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The Girl He Left Behind
Can he win her back?
Romantic fiction editor Sia Sharma knows that life is not about happily ever after. The only guy she had loved had left her six years back.
Suddenly Ryan Mathur is back in town as a hot shot entrepreneur. His advertising firm has been hired to create the marketing campaign for Sia’s publishing company, but Ryan has only one thing on his mind: to win back the only woman he ever loved.
But feisty Sia has other plans and is determined to make him pay. The harder Ryan tries to win her over, the further Sia strays. Ryan seems to be everywhere she goes, and her bestselling romance author, the sultry Nisha Malik, joins the fray to pursue Ryan. It’s not long before Sia realizes she still has feelings for him.
Will Sia let Ryan back into her life again? And will Ryan ever win back the girl he left behind?
Romantic fiction editor Sia Sharma knows that life is not about happily ever after. The only guy she had loved had left her six years back.
Suddenly Ryan Mathur is back in town as a hot shot entrepreneur. His advertising firm has been hired to create the marketing campaign for Sia’s publishing company, but Ryan has only one thing on his mind: to win back the only woman he ever loved.
But feisty Sia has other plans and is determined to make him pay. The harder Ryan tries to win her over, the further Sia strays. Ryan seems to be everywhere she goes, and her bestselling romance author, the sultry Nisha Malik, joins the fray to pursue Ryan. It’s not long before Sia realizes she still has feelings for him.
Will Sia let Ryan back into her life again? And will Ryan ever win back the girl he left behind?
180 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
21 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Shilpa Suraj
39 books121 followersShilpa 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 8, 2015
THE STORY
Young Sia is heartbroken when Ryan leaves her suddenly – just when their love begins to blossom. It looks like he has disappeared from his life forever. Six years later, Sia is working as Romantic Fiction Editor at Trends Now; has been married and divorced too. Out of the blue, Ryan comes back into her life, all grown up, handsome and successful. Will the sparks fly yet again? Will ‘The girl he left behind’ accept him?
MY PERCEPTION
I loved the main characters – Sia and Ryan. Sia is a determined woman, keen to make a successful life for herself, despite a broken heart and a broken marriage. She’s definitely not going to allow Ryan to trample over her heart all over again. Her character is as real as can be – careless with her keys, changing her car tyre, having nightmares about her ex-husband, and more.
Ryan is your TDH hero that the reader can drool over. He has a horrid past. But despite that, he has made a successful life for himself – stuff dreams are made of. I love him. His anger and frustration at not being able to make Sia see his view point has been written beautifully.
Sia’s friend Minty is adorable and our heart breaks when her fiancé treats her abominably. Adarsh is extremely endearing. Of all the satellite characters, I liked Leena best. Sia’s mother Leena is your typical loving mother who helps heal Ryan. Don’t understand? Read the book to find out more.
The sequences, scenes and dialogues are all written very well and make the book an interesting read. But towards the end, I found the book dragging a bit. And considering that it’s a book published by a famous publishing house, I was surprised at the number of errors.
VERDICT: I will definitely recommend this one by Shilpa Suraj to all romance book lovers.
Young Sia is heartbroken when Ryan leaves her suddenly – just when their love begins to blossom. It looks like he has disappeared from his life forever. Six years later, Sia is working as Romantic Fiction Editor at Trends Now; has been married and divorced too. Out of the blue, Ryan comes back into her life, all grown up, handsome and successful. Will the sparks fly yet again? Will ‘The girl he left behind’ accept him?
MY PERCEPTION
I loved the main characters – Sia and Ryan. Sia is a determined woman, keen to make a successful life for herself, despite a broken heart and a broken marriage. She’s definitely not going to allow Ryan to trample over her heart all over again. Her character is as real as can be – careless with her keys, changing her car tyre, having nightmares about her ex-husband, and more.
Ryan is your TDH hero that the reader can drool over. He has a horrid past. But despite that, he has made a successful life for himself – stuff dreams are made of. I love him. His anger and frustration at not being able to make Sia see his view point has been written beautifully.
Sia’s friend Minty is adorable and our heart breaks when her fiancé treats her abominably. Adarsh is extremely endearing. Of all the satellite characters, I liked Leena best. Sia’s mother Leena is your typical loving mother who helps heal Ryan. Don’t understand? Read the book to find out more.
The sequences, scenes and dialogues are all written very well and make the book an interesting read. But towards the end, I found the book dragging a bit. And considering that it’s a book published by a famous publishing house, I was surprised at the number of errors.
VERDICT: I will definitely recommend this one by Shilpa Suraj to all romance book lovers.
September 15, 2015
Characters:
Meet Sia Sharma, Romantic fiction editor of Trends Now. In her late twenties, Sia is trying hard to put her past behind and move on with her life. Scarred from her broken marriage, Sia isn't ready to let anyone in her life again. Her days are spent at the office, working and chatting with her best friend Minty while her lone times are spent missing the only guy she ever loved - Ryan.
Meet Ryan Mathur, the hotshot entrepreneur, who at the age of 28 had put 'Hope' on the global map and made it a company to watch out for on the national scene. Success becomes him and he has achieved everything he dreamt of. But he isn't happy. Though Ryan has carved out a successful career, his heart still beats for the girl he left behind - Sia.
Plot:
How is one supposed to stay calm when the love of their suddenly make a reappearance in their life after six long years? Sia has no idea! She is totally freaked out when one fine morning she discovers Ryan standing in her driveway like he belonged right there! Just when she is recovering from the shock of seeing Ryan back in town, she finds out that his advertising agency is hired by her publishing company and she is supposed to work close with him for the next few weeks. Ryan isn't making it easy for her by the way he keeps pursuing her. But she couldn't let him in - not after all that happened in the past six years.
Ryan is back in town after six years and he couldn't take Sia off his mind, no matter how hard he tries. Leaving was a mistake but what would you do when you find out that your whole life itself was a mistake? Now that he is back, Ryan has only one thing on his mind - to get Sia back. But the harder he tries, the further she resists. There is something about Sia's past that is bothering her, which he cannot put a finger on.
They both love each other but still they deny it. But as the attraction grows, will they finally give in to their love? Will Sia be able to let go of the ghosts of her past and give Ryan a second chance? Will Ryan be able to convince Sia that he still loves her? Will there be a happily ever after or are they meant to part ways again?
Read the full review here - http://stareyedreviewer.blogspot.in/2015/06/the-girl-he-left-behind-book-review.html
Meet Sia Sharma, Romantic fiction editor of Trends Now. In her late twenties, Sia is trying hard to put her past behind and move on with her life. Scarred from her broken marriage, Sia isn't ready to let anyone in her life again. Her days are spent at the office, working and chatting with her best friend Minty while her lone times are spent missing the only guy she ever loved - Ryan.
Meet Ryan Mathur, the hotshot entrepreneur, who at the age of 28 had put 'Hope' on the global map and made it a company to watch out for on the national scene. Success becomes him and he has achieved everything he dreamt of. But he isn't happy. Though Ryan has carved out a successful career, his heart still beats for the girl he left behind - Sia.
Plot:
How is one supposed to stay calm when the love of their suddenly make a reappearance in their life after six long years? Sia has no idea! She is totally freaked out when one fine morning she discovers Ryan standing in her driveway like he belonged right there! Just when she is recovering from the shock of seeing Ryan back in town, she finds out that his advertising agency is hired by her publishing company and she is supposed to work close with him for the next few weeks. Ryan isn't making it easy for her by the way he keeps pursuing her. But she couldn't let him in - not after all that happened in the past six years.
Ryan is back in town after six years and he couldn't take Sia off his mind, no matter how hard he tries. Leaving was a mistake but what would you do when you find out that your whole life itself was a mistake? Now that he is back, Ryan has only one thing on his mind - to get Sia back. But the harder he tries, the further she resists. There is something about Sia's past that is bothering her, which he cannot put a finger on.
They both love each other but still they deny it. But as the attraction grows, will they finally give in to their love? Will Sia be able to let go of the ghosts of her past and give Ryan a second chance? Will Ryan be able to convince Sia that he still loves her? Will there be a happily ever after or are they meant to part ways again?
Read the full review here - http://stareyedreviewer.blogspot.in/2015/06/the-girl-he-left-behind-book-review.html
September 3, 2014
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2014/09/bo...
Can you leave behind someone you dearly love?
More importantly can that person forgive you and accept you on your return?
Sia was the one Ryan left behind six years ago. Professing to loving her, he had left her without a backward glance. Now after years of loneliness, Ryan is back and determined to win her over. But Sia is no longer that gullible, innocent girl who had once loved Ryan with all her heart. She is now a woman with a past, a past that keeps her awake and one which has shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters for ever.
The Girl He Left Behind is Shilpa Suraj's debut novel and I congratulate her on a job well done!
I loved reading the book and thoroughly enjoyed Shilpa's unconventional twists and turns in the story.
The cover is catchy and the blurb interest generating. Shipa has the flair for writing and has an admirable comic sense. She is able to lighten the mood of the reader in the midst of some very emotional scenes and keep the story interesting. The story is well paced and the characters and settings beautifully developed to keep the story going forward.
I loved the characters in the book. Sia, Ryan, Minty, Adarsh are great together and I had great fun reading the scenes featuring them. The friendship between Sia and Minty and Ryan and Adarsh is sweet and of the ever lasting type. They have faced unhappiness together, celebrated their happiness with each other and also braved the difficulties of their life through the support of each other!
The chemistry between Sia and Ryan is fire and ice. With very unexpected twists and turns, it was an enjoyable journey with these two. The contrast between Sia's parents and Ryan's parents is drastic and very expertly brought to life by the author. While I loved Sia's parents, I totally hated Ryan's family.
The plot though very common is made unconventional and unique by the author and I just loved the unexpected turns to the story. Nothing happened like I thought it would which was refreshing and enhanced my interest in the story. I could not get up until I had finished the story and thoroughly enjoyed the explosive attraction between Ryan and Sia. There is comedy, tragedy, heartbreak, emotional upheaval, promises made, love tested and moments that leave a goofy smile on the readers' face.
All in all, a very beautifully narrated story from a very promising debut author, I give The Girl He Left Behind full 5 on 5. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and could find no loopholes. :)
A fitting leisure read. I recommend the book to all romance lovers. I hope to read more from the author in the future. I hope she writes Minty's love story next and I hope she pairs Minty and Adarsh! :)
I received the book from the author and I am very thankful to her. The above review is mu honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Can you leave behind someone you dearly love?
More importantly can that person forgive you and accept you on your return?
Sia was the one Ryan left behind six years ago. Professing to loving her, he had left her without a backward glance. Now after years of loneliness, Ryan is back and determined to win her over. But Sia is no longer that gullible, innocent girl who had once loved Ryan with all her heart. She is now a woman with a past, a past that keeps her awake and one which has shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters for ever.
The Girl He Left Behind is Shilpa Suraj's debut novel and I congratulate her on a job well done!
I loved reading the book and thoroughly enjoyed Shilpa's unconventional twists and turns in the story.
The cover is catchy and the blurb interest generating. Shipa has the flair for writing and has an admirable comic sense. She is able to lighten the mood of the reader in the midst of some very emotional scenes and keep the story interesting. The story is well paced and the characters and settings beautifully developed to keep the story going forward.
I loved the characters in the book. Sia, Ryan, Minty, Adarsh are great together and I had great fun reading the scenes featuring them. The friendship between Sia and Minty and Ryan and Adarsh is sweet and of the ever lasting type. They have faced unhappiness together, celebrated their happiness with each other and also braved the difficulties of their life through the support of each other!
The chemistry between Sia and Ryan is fire and ice. With very unexpected twists and turns, it was an enjoyable journey with these two. The contrast between Sia's parents and Ryan's parents is drastic and very expertly brought to life by the author. While I loved Sia's parents, I totally hated Ryan's family.
The plot though very common is made unconventional and unique by the author and I just loved the unexpected turns to the story. Nothing happened like I thought it would which was refreshing and enhanced my interest in the story. I could not get up until I had finished the story and thoroughly enjoyed the explosive attraction between Ryan and Sia. There is comedy, tragedy, heartbreak, emotional upheaval, promises made, love tested and moments that leave a goofy smile on the readers' face.
All in all, a very beautifully narrated story from a very promising debut author, I give The Girl He Left Behind full 5 on 5. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and could find no loopholes. :)
A fitting leisure read. I recommend the book to all romance lovers. I hope to read more from the author in the future. I hope she writes Minty's love story next and I hope she pairs Minty and Adarsh! :)
I received the book from the author and I am very thankful to her. The above review is mu honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
December 21, 2014
I really loved this book. It has lots of drama, comedy and lots and lots of love. The way Sia still stands up for Ryan, even when he has left her behind is heart touching. I liked the character of Sia; she is astringent confident woman who has never bothered about the society and has stood up what she thought was right. Apart from Sia, even the other characters like that of Ryan, Minty, Ajay, Leena, Nisha and Adarsh are also written very well. I loved the character of Adarsh in the book. He made me laugh and made the book even more enjoyable. He is the joker of the book, as Ryan calls him many times. It's a sweet book and I think you should definitely read it. The best part of the book is that it has lots of suspense too and you would be surprised when that's revealed.
For complete review: http://wp.me/p42KXV-6x
For complete review: http://wp.me/p42KXV-6x
September 2, 2014
Shilpa Suraj has an entertaining, comedic voice. I loved 'The Girl He Left Behind' because of that. Some touches were wicked - the hapless alarm clock; the car keys; and Nisha! Especially Nisha's seduction scene - loved that. The characters are very real; Sia, is strong and independent and can change car tyres; Ryan is gorgeous and considerate and willing to put his passion on hold because Sia keeps pushing him away, not wanting to risk her heart again! Sigh - there were times when I wished Sia would be a bit of a helpless wimp and succumb to the chemistry between her and Ryan. Nah! She only does it when she is good and ready. A lovely debut. Shilpa shows great promise. Do read!
September 2, 2014
The book was such a pleasure to read! The author has done an excellent job with etching out strong character outlines and creating vivid word imageries in every scene. All of us know at least one person in our lives who is a disaster with keys as Sia is and most of us have just the kind of friends she does to get us through our lives. The book is very relatable, has just the right dose of drama and humor & is begging for a bollywood movie adaptation. The characters stayed in my head a few days after i finished the book, which is the best thing i can say about it. Looking forward to more books from the author.
August 25, 2017
I heard about this book in one of Alyssa Cole's Romancing the World columns. I've never actually read a romance outside of one written in the American and English markets, so I was eager to read a contemporary romance from another market and culture.
Despite the title--and well, it is sort of true in that Kevin Mathur does leave his best friend and teenage girlfriend Sia behind in their hometown after he learns a life-altering secret--Sia isn't exactly sitting around waiting to be rescued. Sia is a modern divorced woman and an editor at a publishing company, where she works in the romantic fiction department. Ryan is a successful advertising executive who comes back home and is involved in a new ad campaign for Sia's company.
The book was cute, easy and short to read, and reminded me of various romancey fanfictions I've read over the years. The tropes of second chance and a misunderstanding were very prominent. Overall, I enjoyed this story.
Despite the title--and well, it is sort of true in that Kevin Mathur does leave his best friend and teenage girlfriend Sia behind in their hometown after he learns a life-altering secret--Sia isn't exactly sitting around waiting to be rescued. Sia is a modern divorced woman and an editor at a publishing company, where she works in the romantic fiction department. Ryan is a successful advertising executive who comes back home and is involved in a new ad campaign for Sia's company.
The book was cute, easy and short to read, and reminded me of various romancey fanfictions I've read over the years. The tropes of second chance and a misunderstanding were very prominent. Overall, I enjoyed this story.
June 10, 2019
This was my first book by Shilpa Suraj. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Character build up was great and the story in general, one which made you want to read more.
I look forward to reading more from Shilpa.
I look forward to reading more from Shilpa.
December 31, 2023
Well, it is among the best romance books which I would genuinely recommend to all my people who are into the 'romance' genre!
You must try writing more n more books on other publishing platforms too, am sure readers, gonna love your content!
You must try writing more n more books on other publishing platforms too, am sure readers, gonna love your content!
February 14, 2020
Fun read...
April 11, 2025
bakwas
October 28, 2014
The Girl He Left Behind is a story of child hood friends and their love. How youth in its eagerness to grow up forgets the love makes it the best time of our life. Ah! To be young and carefree, living life to the fullest, blossoming and growing with the wonderful support of the partner of our dreams.
The title of the book was interesting and the cover was of a couple looking at each other, mesmerized by the magic of love, the charm of chemistry or the lure of love? We all have felt the pain of disappointment in life at one point of time I was interested in knowing how the heroine was jilted? Would she be quick to forgive and fall into the arms of the man of his dreams? How life is not fair but we love it nonetheless?
Mills & Boon India has been showcasing a very versatile bunch of Indian writers and Shilpa Suraj is one author to look out for. Her writing is smart, young and engaging. The language of the book pulled me in from the very beginning, the sentences crisp, and the words relevant and like what we use every day. She has a tight story-line and I was eagerly turning the pages.
Shilpa has a very fluid and flowing language, it was one the things I first noticed when I started reading the book. She is a first time author and has an excellent command over narration. I am no Grammar Nazi just a simple grammar soldier ;) but I do appreciate a book where I don’t feel like rewriting the sentences as I read. It was a breeze to read the very smooth writing and I eagerly await her next book, hopeful for an equally riveting tale.
The story progresses at a steady pace and kept me hooked with the crisp dialogue and what a smart mouth does Sia have! :) A feisty, strong yet demure lady with a mind of her own, beautiful and intelligent. She is a professional yet homely girl, the kind all boys want to take home to their mothers!
Ryan, ooh! Drool worthy and the guy is from the wrong side of the track so to say. Who can resist such temptation? He is handsome and sensitive and is back in her life to make amends. Ryan Mathur is a self-made man who might have had a tough time but it has only made him stronger. The chemistry and camaraderie between the two is hot, happening and heady.
The story has all the elements of a best seller, as Shilpa gets the perfect balance of sizzle, romance, humour and the fights; where the lady is always right;) right? The best friend and her story is interwoven smoothly and makes for an interesting read, making me wish for her love story to have a happy ending too. I did mention the chemistry between Ryan and Sia is sizzling, right?
I found the The Girl He Left Behind an interesting tale of true love. The path of love is never easy but it is a pleasure to read when so well written!
Hope you have ordered your copy? Shilpa Suraj has released her second book “Rescued By Love” with M&B, so hurry up and start reading!!
I am waiting for my mail ;)
The title of the book was interesting and the cover was of a couple looking at each other, mesmerized by the magic of love, the charm of chemistry or the lure of love? We all have felt the pain of disappointment in life at one point of time I was interested in knowing how the heroine was jilted? Would she be quick to forgive and fall into the arms of the man of his dreams? How life is not fair but we love it nonetheless?
Mills & Boon India has been showcasing a very versatile bunch of Indian writers and Shilpa Suraj is one author to look out for. Her writing is smart, young and engaging. The language of the book pulled me in from the very beginning, the sentences crisp, and the words relevant and like what we use every day. She has a tight story-line and I was eagerly turning the pages.
Shilpa has a very fluid and flowing language, it was one the things I first noticed when I started reading the book. She is a first time author and has an excellent command over narration. I am no Grammar Nazi just a simple grammar soldier ;) but I do appreciate a book where I don’t feel like rewriting the sentences as I read. It was a breeze to read the very smooth writing and I eagerly await her next book, hopeful for an equally riveting tale.
The story progresses at a steady pace and kept me hooked with the crisp dialogue and what a smart mouth does Sia have! :) A feisty, strong yet demure lady with a mind of her own, beautiful and intelligent. She is a professional yet homely girl, the kind all boys want to take home to their mothers!
Ryan, ooh! Drool worthy and the guy is from the wrong side of the track so to say. Who can resist such temptation? He is handsome and sensitive and is back in her life to make amends. Ryan Mathur is a self-made man who might have had a tough time but it has only made him stronger. The chemistry and camaraderie between the two is hot, happening and heady.
The story has all the elements of a best seller, as Shilpa gets the perfect balance of sizzle, romance, humour and the fights; where the lady is always right;) right? The best friend and her story is interwoven smoothly and makes for an interesting read, making me wish for her love story to have a happy ending too. I did mention the chemistry between Ryan and Sia is sizzling, right?
I found the The Girl He Left Behind an interesting tale of true love. The path of love is never easy but it is a pleasure to read when so well written!
Hope you have ordered your copy? Shilpa Suraj has released her second book “Rescued By Love” with M&B, so hurry up and start reading!!
I am waiting for my mail ;)
August 22, 2014
3.5 stars
I wanted to read The Girl He Left Behind from the title itself. I always love a good second chance romance if well written. Luckily, The Girl He Left Behind was a pleasurable read. It did have a few cliches here and there but I didn't mind. Overall, I really liked it.
Sia is a romantic fiction editor. Once upon a time she believed in happily ever afters but after the only guy she had ever loved left her she has given up on the concept. I really liked Sia. She had a horrible time after Ryan left her and though she tried to move on, things just went down hill for her. I found Sia to be a capable and determined woman of modern times.
Then we have Ryan. Ryan is back in town and now he wants Sia back. At first I wasn't all that convinced about Ryan. It took me some time to get warmed up to him but as we see his thoughts we can see his reasons. Ryan had issues to sort through and by the end of it we can see he only wants what is best for Sia.
Ryan and Sia definitely had chemistry but I would have liked to see more. We can definitely see Sia's hesitancy through out and I liked how Ryan didn't easily give up on her. Though I did find him to act stupid where Nisha was concerned.
I absolutely adored Sia and Ryan's friends Minty and Adarsh. Both of them were awesome best friends who got in the much needed humor and wit into the plot. Shilpa Suraj's writing is easy and engaging. It was easy to fly through the book. The Girl He Left Behind was a good read.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
Find more of my reviews at The Readdicts- http://thereaddicts.blogspot.in/
I wanted to read The Girl He Left Behind from the title itself. I always love a good second chance romance if well written. Luckily, The Girl He Left Behind was a pleasurable read. It did have a few cliches here and there but I didn't mind. Overall, I really liked it.
Sia is a romantic fiction editor. Once upon a time she believed in happily ever afters but after the only guy she had ever loved left her she has given up on the concept. I really liked Sia. She had a horrible time after Ryan left her and though she tried to move on, things just went down hill for her. I found Sia to be a capable and determined woman of modern times.
Then we have Ryan. Ryan is back in town and now he wants Sia back. At first I wasn't all that convinced about Ryan. It took me some time to get warmed up to him but as we see his thoughts we can see his reasons. Ryan had issues to sort through and by the end of it we can see he only wants what is best for Sia.
Ryan and Sia definitely had chemistry but I would have liked to see more. We can definitely see Sia's hesitancy through out and I liked how Ryan didn't easily give up on her. Though I did find him to act stupid where Nisha was concerned.
I absolutely adored Sia and Ryan's friends Minty and Adarsh. Both of them were awesome best friends who got in the much needed humor and wit into the plot. Shilpa Suraj's writing is easy and engaging. It was easy to fly through the book. The Girl He Left Behind was a good read.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
Find more of my reviews at The Readdicts- http://thereaddicts.blogspot.in/
October 6, 2014
Sia was in love with her best friend Ryan and life couldn't possibly be more perfect. But her world comes crashing when Ryan walks away from her life to carve his own identity. He leaves her heartbroken only to return back in her life after 6 years.
Sia believes that she has moved on in life or perhaps not. Their paths cross each other every day as Ryan’s advertising agency is working with Sia’s publishing house. So her life is officially in hell too as they have to work together for the new ad campaign. Ryan tries to woo her back. But Sia is not taking any chances and she ignores him. Will Sia let him back in her life again? And will Ryan ever win back the girl he left behind? Well, you need to read this book to find all about that.
The story line is pretty simple and a bit dramatic and clichéd, if I may add. I enjoyed all the different layers it added to the story, though. I liked the supporting characters, Minty and Adarsh who are the best buddies one can have. Even though Sia and Ryan’s relationship does not move at a fast pace, their thoughts, insecurities, hang-ups, and urges all ring true and one can easily identify with them. Though the bond and the chemistry that they share is palpable what I liked is Sia’s strength of accepting Ryan only when she is ready.
Shilpa’s writing style is clear, concise and engaging. A promising debut, indeed.
The cover design could have been better. I mean, if it was not a review copy, I would have never picked this book. Yes, I sometimes do judge a book by its cover.
Definitely recommend if you're in a mood for some light, breezy romance.
http://shilpaagarg.com/2014/10/girl-l...
Sia believes that she has moved on in life or perhaps not. Their paths cross each other every day as Ryan’s advertising agency is working with Sia’s publishing house. So her life is officially in hell too as they have to work together for the new ad campaign. Ryan tries to woo her back. But Sia is not taking any chances and she ignores him. Will Sia let him back in her life again? And will Ryan ever win back the girl he left behind? Well, you need to read this book to find all about that.
The story line is pretty simple and a bit dramatic and clichéd, if I may add. I enjoyed all the different layers it added to the story, though. I liked the supporting characters, Minty and Adarsh who are the best buddies one can have. Even though Sia and Ryan’s relationship does not move at a fast pace, their thoughts, insecurities, hang-ups, and urges all ring true and one can easily identify with them. Though the bond and the chemistry that they share is palpable what I liked is Sia’s strength of accepting Ryan only when she is ready.
Shilpa’s writing style is clear, concise and engaging. A promising debut, indeed.
The cover design could have been better. I mean, if it was not a review copy, I would have never picked this book. Yes, I sometimes do judge a book by its cover.
Definitely recommend if you're in a mood for some light, breezy romance.
http://shilpaagarg.com/2014/10/girl-l...
August 23, 2014
Shilpa Suraj's debut novel, The Girl He Left Behind, is a tale of two friends who are torn apart by a misunderstanding. True love eventually triumphs but of course the journey is not without a few twists and turns.
Sia is a romantic fiction editor who has survived heartbreak only to go through a disastrous marriage to another man. After her divorce, she is more than happy to steer clear of men. But then Ryan, the man who broke her heart, comes back to town. Worse still, he is in charge of the ad agency that has been hired to devise a new campaign for their publishing house. Much against her wishes, she has no choice but to work with him closely. What happens next is for you to find out!
What I loved about Shilpa's book was her fluid and easy writing style. She creates empathy for her heroine Sia in a flash. Sia has some quirky traits like driving around the city like a maniac. Her habit of forever misplacing her car keys makes you smile as does her struggle with an annoying alarm that talks every morning! I also loved the interactions between Sia and her best friend Minty...witty comebacks among friends who have known each other for a long time are lovingly narrated and immensely relatable.
There were a few bumpy plot points (the hero Ryan's introduction being one of them). I found it also a little difficult to believe that Ryan and Sia who had been such good friends would break up without thrashing out the issue among themselves.
Overall though, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading Shilpa's next book.
Sia is a romantic fiction editor who has survived heartbreak only to go through a disastrous marriage to another man. After her divorce, she is more than happy to steer clear of men. But then Ryan, the man who broke her heart, comes back to town. Worse still, he is in charge of the ad agency that has been hired to devise a new campaign for their publishing house. Much against her wishes, she has no choice but to work with him closely. What happens next is for you to find out!
What I loved about Shilpa's book was her fluid and easy writing style. She creates empathy for her heroine Sia in a flash. Sia has some quirky traits like driving around the city like a maniac. Her habit of forever misplacing her car keys makes you smile as does her struggle with an annoying alarm that talks every morning! I also loved the interactions between Sia and her best friend Minty...witty comebacks among friends who have known each other for a long time are lovingly narrated and immensely relatable.
There were a few bumpy plot points (the hero Ryan's introduction being one of them). I found it also a little difficult to believe that Ryan and Sia who had been such good friends would break up without thrashing out the issue among themselves.
Overall though, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading Shilpa's next book.
December 20, 2014
If you are looking for a book that is perfect company to your Sunday brunch, then this is one book that you can definitely consider. Short and sweet, the interesting plot of this story beautifully does what every love story – every Mills & Boon – is supposed to do. In the heart of its readers, it inspires the hope that no matter how many unexpected twists and turns life takes, each one of us is meant to have our own happily ever after. And that you need to believe in it! A little patience, a little effort in fighting the demons that plague us every day go a long way in getting that HEA!
I loved the characters of Sia and Ryan and the chemistry they share. The moments between them are not so much built on passion as they are on emotional depth and yet they inspire the romantic in you. Minty and Adarsh, best friends of the lead couple, are two wonderful characters that add the required warmth and humor to the story.
But what impressed me very much was the message that Shilpa sends out to her readers through the life-changing decisions that Sia and Minty take. The women very gracefully walk-out on an abusive husband and a cheating fiancé and take their lives in their hands, not caring to mope around!
Overall, the pace of the story is good except for a few places where I thought the story moved a little too fast. But if that be ignored, this definitely is worth a read.
I loved the characters of Sia and Ryan and the chemistry they share. The moments between them are not so much built on passion as they are on emotional depth and yet they inspire the romantic in you. Minty and Adarsh, best friends of the lead couple, are two wonderful characters that add the required warmth and humor to the story.
But what impressed me very much was the message that Shilpa sends out to her readers through the life-changing decisions that Sia and Minty take. The women very gracefully walk-out on an abusive husband and a cheating fiancé and take their lives in their hands, not caring to mope around!
Overall, the pace of the story is good except for a few places where I thought the story moved a little too fast. But if that be ignored, this definitely is worth a read.
August 20, 2014
A light breezy romance that is a pleasure to read because of the authors natural style of writing. The characters are very real and we can relate to them and their emotions. Parts of the book had me smiling at the sarcastic sense of humour used in it. It is set in a modern setting with interesting characters and not cluttered with too much description. Minty, Sia's best friend is the kind of friend we all want to have and is my favourite character. A very pleasurable read for a debut effort and look forward to reading her future books.
June 8, 2019
4.5 STARS= Very Good= Enjoyable= I liked it very much...!
Want to read
November 3, 2015AWESOME
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