!!
Special mentions for the author's beautiful storytelling and use of simple vocabulary, making it accessible for all readers, whethbe it beginners or seasoned fiction readers. The storytelling is so engaging that you'll keep flipping through the pages and finish the book in no time.
This book is perfect if you love romance, poetry, or just want a feel-good, warm, and light read. Not every story will be your favorite, but there’s definitely something for everyone. The stories are so relatable that you can easily relate them to your own life. Since all 21 stories are different than one another, you can randomly flip to any chapter and still make sense out of it anf enjoy reading it. That's a win-win situation right? If you believe in love (or even if you’re still figuring it out), 21 Shades of Love is worth picking up!
Okay, first of all, the cover? Gorgeous! totally in love w it.I love how it instantly gives off a warm and romantic vibe. Now, about the stories—some of them hit me right in the feels, while others made me think about love in a new way. The writing is smooth and very easy to read, and I especially enjoyed how each story starts with a poem (which the author revealed in a recent interview with me was inspired by Bollywood and how nothing can express the feeling of love better than poetry). Also, if you're a Bollywood fan (or an SRK lover like the author), you’ll definitely catch those subtle movie-like references (like DDLJ and many more) throughout the book. If you like everything filmy, you'll enjoy this one a lottt!!!
Special mentions for the author's beautiful storytelling and use of simple vocabulary, making it accessible for all readers, whethbe it beginners or seasoned fiction readers. The storytelling is so engaging that you'll keep flipping through the pages and finish the book in no time.
This book is perfect if you love romance, poetry, or just want a feel-good, warm, and light read. Not every story will be your favorite, but there’s definitely something for everyone. The stories are so relatable that you can easily relate them to your own life. Since all 21 stories are different than one another, you can randomly flip to any chapter and still make sense out of it anf enjoy reading it. That's a win-win situation right? If you believe in love (or even if you’re still figuring it out), 21 Shades of Love is worth picking up!
February 15, 2025
21 Shades of Love is a collection of 21 short stories that explores love at first sight, lost love, and the depth of long-term relationships. Through each story, the author beautifully navigates the intricacies of human emotions and relationships.
While every story has its own charm and stays in your mind even after it ends, a few of them left a lasting impression on me. 'Till Death Do Us Part' portrays a widow finding solace and love in a droid. 'Melodies of Memory' follows the story of a couple as they navigate the unpredictable waves of Alzheimer's. 'Heartache to Harmony' tells Hetal’s journey of gathering the courage to leave her husband and discover love in a new city.
All in all, 21 Shades of Love by Dr. Sheetal Nair showcases love in its many forms and how it can transform our lives. This book is a must-read for anyone who cherishes love or seeks to rediscover its magic.
While every story has its own charm and stays in your mind even after it ends, a few of them left a lasting impression on me. 'Till Death Do Us Part' portrays a widow finding solace and love in a droid. 'Melodies of Memory' follows the story of a couple as they navigate the unpredictable waves of Alzheimer's. 'Heartache to Harmony' tells Hetal’s journey of gathering the courage to leave her husband and discover love in a new city.
All in all, 21 Shades of Love by Dr. Sheetal Nair showcases love in its many forms and how it can transform our lives. This book is a must-read for anyone who cherishes love or seeks to rediscover its magic.
February 20, 2025
This book contains 21 love stories.
The stories talk about love, longing, moving on, loss, friendship, pain, memories, relationships, second chances, etc.
All the characters in the book are different from each other but they all have one thing in common and that is love.
The characters are well developed and every reader will be able to find a part of themselves in these characters and that is what makes these characters relatable.
These love stories will bring warmth and comfort to your heart.
These stories take you through the ups and downs of the characters' lives, including their love lives.
The book is interesting as well as touching.
The cover page and title of the book are perfect.
The language used is simple and beginner-friendly.
Overall, this book is a must-read for all love story lovers.
The stories talk about love, longing, moving on, loss, friendship, pain, memories, relationships, second chances, etc.
All the characters in the book are different from each other but they all have one thing in common and that is love.
The characters are well developed and every reader will be able to find a part of themselves in these characters and that is what makes these characters relatable.
These love stories will bring warmth and comfort to your heart.
These stories take you through the ups and downs of the characters' lives, including their love lives.
The book is interesting as well as touching.
The cover page and title of the book are perfect.
The language used is simple and beginner-friendly.
Overall, this book is a must-read for all love story lovers.
February 1, 2025
This book consists of 21 different short stories delving into various facets of love, loneliness, ups and downs of marriage to second chances in love and platonic relationships. Through these different stories the author brings out unique understanding of human emotions and relationships.
All the characters felt authentic and relatable somehow making it an interesting and resonating read. The writing is simple and engaging especially with poetry at the start of each story. The poetry is written beautifully giving us a glimpse of story.
This book is a treat for poetry and romance readers looking for both in a single book.
All the characters felt authentic and relatable somehow making it an interesting and resonating read. The writing is simple and engaging especially with poetry at the start of each story. The poetry is written beautifully giving us a glimpse of story.
This book is a treat for poetry and romance readers looking for both in a single book.
April 8, 2025
Love is unique. Every story is different. Every couple has their own story to tell. some find it when they were young, some has to wait until they are matured. some find it in first chance while some has to wait for their second chance. some can last a lifetime in it while some has to rekindle it. This book has 21 such stories every story is different and unique on it's own way. They vary in age, phases and stages of their connection. while few found their soulmates, few discovered self love. While few got together with their first love, few got out of the toxic relationships. This book talk about the love for the place you born/grew up, family that supported you. Love can be any kind and can be between any one. Love doesn't mind age differences, it doesn't care about genders, it doesn't just belong to humans even. This book explores just that, it has different stories exploring different genres, different phases and different life styles. The narration was so beautiful and I love how it included different places and stories related to it. I like how the writer described the places and set the tone of the story in the beginning itself which flowed well with the entire story. one more thing, the added beauty to the story is the poems at the beginning of each story, they were amazing and were like little teasers for the stories that we were about to read. overall this is a wonderful blend of emotions and feelings that engraved into 21 beautiful stories which will be with you for a long time. I can see myself coming back to this book time and again.
April 7, 2025
A Vibrant Contemporary Romance💖
Author Dr Sheetal Nair has skilfully compiled 21 stories of contemporary romance.The short stories are heartfelt and relatable.
The book,"21 Shades of Love",has diverse stories which are captivating with therapeutic insights.The Author Dr Sheetal Nair has beautifully crafted the read which has a vibrant blend of colors and themes which definitely captures the readers.The writing style is engaging with unique characters who are emotionally inclined to one another.
The poetry preceding each tale is mood elevating and keeps you hooked to each story till the end.The varied title of the book is an interesting element which has love stories in a collection which is absolutely interesting and enjoyable.The different shades of love in all the stories connects with everyone.
Overall,"21 Shades of Love",with the Author's perspectives stands out marvelously.The 21 stories are truly heart touching and commendable.
The poetic angle has been portrayed meaningfully capturing the essence of love in each story.A must read for readers who are inclined towards contemporary romance.
March 22, 2025
21SHADES OF LOVE, as the name suggests, it's the collection of short stories that beautifully explore the different forms of love- First Crush, First Love, Lost love, Second chances , Friendships and even Self love. Every story is short yet powerful and filled with real and raw emotions.
The writing is simple but touching!!
The book captures love in it's purest forms, no fairytales... Just some real kinda stories.
Whether it's the magic of first love, the quiet comfort of a lasting bond or the pain of letting go.... This book includes all of them! This one can make you reflect on the love you have experienced, the love you have lost, and the love you still long for.
Not all the stories are fairytales, and not every ending is perfect..... But that's what makes them real, raw and beautiful in their own way, right? While fairytales exists in books and movies, the Love we experience in life is woven with joy and sometimes, heartache.... just hits differently! And this collection captures that truth with grace.
The writing is simple but touching!!
The book captures love in it's purest forms, no fairytales... Just some real kinda stories.
Whether it's the magic of first love, the quiet comfort of a lasting bond or the pain of letting go.... This book includes all of them! This one can make you reflect on the love you have experienced, the love you have lost, and the love you still long for.
Not all the stories are fairytales, and not every ending is perfect..... But that's what makes them real, raw and beautiful in their own way, right? While fairytales exists in books and movies, the Love we experience in life is woven with joy and sometimes, heartache.... just hits differently! And this collection captures that truth with grace.
May 21, 2025
“21 Shades of Love” by Dr. Sheetal Nair is a heartfelt compilation of 21 short stories, each capturing a unique flavor of love — from the blooming of first feelings to the pain of forbidden affection, the comfort of second chances, and the resilience of love that endures. What makes these stories stand out is not perfection, but the flaws that make them so alive and relatable.
Each tale feels like a gentle reminder that love isn’t always ideal — it’s raw, messy, and sometimes unresolved — but that’s where its true beauty lies. The emotional depth and simple narration strike a chord, making you pause and reflect on your own experiences with love.
The author brings in perspectives inspired by real-life encounters, varied backgrounds, and cultural flavors — adding richness and authenticity to each narrative. If you're someone who enjoys stories that are short yet impactful, with emotional honesty and warmth, this book is a delightful pick.
It’s the kind of book you’ll want to sip slowly like a cup of chai — one story at a time.
Each tale feels like a gentle reminder that love isn’t always ideal — it’s raw, messy, and sometimes unresolved — but that’s where its true beauty lies. The emotional depth and simple narration strike a chord, making you pause and reflect on your own experiences with love.
The author brings in perspectives inspired by real-life encounters, varied backgrounds, and cultural flavors — adding richness and authenticity to each narrative. If you're someone who enjoys stories that are short yet impactful, with emotional honesty and warmth, this book is a delightful pick.
It’s the kind of book you’ll want to sip slowly like a cup of chai — one story at a time.
March 25, 2025
An anthology about love at different stages,in varied circumstances. It was refreshing to see each chapter preluded by a poem that sets the tone for whats coming ahead. With an interesting amalgamation of various typrs of love,'21 Shades of Love' was an interesting read with short stories. Some of my favourite ones amongst a plethora of stories are : where a father showing his childhood pictures of school times to his child reminiscing of the innocent,puppy love he experienced; the love of a widow for a robot touched the core of my heart,transcended logic.
One of my many favourite couplets in this book :
"For love, true love, transcends the hands of time,
A steadfast flame that still in old age shines"
One of my many favourite couplets in this book :
"For love, true love, transcends the hands of time,
A steadfast flame that still in old age shines"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
A collection of 21 short stories, each profound in its own way ranging from first crushes to complexities of commitments.
July 9, 2025
A collection of short stories rooted in contemporary romance will make you laugh, giggle and meet couples from real life from the author’s experience
February 15, 2025
🩷This book gives us 21 stories of love that let us taste flavours of love in its varied form makes us ponder on the fact that how We come across alot of people but how will you know that person is the one. This book offers us short stories that showcase the different dynamics of each love story from reconnecting years later to getting closure of the relationship that gave you lot of dreams and hopes but didn't achieve fulfillment to the one you have to give upon due to unavoidable circumstances.
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🩷People meet, settle then get confused that brings panic attacks, betrayal and since there are the chances of meeting someone better and sometimes they just meet the right person at the right time and a beautiful story blooms. This book reminds us that we come across these Mr. and Miss. Wrongs but also how each wrong brings you closer to the right person. Teaches us how letting go hurts but overcoming that is in you. Trust and Surrender accept what happened and give yourself the time. Be receptive to love.
🩵
🩷Take your own time in deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it
Create your own rules never the fragile once though. And find love again. Love is never bad people, situations and circumstances might be. If I have to pick some of my favourite stories out of this 21 story I would say 'Saved by You' this story restored my faith in the fact that the right person would find you at the right time, 'The First Blush' which showcases a very realistic case of how life unfolds from teenage expectations of love to the actually reality and 'Leap of Faith'. But even if not every love story gets its happy ending, life surely will. Will surely recommend diving into this book and witnessing the 21 shades of Love.
🩵
🩵
🩷People meet, settle then get confused that brings panic attacks, betrayal and since there are the chances of meeting someone better and sometimes they just meet the right person at the right time and a beautiful story blooms. This book reminds us that we come across these Mr. and Miss. Wrongs but also how each wrong brings you closer to the right person. Teaches us how letting go hurts but overcoming that is in you. Trust and Surrender accept what happened and give yourself the time. Be receptive to love.
🩵
🩷Take your own time in deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it
Create your own rules never the fragile once though. And find love again. Love is never bad people, situations and circumstances might be. If I have to pick some of my favourite stories out of this 21 story I would say 'Saved by You' this story restored my faith in the fact that the right person would find you at the right time, 'The First Blush' which showcases a very realistic case of how life unfolds from teenage expectations of love to the actually reality and 'Leap of Faith'. But even if not every love story gets its happy ending, life surely will. Will surely recommend diving into this book and witnessing the 21 shades of Love.
🩵
January 30, 2025
ᴍᴀʏ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇsᴛ ᴏғ ᴏᴜʀ ᴘᴀsᴛ ʙᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀsᴛ ᴏғ ᴏᴜʀ ғᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ
21 Shades of Love is a well curated collection of 21 short stories, each exploring different facets of love. The title sets the tone perfectly, and the stunning cover is love at first sight — a vibrant blend of colors that captures the attention effortlessly.
Each story introduces unique characters and storylines, keeping readers engaged throughout. The writing style is simple yet effective, making the book a smooth and enjoyable read. The very first story swept me off my feet, grounding me in its emotional depth and leaving a lasting impression.
The collection covers a broad spectrum of love: chance encounters, lost opportunities, everlasting bonds, unconventional relationships, and second chances, among others. Some stories end with a hopeful promise for the future, while others deliver fulfilling arcs that showcase love’s timeless and transcendent nature.
While I enjoyed reading the collection, I found myself loving some stories more than others. And though I didn’t find *my* love story within these pages (probably because I’m not in love yet — unless you count fictional characters!), I still believe there’s a story in this collection for everyone.
This is a heartfelt and relatable anthology that readers who cherish the many shades of love will undoubtedly enjoy.
21 Shades of Love is a well curated collection of 21 short stories, each exploring different facets of love. The title sets the tone perfectly, and the stunning cover is love at first sight — a vibrant blend of colors that captures the attention effortlessly.
Each story introduces unique characters and storylines, keeping readers engaged throughout. The writing style is simple yet effective, making the book a smooth and enjoyable read. The very first story swept me off my feet, grounding me in its emotional depth and leaving a lasting impression.
The collection covers a broad spectrum of love: chance encounters, lost opportunities, everlasting bonds, unconventional relationships, and second chances, among others. Some stories end with a hopeful promise for the future, while others deliver fulfilling arcs that showcase love’s timeless and transcendent nature.
While I enjoyed reading the collection, I found myself loving some stories more than others. And though I didn’t find *my* love story within these pages (probably because I’m not in love yet — unless you count fictional characters!), I still believe there’s a story in this collection for everyone.
This is a heartfelt and relatable anthology that readers who cherish the many shades of love will undoubtedly enjoy.
February 2, 2025
This romance book is an anthology of 21 love stories which contains a lot of emotions like the thrill of first love, heartbreak, a strange excitement of the journey from friends to lovers, doubt of second chances, expectations and many more. Each story has its own aura to express several facets of love and attachment.
Nair's narrative technique is simply awesome and his writing mood is influenced by Bollywood vibes as he is a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan. Each chapter of the book starts with a beautiful and intense poem and ends with an enchanting emotional note that add exceptional charm to the book. I have enjoyed this book and happy to know that the author is also SRK fan like me. The stories are relatable for the people who believe in love. Readers, who love to read emotion driven books, please go through it.
Nair's narrative technique is simply awesome and his writing mood is influenced by Bollywood vibes as he is a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan. Each chapter of the book starts with a beautiful and intense poem and ends with an enchanting emotional note that add exceptional charm to the book. I have enjoyed this book and happy to know that the author is also SRK fan like me. The stories are relatable for the people who believe in love. Readers, who love to read emotion driven books, please go through it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews