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Pluviophile
Imagine a stifling hot day, where the sun doesn't just beat down on your body, but also on your enthusiasm, your spirit. Now, imagine the relief that is brought down by a refreshing shower of cool rain.
All your agitation and distress get washed down the drain in this shower, the same time that your lowered spirits and suppressed laughter come barreling to the surface. That relief, that comfort, that joy, is what Juliet has always felt since she found Max.
Life has dealt her a good card. Max is all she has ever wanted, all she could have ever wanted.
What she has failed to realize is that no rain lasts forever, no matter how refreshing. And when it does, out comes the sun. With a vengeance. Although feeble after the brief period for which it lay low, it immediately resumes it's journey where it ultimately gets to shine hotter than ever.
If there is no rain, there is no relief.
If there is no joy, there is no laughter.
And if there is no Max, there is no Juliet.
So, how is she to go on now that he is not there? Now that the eternity that he promised to love her for has been mercilessly reduced to a bare minimum?
She has lost him. Him, as well her love for the rain.
Now all alone, with just her memories of him, she trudges by, without really being involved in what they call, life.
That is until someone comes knocking on her door. Someone she has never met, but has a history with.
Starting over is never easy, but it is at least a little less difficult than being alone.
Should she act on her impulse and let this stranger in? Or should she close the door in his face, considering the role he has already played in her once bright and thriving life?
All your agitation and distress get washed down the drain in this shower, the same time that your lowered spirits and suppressed laughter come barreling to the surface. That relief, that comfort, that joy, is what Juliet has always felt since she found Max.
Life has dealt her a good card. Max is all she has ever wanted, all she could have ever wanted.
What she has failed to realize is that no rain lasts forever, no matter how refreshing. And when it does, out comes the sun. With a vengeance. Although feeble after the brief period for which it lay low, it immediately resumes it's journey where it ultimately gets to shine hotter than ever.
If there is no rain, there is no relief.
If there is no joy, there is no laughter.
And if there is no Max, there is no Juliet.
So, how is she to go on now that he is not there? Now that the eternity that he promised to love her for has been mercilessly reduced to a bare minimum?
She has lost him. Him, as well her love for the rain.
Now all alone, with just her memories of him, she trudges by, without really being involved in what they call, life.
That is until someone comes knocking on her door. Someone she has never met, but has a history with.
Starting over is never easy, but it is at least a little less difficult than being alone.
Should she act on her impulse and let this stranger in? Or should she close the door in his face, considering the role he has already played in her once bright and thriving life?
342 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2015
2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Aarohi Brar
1 book43 followersAarohi is a fiction writer. Other than writing stories, she loves to write poetry and read romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, suspense and ugly cry books.
She lives in India with her parents and aspires to be a full time author.
She lives in India with her parents and aspires to be a full time author.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 10, 2017
Pluviophile; one who love rain. The tiny drops falling from the sky drenched you, touched the ground and play music, the wet roads, and the smell of soil. Pluviophile is a story of a girl who once loved the rain and now afraid of rain that reminds her a fateful day in her life which takes away from her everything. Everything; her husband; Max.
Juliet St. James, wife of Maxwell St. James who is a surgeon and one of the best in his work. Juliet works in a publishing house as Editor-in-chief. They are in so much love and living a life of their dream. He is everything to her. On one fateful day when the sky was pouring, she lost him and her love for rain with him. A stranger came in her life which gave her a reason to smile, a reason to live but starting over again after losing the one she has ever wanted in her life is difficult.
The story is very beautiful. It is a romantic story of a girl named Juliet. It is a book for all the love story and romance readers. A true romance novel. The best part is the way the story is narrated and the characterization, which is perfect.
Juliet St. James, wife of Maxwell St. James who is a surgeon and one of the best in his work. Juliet works in a publishing house as Editor-in-chief. They are in so much love and living a life of their dream. He is everything to her. On one fateful day when the sky was pouring, she lost him and her love for rain with him. A stranger came in her life which gave her a reason to smile, a reason to live but starting over again after losing the one she has ever wanted in her life is difficult.
The story is very beautiful. It is a romantic story of a girl named Juliet. It is a book for all the love story and romance readers. A true romance novel. The best part is the way the story is narrated and the characterization, which is perfect.
June 14, 2015
Pluviophile’ is a soft love story revolving around emotional conflicts of characters that are held together by instances of life
As the title suggests, Juliet is a Pluviophile (lover of rain). Rain is used as a wonderful metaphor to convey the ebb and flow of the characters
Cover, Blurb and the tag line : The grand blue suits the theme of the book very well. The blurb is wonderfully written, encouraging the readers to explore more. I loved the font and the tagline. The tagline sums up the journey of Juliet’s life in a haiku fashion: From a refreshing drizzle to excruciating heat! And then, the difficult phase of restoring.
Plot : There is something Juliet loves more than rain : Max. She loses him tragically and with that loses her love of rain. Derek’s entry initiates new conflicts in Juliet’s life. In addition to that, Derek has a carefully concealed secret that makes the story more intense.The story runs through the perspectives of Juliet and Derek.
Characters : Nostalgic moments with Max, Juliet’s voice and the flow in Derek’s life enable the reader to feel the characters as the story takes shape. I personally liked Juliet’s character for her poetic style of life
Writing and Editing : The writing style is rich and flawless. A few instances could have been skipped to retain the flow of the core story, Although the well-structured ending compensates for it.
Story : ‘Pluviophile’ being the writer’s first novel, stands out in the practicality of the story. The story feels real and crisp. I was impressed by the way the writer carried the slow-moving tale without haste.
Setting : Since the story is more about conversations and tete-a-tete between the characters, the setting did not matter. Although, I would have loved it if there were more descriptions about the locations.
What I liked : I liked the philosophical rendering hidden in the story, embellished with rain as a metaphor – reminding that no rain lasts forever. Kudos to the writer for successfully keeping a grip on the overall story.
What I disliked : Few irrelevant details could have been replaced with more of Max. As a reader, I certainly wanted to know more about Max.
Conclusion : ‘Pluviophile’ is a wonderful love story that runs through two voices. It is a must read for three reasons :
1)The writing style
2)The story is lively and close to reality
3)Deals with the theme of forgiveness
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who want to read a ‘practical’ love story.
Rating : 4.5/5
As the title suggests, Juliet is a Pluviophile (lover of rain). Rain is used as a wonderful metaphor to convey the ebb and flow of the characters
Cover, Blurb and the tag line : The grand blue suits the theme of the book very well. The blurb is wonderfully written, encouraging the readers to explore more. I loved the font and the tagline. The tagline sums up the journey of Juliet’s life in a haiku fashion: From a refreshing drizzle to excruciating heat! And then, the difficult phase of restoring.
Plot : There is something Juliet loves more than rain : Max. She loses him tragically and with that loses her love of rain. Derek’s entry initiates new conflicts in Juliet’s life. In addition to that, Derek has a carefully concealed secret that makes the story more intense.The story runs through the perspectives of Juliet and Derek.
Characters : Nostalgic moments with Max, Juliet’s voice and the flow in Derek’s life enable the reader to feel the characters as the story takes shape. I personally liked Juliet’s character for her poetic style of life
Writing and Editing : The writing style is rich and flawless. A few instances could have been skipped to retain the flow of the core story, Although the well-structured ending compensates for it.
Story : ‘Pluviophile’ being the writer’s first novel, stands out in the practicality of the story. The story feels real and crisp. I was impressed by the way the writer carried the slow-moving tale without haste.
Setting : Since the story is more about conversations and tete-a-tete between the characters, the setting did not matter. Although, I would have loved it if there were more descriptions about the locations.
What I liked : I liked the philosophical rendering hidden in the story, embellished with rain as a metaphor – reminding that no rain lasts forever. Kudos to the writer for successfully keeping a grip on the overall story.
What I disliked : Few irrelevant details could have been replaced with more of Max. As a reader, I certainly wanted to know more about Max.
Conclusion : ‘Pluviophile’ is a wonderful love story that runs through two voices. It is a must read for three reasons :
1)The writing style
2)The story is lively and close to reality
3)Deals with the theme of forgiveness
I would definitely recommend this book to readers who want to read a ‘practical’ love story.
Rating : 4.5/5
June 9, 2015
This book is a love story, but not the usual kind. It's exciting and you just can't stop reading it. Give this novel a shot, it's worth it!
July 8, 2015
Pluviophile is a love story that would make you cuddle. You know it is going to be what you are thinking on your mind, but how is the question that keeps you reading it till the end. This love story with quite a few twists and turns as well as a fitting title is a perfect read during this monsoon.
What is exceptional about this story is the way it is narrated; two people narrating their point of view of the same story without clashing with each other is not only unique, but also saves people from exaggerating on the other’s point of view. This kind of narration reminds me of Jhumpa Lahiri’s story of Hema and Kaushik in her book of short stories called Unaccustomed Earth. Another plus point is fewer characters; it doesn’t burden your brain to remember to many characters and what they do. The number of characters is so less that you can count them on your fingers.
The one and only thing that is bothering me about Juliet’s emotions depicted in this story is how she can get involved with Derek while she is newly widowed, still genuinely mourning the death of her beloved husband, find out who Derek is and again go back to mourning about her dead husband. Let’s just blame it on her vulnerable situation. Apart from this, every other character can be related to. Pluviophile won’t disappoint you.
What is exceptional about this story is the way it is narrated; two people narrating their point of view of the same story without clashing with each other is not only unique, but also saves people from exaggerating on the other’s point of view. This kind of narration reminds me of Jhumpa Lahiri’s story of Hema and Kaushik in her book of short stories called Unaccustomed Earth. Another plus point is fewer characters; it doesn’t burden your brain to remember to many characters and what they do. The number of characters is so less that you can count them on your fingers.
The one and only thing that is bothering me about Juliet’s emotions depicted in this story is how she can get involved with Derek while she is newly widowed, still genuinely mourning the death of her beloved husband, find out who Derek is and again go back to mourning about her dead husband. Let’s just blame it on her vulnerable situation. Apart from this, every other character can be related to. Pluviophile won’t disappoint you.
April 3, 2020
I was given this book by my colleague and author in exchange for an honest review.
First up a piece of very sad information this is still a self-published book and Aarohi didn't find a publisher. This book deserves a publisher so that more people and read this wonderful story of sadness, loss, love, and sex. (Well it's erotica hidden in a love story hidden in a story about loss and salvation).
This is the story of Juliet who lost her husband Max in an accident 3 months ago and still buried under the mountain of sadness and seas of tequila.
Then there is Derek who comes to Jacksonville to handle some business for his employer and he hides a secret.
Well Derek and Juliet meet and although Derek feels guilty due to his secret and Juliet feels guilty of moving on so soon but they can't avoid their feelings and after sharing another secret. Yeah, the book is full of secrets. The flow is very good and you could finish the whole book in one sitting if you could hell I was delayed only due to office.
Well, and in the end the meaning of 'Pluviophile' someone who is mad about rain. Juliet was mad about rain but when rain consumed her love her husband she hated rain but she learned to love the rain again or did she? Well, no spoilers read to learn more. I would be happy to share the e-copy of the book with the author's permission. Just send me an email to vk@keeponreading.in and I would send you a copy and as always Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
First up a piece of very sad information this is still a self-published book and Aarohi didn't find a publisher. This book deserves a publisher so that more people and read this wonderful story of sadness, loss, love, and sex. (Well it's erotica hidden in a love story hidden in a story about loss and salvation).
This is the story of Juliet who lost her husband Max in an accident 3 months ago and still buried under the mountain of sadness and seas of tequila.
Then there is Derek who comes to Jacksonville to handle some business for his employer and he hides a secret.
Well Derek and Juliet meet and although Derek feels guilty due to his secret and Juliet feels guilty of moving on so soon but they can't avoid their feelings and after sharing another secret. Yeah, the book is full of secrets. The flow is very good and you could finish the whole book in one sitting if you could hell I was delayed only due to office.
Well, and in the end the meaning of 'Pluviophile' someone who is mad about rain. Juliet was mad about rain but when rain consumed her love her husband she hated rain but she learned to love the rain again or did she? Well, no spoilers read to learn more. I would be happy to share the e-copy of the book with the author's permission. Just send me an email to vk@keeponreading.in and I would send you a copy and as always Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
May 27, 2015
The Pluviophile is an exquisite tale concerning two young people who believe true love has deserted them.
The story is set in the southern states of the USA and begins with Juliet, who had been planning a birthday surprise for her husband when he is tragically killed in a motor accident.
Three months later the grieving widow, struggling to take charge of her life, has a chance meeting with Derek, a compassionate and sensitive young man. Recently let down by his cheating girlfriend, he soon realises Juliet is everything he has been waiting for. He is however, holding a devastating secret which involves her late husband and threatens to ruin their bourgeoning relationship.
Nevertheless, this cannot stop Derek from pursuing an impossible dream and compulsively drawn to Juliet, he continues the relationship deep in the knowledge it is almost certainly doomed.
From a letter, held back by a well-meaning friend, Juliet eventually discovers the secret and even though it’s a tough and heart-breaking call, she decides to have nothing more to do with her new love. Derek realises the hopelessness of the situation which will only bring more pain to them both and with no chance of reconciliation, he reluctantly backs off.
Around this time it comes to light that his boss, Gregory had an affair with Derek’s mother, so as well as coping with the loss of Juliet he has to come to terms with accepting Gregory is his natural father.
Time moves on and although neither Juliet nor Derek is able to make the first move in mending the past, their separation brings nothing but heartache.
How long will it take until love conquers guilt and reproach and give way to acceptance and forgiveness?
Encapsulating a melancholy heart-rending story, the narrative is written from both Juliet and Derek’s perspective in alternating chapters with vivid descriptions of actions, thoughts and emotions. The hot love scenes,although explicit, are well written.
Without a doubt an endearing love story and well worth a read from an exciting new author.
The story is set in the southern states of the USA and begins with Juliet, who had been planning a birthday surprise for her husband when he is tragically killed in a motor accident.
Three months later the grieving widow, struggling to take charge of her life, has a chance meeting with Derek, a compassionate and sensitive young man. Recently let down by his cheating girlfriend, he soon realises Juliet is everything he has been waiting for. He is however, holding a devastating secret which involves her late husband and threatens to ruin their bourgeoning relationship.
Nevertheless, this cannot stop Derek from pursuing an impossible dream and compulsively drawn to Juliet, he continues the relationship deep in the knowledge it is almost certainly doomed.
From a letter, held back by a well-meaning friend, Juliet eventually discovers the secret and even though it’s a tough and heart-breaking call, she decides to have nothing more to do with her new love. Derek realises the hopelessness of the situation which will only bring more pain to them both and with no chance of reconciliation, he reluctantly backs off.
Around this time it comes to light that his boss, Gregory had an affair with Derek’s mother, so as well as coping with the loss of Juliet he has to come to terms with accepting Gregory is his natural father.
Time moves on and although neither Juliet nor Derek is able to make the first move in mending the past, their separation brings nothing but heartache.
How long will it take until love conquers guilt and reproach and give way to acceptance and forgiveness?
Encapsulating a melancholy heart-rending story, the narrative is written from both Juliet and Derek’s perspective in alternating chapters with vivid descriptions of actions, thoughts and emotions. The hot love scenes,although explicit, are well written.
Without a doubt an endearing love story and well worth a read from an exciting new author.
May 16, 2015
What is a pluviophile?! Honestly, I wasn't familiar with the term until I read this book. A pluviophile is someone who loves rain, and that describes Juliet perfectly. There is nothing she loves more than walking slowly through the rain, relishing in its wet coolness, finding joy and peace in its pitter-patter of rhythms. Well, there is one thing she loves more: her husband, Max. But when she loses him tragically, she also loses her love of rain.
She is broken.
But then she meets Derek, another broken soul, recovering from his own accident. Coming together, these two broken people create a whirlwind of passion and excitement. But he has a secret, one that will alter the course of their relationship forever. Will he fight for her? And will she ever be happy enough to dance in the rain again?
This story has a lot of surprises, and I was so invested in these characters. I found myself rooting for them every step of their way, and feeling their pain along with them. It's perfect for anyone who has experienced great loss and feels like giving up.
Aarohi Brar's first novel is beautifully written, and I can't wait to read more from this author! Hopefully, more from these characters!
She is broken.
But then she meets Derek, another broken soul, recovering from his own accident. Coming together, these two broken people create a whirlwind of passion and excitement. But he has a secret, one that will alter the course of their relationship forever. Will he fight for her? And will she ever be happy enough to dance in the rain again?
This story has a lot of surprises, and I was so invested in these characters. I found myself rooting for them every step of their way, and feeling their pain along with them. It's perfect for anyone who has experienced great loss and feels like giving up.
Aarohi Brar's first novel is beautifully written, and I can't wait to read more from this author! Hopefully, more from these characters!
May 21, 2015
What a beautiful love story! And not your typical one: it’s a story of healing, coming to terms with yourself and your loss, and what’s most important, forgiving. Forgiving yourself for the words you didn’t get a chance to say, forgiving a man who even though not voluntarily, is the reason of your late husband’s death. Because this man, Derek, is the one who brings the hope and opens Juliet, a devastated widow, to a new and happy life.
The language of the novel itself is very poetic and guides the reader from Juliet’s story to Derek’s and back, creating a two-side version of the events, which makes the already flawless narration even more compelling.
The theme of putting the past behind is also traced through both main characters’ relationships with their parents. Both Juliet and Derek were hurt at some point, Derek by his father, who was hiding the truth about his birth for his whole life, and both Juliet’s parents, who shunned her for marrying an “unsuitable” in their eyes man. But they help each other see past that and finally come back to the loving embrace of their family, which makes the couple even closer to each other.
Absolutely beautiful novel, definitely a five star must-read! Looking forward to reading more works of Ms. Brar!
The language of the novel itself is very poetic and guides the reader from Juliet’s story to Derek’s and back, creating a two-side version of the events, which makes the already flawless narration even more compelling.
The theme of putting the past behind is also traced through both main characters’ relationships with their parents. Both Juliet and Derek were hurt at some point, Derek by his father, who was hiding the truth about his birth for his whole life, and both Juliet’s parents, who shunned her for marrying an “unsuitable” in their eyes man. But they help each other see past that and finally come back to the loving embrace of their family, which makes the couple even closer to each other.
Absolutely beautiful novel, definitely a five star must-read! Looking forward to reading more works of Ms. Brar!
May 7, 2016
Pluviophile...the first time I got this book as a Giveaway through goodreads signed by the author herself, I was ecstatic! But then looking at the long worded title and the size of the book got me apprehensive. I kept procrastinating reading the book with the excuse that I need to give it my full attention, it being a love story i need to feel all the emotions. And guess what I was right and wrong both!
Right because this book definitely demands your full focus to be able to feel each and every emotion that Juliet and Derek go through. It's a damn difficult task for any author to write the book from two different perspectives and still manage to get the reader to respect both the point of views. Hats off to you Aarohi Brar for this. I still am astounded as to how can a 25 year old understand so much about love and longing at such a young age.
P.S- I was wrong because the size of the book was not at all bothersome as I just finished the book in 2 days flat. I was so hooked to it... it was just Unputdownable!
Thank you Aarohi Brar for choosing me as your reader. Keep writing!
Right because this book definitely demands your full focus to be able to feel each and every emotion that Juliet and Derek go through. It's a damn difficult task for any author to write the book from two different perspectives and still manage to get the reader to respect both the point of views. Hats off to you Aarohi Brar for this. I still am astounded as to how can a 25 year old understand so much about love and longing at such a young age.
P.S- I was wrong because the size of the book was not at all bothersome as I just finished the book in 2 days flat. I was so hooked to it... it was just Unputdownable!
Thank you Aarohi Brar for choosing me as your reader. Keep writing!
June 15, 2015
Juliet and Derek have both suffered at the hands of love. Pluviophile recounts these tales of woe and, honestly, the book doesn't really feel like a love story at the beginning. But when life brings Juliet and Derek together again (and not for the first time), they begin to find solace in each other. But the past isn't ready to release them yet. Can the two of them shed the binds of their past and find a future together?
Pluviophile is a grandiose story of life and love, death and pain, dead ends and new beginnings. It's clear from her writing that Brar relishes in the written word. She had created wonderfully developed characters in Derek and Juliet, and effortlessly pulls you into their world of suffering and hope. The story was just the perfect length for its events, and wraps up all the plots twists and turns neatly.
Overall, a great read. :)
Pluviophile is a grandiose story of life and love, death and pain, dead ends and new beginnings. It's clear from her writing that Brar relishes in the written word. She had created wonderfully developed characters in Derek and Juliet, and effortlessly pulls you into their world of suffering and hope. The story was just the perfect length for its events, and wraps up all the plots twists and turns neatly.
Overall, a great read. :)
June 10, 2015
When you start reading Pluviophile there is a sense of curiosity and grips you right in the beginning and it just builds and builds until the twist is revealed. The narration is flawless and the story is one that will fill your heart with joy. One of the most enchanting, binding and downright beautiful books I have ever read. After reading this book I have become an Aarohiophile.
August 12, 2015
I found this book to be very well written and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Characters Juliet and Derek have depth, and issues to deal with from within. The story line was well rounded and balanced. This is an excellent love story which includes many emotions with in the pages. I will be looking out for more work from this author.
July 4, 2015
A haunting love story of love and loss, and finally redemption, written in a lyrical style from the view points of both the hero and heroine.
November 16, 2019
Emotionally packed, expressive and dramatic - a great debut novel.
July 30, 2023
Loved the writing, the ending was really nice, almost made me emotional...but the story, not too much.
Firstly, what I couldn't stop wondering about was - why are the characters American, when the author is an Indian, who, it looks like, grew up in India? Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it specifically gave this narrative a pseudo(-ish) feel.
...and the fact that the book actually had nothing much about rain, as the title suggests?? That was a little disappointing for me as a pluviophile.
A love story of a widow who's apparently emotionally recuperating and a guy who meets her for some work, and they get acquainted. So far, so good. For some reason, they have this mutual attraction towards each other. But didn't understand how the woman (Juliet) starts a romance with the guy (Derek) so promptly, when she's supposed to be grieving her husband's loss. (Their "lovemaking", which happens literally within 2-3 days of their meeting, involves many cheesy moments, chasing, playing around, etc more than emotional bonding, which can be expected considering she's someone in a "vulnerable" state).
Also, the relationship between Juliet and her recently dead husband narrated through the little flashbacks, - weren't too well-established; and the part about her rich parents not being ok with Max - didn't really understand the reason there (the guy's a surgeon...so he must be doing well, nothing is mentioned about him being poor or anything) - maybe the author just wanted to keep it short, but a little more on these may have helped a reader understand/connect better.
Some details and extra words in sentences some seemed unnecessary and could've been cut short. Reading most of the conversations felt like the author may have been trying hard to sound American, but it doesn't really give you that feel. (Usage of words like "helluva", "baby", and few others words/phrases in some contexts that read a little weirdly).
But i did like some things, like in the ending...when Derek got that ring made for Juliet (with his stone and the one by max) engraved! Shows true love without insecurities. And, alternate narrations by Derek and Juliet's characters was very well done! Nice to read...from both perspectives alternately.
The language and writing is actually very good...if you forget the characters are supposed to be American or whatever. I would love to read more by Aarohi Brar - maybe some non-fiction!!
Firstly, what I couldn't stop wondering about was - why are the characters American, when the author is an Indian, who, it looks like, grew up in India? Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it specifically gave this narrative a pseudo(-ish) feel.
...and the fact that the book actually had nothing much about rain, as the title suggests?? That was a little disappointing for me as a pluviophile.
A love story of a widow who's apparently emotionally recuperating and a guy who meets her for some work, and they get acquainted. So far, so good. For some reason, they have this mutual attraction towards each other. But didn't understand how the woman (Juliet) starts a romance with the guy (Derek) so promptly, when she's supposed to be grieving her husband's loss. (Their "lovemaking", which happens literally within 2-3 days of their meeting, involves many cheesy moments, chasing, playing around, etc more than emotional bonding, which can be expected considering she's someone in a "vulnerable" state).
Also, the relationship between Juliet and her recently dead husband narrated through the little flashbacks, - weren't too well-established; and the part about her rich parents not being ok with Max - didn't really understand the reason there (the guy's a surgeon...so he must be doing well, nothing is mentioned about him being poor or anything) - maybe the author just wanted to keep it short, but a little more on these may have helped a reader understand/connect better.
Some details and extra words in sentences some seemed unnecessary and could've been cut short. Reading most of the conversations felt like the author may have been trying hard to sound American, but it doesn't really give you that feel. (Usage of words like "helluva", "baby", and few others words/phrases in some contexts that read a little weirdly).
But i did like some things, like in the ending...when Derek got that ring made for Juliet (with his stone and the one by max) engraved! Shows true love without insecurities. And, alternate narrations by Derek and Juliet's characters was very well done! Nice to read...from both perspectives alternately.
The language and writing is actually very good...if you forget the characters are supposed to be American or whatever. I would love to read more by Aarohi Brar - maybe some non-fiction!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2015
This read was furnished by author in exchange for an honest review.
An emotionally recuperating Juliet actually meets a physically recuperating Derek in the course of doing their jobs. Juliet is nursing pain, grief and a broken heart from losing her husband and Derek is regaining his physical and mental strength from a debilitating work related auto accident that required several surgeries.
Their separate and shared journeys give a moving view of broken people finding a way to help and heal each other on several levels as they find a way to forgive the curves life and fate throw at them. In uncovering secrets, pain, joy, understanding and acceptance either lead could easily be the person sitting next to you as they re-discover hope.
I had to look up pluviophile. I knew -phile would be a lover of something, a connoisseur but I didn't have a clue about 'pluvio'. That boded well because the read had me intrigued from the title alone. Unfortunately, I wanted to like the read more than I did and I attempted the prologue several times before I adjusted to the author's style.
For my taste the read was overwritten. Ten words were used when three would have sufficed and affected the pace for me and my rating. I also wasn't a fan of the frequency of the alternating POV which made me approach too many scenes that felt duplicated.
That isn't to say this was a bad read. Each lead character's trek to both give and get what they needed was a study in the human condition without browbeating right and wrong into the reader. The story itself was interesting enough to entice the reader to look for a solution and relief for the characters. As a debut novel this author shows promise.
An emotionally recuperating Juliet actually meets a physically recuperating Derek in the course of doing their jobs. Juliet is nursing pain, grief and a broken heart from losing her husband and Derek is regaining his physical and mental strength from a debilitating work related auto accident that required several surgeries.
Their separate and shared journeys give a moving view of broken people finding a way to help and heal each other on several levels as they find a way to forgive the curves life and fate throw at them. In uncovering secrets, pain, joy, understanding and acceptance either lead could easily be the person sitting next to you as they re-discover hope.
I had to look up pluviophile. I knew -phile would be a lover of something, a connoisseur but I didn't have a clue about 'pluvio'. That boded well because the read had me intrigued from the title alone. Unfortunately, I wanted to like the read more than I did and I attempted the prologue several times before I adjusted to the author's style.
For my taste the read was overwritten. Ten words were used when three would have sufficed and affected the pace for me and my rating. I also wasn't a fan of the frequency of the alternating POV which made me approach too many scenes that felt duplicated.
That isn't to say this was a bad read. Each lead character's trek to both give and get what they needed was a study in the human condition without browbeating right and wrong into the reader. The story itself was interesting enough to entice the reader to look for a solution and relief for the characters. As a debut novel this author shows promise.
July 7, 2015
I was immediately drawn into the story of Juliet & Derek and I really enjoyed reading the story from the two different view points. Juliet’s heartache and immense sense of loss is so well conveyed as well as her inner conflict when meeting Derek. You can feel her moral dilemma and inner struggle on whether or not she can move on and love again after the death of her husband whom she loved so much.
Although I thought that it was a bit quick for Juliet to be emotionally ready to love again so soon after the death of her husband, that didn’t stop me from getting into the story and wanting things to work out between the two characters. Derek also had secrets and problems of his own but I felt more drawn to Juliet’s character and her journey towards finding happiness after so much pain and sorrow.
It was a well written love story and I could almost hear the rain pouring outside! Well done to the Author on her first novel.
Although I thought that it was a bit quick for Juliet to be emotionally ready to love again so soon after the death of her husband, that didn’t stop me from getting into the story and wanting things to work out between the two characters. Derek also had secrets and problems of his own but I felt more drawn to Juliet’s character and her journey towards finding happiness after so much pain and sorrow.
It was a well written love story and I could almost hear the rain pouring outside! Well done to the Author on her first novel.
July 26, 2015
This book introduces you to Juliet, recently widowed who used to be a confessing pluviophile. She meets Derek who stirs some feelings.
With Pluviophile, Aarohi Brar has woven a romantic story of love lost and found including some steamy scenes. Juliet has lost the love of her life, Derek is not proud of something that happened in the past; when they meet, they are drawn to each other. They tell the story alternately - the paragraphs shown in italics are about Max, Juliet's husband. I had to get used to Juliet and Derek taking turns; the characters are of sufficient depth, there is a certain amount of dialogue, the story is adequately slow-paced. Pluviophile is a story I could well imagine to see on stage. This is for you if you like romance with steamy actions and some nice twists.
3.8 stars
With Pluviophile, Aarohi Brar has woven a romantic story of love lost and found including some steamy scenes. Juliet has lost the love of her life, Derek is not proud of something that happened in the past; when they meet, they are drawn to each other. They tell the story alternately - the paragraphs shown in italics are about Max, Juliet's husband. I had to get used to Juliet and Derek taking turns; the characters are of sufficient depth, there is a certain amount of dialogue, the story is adequately slow-paced. Pluviophile is a story I could well imagine to see on stage. This is for you if you like romance with steamy actions and some nice twists.
3.8 stars
July 28, 2015
I enjoyed this story about a widow struggling to move on from her husband's sudden death. There's a twist when a new man enters her life. The story is told from the perspective of both the widow and the guy who was somehow involved in her husband's death, which makes things interesting. There were a few point of view and grammatical issues, but overall, it kept my attention through out. This author shows promise.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I freely give.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I freely give.
September 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I was taken in by the story from the start and drawn into Juliet's story, her heartache and sense of loss and then her meeting with Derek and later her turmoil at whether she could move on or not. Then there was also Derek's side of the story, his won turmoil because of his love for Juliet... It was really heartfelt and touching. I loved the author's writing style which flowed and was such a pleasure to read. It was heartfelt and touching all the way. I can't wait to read her next book.
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