LOVE… BITES Because sometimes, love isn’t a fairytale. It’s a trap.
Anvi Rai has built her life like a fortress, structured, successful, and tightly controlled. At forty, she’s the formidable Business Head of a global brand, respected for her sharp mind and unshakable instincts. Love? That’s a distraction she’s long learned to live without.
Until Vedant Mathur.
Effortlessly charismatic and impossibly attentive, Ved seems like the perfect partner. With him, Anvi feels seen in a way she never expected again. But perfection rarely comes without a price.
When her closest friend Tanya dies under suspicious circumstances, Anvi’s carefully curated world begins to crack. A missing woman. A strange photo. A string of lies wrapped in charm. And a man whose past refuses to stay buried. As the layers peel away, Anvi is forced to face a harrowing What if the man she’s falling for is not just hiding the truth, but orchestrating the lies?
LOVE… BITES is a razor-sharp psychological romance thriller that explores the chilling edges of obsession, control, and betrayal. Twisting between desire and deception, it How well do you really know the one you love?
Anvi Rai, 40, has created a life filled with order, achievement, and tight control. As the Business Head of a leading IT company, she’s intelligent, well-respected, and completely disinterested in anything that might distract her—particularly when it comes to love. Then Vedant Mathur enters the scene. Charming and considerate, he makes Anvi feel noticed in a way she hasn’t permitted herself to feel for years. However, as their bond grows stronger, the flaws in Anvi’s meticulously organized life start to emerge in their lives.
It's wild how something as lovely as love can gradually morph into obsession, control, trauma, and betrayal. When love seems like the only thing that genuinely counts, it's simple to think it will rescue you. Yet, sometimes, just one heartbreaking moment is enough to break that faith—and transform everything you believed into a deception.
I truly loved the storyline and found the concept to be amazing. The book is captivating and makes you want to keep reading. However, I did find it somewhat movies and series we watch in Netflix kind of reading in the book. If you're anticipating a thrilling suspense packed with surprises, it may not meet your expectations. But if you're in search of a romantic suspense that includes a hint of mystery, this one definitely delivers.
We all come across stories that claim Love, as a feeling, is never enough - but have you ever experienced such a situation which entirely changed your perception of Love? Love….Bites is a psychological thriller that subverts romance and thriller with a plot twist.
If you are a bollywood fan, consider a mix of Ek Villain and Mrs Undercover. Where a serial killer specifically targets strong, smart, independent women due to a past trauma. How an amazing feeling of Love can turn into obsession, control, trauma and betrayal. When Love was supposed to be the only thing that mattered in your life but even one horrific incident can entirely overturn your beliefs.
Anvi, our FMC, is a strong woman who has built her life like a fortress, structured, successful, and tightly controlled. Vedant is effortlessly charismatic and impossibly attentive, seems like the perfect partner. If you enjoy books with strong characters, physiological thrill, and romance that isn’t sugarcoated then you will enjoy this one.
I would have loved a little more thrill with a dash of suspense in the story. Few things are immediately declared at the start of the story, would have loved to see that in the story unfold at a later stage in a smooth flow of events. I would love to fall in love with the villain first, and then when you are deep into the story - the plot breaks your heart holding onto the bit and pieces.
*BOOK REVIEW LOVE… BITES by Sheetal Kolvalkar* A debut novel that packs quite the punch.
*Genre & Vibes* - psychological romance thriller - strong elements of suspense, obsession, control & betrayal. - The tone alternates between intense emotional introspection & heart-pounding tension. - vibes of mystery, betrayal, fast paced, edge of the seat thrill, hidden pasts & moral ambiguity.
*Plot (without spoilers)*
Anvi Rai, 40, has made her life successful, structured, strictly controlled. She is the Business Head of a big IT company, sharp, respected, & someone who treats love as a distraction.
Then Vedant Mathur arrives. He is charismatic, attentive, makes Anvi feel seen again something she hasn’t allowed in a long time. But as their relationship develops, cracks begin to form in Anvi’s perfect world.
When Anvi’s close friend Tanya dies under suspicious circumstances, her carefully built life starts to unravel: • A missing woman, • A strange photo, • A chain of lies wrapped in charm • And Vedant whose past refuses to stay buried.
Meanwhile, there is Raghav, an investigating officer, drawn into the mystery. He becomes both a foil & a catalyst, pushing Anvi to question everything: what she thought was love, what she believed was truth.
Anvi must ask: Is Vedant merely hiding truth… or is he orchestrating deception?
*Tropes & Character Dynamics*
Some of the tropes at play: • Mystery / hidden past: Vedant’s secrets, the death of a friend, unexplained clues. • Cat & mouse / tension between law & love • Strong female protagonist: Anvi is driven, experienced, flawed & her internal struggle is central.
*Key characters:* • Anvi Rai - the protagonist. Fortified, in control, emotionally guarded. Her arc is about vulnerability, trust, & whether someone can be loved after walls have been built. • Vedant Mathur- charismatic, attentive, deeply layered. Part charm, part enigma. He’s the romance interest with shadows. • Raghav- the investigating officer. He brings rationality, the external pull of justice & truth.
*What Works Really Well* • Pacing: The way the tension builds, gradually unearthing secrets, keeps the reader invested. • Emotional complexity • Characterization • Atmospheric tension & suspense: The mystery of Tanya’s death, the strange photo, the lies they are handled so you feel both intrigue & dread.
This is ideal for readers who like: • Psychological romance with a dark edge (not sugar-coated love stories) • Female protagonists with strength & vulnerability • Stories where attraction feels dangerous, secrets loom, & love is complicated • Thrillers where mystery & deception push the stakes
If you enjoy books where the love interest might not be entirely trustworthy you’ll welcome Love… Bites.
Love… Bites by Sheetal Kolvalkar is an impressive debut. It poses sharp questions about trust, love, what we hide, & what those secrets cost us. Anvi Rai as a heroine is fierce yet wounded, Vedant a mystery you want to solve even if you dread what you’ll find. This is a book that grabs you, holds you & lingers after you finish the last page.
Love.....Bites left me Shakesn At the center is Anvi Rai 40yrs old, independent, a woman who has built her career brick by brick in the corporate world. Actually she is smart, successful and everyone around her thinks she has her perfect life (set hai). But deep down she still longs for love and feels alone at heart.
And then enters Vedant Mathur. The kind of man who seems too perfect sophisticated, charming, eloquent. For a while even I as a reader almost fall for his act. But as the story unfolds I realize he’s not a dream he’s a nightmare in disguise.
What truly shook me was his past. Vedant once had a wife awoman just like Anvi: self-made, strong, independent. But instead of celebrating her, his ego crushed him from inside. He killed her. That single act doesn’t just remain in the shadows it defines him. From then on, every powerful woman becomes his prey. Witnessing how his hatred for strong women grew how he hides his cruelty under a mask of charm that moved me in the best way a thriller should.
That’s where the book really hit me. This isn’t about a love story gone wrong, heartbreaks or else. It’s about control, insecurity and the egos turning violent. It’s about how women who dare to shine often end up becoming targets of jealousy and obsession.
The side characters made the story richer including Tanya Anvi’s loyal friend who tries to protect her no matter what comes. Inspector Raghav who balances the darkness with his intelligence and quiet sense of justice. Even Vedant’s late wife whose invisible presence lingers throughout reminding me of the cost of silence and denial.
The writing is fast paced and cinematic I could literally picture the scenes rolling like a movie. Some twists you can guess early, yes, but the intensity of emotions and the depth of the characters keep you hooked page after page.
By the end, I was left with so many feelings anger at Vedant, heartbreak for the women he targeted, but also respect for Anvi’s resilience to fight back. If you want a story that exposes love’s sharpest, darkest corners. obsession, betrayal, ego, survival. Love Bites is one you should not miss.
Dark, raw, grippingband disturbingly real. A book that reminds you love doesn’t always heal sometimes it destroys.
This book is quite interesting. Firstly, a little gist, Anvi is a successful, independent and strong girl. And then this meet-cute with Ved happens. Everything was fine. But Tanya, her friend, feels something off about him. When she tries to warn her about it, she dies .... Was it an accident or was it planned? Is Ved a normal, calm, composed, sweet and supportive guy as he projects, or did he have any other motives??
My views, well, I liked the plot of the story, and the premise was amazing. The book is actually engaging and keeps you reading it. But for me, it was predictable. If you see it as a suspense thriller, you might feel like it lacks surprise, but if you take it as a romantic suspense with little mystery, then this is for you. If you are interested in light mystery without heavy themes and plots with simple writing and an engaging storyline, then I am sure you will enjoy it. For a first novel the author did a great job.
Ved was so frustrating. The author did a great job in projecting his character as an antagonist. I was through and through hating him. God, he is so narcissistic and self-obsessed..such a delusional fool. Though he is intelligent and smart, he is stupid enough to choose the wrong way.
I usually love strong FMC characters, but Anvi is something else. Truth be told, I am ok with morally grey characters, but Anvi's past didn't sit well with me. (Spoiler alert) And the Apple tree reference, it felt like she is a psychopath to eat apples from the tree, which is planted in memory of someone she erased. But somehow it was projected as if she was missing him, like, girl you did this (I know he betrayed her, but still), and it also felt unnecessary for the inspector and Anvi to be paired together at the end. I am up for a happy ending, and I actually liked their chemistry, but it felt like it was rushed or forcefully inserted into the story. I was hoping for her psychotic side to be shown more at the end because it felt a little flat for me. But overall, it's a good read. If you are in for a quick, light, romantic thriller, then this is an amazing option for you.
A Gripping, Emotional, Unputdownable Romance-Thriller!
Love Bites by Sheetal Kolvalkar is an intense, addictive Indian romance-thriller that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. What begins as a swoony, cinematic love story quickly transforms into a dark, suspenseful, psychologically gripping narrative filled with secrets, obsession, and shocking twists.
At the heart of the book is Anvi Rai a strong, independent, successful, and fiercely determined. She’s someone who never believed love was meant for her, until Vedant Mathur walks into her life like a fairytale come alive. Their connection feels instant, almost too perfect… and that’s exactly where the deception begins. When Tanya’s murder shatters Anvi’s world, she is forced to confront chilling truths about the people she trusts and the love she thought was real.
The characters are beautifully written real, flawed, and unforgettable.
Anvi is powerful yet vulnerable; her emotional journey and resilience make you root for her constantly.
Vedant is charming, intense, and unpredictable and his presence keeps you questioning everything.
Raghav’s silent support, Tanya’s unwavering loyalty, Vidhya’s vibrant personality, and Nisha’s courage enrich the story and make every relationship feel meaningful.
The plot is fast-paced with twists that genuinely surprise you. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, the author flips the narrative in the most thrilling way. Themes of trust, identity, healing, obsession, and the thin line between love and danger are woven seamlessly into the story.
Despite its simple writing style, the book delivers high tension, emotional depth, and a rollercoaster of adrenaline. The final twist lands perfectly, and while the ending is open, it feels true to the story’s emotional intensity.
Overall, Love Bites is a captivating blend of romance, mystery, and psychological suspense. If you love stories with strong characters, heart-racing twists, layered emotions, and a plot that keeps you reading till late into the night, this book is an absolute must-read.
A thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable 5-star experience.
Finally, a book with a thrilling story and a female main character in her forties — independent, a successful business head in an IT company, with an IQ over 130 — who isn't some exaggerated, cringe-worthy heroine, but a very relatable woman trying to find happiness in love after neglecting that part of her life for so long. She's vulnerable, hiding a painful secret from her past, yet powerful when she needs to be.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love Bites by Sheetal Kolvalkar, mainly for the reasons mentioned above. But I have to say, the love interest of our female protagonist, Ved, is just as compelling. The intricate, manipulative way he plays Anvi, and how the author brings his character to life, is outstanding — full of depth, mystery, and unexpected twists.
The story begins with Anvi meeting Ved, aka Vedant Mathur, during a chance encounter while grocery shopping. Their immediate and intense connection sets the tone, but you’ll never guess what lies ahead — just like Anvi doesn’t. And when she finally uncovers the truth and decides to play the game herself, it’s nothing short of brilliant and thrilling. Some twists genuinely took me by surprise.
Anvi is the true showstopper of the story. She shines throughout, but I have to give credit to the plot and how the author builds suspense until the very end — it’s exceptional. You can feel the intensity in every moment, like you’re watching a movie. With every missed opportunity to reveal the truth, every mistake, and the way the two characters trap each other, the tension is so well crafted.
I also have to mention Raghav — he completely stole my heart. Especially in the epilogue! I’m still smiling after reading his final comment to Anvi, and I’m definitely ready for more if the author decides to continue the story.
So, if you enjoy stories with mature, intelligent characters, and love romantic, spicy, dark, psychological thrillers, then Love Bites is definitely for you.
'Love ... Bites' is a romantic psychological thriller with twists that will leave you gaping. Missed manipulations, strings of lies and neglected negotiations that lead to an interesting story of secrets, betrayal and intrigue.
We all need love in our life not to survive but feel belonged, cared for and have someone to spend our time with, Anvi was the same. A strong, independent, Business head of global brand she had a personality that commands attention in a very subtle way. But she still needed love to find her. And then she met Vedant Mathura, who was a brilliant chef and owned his own restaurant. Handsome and charming. He swept our Anvi off her feet and in a week they were engaged. What!?? Right... But wasn't it too soon? What chaos hid behind all that charm? Or are we just guessing too much?
The author has done a spectacular job in writing a storyline which was way different from other books in the market. I am personally impressed by the turns of events she had plotted through our story. But, I believe a little more attention to the drafts and editing would have worked in the book.
What could have been better: • There could have been more character to Anvi's personality. I had more expectations from her. • There were too many grammatical errors and typos. A bit could have been negligible. • The storyline was more abrupt than being a fast paced thriller. • Vedant's role could have used more secrecy and coverage.
But, as I said, I am impressed by the thought, the story, the involvement of characters as well as their role. Just a few more drafts and thoughtful character building, and this book was IT in the genre of romance thrillers.
Recommended for the thriller lovers like me who are always exploring a bit of more genres mixed up along with a mind-blowing story.
Love…Bites is a dark, fast-paced romance-thriller that shows how love can be exciting, risky, and sometimes dangerous. Sheetal Kolvalkar takes us into the life of Anvi Rai, a strong, focused business leader who has always kept love out of her life. But everything changes when she meets Vedant Mathur - charming, supportive, and almost too perfect.
At first, Anvi feels understood and appreciated in a way she never has before. But when her close friend dies suddenly, strange clues start pointing toward Vedant. A missing woman, a suspicious photo, hidden lies - all make Anvi question whether the man she is falling for is who he claims to be. What begins as love soon feels like a trap, pushing her into a world of doubt, danger, and betrayal.
Themes That Stand Out • Love vs. Obsession: The story shows how affection can hide darker intentions. • Trust & Vulnerability: It highlights how opening your heart can make you both stronger and more at risk. • Control & Identity: Anvi’s journey explores what happens when someone shakes the foundation of a life built on logic. • Romance + Suspense: The book blends emotional moments with mystery, tension, and psychological twists.
What Works • A strong, relatable main character. • A suspenseful, unpredictable storyline. • Emotional highs and lows that keep you invested. • A unique mix of romance and thriller elements.
Things to Know
• It’s not a light or cute romance - it’s intense and dark. • The emotional depth may feel heavy for readers who prefer simple love stories. • It requires attention, as the plot focuses on trust, doubt, and hidden motives.
Overall, Love…Bites is bold, gripping, and full of twists. If you enjoy romantic thrillers that make you think, question, and stay hooked until the final reveal, this book is a great pick.
Okay, so LOVE... BITES? Whew. What. A. Ride. This book totally messed with my head in the best way possible.
At first, it lures you in like a classic love story. You meet Anvi Rai she’s 40, a total boss lady, sharp, successful, not here for the love-and-roses nonsense. She’s got her life locked down tighter than Fort Knox. And then in struts Vedant Mathur handsome, charming, practically gliding on red flags disguised as rose petals. And you’re like, okay, maybe this is her second chance at love?
NOPE.
The second things start to feel cozy, boom someone dies. Her best friend Tanya, under super sketchy circumstances. That’s when the mask starts to slip, and you realize Ved isn’t just mysterious he’s dangerous.
The tension in this book is insane. You’ve got murder, mind games, and a twisted romance that makes you question everything. Like, who is this man really? And how the hell does Anvi keep her head straight with all this going on?
But here’s the best part: Anvi is no damsel. She’s unpredictable, layered, sharp with a dash of quirky-crazy that keeps you hooked. Watching her go toe-to-toe with Ved and then team up with the serious, all-business cop Raghav and his witty junior Barve is such a power move. Like, you’re not sure who's hunting who at some points. That’s how well this book plays you.
It’s got total Bollywood thriller vibes drama, suspense, sexy mind games, unexpected twists and it never lets up. I found myself constantly trying to outguess the plot, but nope. This story had me in a choke hold till the very last page.
If you’re into smart, twisty psychological thrillers with messy, powerful characters and just the right amount of madness, LOVE... BITES is your next obsession. Seriously, I couldn’t put it down.
“Love doesn’t just hurt… it bites.” And this book truly lives up to that line!
The story follows Anvi Rai, a strong, disciplined, and independent woman who has built her life with care and determination. But when Vedant walks into her world, her well-guarded heart starts to crumble. What begins as a whirlwind romance slowly turns into a dark, twisted tale filled with betrayal, obsession, and shocking secrets.
Anvi’s character is beautifully written , she’s fierce yet vulnerable, logical yet deeply emotional. I loved how the author showed her strength, but also didn’t shy away from her weaknesses. Tanya’s unwavering friendship and Raghav’s quiet support add warmth to the otherwise intense story. Every character plays their part perfectly, making the book feel alive.
The writing style is fast-paced and engaging. Sheetal Kolvalkar keeps the suspense tight, balancing romance and thriller elements really well. The story flows naturally, and even when the twists hit hard, it never feels overdone.
The book cover deserves a special mention , it’s absolutely stunning! 🌩️ The stormy sky, the girl standing with her back turned, and the apples hanging from the tree everything subtly hints at temptation, danger, and mystery. It perfectly captures the mood of the story.
What makes this book stand out is how it explores the darker side of love how emotions can blur the line between affection and obsession. It’s not your regular romance; it’s a psychological thriller that plays with your mind and heart at the same time.
If you enjoy romance with a twist of mystery, suspense, and emotional depth, this one should definitely be on your list.
This book had me hooked right from the blurb but it hit differently than I expected. From the first chapters I was pulled in , the tension between the leads feels icky, so red flag coded, and I couldn’t stop turning pages. The story follows a psychopath who deliberately targets intelligent, successful women love bombing them into marriage only to strip them of their freedom later. The shift from sweet romance to brutal control is expected.
What stood out for me is how real the tension feels. The writing captures both the thrill of romance and the horror of manipulation so well that it will all hit you right at the time as the story evolves. Their love is quiet, shadowed by insecurities and unspoken fears, which makes the unraveling even more chilling.
The pacing is fast and tight, which kept me glued. I found myself feeling a mix of emotions anger at the abuse, sympathy for the women, and fascination with how the story dives into the psychology behind it all. Insecurity, jealousy, and misunderstanding become the roots of the killer’s darkness, and that layer made the story more believable. I love the ending extra more when the female he chose this time didnt quench his thrist this time rather manipulate him and give the end he always deserve.
Though dark, it’s a book that makes you think about relationships, red flags, and the masks people wear. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and if you’re into psychological thrillers with a raw edge, Love Bites is worth picking up.
Anvi is successful. She has worked hard. She is focused on her work. At forty, she is head of a global company and no one can get her distracted. Love for her was just a distraction till now.
But one day, she met someone new. Someone who gives her attention, listens to her, respects her and he seems like he is always present for her. It all felt like a dream to her. Anvi felt that Ved is the perfect answer to her partner checklist she had. But too much perfection always comes with a price. When her close friend and colleague Tanya dies under mysterious circumstances, she is forced to search for cracks in her perfect life. The more she searches, the more past secrets are revealed. And then she faces a tough question: How far can you go for love? Can it turn into obsession?
Love Bites is a combination of love story plus thriller plus obsession gone wrong. It has all the elements to make the reader more and more interested to know what happens to Anvi next? How will she react? What is her past? I read the book while travelling for a day and it was a perfect reading companion for me with perfect amount of thriller and suspense!
The book piques the interest of the reader and does not disappoint as you read further and further. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but I kept on reading and the pieces clicked finally. After the second half of the book, it’s fast paced and engaging as well! Definitely a must read if you are looking to read something with a strong female character and a whole lot of romance turned obsession.
One of the strongest parts of this book is how Vedant plays his game. He is clever, smooth, and always a step ahead. He knows how to hide his real face while keeping everyone under his spell. At the same time, Officer Raghav is no less. He matches every move of Vedant. He knows that if he fails even once, Anvi’s life will be destroyed because Vedant is planning to marry her.
And Anvi is not just kept in the background. Many crime thrillers often forget the woman caught between police and culprit. Here, Anvi has her own voice and her own actions. She is not only a victim. She makes choices and takes part in the unfolding events.
However, I do not know why but I could not connect emotionally with Anvi. She is written as strong and she does have her role. Yet something felt missing. Maybe things happened too fast around her. Maybe the speed of the story did not allow her feelings to be explored deeply.
The writing style is very simple and straight. The tension is built slowly and keeps rising with every chapter. I often felt like I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how Raghav would catch Vedant. The book succeeds in keeping the reader hooked till the very end. Even though I knew what was about to happen, it kept me engaged.
Overall, this book is a strong recommendation for anyone who loves crime thrillers. It is especially good for beginners because the language is simple, the story is clear, and the pace keeps the reader interested. The combination of mystery, chase, and human emotions makes it enjoyable.
Love... Bites by Sheetal Kolvalkar is a captivating psychological romance thriller that keeps readers engrossed until the final page. The protagonist, Anvi, is an intelligent, determined, and hardworking IT professional who has carved out a successful career. However, she views love as a distraction. Everything changes when she unexpectedly meets Ved, a charming and talented chef whose mere presence ignites a spark in her heart. Ved is not just attractive; he embodies her ideal partner—supportive, attentive, and genuinely respectful of her aspirations. With him, Anvi feels a sense of completeness and joy that she never thought possible. Tragedy strikes when Anvi's best friend, Tania, dies on the night of Anvi's engagement. In her final moments, Tania seemed to be trying to convey something urgent to Anvi, leaving her puzzled and troubled. The joyful atmosphere quickly turns somber, pulling Anvi into a whirlwind of grief and confusion. The narrative artfully intertwines themes of love with a gripping murder mystery, exploring the complexities of obsession, the shadows of past trauma, and the intricacies of mental health. It raises poignant questions about our reliance on others, reminding us that sometimes, placing our trust in a single person can lead to unforeseen consequences. The author crafts her characters with depth, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and growth throughout the story. The plot is intricately woven, balancing emotional highs and lows, making it a compelling read that lingers long after the last page is turned.
The book begins with a soft introduction about Anvi, her lifestyle, her lovable parents, and her successful career.
Anvi's first encounter with Ved made her smitten, and she smiled after a while and loved the feelings flowing for him.
Ved is the stranger who has just moved to Bangalore and opened a new restaurant. He was a wonderful chef and handsome with manly charm. He suits well in any room he walks into. Anvi has slowly fallen in love with Ved. Ved, in turn, never forgets to make Anvi feel extra special. After meeting Ved, Anvi's focus slowly wavered from her work, and she spent most of the hours thinking about Ved.
Everything seems to happen a bit faster, and within a month together, Anvi and Ved decided to get married. This sudden decision made Tanya’s and Anvi’s parents think something is not right with Ved. On the engagement day, Tanya decided to share something important with Anvi. Then begins the actual story.
Who is Ved? What made Tanya anxious about Ved and their sudden ceremony plan? What is the past about Anvi that made her parents worried about her? What is the secret behind the apple tree? Who is Nisha?
I really loved the way the story was written, Tanya’s true care towards Anvi, and Anvi’s parents’ unconditional love and support for her. Last but not least, Rajeev's sharpness in investigating the case and so on. The book is a fast read with honesty about how betrayal can change a person.
“It may look like you fooled me by covering your originality, but in turn it was me who fooled you.” …ANVI!
Love...Bites: Love doesn't just hurt...it bites by Sheetal Kolvalker is a debut romantic thriller that dives into the life of Anvi Rai; a successful woman who has just reached forty and is living her life independently and happily. Into her perfect life enters Vedant Mathur, an almost dangerously handsome chef who is new in town. Both of them falls into an insta-love story and can't wait to start their life together as a couple. But something lingers in the small cracks Anvi can see within Vedant but what can see do but fall more in love with this magnanimous man who makes her toes curl by just being near her. However when Anvi's best friend and assistant dies mysteriously and the fact that she was against this union, makes Anvi question all that she has come to believe. Can she see beyond the attraction she feels for Vedant forms the plot of the book.
Overall the book was a perfect book for novice thriller readers as there were some amount of tension and plot twists throughout the book. However for a seasoned thriller readers like me, I felt that the book was written in a style I am not a great fan of; she had over-explained and spelled out for us each and every twist and turn.This was less appealing for me, however for a novice reader, this will be a great start.
Also I was not a great fan of Anvi as a main character, it felt like she was a love-sick twenty year old rather than a self-made fort year old independent woman.
Otherthan these two issues, i loved the Bollywood masala vibes this book.
I recently devoured "Love... Bites" by Sheetal Kolvalkar, and it was the refreshing, adrenaline-fueled Indian romance-thriller I hadn’t realized I was craving. It’s definitely earned a spot as one of my more memorable reads this year. What truly elevated this book for me was Anvi Rai. As the formidable Business Head, her strength, balance, and resilience were portrayed flawlessly. I absolutely loved her character development; her blend of sharp intellect and unexpected vulnerability made her a deeply compelling protagonist. She's the kind of strong female lead that always earns brownie points from me! The story itself is a masterful blend of desire and deception. The plot is a fantastic roller coaster of emotions that kept me hooked throughout, especially as Anvi’s world starts to crumble following her friend Tanya's suspicious death. While I personally felt Vedant’s character could have been developed a little more, the psychological "cat and mouse" game he plays with Anvi was captivating. The way the author weaves in themes of power dynamics, trauma, and emotional manipulation, without ever feeling forced, is genuinely impressive, especially for a debut. The plot twists were plentiful and fantastic, I kept guessing wrong! Characters like the supportive investigating officer Raghav and the loyal Tanya added wonderful depth. If you're looking for a fast-paced psychological thriller with a complex female lead, morally grey characters, and a chilling exploration of trust, you absolutely need to pick this one up.
Two of my all-time favorite genres of reading are psychological thrillers and romances, and when I found out this blends elements of both, I knew I had to give it a shot. Love… Bites by Sheetal Kolvalkar captures all the feelings you want whilst reading a psychological thriller, be it suspense or emotional intensity. The story follows our protagonist, Anvi Rai, a 40-year-old business head in Bangalore who is deeply committed to her work life and is the epitome of discipline, ambition, and emotional restraint. She honestly didn't give much thought to her love life, but everything changed when she met the charming and charismatic Vedant Mathur. For Anvi, it was the beginning of something new and beautiful in her life, but she was unaware of all the unsettling truths that were waiting to be unraveled. The central theme of the book is 'misplaced trust' and this notion is beautifully captured through Anvi's both strong and vulnerable personality. Anvi's internal struggles, in contrast to everything that is happening around her, are presented to the readers with a certain amount of naunce. Even the side characters of the story provided substance to the plot and helped create tension in the existing conflict. The standout element has to be the book's cover, which perfectly encapsulates the themes that you are going to encounter while reading the book. Overall, Love… Bites is an intriguing read that successfully merges romance and thriller elements. And if you are someone who is intrigued by books that have a psychological edge to them, you are gonna love this
Sheetal Kolvalkar's Love… Bites is a thrilling romance psychological thriller that uses the enticement of passion and the threat of deception with perfect ease. Anvi Rai, forty-year-old go-getting business executive and career built on discipline, achievement, and emotional detachment stands at its core. There is no room in her perfectly organized life for love until Vedant Mathur comes along, spreading charm, warmth, and intrigue.
What begins as a second chance at love soon turns into a chilling unraveling of trust. As Anvi’s best friend Tanya dies under suspicious circumstances, her perfect romance starts to fracture. The author peels back layers of manipulation and obsession, turning every chapter into a taut dance between desire and danger.
The author's prose is crisp, cinematic, and aching, providing both a heart-pounding plot and an anguished exploration of vulnerability at middle age. Love… Bites is more than a thriller, it's an examination of the way even the most resilient hearts can collapse when confronted with love's shadow.
The book cover photograph is what attracted my attention initially and I was actually drawn towards it. I knew that I must read this book. The author's writing skills are impeccable and through her engaging mode of writing I could imagine the story unfolding in front of my eyes step by step like a film. I will recommend this book highly. So purchase your copy today and you will surely love reading it as I did.
“Love…Bites” is a gripping mix of romance and psychological thriller that keeps you hooked from the start. At the heart of the story is Anvi Rai, a strong and successful woman who has kept love at bay for years until she meets Vedant Mathur. He seems like everything she never knew she wanted: charming, attentive, and almost too perfect.
But as the story unfolds, you realize that perfection often comes with shadows. When her best friend Tanya dies under mysterious circumstances, Anvi’s world begins to unravel. What follows is a tense, emotional ride through secrets, lies, and the terrifying possibility that the man she trusts most may not be who he claims to be.
What I really enjoyed about the book is how it blends the vulnerability of falling in love with the suspense of a thriller. The writing is sharp, fast-paced, and full of twists that make you second-guess every character. It’s not just about romance or betrayal, it’s about the dangerous edges where passion and obsession collide.
Towards the end, Anvi is reminded of a poem, I would like to share a few verses - “Insaan bhi ek lehar hai paani ka, Kabhi uthta hai, kabhi bikhar jaata hai, Kabhi doobta hai khud mein hi kahin, Phir khud se hi ubhar aata hai, Aur zindagi ki dhaara mein phir se beh jaata hai.”
If you enjoy stories that are equal parts emotional and chilling, “Love…Bites” will keep you turning pages late into the night.
"Love... Bites" by Sheetal Kolvalkar is a l psychological romance thriller that includes suspense, obsession, and betrayal. The story follows Anvi Rai, a successful and businesswoman who sees love as a distraction, until she meets Vedant Mathur. Their relationship quickly shows cracks in Anvi’s controlled world, her life turning into a mystery and dangerous after her close friend Tanya dies under suspicious circumstances. The author beautifully portrays the flaws of the charactersmaking them seem more real. Anvi’s struggles with vulnerability and trust make her a relatable protagonist, while behind Vedant’s charm hides dark secrets. Raghav, the investigating officer, is the much needed logical balance to Anvi’s emotional character. The writing changes from romance to psychological suspense, with themes of trauma, ego, and emotional manipulation with fast pacing and descriptive writing that kept me hooked from the start. With the number of plot twists (which i kept guessing wrong btw) the author sets an unsettling atmosphere, emphasised by unpredictable shifts. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers, complex FMC, and romances with morally grey characters and power struggles. ,"Love... Bites" asks questions about truth, trust, and the truth people hide behind the masks that people wear. I can't believe that this is a debut book of an author. Looking forward to more books from this author.
LOVE BITES completely captivated me from the very first chapter. I initially thought it would be nothing more than another run-of-the-mill romance-thriller, but it turned out to be so much more than that , a lot of layers, emotional, and delightfully disturbing. The plot begins in a way that is almost cinematic , and it is filled with suspense , Anvi Rai, a successful woman who has built her life on discipline and control. And then Vedant Mathur enters the scene, he is charming, magnetic, and just too good to be true. The interaction of their worlds is epic, and it is like viewing a romance that takes time to blossom under the shadow of something dark.
The most fascinating thing to me was the way the story depicted the real emotions, the very thin line between trust and illusion, love and danger. As the mystery of Tanya's death is uncovered, the story's mood changes from gentle to frightening, and you start to doubt everything you had thought about the characters. The ending was amazing . I loved how Anvi stood strong and justice was served . It struck me as a moment of full circle, hauntingly poetic and brilliantly executed.
After I finished the last page, I Found myself sitting in silence, going back over every scene in my mind. It is one of those novels that do not merely tell a story but instead show it as if it were a movie played in your brain. Exciting, sentimental, and very skillfully thrilling.
Love…Bites is an engrossing psychological thriller that had me captivated right from the start. The book is about Anvi Rai, a self-made and independent woman who falls head over heels in love with Vedant Mathur, a man who seems to be everything she ever wished for. They decide to get married within weeks, although they barely know each other. While Anvi is swept away by the passion of love, her mother Kuntal feels something is amiss about Vedant.
Just when everything looks like a sweet love story, tragedy strikes. Anvi’s close friend Tanya is brutally murdered and Officer Raghav Singh steps in to investigate. What unfolds is a shocking revelation of secrets, where Vedant is not the charming man everyone thinks he is. The story slowly peels back layers, exposing not only Vedant’s dark truths but also some of Anvi’s.
My favorite thing about this book is the way it's told. We already know the bad guy, but the tension that the author creates and the manner in which the truth ultimately catches up with the killer is so compelling. It was like reading a suspenseful film play out before my eyes.
I tend to like psychological thrillers, and this one did not disappoint whatsoever. It has drama, suspense, emotions and a chilling reminder that love can sometimes blind us.
✨ Highly recommended for thriller fans who like fast-paced, twisty reads.
Love…Bites by Sheetal Kolvalkar is a psychological thriller where from the outset it’s fairly clear that Anvi’s happiness is temporary and that Vedant isn’t what he seems. This makes the overall story feel more predictable than thrilling. The climax doesn’t quite land as hard as it could, since the reader is already aware of Vedant’s façade, but there are some good twists sprinkled along the way that keep the narrative going. What I did appreciate is that the characters are written realistically without exaggeration. Anvi, as a protagonist, feels like a strong yet vulnerable woman whose struggles are believable, and Vedant’s charm mixed with menace makes for a layered (if not shocking) antagonist. Raghav, too, adds a nice balance as the investigating officer, grounding the mystery. The book also deserves credit for capturing the messy, complicated side of relationships, it doesn’t sugarcoat love, instead showing how quickly passion can turn into obsession, control, and betrayal. The pacing is tight, and the writing style is accessible. I often found I could skim to the dialogues and still follow along easily, which shows the story isn’t deeply layered but also makes it a fast, straightforward read. Overall, while it didn’t blow me away, it’s a solid debut that many readers who enjoy dark romance-thrillers might find entertaining.
Love Bites by Sheetal Kolvalkar is a gripping psychological thriller. Our FMC, Anvi Rai, meets Vedant Mathur, and from the very first meeting, they feel the spark. They fall for each other head over heels. Everything seems perfect—two people, two successful careers, deeply in love. What could go wrong? Nothing… or everything.
This book reveals the villain right from the beginning, yet the tension and dil ka dhadkana remain throughout. The revelation of the past gave me chills.
The story truly shows that love has two sides. It can be both constructive and destructive. Care and affection can turn into bitterness. Love can give you strength as well as make you vulnerable.
Each character in this book suffers from some form of trauma. It reflects how past wounds, if left unhealed, can haunt us and trap us in a vicious cycle of pain and suffocation. One thing I realized after reading this book is how fragile our egos can be. If left unchecked, ego can create a monster. In marriage, both partners need to respect each other, without insecurity about who is more successful. Marriage is not a competition, but a partnership built on trust and mutual dependence.
When I first heard the title Love Bites, I expected a slow-burning romance, but the book turned out to be a complete surprise. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers, this book is definitely for you.
The book was an absolute whirlwind of suspense , drama and mind games. At first, Ved comes across as the perfect gentleman - wealthy, charming, a man no one could suspect. Behind that mask lies a chilling murderer who preys on strong, self-made women. Every new place , every new identity, every perfect murder. He executed everything flawlessly until coming across Anvi.
What follows is a duel of wits and darkness because Anvi isn't just smart , self made and strong, she is unpredictable with layers, contradictions, and a charming quirkiness (also a little bit psychoness). Watching her turn the tables with Raghav, the intelligent, serious, no-nonsense officer and his sharp junior Barve was the icing on the this delicious cake.
Tension builds beautifully in the story, secrets from Ved's past catch up with him, and Anvi's hidden side starts to emerge, while suspenseful killers-on-the-run conflict keeps readers diving deeper into this novel until the explosive end. The way characters collide - flawed, powerful, and unforgettable in a refreshingly different way in this genre wasn't just reading, the experience took my breath away.
If you like Bollywood-style thrillers, the risky, psychological, dramatic intelligence with a twist of craziness, this was an addictive story that i personally could not put down.
Love Bites by Sheetal Kolvalkar is not your typical romance. It's a gripping psychological thriller that boldly subverts the conventions of the genre, delving into the dark undercurrents of love, obsession, control, and betrayal. This novel is a strong recommendation for readers who enjoy stories with mature, intelligent characters and a healthy dose of psychological tension.
The story centers on Anvi, a fascinating female protagonist in her forties. Anvi is portrayed as an independent and highly successful business head,a woman who has built her life into a structured, tightly controlled fortress. Despite her high IQ and professional success, she remains deeply vulnerable, having long neglected the romantic part of her life while successfully hiding a powerful personal secret.
Anvi’s carefully constructed world is challenged when she has a chance encounter with Ved (Vedant Mathur) during a mundane grocery run. Their connection is immediate and intensely felt, setting a tone of thrilling possibility. Ved is instantly charismatic, seemingly the perfect partner,impossibly attentive and charming. However, as their relationship deepens, the narrative reveals its true psychological thriller roots, exploring how the intoxicating feeling of love can quickly spiral into a landscape of manipulation, paranoia, and trauma.
It’s not a conventional romance — it’s the sort that looks your heart straight in the eye, and dares you to remain. A razor-sharp story that exposes the less happy realm of intimacy — control, secrecy, and the need to be seen. Anvi Rai, a formidable businesswoman who built her life on being disciplined, starts to fall apart once Vedant Mathur looks at her: charming, intense, and dangerously attentive. What starts as desire quickly becomes a psychological tug-of-war in which every smile contains a secret. The book moves like a storm, it starts with slow thunder, and then lightning. Over the course of several chapters the author manages to peel away Anvi's confidence in layers that lead to a question that is terrifyingly real: how well do we actually know the one we love? Kolvalkar’s prose is sleek and cinematic, her pacing taut. She toes the line between emotion and unease, deftly, so that a part of you wants to keep reading even when your gut tells you something is wrong. Anvi thought she had control of her life — until Vedant walked in. Too charming. Too aware. Too perfect to be real. And when desire becomes doubt, when passion reveals something a little dark, every heartbeat is a question. A dark, addictive, psychological romance that navigates obsession, control, and betrayal. Compelling, passionate, and uncomfortably real.
Love bites is a book that I did not expect to have in my hands. Yet there I was reading it, and I finished it in one night.
Sounds interesting right? Well, the book is more interesting and engaging.
I fell in love with the book from the start.
Got to hand it to the author, she knew what she was doing!
The book revolves around Anvi, a successful businesswoman who is drawn towards Vedant. Everything seems to be aligning just when Tanya goes missing. Anvi is then forced to face the truth. The plot twists really had me on my toes, and I really loved how fast paced it was during the climax which made it really interesting.
I am fascinated with the way the characters are depicted by the author. They are not your typical main leads and there was a certain mystery to them that I really liked. Also, I have to mention that this book explores so many different concepts and ideas that are just unique. This made the book far more entertaining.
The book really explores the concept of love and it really gives you new perspectives when it comes to love. I found new meaning to things that I thought weren't important anymore and cautions to things that seemed simple. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who feels like they need a fresh take on books, something that will give them a lot to think about. Pick this book up right up and you will love it.