What do you think?
Rate this book
All Aboard!
When Rhea Khanna is dumped by her boyfriend of four years just days before her wedding, the only thing she wants to do is to get out of the city to clear her head. The opportunity presents itself immediately when her aunt, a retired school headmistress, invites her aboard a Mediterranean cruise.
As Rhea struggles to cope with her grief of being dumped at the altar, she finds herself getting attracted to the seemingly unavailable Kamal Shahani-the infuriatingly attractive ex-student of her aunt and a hot shot entrepreneur. To add to the confusion, Sonia, Kamal's very attractive ex-girlfriend boards the ship in a bid to win him back. Will Rhea heal her broken heart, or will she end up even more shattered than she was when she got on this cruise?
As Rhea struggles to cope with her grief of being dumped at the altar, she finds herself getting attracted to the seemingly unavailable Kamal Shahani-the infuriatingly attractive ex-student of her aunt and a hot shot entrepreneur. To add to the confusion, Sonia, Kamal's very attractive ex-girlfriend boards the ship in a bid to win him back. Will Rhea heal her broken heart, or will she end up even more shattered than she was when she got on this cruise?
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2015
66 people want to read
About the author
Kiran Manral
28 books88 followersAfter quitting her full-time journalist’s job when her son was born, Kiran became a mommy blogger, on the internet, with a remarkably original voice. She was a journalist at The Asian Age, The Times of India, features editor Cosmopolitan, India Cultural Lead and Trendspotter at Gartner Iconoculture, Senior Consultant at Vector Insights and Ideas Editor, SheThePeople.TV. Kiran is currently a celebrated Author and an independent research and media consultant.
She was shortlisted for the Femina Women Awards for Literary Contribution in 2017. The Indian Council of UN Relations (ICUNR) with the Ministry of Women and Children, Govt of India, awarded her the International Women’s Day Award 2018 for excellence in the field of writing. In 2021 she was awarded the Womennovator 1000 Women of Asia award. In 2022, she was named amongst the 75 Iconic Indian women in STEAM by Red Dot Foundation and Beyond Black, in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, and British High Commission, New Delhi.
Her novella, Saving Maya, was long-listed for the 2018 Saboteur Award, supported by the Arts Council of England in the UK. The Kitty Party Murder was shortlisted for the Popular Choice award at the 2021 JK Papers TOI AutHER awards and has been optioned for a series.
Her other books include The Reluctant Detective, Once Upon A Crush, All Aboard, Karmic Kids-The Story of Parenting Nobody Told You, A Boy’s Guide to Growing Up, True Love Stories, 13 Steps to Bloody Good Parenting, Raising Kids with Hope and Wonder in Times of a Pandemic and Climate Change, More Things in Heaven and Earth, Rising 30 Women Who Changed India, Rising 2.0: 20 More Women Who Changed India, All Those Who Wander and The Moon in the Lining of her Skin.
She also has published short stories in various magazines, in acclaimed anthologies like Have A Safe Journey, Boo, The Best Asian Speculative Fiction 2018, Grandpa’s Tales, Magical Women, City of Screams, The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction and Hell Hath No Fury.
Her nonfiction book, Karmic Kids: The Story of Parenting Nobody Told You, was listed amongst the top five books on parenting by Indian authors in 2015 by the Sunday Guardian.
The Face at the Window, released in 2016, was listed amongst the top 30 books written by women authors in 2016 by The Ladies Finger, as among the must read books by contemporary women authors by BuzzingBubs and received much critical acclaim. The Times of India stated that “Manral may have very well pioneered the "Himalayan Gothic" genre” with this book. Her novella, Saving Maya, was long listed for the 2018 Saboteur Awards, UK, supported by the Arts Council England, The Kitty Party Murder was shortlisted for the AutHER Awards 2020 Popular Choice Awards. The Face at the Window was long listed at Jio MAMI Word to Screen and showcased at the Singapore International Film Festival. Monster Complex listed her in their global list titled "Urban Fantasy Showcase: 100 Authors To Know and Their Works." Desi Blitz listed her amongst the top seven horror writers from India. Her book, The Face at the Window, was listed in HoneyKids Asia's list of top picks of Asian Horror books alongside books like Han Kang's The Vegetarian, and The Ring. Bookstr.com listed her amongst "6 Fascinating Asian and Pacific Islander Horror Authors."
She was shortlisted for the Femina Women Awards for Literary Contribution in 2017. The Indian Council of UN Relations (ICUNR) with the Ministry of Women and Children, Govt of India, awarded her the International Women’s Day Award 2018 for excellence in the field of writing. In 2021 she was awarded the Womennovator 1000 Women of Asia award. In 2022, she was named amongst the 75 Iconic Indian women in STEAM by Red Dot Foundation and Beyond Black, in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, and British High Commission, New Delhi.
Her novella, Saving Maya, was long-listed for the 2018 Saboteur Award, supported by the Arts Council of England in the UK. The Kitty Party Murder was shortlisted for the Popular Choice award at the 2021 JK Papers TOI AutHER awards and has been optioned for a series.
Her other books include The Reluctant Detective, Once Upon A Crush, All Aboard, Karmic Kids-The Story of Parenting Nobody Told You, A Boy’s Guide to Growing Up, True Love Stories, 13 Steps to Bloody Good Parenting, Raising Kids with Hope and Wonder in Times of a Pandemic and Climate Change, More Things in Heaven and Earth, Rising 30 Women Who Changed India, Rising 2.0: 20 More Women Who Changed India, All Those Who Wander and The Moon in the Lining of her Skin.
She also has published short stories in various magazines, in acclaimed anthologies like Have A Safe Journey, Boo, The Best Asian Speculative Fiction 2018, Grandpa’s Tales, Magical Women, City of Screams, The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction and Hell Hath No Fury.
Her nonfiction book, Karmic Kids: The Story of Parenting Nobody Told You, was listed amongst the top five books on parenting by Indian authors in 2015 by the Sunday Guardian.
The Face at the Window, released in 2016, was listed amongst the top 30 books written by women authors in 2016 by The Ladies Finger, as among the must read books by contemporary women authors by BuzzingBubs and received much critical acclaim. The Times of India stated that “Manral may have very well pioneered the "Himalayan Gothic" genre” with this book. Her novella, Saving Maya, was long listed for the 2018 Saboteur Awards, UK, supported by the Arts Council England, The Kitty Party Murder was shortlisted for the AutHER Awards 2020 Popular Choice Awards. The Face at the Window was long listed at Jio MAMI Word to Screen and showcased at the Singapore International Film Festival. Monster Complex listed her in their global list titled "Urban Fantasy Showcase: 100 Authors To Know and Their Works." Desi Blitz listed her amongst the top seven horror writers from India. Her book, The Face at the Window, was listed in HoneyKids Asia's list of top picks of Asian Horror books alongside books like Han Kang's The Vegetarian, and The Ring. Bookstr.com listed her amongst "6 Fascinating Asian and Pacific Islander Horror Authors."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Read
October 6, 2015Total chick flick, and makes a great holiday read. Typical Mills and Boons type.
September 4, 2015
Romance is difficult to pull off without descending into melodrama and bathos but Ms.Manral manages - and manages it well while also leaving a characteristic imprint. The protagonists are no star-struck teenagers but more mature characters who have faced a lot already and are now more circumspect, especially the heroine who has good reason to be more careful with her heart now (but whose vulnerability is a good foil to the leading man who seems a little too perfect). The conclusion is a foregone conclusion (sorry) but what is enjoyable is the way we reach it and it is in this the author doesn't disappoints, paving the way with considerable wit, some endearing supporting characters, some believable human frailties and follies, while adding to the refreshing difference are the number of strong liberated female characters, the cruise ship setting which ensures limited time and space, some scenic locales, some unexpected sub-plots and a more (perhaps I'm to cynical) expected dilemma... but the whole package works out well!
March 24, 2016
After reading the book now I know why the title has an exclamation mark and it is very apt. Rhea Khanna and Kamal Shahani are all in and how! More than they know!
Here is a romance that will find approval with lovers of love all over. It has all the elements for a perfect romance read. The strength of Kiran’s book lies with believable characters, loveable family and a cruise that each one of us would love to be a part of. On top of that she has added a bit of a suspense and crime; what more could you ask for. The story is fast paced and kept me glued to the book from the first chapter.
Kamal, the handsome, rich, cool and totally a family guy is what dreams of all young girls are made of. I was tempted too, so tempted ;) Rhea is the proverbial bookworm, sweet, pretty and alluring. She finds herself falling for this very dashing guy weeks’ after a broken engagement; unsure, tempted and very charmed. Kiran has penned her in the image of scores of regular women we meet so often who are totally grounded. An ideal mix for a romantic rush.
The cruise is the perfect place to let go of our worries and introspect, a no pressure environment where the two meet yet the path of true love is never easy. To find love may be simple but to cherish it is not so much and this is what the story is about. Rhea and Kamal seem perfectly suited for each other but it is not all smooth sailing for them. John, with his charm and style, almost got the better of me; the author has managed to entwine the story with lots of distractions for dear Rhea.
The secondary characters; Rina Massi, Colonel Singh, Naina and the kids Jay and Kiara are all well etched and add depth to the book. As did the second love story – bonus!! :D Rina Massi is an absolutely cool lady, I loved her pizzazz and style, her love of life were contagious. A perfect companion for Rhea as well.
Naina and her kids add a bit of reality and family love to the equation. She is the perfect sister, friendly, supportive and looking out for her brother. Sisters are like that, and she was the right person to keep the suspense going whether love will find its mark of not? I was so impressed with Naina that I would love for Kiran to write her story next. Call me a die-hard romantic but I think Naina definitely deserves a happily ever after of her own.
It was a hard to put down the book, the language effortless and smooth. The cruise with its beautiful destinations is a delight to read. I must appreciate Kiran for giving us a peek into the locations but not overpowering the narrative by making it into a travelogue. A cruise on my bucket list just shot up through the list! All Aboard is a fresh, funny, endearing and a well-balanced book. I eagerly look forward to reading more from Kiran.
(I received a copy of this book from the #TornadoGiveaway by The Book Club and this is my honest opinion)
Here is a romance that will find approval with lovers of love all over. It has all the elements for a perfect romance read. The strength of Kiran’s book lies with believable characters, loveable family and a cruise that each one of us would love to be a part of. On top of that she has added a bit of a suspense and crime; what more could you ask for. The story is fast paced and kept me glued to the book from the first chapter.
Kamal, the handsome, rich, cool and totally a family guy is what dreams of all young girls are made of. I was tempted too, so tempted ;) Rhea is the proverbial bookworm, sweet, pretty and alluring. She finds herself falling for this very dashing guy weeks’ after a broken engagement; unsure, tempted and very charmed. Kiran has penned her in the image of scores of regular women we meet so often who are totally grounded. An ideal mix for a romantic rush.
The cruise is the perfect place to let go of our worries and introspect, a no pressure environment where the two meet yet the path of true love is never easy. To find love may be simple but to cherish it is not so much and this is what the story is about. Rhea and Kamal seem perfectly suited for each other but it is not all smooth sailing for them. John, with his charm and style, almost got the better of me; the author has managed to entwine the story with lots of distractions for dear Rhea.
The secondary characters; Rina Massi, Colonel Singh, Naina and the kids Jay and Kiara are all well etched and add depth to the book. As did the second love story – bonus!! :D Rina Massi is an absolutely cool lady, I loved her pizzazz and style, her love of life were contagious. A perfect companion for Rhea as well.
Naina and her kids add a bit of reality and family love to the equation. She is the perfect sister, friendly, supportive and looking out for her brother. Sisters are like that, and she was the right person to keep the suspense going whether love will find its mark of not? I was so impressed with Naina that I would love for Kiran to write her story next. Call me a die-hard romantic but I think Naina definitely deserves a happily ever after of her own.
It was a hard to put down the book, the language effortless and smooth. The cruise with its beautiful destinations is a delight to read. I must appreciate Kiran for giving us a peek into the locations but not overpowering the narrative by making it into a travelogue. A cruise on my bucket list just shot up through the list! All Aboard is a fresh, funny, endearing and a well-balanced book. I eagerly look forward to reading more from Kiran.
(I received a copy of this book from the #TornadoGiveaway by The Book Club and this is my honest opinion)
October 15, 2015
A shipboard romance sounds so very predictable, but Kiran Manral gives us a wonderful desi version of romance on a Mediterranean cruise, with broken hearts, a strong yet caring male protagonist, much confusion, children, siblings and ex-fiances adding to the fun. Also, one can vicariously enjoy the pleasures of Venice and other cities along the cruise in this meticulously researched novel. Not to forget our leading lady Rhea's colourful aunt and her assorted, helpful former students who make many things possible. Good fun, with enough depth and background to make the characters plausible.
September 12, 2015
Easy read..
there were some moments when i felt that author indulged in too much of word mumbo jumbo, to make the character look cool.
like the mention of quora ... twitter.... those were like bumps in between.
Introduction of the twist of intrigue was a bit late... i felt...
And intimacy of main characters were left unexplored...
there were some moments when i felt that author indulged in too much of word mumbo jumbo, to make the character look cool.
like the mention of quora ... twitter.... those were like bumps in between.
Introduction of the twist of intrigue was a bit late... i felt...
And intimacy of main characters were left unexplored...
September 27, 2015
Disappointing. Predictable and cheesy. I expected more from the author.
January 5, 2016
My Book review can be found at http://booklibraryreviews.blogspot.in...
February 11, 2016
I loved the cruise setting of the book. Very nice!
May 24, 2017
A lovely romance for a Summer read! You will enjoy it.
September 8, 2015
Good fun weekend read
December 21, 2020
Kiran Manral offers a refreshing tale of romance with the characters facing break up are All Aboard on a ship, playing to perfection the narration between Rhea and Rina Maasi, alternating between two distinct voices. The book is not without its share of drama with a drug cartel busted on board and the exceptionally mad, crazy language making for a laugh riot, "Not when...finally manage look human instead of Frankeinstein monster bride with an intestinal tract that needs more roughage." All Aboard is refreshingly breezy and could be your love story.
June 4, 2017
Nothing great.
May 17, 2018
Pathetic attempt to copy M&B stories, emotions, and expressions. Disappointing
September 2, 2021
Absolutely what I was looking for. What was I looking for? A light-hearted romance with doses of humour. A protagonist I could somewhat relate with, here and there. And a happy ending :)
August 7, 2022
The only thing that I liked abt this book was, Kiran finally decided to stop using the line' knees trembling' in the last one third of the book🤠
February 26, 2017
Its an absolute let down there is no build up to a anything
October 25, 2016
BOOK REVIEW - “ALL ABOARD BY KIRAN MANRAL”
Coincidentally I am the one who enjoy reading romance more than any genre for that matter when it comes to reading.
Rhea, recuperating from a heartbreak, and Kamal, the hotshot entrepreneur. They meet aboard the Aqua Princess, a Mediterranean Cruise liner, and as the cruise progresses, their mutual attraction does too. The novel is fast paced, with all the elements needed to make it a success – there are misunderstandings, clash of egos, another romance on the side, exes who suddenly turn up to complicate matters, and even a criminal to whip things up and make it more interesting!
I would like to dislocate my share of earful on the story here without further sharing any more details, and trying not to spoil the reader’s eagerness and allowing them to savor the original narration or compelling expression by the writer himself by reading the book itself.
Indeed the climax was quite interesting with twists and turns as they unfold. For that you need to read this book.
Now my Positive viewpoints:
The positives of the story are the characters easily identifiable. The simple plot, lucid free-flowing words and the identifiable characters with swift, zesty narrative style makes a light, engaging and easy read for us.
Characters strike a chord with the modern urban metropolitan readers. The narrative is as easy as ever, the language excellent, without being highbrow. I have been reading Kiran’s blogs for years now, and her books have the same sense of innate humor, which make them such a good read.
Some suggestive points:
Although the narration of the story is wonderful but at some places the story becomes stagnant. A little more editing would definitely increase its appeal. Sometimes, descriptions of people and places are very exaggerated, which seemed somewhat unnecessary. Finally, what strike me or made an impression on me is the way the story tried to explore the fragility and vulnerability of human relationship. That we are flawed being and with that comes perfectly imperfect relationships, which we agree or not but somewhere have to acknowledge the fact. No relationship is ‘happily ever after’. But then it’s our individual choice to persevere or not.
Final words:
Overall if asked I would say this is a good book, perfect accompaniment to anyone interesting in reading on weekend pastime. Overall I would say...this is a good job done by Author (KIran Manral) … I would give 4 stars to this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2018
So I actually liked the cover of this book and that is why I decided to read it and honestly I was expecting more but it disappointed me. Love story was very slow and there was no great story line! And thank god one Indian romantic book which is not including sex. What I don’t understand is, why to show women so weak and a man woos her because of what she cannot do.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews