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Duty and Desire
A marriage of compulsion. A love that refused to die. A past that will not stay buried.
When Karan Rathore's dying father demands he marry the daughter of an old friend, Karan agrees — not out of devotion, but to protect his inheritance and the tech empire he built from the ground up. Torn from New York and the love of his life, Karan returns to India and weds a girl he has no interest in knowing — not even her name.
Two and a half years later, Karan is a rising star on the global stage — CEO, innovator, success story. But as he prepares to sever ties with the ghost of a marriage he never truly entered, a growing hollowness begins to gnaw at his core.
Back in Rajasthan, the bride he left behind has lived a quiet life of solitude and silent strength. Unseen and unacknowledged, she remains bound to a man who has never once looked back.
When fate brings them face to face again, unexpected truths begin to unravel. Karan is forced to confront not only the woman he abandoned — but also the man he’s become.
Is redemption possible in a marriage born of obligation? Can duty ever truly give way to desire?
When Karan Rathore's dying father demands he marry the daughter of an old friend, Karan agrees — not out of devotion, but to protect his inheritance and the tech empire he built from the ground up. Torn from New York and the love of his life, Karan returns to India and weds a girl he has no interest in knowing — not even her name.
Two and a half years later, Karan is a rising star on the global stage — CEO, innovator, success story. But as he prepares to sever ties with the ghost of a marriage he never truly entered, a growing hollowness begins to gnaw at his core.
Back in Rajasthan, the bride he left behind has lived a quiet life of solitude and silent strength. Unseen and unacknowledged, she remains bound to a man who has never once looked back.
When fate brings them face to face again, unexpected truths begin to unravel. Karan is forced to confront not only the woman he abandoned — but also the man he’s become.
Is redemption possible in a marriage born of obligation? Can duty ever truly give way to desire?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
42 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 8, 2025
This is a debut novel by the author and I came across it by chance while browsing through Kindle unlimited catalogue. After a very long time I had such a good read that I finished this novel in one day....The writing was very elegant and characters were very well written. Each of the main characters had flaws and positive notes...which made them very relatable and storyline likeable. For the first time self published author, JD R's writing style is very mature. The romance between MC and FC is subtle and profound... without any vulgarity or profane language... it may be due to setting of storyline with Indian background.. Just the downside was the age gap between MC and FC...but overall it made a very nice read.
September 21, 2025
An easy read fluttering my Indian heart
This is the first time I read a book with an Indian storyline. It was an easy read and I enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to more books from her.
This is the first time I read a book with an Indian storyline. It was an easy read and I enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to more books from her.
September 5, 2025
loved the writing style. no vulgarity and very mature character.
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. A beautiful love story!
December 12, 2025
Karan is a HUGE eye roll, IMHO. I knew a lot of guys like him in high school. American girls were OK to mess around with but you married the Indian girls your parents selected.
Karan was weak and spineless. He only felt for his wife after Anya left him. wasn't that convenient?
Meanwhile, after being left alone on her wedding night and for 2.5 years after, Janvi bears the burden of gossip and harassment while running the estate, taking care of everyone, and turning a profit. I feel sorry for the girl. She deserves better than Karan. Her stalker agrees with me.
Karan was weak and spineless. He only felt for his wife after Anya left him. wasn't that convenient?
Meanwhile, after being left alone on her wedding night and for 2.5 years after, Janvi bears the burden of gossip and harassment while running the estate, taking care of everyone, and turning a profit. I feel sorry for the girl. She deserves better than Karan. Her stalker agrees with me.
October 9, 2025
so so so good
Truly amazing work loved it can’t wait for more books from you. Karan and Janvi were written so beautifully I can’t wait to see what else you bring to us
Truly amazing work loved it can’t wait for more books from you. Karan and Janvi were written so beautifully I can’t wait to see what else you bring to us
September 16, 2025
Simple story that you can pick up anytime. For a debut author the work has praise worthy. Tried giving twists and turns in the story and present something differently. Nice attempt. All the very best.
August 19, 2025
A mature reflection on the complexity as well as beauty of human relationships.
December 24, 2025
After kissing many metaphorical frogs of desi romance books, I have found the prince! This book was everything! The slow burn, the progression of love, angst, poise…everything was perfectly executed!
Here’s a couple notes for the author - not as a criticism, but as an attempt to help refine your next works (coz i sure as hell hope there’s more from you!) -
1. The editing of the book needed some more work, there were typos and errors that could have been avoided.
2. The title and the cover don’t do justice to this story. I hope and wish that you can get some more consultation on it for your future works. I’d be happy to help in any way I can (my instagram handle is @kindlesanonymous)
I truly wish you don’t see these points as criticism, because they’re anything but. I truly want to see you shine as an author. I finished this book in one evening flat I could not put it down. Thank you for the amazing work! ❤️
Here’s a couple notes for the author - not as a criticism, but as an attempt to help refine your next works (coz i sure as hell hope there’s more from you!) -
1. The editing of the book needed some more work, there were typos and errors that could have been avoided.
2. The title and the cover don’t do justice to this story. I hope and wish that you can get some more consultation on it for your future works. I’d be happy to help in any way I can (my instagram handle is @kindlesanonymous)
I truly wish you don’t see these points as criticism, because they’re anything but. I truly want to see you shine as an author. I finished this book in one evening flat I could not put it down. Thank you for the amazing work! ❤️
November 17, 2025
truly deserves 5 stars and more, the beginning is a tad slow to get through but the ending made up for everything. the natural progression of the characters is amazing and believable and so easy to fall in love with.
July 14, 2025
I have just the sample till now. It's Amazing story well written.
November 1, 2025
Great read! I enjoyed the way the characters were developed, the rich descriptions of the setting, and how the story slowly unfolded. Looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews