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More Than Just Desire
The Bollywood diva who ran away
Piya walked out of an explosive situation three years ago. She married Arfaaz for security but left him facing chaos she created. Now she's back in Bollywood and searching for the crown she gave up when she ran away. In the competitive world of starry glamour, the only way she can begin her career anew is to trash the past and get a divorce.
The man who wants her atonement
Arfaaz is determined to get his revenge on Piya for making a farce of their marriage and leaving him to face the mudslinging. He forces her to keep up the appearances and stay with him so she can play the loving wife and repent on her sins. But Piya drives him crazy with her antics. On the top of that, the attraction between them sizzles and threatens to make him forget reason.
A passionate conflict
Piya knows she has lessons to learn but she cannot let this man enter her heart. There is too much to risk and she cannot afford to forget the real reason she has come back. Success is her mantra and her worship. She can be faithful to only her goal...
Piya walked out of an explosive situation three years ago. She married Arfaaz for security but left him facing chaos she created. Now she's back in Bollywood and searching for the crown she gave up when she ran away. In the competitive world of starry glamour, the only way she can begin her career anew is to trash the past and get a divorce.
The man who wants her atonement
Arfaaz is determined to get his revenge on Piya for making a farce of their marriage and leaving him to face the mudslinging. He forces her to keep up the appearances and stay with him so she can play the loving wife and repent on her sins. But Piya drives him crazy with her antics. On the top of that, the attraction between them sizzles and threatens to make him forget reason.
A passionate conflict
Piya knows she has lessons to learn but she cannot let this man enter her heart. There is too much to risk and she cannot afford to forget the real reason she has come back. Success is her mantra and her worship. She can be faithful to only her goal...
- GenresRomance
146 pages, ebook
Published December 15, 2015
15 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Summerita Rhayne
23 books59 followersSummerita Rhayne writes sensual romance which is sheer escapism with lots of emotional conflict. She first got published in 2013 and has won contests with prestigious publishers such as Harlequin and Harper Collins India. Writing, she finds, is the only way to deal with the numerous story ideas bubbling in her brain which pop up more rapidly than her keyboard can do justice to. Her pet belief is that even when writing time is in short supply, if the inspiration is strong enough, the story characters get a life of their own and will find a way to make the writer pen them down. When cerebrally confronted with the sizzling interaction of two Alpha characters, the only way to get peace is write their book!
At heart, she's a family person and even though she loves her medical teaching profession, she happily becomes a homemaker when not at work. She loves winding down with music, movies, cricket (strictly watching only) and social networking.
At heart, she's a family person and even though she loves her medical teaching profession, she happily becomes a homemaker when not at work. She loves winding down with music, movies, cricket (strictly watching only) and social networking.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 18, 2015
It was a very fine read. I loved the chemistry between Arfaaz and Piya and the gradual changeover to true love. The charm of Bollywood is described delightfully by the author. The darkness that often clouds the lives of artists and gets hidden under pretenses and attraction, which often becomes a way of coming up the ladder of success.
The intimate scenes were not overly graphic but were sensual and aesthetic. Just the way I like it. The background stories of two big stars and the undercurrents of Bollywood, I found it all very appealing and beautifully written. The language is simple and hence very much easy to read.
Summerita has weaved a memorable tale.
Recommended if you like sensual romances that boasts of a depth in the storyline.
The intimate scenes were not overly graphic but were sensual and aesthetic. Just the way I like it. The background stories of two big stars and the undercurrents of Bollywood, I found it all very appealing and beautifully written. The language is simple and hence very much easy to read.
Summerita has weaved a memorable tale.
Recommended if you like sensual romances that boasts of a depth in the storyline.
December 16, 2019
This is a well written second chance romance between a Bollywood director and a Bollywood actress. The heroine was hard to like at times, but that was kind of the point I suppose. She acted like a spoiled diva, but her attitude was really born out of insecurity. Overall this was an enjoyable, steamy romance.
June 20, 2016
The story is beautiful and so are the characters. The author has developed the characters in a way that it was very easy for me to feel for them and to understand why they were doing what they were doing. She has effortlessly introduced their upbringing in the story. The palpable chemistry between the estranged couple has been described in a way that I felt moulded into story frame. She has described the feelings of both the characters and the story from their points of view.
The language is simple and the flow is good. The book was unputdownable from the word go. I really want to know what happens after this book. Will there be a sequel to this one.
The language is simple and the flow is good. The book was unputdownable from the word go. I really want to know what happens after this book. Will there be a sequel to this one.
June 26, 2016
Summerita's "More Than Just Desire" has a well developed plot - it is clear that she knows her Bollywood - she uses the information with finesse to generate conflict between Piya and Arfaaz.
The characters are well-rounded: there's good and bad and ugly - well, in Piya's character mostly since Arfaaz is all good, slurpy hot good!
The antagonism between them, and the passion, is very real. Simmering heat is something Summerita does well.
The resolution made me tear-up - it was heartbreakingly honest and touching.
Highly recommended read!
The characters are well-rounded: there's good and bad and ugly - well, in Piya's character mostly since Arfaaz is all good, slurpy hot good!
The antagonism between them, and the passion, is very real. Simmering heat is something Summerita does well.
The resolution made me tear-up - it was heartbreakingly honest and touching.
Highly recommended read!
December 17, 2015
I always enjoy this author's writing. Her style is so fluent and draws you in. With great chemistry between the characters, she leads you on a journey you just have to follow. Recommended.
January 18, 2016
Love is in the Air:
The chemistry and the history between Arfaaz and Piya are apparent from the first page itself. The moment Piya lands in Mumbai, her estranged husband, Arfaaz whisks her off from the airport. What follows is a series of accusations, retributions and reconciliation. Piya was a successful actress and after a gap of three years she now has to make a comeback in the glitzy world of Bollywood and also dissolve her marriage to the only man she had ever loved. Will she be able to achieve either one of them is what forms the storyline of this passionate and romantic story.
The Introduction:
I found the introduction to both the protagonists a bit different than generally is the norm of this genre.
Both have negative shades and for a moment, as a reader, I did wonder where the author is going with the characters. For example, Arfaaz is introduced holding the collars of his own father. Let's keep aside the fact that the father is a drunkard and good for nothing – that itself intrigued me enough to carry on with the story, for I wanted to understand how the character of a romantic story has such a negative quality. On the other hand, Piya’s actions translates to a woman with very loose morals. A woman who has no qualms in flirting with other men in front of her husband or scratching the boyfriends of her friends and colleagues. Certainly, the authors of today have no qualms in displaying their protagonists as human as it can be. No more the fainting virgins thank you.
Unusual characteristics:
Did Ms. Rhayne take a risk is portraying her characters in various shades of grey? Alternatively, were the interwoven subtle displays of love downplayed? For eg.- The reason behind Arfaaz becoming almost bankrupt three years ago. In fact, if I have to weigh in both of them, Arfaaz does stand out as a romantic. Those silent types’ women go mushy over.
As a hard-core romantic, you want to see a redeeming quality in your heroine. One who will come back, to the right path, by the end of the story and you, as a reader can be assured that she would stick to it after the last page of the book is closed. But right now, as I close the book, I'm hoping and praying that Piya does not stray off again.
Emotional turmoil:
I have read all the books written by Ms. Rhayne and always found one quality of her writing very interesting. The passion she brings out between both the characters. The frictions. The quickening of the heartbeats, the passionate kisses to the emotional upheavals all buildup to the moment when the act of declaration of love finally happens.
But in this story amidst all that there is also two stories of two lost souls. Two children who grew into separate homes – but are tied together by the pain and that forms a redeeming quality in both their lives.
I really wish the author had dedicated a few more pages to highlight the backstory of the characters. What can I say? I love few tears in love stories.
Sexual tensions:
Throughout the story, there is a lot of sexual buildup; while that is the motivating factor for the characters to keep on meeting but a lot of concentration was given to this fact rather than the background. We know the reason why Piya is like that or why Arfaaz hates his father. But this journey could have been witnessed by the readers. A journey taken by these two characters and destination point- where they shed their unhappy past forever. As a reader I wanted to know the relationship between the father-in-law and daughter-in-law for in the beginning, the FIL was driving to the airport to meet her. What was the big deal about it and why did Arfaaz stop him? But overall, I must admit that showing your protagonists with all the negative qualities is a very pleasant change.
Can she really redeem herself?
Until the end, I had this doubt if Piya’s character is redeemable since without a second thought and planning she decides to have an affair or rather contemplate to have an affair without taking into consideration any other relationship in her life. Can a person really change even if they are totally in love? Maybe they can or maybe I'm just jaded old hag.
Check out my reason of rating @
http://www.tbcblogtours.com/tbc-blog/...
The chemistry and the history between Arfaaz and Piya are apparent from the first page itself. The moment Piya lands in Mumbai, her estranged husband, Arfaaz whisks her off from the airport. What follows is a series of accusations, retributions and reconciliation. Piya was a successful actress and after a gap of three years she now has to make a comeback in the glitzy world of Bollywood and also dissolve her marriage to the only man she had ever loved. Will she be able to achieve either one of them is what forms the storyline of this passionate and romantic story.
The Introduction:
I found the introduction to both the protagonists a bit different than generally is the norm of this genre.
Both have negative shades and for a moment, as a reader, I did wonder where the author is going with the characters. For example, Arfaaz is introduced holding the collars of his own father. Let's keep aside the fact that the father is a drunkard and good for nothing – that itself intrigued me enough to carry on with the story, for I wanted to understand how the character of a romantic story has such a negative quality. On the other hand, Piya’s actions translates to a woman with very loose morals. A woman who has no qualms in flirting with other men in front of her husband or scratching the boyfriends of her friends and colleagues. Certainly, the authors of today have no qualms in displaying their protagonists as human as it can be. No more the fainting virgins thank you.
Unusual characteristics:
Did Ms. Rhayne take a risk is portraying her characters in various shades of grey? Alternatively, were the interwoven subtle displays of love downplayed? For eg.- The reason behind Arfaaz becoming almost bankrupt three years ago. In fact, if I have to weigh in both of them, Arfaaz does stand out as a romantic. Those silent types’ women go mushy over.
As a hard-core romantic, you want to see a redeeming quality in your heroine. One who will come back, to the right path, by the end of the story and you, as a reader can be assured that she would stick to it after the last page of the book is closed. But right now, as I close the book, I'm hoping and praying that Piya does not stray off again.
Emotional turmoil:
I have read all the books written by Ms. Rhayne and always found one quality of her writing very interesting. The passion she brings out between both the characters. The frictions. The quickening of the heartbeats, the passionate kisses to the emotional upheavals all buildup to the moment when the act of declaration of love finally happens.
But in this story amidst all that there is also two stories of two lost souls. Two children who grew into separate homes – but are tied together by the pain and that forms a redeeming quality in both their lives.
I really wish the author had dedicated a few more pages to highlight the backstory of the characters. What can I say? I love few tears in love stories.
Sexual tensions:
Throughout the story, there is a lot of sexual buildup; while that is the motivating factor for the characters to keep on meeting but a lot of concentration was given to this fact rather than the background. We know the reason why Piya is like that or why Arfaaz hates his father. But this journey could have been witnessed by the readers. A journey taken by these two characters and destination point- where they shed their unhappy past forever. As a reader I wanted to know the relationship between the father-in-law and daughter-in-law for in the beginning, the FIL was driving to the airport to meet her. What was the big deal about it and why did Arfaaz stop him? But overall, I must admit that showing your protagonists with all the negative qualities is a very pleasant change.
Can she really redeem herself?
Until the end, I had this doubt if Piya’s character is redeemable since without a second thought and planning she decides to have an affair or rather contemplate to have an affair without taking into consideration any other relationship in her life. Can a person really change even if they are totally in love? Maybe they can or maybe I'm just jaded old hag.
Check out my reason of rating @
http://www.tbcblogtours.com/tbc-blog/...
June 30, 2016
More Than Just Desire is a book that reiterates the fact that marriage or love needs a lot of work – hard work. It entails understanding, empathy and compromise especially when it involves two damaged and abused people. Writing a romance for perfect characters is easy but to write and justify love for a flawed person is what sets a book apart. More Than Just Desire does that with aplomb!
Afaaz is the strong and silent types, confident, concerned, good looking and determined to save face while trying to keep his distance. Piya, the gorgeous diva who is selfish and a superstar is around to make amends but on her own terms. Arfaaz and Piya have amazing chemistry and they share the need and desire to succeed since both have similar pasts. Their flaws make them hardworking, competitive and passionate about their work and life.
Summerita writes with a lot of passion and love, I have read her Historical romances as well as Against All Rules and find her writing fast, fluid and precise. No unnecessary situations, dramas or slow pages in the books. Each character, each situation has a purpose – to take the love story forward. As in life similarly in her books the focus is on the main characters and how they react. This book is more fun since not only do we read Piya’s version but Arfaaz’s thoughts as well. I loved reading the book as both of them expressed themselves.
The book captures the selfishness, growth and awareness of both Piya and Arfaaz and captures the essence of why a second chance is a good decision many times. They are married but just so and while both have their own reason to get back together, it is not what the other has in mind. How the reasons those bring them together while once threatened to destroy their love forms the crux of the story. Three years apart is a long time to introspect and understand what the heart desires yet quite difficult to accept.
They both agree to do that one last film together and slowly but surely their barriers, confusion, fears and disagreements vanish as they find desire making them do a merry dance. Finally who relents, who owns up and who apologizes? Who confesses love and who is eternally in love? You have to read the book for these revelations! A passionate, mature love story.
(I got a copy of the eBook from Kindle/Amazon.com and this is my honest opinion.)
Afaaz is the strong and silent types, confident, concerned, good looking and determined to save face while trying to keep his distance. Piya, the gorgeous diva who is selfish and a superstar is around to make amends but on her own terms. Arfaaz and Piya have amazing chemistry and they share the need and desire to succeed since both have similar pasts. Their flaws make them hardworking, competitive and passionate about their work and life.
Summerita writes with a lot of passion and love, I have read her Historical romances as well as Against All Rules and find her writing fast, fluid and precise. No unnecessary situations, dramas or slow pages in the books. Each character, each situation has a purpose – to take the love story forward. As in life similarly in her books the focus is on the main characters and how they react. This book is more fun since not only do we read Piya’s version but Arfaaz’s thoughts as well. I loved reading the book as both of them expressed themselves.
The book captures the selfishness, growth and awareness of both Piya and Arfaaz and captures the essence of why a second chance is a good decision many times. They are married but just so and while both have their own reason to get back together, it is not what the other has in mind. How the reasons those bring them together while once threatened to destroy their love forms the crux of the story. Three years apart is a long time to introspect and understand what the heart desires yet quite difficult to accept.
They both agree to do that one last film together and slowly but surely their barriers, confusion, fears and disagreements vanish as they find desire making them do a merry dance. Finally who relents, who owns up and who apologizes? Who confesses love and who is eternally in love? You have to read the book for these revelations! A passionate, mature love story.
(I got a copy of the eBook from Kindle/Amazon.com and this is my honest opinion.)
April 20, 2016
A B-World saga with a tryst of vengeance, intimacy and sensual romance makes More Than Just Desire a hot selling proposal set against the backdrop of the Hindi film industry and the big bad world of Mumbai. On one hand, there is glamor and the crazy desire to make it big in filmdom and on the other hand, the complexity of an odd relationship thriving solely on ‘Friends with Benefits’ kinda relationship ruse that gets more complicated when the women you want to settle scores with is a sensual siren, causing a rush of adrenaline in your senses. Can it get more complicated than that?
Author Summerita Rhayne takes you on a heart-pounding journey exploring the complexity of an ego-ridden relationship coupled with arousal and fire of intimacy between her protagonists. The result is simply scintillating as she unearths the complexity of human relationships in their quest to make it big where no reason is good enough, even if it means walking on each other’s toes.
The book, ‘More Than Just’ Desire is a tale of sleeping with the enemy where Summerita Rhayne explores an already ‘dead’ and ‘done’ relationship to boost the ego trip of Piya, a sultry heroine and Arfaaz, a film director. The author has chosen a unique theme based on a couple who called it quits and to be reunited in the most wayward manner. The characters, Piya and Arfaaz were husband and wife till the latter cheated on him. In reality, both of them are foes who have no qualm of being used by each other and after all, they are compelled to survive together. The culprit: divorce papers. The story gets as fancier where the author injects a certain realism but the novel never loses its steam.
The author, Summerita Rhayne’s forte lies in the fact that she always comes up with a uniquely different but compelling subject that engrosses her readers. Her latest offering More Than Just Desire is crisply written and explores the relationship between Arfaan and Piya in a boldly sensitive manner.
Full review on: https://vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com/2...
Author Summerita Rhayne takes you on a heart-pounding journey exploring the complexity of an ego-ridden relationship coupled with arousal and fire of intimacy between her protagonists. The result is simply scintillating as she unearths the complexity of human relationships in their quest to make it big where no reason is good enough, even if it means walking on each other’s toes.
The book, ‘More Than Just’ Desire is a tale of sleeping with the enemy where Summerita Rhayne explores an already ‘dead’ and ‘done’ relationship to boost the ego trip of Piya, a sultry heroine and Arfaaz, a film director. The author has chosen a unique theme based on a couple who called it quits and to be reunited in the most wayward manner. The characters, Piya and Arfaaz were husband and wife till the latter cheated on him. In reality, both of them are foes who have no qualm of being used by each other and after all, they are compelled to survive together. The culprit: divorce papers. The story gets as fancier where the author injects a certain realism but the novel never loses its steam.
The author, Summerita Rhayne’s forte lies in the fact that she always comes up with a uniquely different but compelling subject that engrosses her readers. Her latest offering More Than Just Desire is crisply written and explores the relationship between Arfaan and Piya in a boldly sensitive manner.
Full review on: https://vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com/2...
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May 31, 2016 Note : This Review has been published in my blog - Book and Ink
Bollywood and that title – Just enough to grab my attention. I had read the previous book by this writer which was a historical fiction - the stories are virtually incomparable that way.
Plotline
The plot line is more of a realistic glimpse into the life of a typical celebrity. Does being a successful actress mean that she shouldn’t have humane feelings and commit mistakes just like a common man? Piya our protagonist, walked away from her marriage with the brilliant and handsome director Arfaaz. Now she is back – is it for good? Why is she here? – These are the conflicts which the writer has turned into a story – a pretty good story. The story was paced quite evenly but still had my attention. By evenly paced I meant, one high was followed by a low and the same was repeated. Typically this kind of pacing would be boring, but the writer surprised me by keeping both the highs and lows interesting. I really had to finish reading the story in one go.
Characterization and Writing
For some reason I felt a world of a difference between the historical fiction I read by this writer and this book. This story was packed with passion and deep emotions. What started as a light yet passionate banter turned into a heavyset intense emotional dialogue. The sensual scenes were “Sensual” as intended and didn’t seem erotic at all. To me, there is a world of a difference between being sensual and erotic. With crackling chemistry between the protagonists and spot on characterization, the book was a treat. The characters blew hot and cold over each other - this was executed realistically. My only qualm would be the lack of elaboration on Arfaaz’s family and Piya’s extended family from her roots.
MY SAY: Sensual read. Crackling story line with the right fireworks in play.
RATING: 4/5
Bollywood and that title – Just enough to grab my attention. I had read the previous book by this writer which was a historical fiction - the stories are virtually incomparable that way.
Plotline
The plot line is more of a realistic glimpse into the life of a typical celebrity. Does being a successful actress mean that she shouldn’t have humane feelings and commit mistakes just like a common man? Piya our protagonist, walked away from her marriage with the brilliant and handsome director Arfaaz. Now she is back – is it for good? Why is she here? – These are the conflicts which the writer has turned into a story – a pretty good story. The story was paced quite evenly but still had my attention. By evenly paced I meant, one high was followed by a low and the same was repeated. Typically this kind of pacing would be boring, but the writer surprised me by keeping both the highs and lows interesting. I really had to finish reading the story in one go.
Characterization and Writing
For some reason I felt a world of a difference between the historical fiction I read by this writer and this book. This story was packed with passion and deep emotions. What started as a light yet passionate banter turned into a heavyset intense emotional dialogue. The sensual scenes were “Sensual” as intended and didn’t seem erotic at all. To me, there is a world of a difference between being sensual and erotic. With crackling chemistry between the protagonists and spot on characterization, the book was a treat. The characters blew hot and cold over each other - this was executed realistically. My only qualm would be the lack of elaboration on Arfaaz’s family and Piya’s extended family from her roots.
MY SAY: Sensual read. Crackling story line with the right fireworks in play.
RATING: 4/5
December 21, 2015
I had already read two books by this author and loved them a lot, but those were historical romances, so I was curious to see how I’d like one of her contemporary romances. I have to say I loved this book too, although her novels with the strong-willed princesses will remain my favourite.
The story’s title is very apt. There is a lot of forbidden and unwanted desire, sometimes tamed, sometimes unbridled, sometimes of the hot-and-cold, love-and-hate kind. And then there’s so much more. I really enjoyed the dynamics between stubborn but forlorn, sassy but vulnerable Piya and confident but lonely, charming but bitter Arfaaz. Sometimes I wanted to pick them up and bash their heads together or bash my own head against the desk because they were going round in circles or ruining what they had just built up, but that was part of the enjoyment. All emotions and situations seemed very credible. This book sizzled with energy and ‘more than just desire’, and it was a gripping read from start to finish. The way Bollywood was woven into the love story of the unlikely couple was the icing on the cake. The book read much like a drama or Bollywood movie, all scenes so vivid they played out in my head. The sensual scenes were a hot treat to read, as I have come to appreciate it from Summerity Rhayne.
If you like romances where the characters are full of flaws and picked out of life yet somehow also larger than life and magical, and where conflict abounds but the good times more than make up for it, you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did. Now I really want to read “Against All Rules”, the other contemporary romance by this author.
The story’s title is very apt. There is a lot of forbidden and unwanted desire, sometimes tamed, sometimes unbridled, sometimes of the hot-and-cold, love-and-hate kind. And then there’s so much more. I really enjoyed the dynamics between stubborn but forlorn, sassy but vulnerable Piya and confident but lonely, charming but bitter Arfaaz. Sometimes I wanted to pick them up and bash their heads together or bash my own head against the desk because they were going round in circles or ruining what they had just built up, but that was part of the enjoyment. All emotions and situations seemed very credible. This book sizzled with energy and ‘more than just desire’, and it was a gripping read from start to finish. The way Bollywood was woven into the love story of the unlikely couple was the icing on the cake. The book read much like a drama or Bollywood movie, all scenes so vivid they played out in my head. The sensual scenes were a hot treat to read, as I have come to appreciate it from Summerity Rhayne.
If you like romances where the characters are full of flaws and picked out of life yet somehow also larger than life and magical, and where conflict abounds but the good times more than make up for it, you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did. Now I really want to read “Against All Rules”, the other contemporary romance by this author.
May 29, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is another first-time author for me and I didn't know what to expect from her book. I went in blind and for that, I am happy because if I had any expectations I surely would not have enjoyed it as much as I did.
The characters were unlike any other I have read. Usually, an author portrays the protagonists mostly in a good light. But this author is different. She keeps her characters realistic enough with her various shades of grey in their characteristics. I was totally unprepared for it. At the beginning, I was almost ready to hate both Piya and Arfaaz with their negativity but I am glad I stuck it out. They were slowly redeemed and though they don't get all rosy at the end, at least they turn into very intriguing individuals. But I felt that there were few parts where the author could have added more information about the heroine and the hero. Piya was sassy and a bit dark while Arfaaz was strong and bold. Both of them had my total attention till the end.
The setting was glitzy, obviously, since it is set in Bollywood. It showed every nuance of Bollywood and the way the lives are in that part of the country. It all added a very gritty but colourful look to the story. The romance was very sensual between the protagonists. I literally felt the heat and the author has given it the right touch without overdoing it.
The author knows how to engage a reader with her romance and it was a treat to read with its fascinating plot. I can recommend it to the romance lovers out there.
My rating : 4.5/5
This is another first-time author for me and I didn't know what to expect from her book. I went in blind and for that, I am happy because if I had any expectations I surely would not have enjoyed it as much as I did.
The characters were unlike any other I have read. Usually, an author portrays the protagonists mostly in a good light. But this author is different. She keeps her characters realistic enough with her various shades of grey in their characteristics. I was totally unprepared for it. At the beginning, I was almost ready to hate both Piya and Arfaaz with their negativity but I am glad I stuck it out. They were slowly redeemed and though they don't get all rosy at the end, at least they turn into very intriguing individuals. But I felt that there were few parts where the author could have added more information about the heroine and the hero. Piya was sassy and a bit dark while Arfaaz was strong and bold. Both of them had my total attention till the end.
The setting was glitzy, obviously, since it is set in Bollywood. It showed every nuance of Bollywood and the way the lives are in that part of the country. It all added a very gritty but colourful look to the story. The romance was very sensual between the protagonists. I literally felt the heat and the author has given it the right touch without overdoing it.
The author knows how to engage a reader with her romance and it was a treat to read with its fascinating plot. I can recommend it to the romance lovers out there.
My rating : 4.5/5
June 2, 2017
I have read a few books by this author, and this is so far, my favorite one by her.
Firstly, the premise of this book is interesting. It's the story of a marriage, which was entered into for all the wrong reasons, though it eventually develops into something truly wonderful.
But the journey to happily-ever-after is ridden with guilt, conflict, and a world of hurt, which by the way, the author has handled masterfully.
Also this tale has a Bollywood backdrop, which I loved, as it made everything so much more interesting.
This book features all the things I usually enjoy about this author's writing - multi dimensional characters, fast paced narration, and a passionate love story, but all these elements truly shine in this tale.
For instance, the protagonists in this book have significant shades of grey, and it's always a slippery slope to write about such characters, it's far easier writing about likable, perfect models. But Ms. Rhayne takes on the challenge, and delivers.
She is able to get the readers to not only connect with her characters, but also to empathize and root for them. And considering some of the things the female lead had done, this was no mean feat.
Also, like I mentioned earlier, this story was especially fast paced, with several twists and turns in the tale, so there was never a dull moment, and the passion meter was definitely at its highest in this one.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and would definitely recommend it to folks who enjoy sensual romances.
Firstly, the premise of this book is interesting. It's the story of a marriage, which was entered into for all the wrong reasons, though it eventually develops into something truly wonderful.
But the journey to happily-ever-after is ridden with guilt, conflict, and a world of hurt, which by the way, the author has handled masterfully.
Also this tale has a Bollywood backdrop, which I loved, as it made everything so much more interesting.
This book features all the things I usually enjoy about this author's writing - multi dimensional characters, fast paced narration, and a passionate love story, but all these elements truly shine in this tale.
For instance, the protagonists in this book have significant shades of grey, and it's always a slippery slope to write about such characters, it's far easier writing about likable, perfect models. But Ms. Rhayne takes on the challenge, and delivers.
She is able to get the readers to not only connect with her characters, but also to empathize and root for them. And considering some of the things the female lead had done, this was no mean feat.
Also, like I mentioned earlier, this story was especially fast paced, with several twists and turns in the tale, so there was never a dull moment, and the passion meter was definitely at its highest in this one.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and would definitely recommend it to folks who enjoy sensual romances.
April 13, 2016
I liked the different-ness of the book; set in Mumbai, More Than Just Desire is a story about a couple that finds love after marriage. The woman has to choose between her ambition (her line of work favours “undomesticated” women) and the man, he has to choose between his need for revenge and his feelings for her.
The book starts very well, and particularly in the beginning I struggled to put down.
I also like that part of the story is the heroine’s internal conflict, and that in the end she has a change of heart.
Some of the dialogue was witty in a caustic way: “With makeup like that anyone would cry,” the heroine says, although it is she who has caused the tears.
I did find this novel info-dumpy, especially on the part of the female lead. I’d rather have seen the main characters’ motivations and emotions through their actions and reactions than hearing their internal dialogue.
I also wish I had seen more India in the story: sights, smells and cultural practices. I'd have especially loved to read more about India’s movie industry, which the story revolves around.
I think my criticism is basically that I think the author could have done more.
The grammar and spelling in the book are impressive. Always a good thing.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts very well, and particularly in the beginning I struggled to put down.
I also like that part of the story is the heroine’s internal conflict, and that in the end she has a change of heart.
Some of the dialogue was witty in a caustic way: “With makeup like that anyone would cry,” the heroine says, although it is she who has caused the tears.
I did find this novel info-dumpy, especially on the part of the female lead. I’d rather have seen the main characters’ motivations and emotions through their actions and reactions than hearing their internal dialogue.
I also wish I had seen more India in the story: sights, smells and cultural practices. I'd have especially loved to read more about India’s movie industry, which the story revolves around.
I think my criticism is basically that I think the author could have done more.
The grammar and spelling in the book are impressive. Always a good thing.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2016
It started a bit slow and predictable for me with run-of-the-mill romance between an obsessive aggressive man and flighty commitment-phobic woman. Romance and humor seemed a bit forced at a couple of places. Perhaps I didn't find the two characters likeable enough to be interested in the beginning. Or there were more instances of tell than show. However, by the middle of the book, the writing picked up and I wanted to know more about how the two became what they became. I thought I might be asking too much from a predominantly romance novel but was more or less satisfied with the answers I got, although a few things like Piya's transformation and life during the three years away and spiritual leanings weren't explored. The characters grow on you as you digest the well-written details of their personality. Mid-novel when they settle into happy co-existence, you fear for what might unpredictably happen to them because you know that while the desire is strong, closure to personality issues is not within sight. This is where one realizes that the whole purpose of romance books is to use erotic love to understand human complexities. As i grew up mostly on western romance books, I find summerita's stories more deep and meaningful with their unusual but relatable Indian characters than the original mills&boon variety.
June 18, 2016
Piya lands in Mumbai after having fled to Boston three years ago, leaving behind a successful and glamorous career in Bollywood. She had a marriage of convenience with Arfaaz, a film director. She however didn’t want to be tied down and left him for another man. When Piya came down to Mumbai she was whisked off from the airport by Arfaaz. What does he want? Revenge? Is their love in their hearts? Will they reconcile and consider letting bygones be bygones? Or would Piya want to climb the success ladder in the alluring and bewitching movie industry?
What got me hooked to the story was the depth of the main characters- Piya and Arfaaz. Every human being has a dark side and the author was successful in depicting the emotions with profundity and ease. Typical Bollywood scenarios like gossips, papparazi, the costumes were accurately explained. The flow of the story was good and as a reader, I could find myself understanding the characters more as the pages were turned. That said, there is a love-hate relationship I had with them (not necessarily int he right order). But, you would definitely love the ‘imperfections’.
This is my second book by Summerita and though I liked this one... Read more here: https://taleoftwotomatoes.wordpress.c...
What got me hooked to the story was the depth of the main characters- Piya and Arfaaz. Every human being has a dark side and the author was successful in depicting the emotions with profundity and ease. Typical Bollywood scenarios like gossips, papparazi, the costumes were accurately explained. The flow of the story was good and as a reader, I could find myself understanding the characters more as the pages were turned. That said, there is a love-hate relationship I had with them (not necessarily int he right order). But, you would definitely love the ‘imperfections’.
This is my second book by Summerita and though I liked this one... Read more here: https://taleoftwotomatoes.wordpress.c...
December 31, 2015
This is the first book I'm reading by Summerita Rhayne and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised by the author's work. Arfaaz as the hero is the kind of guy you fall for immediately. He's gorgeous, powerful and has every quality in between that makes him the perfect package. Having said that however, it is the heroine Piya who holds your attention. Starting off as negative and then moving in to shades of grey that slowly uncover her rationale beyond her otherwise difficult to understand actions, Piya as a character shows tremendous growth through the book. I was very impressed by how Summerita made a completely unrelatable character relatable. A tough task at the best of times. The story is set in Bollywood and lends itself to all the glamour, intrigue and deception that populates these tales. It holds your interest and progresses at a rapid pace that doesn't leave any room for boredom. My only feedback would be that I would have liked to have had more insight into Arfaaz's attraction and passion for Piya. What made him fall in love with her beyond the obvious? Other than that, I enjoyed the book. Thoroughly!
June 5, 2016
More than just desire is a passionate romance written by sensuous and historical romance writer Summerita .I have lost the count… I am fascinated at the way in which she keeps her readers hooked on to her stories .More than just desire is one such book served to us with some of her special ingredients like love , lust , throwing attitude and behaving independently .
‘Piya’ the female protagonist of this book is strong with a lot of fears pent-up in her heart. How she handles it by signing a bond with her husband Arfaaz and so on … is cool to read. More than just desire now has become a good read book in my TBR list because writing a scene of conflict is very though for any person as conflicting emotions like good vs bad and divine vs devil should be written in right proportion , then only the book sells like hot cakes in the market . I love Arfaaz protectiveness towards his wife Piya .
The situations and dialogues are crisp like a paper roast .It is a great book to read . Summerita you have a way to make readers like me yearn for more…. Good Luck Madame Authoress.
‘Piya’ the female protagonist of this book is strong with a lot of fears pent-up in her heart. How she handles it by signing a bond with her husband Arfaaz and so on … is cool to read. More than just desire now has become a good read book in my TBR list because writing a scene of conflict is very though for any person as conflicting emotions like good vs bad and divine vs devil should be written in right proportion , then only the book sells like hot cakes in the market . I love Arfaaz protectiveness towards his wife Piya .
The situations and dialogues are crisp like a paper roast .It is a great book to read . Summerita you have a way to make readers like me yearn for more…. Good Luck Madame Authoress.
December 22, 2015
More Than Just Desire does full justice to Summerita Rhayne’s brand of sensuous romance. The author effortlessly pulls you into the glamorous world of Arfaaz and Piya.
Set in the back drop of India’s film industry, Bollywood; MTJD takes us through an emotional journey of Piya. A top actor—a Diva to millions—had abandoned everything to seek peace in life and discover herself. But as they you can never ignore your inner calling; she comes back to Mumbai. Arfaaz, the handsome director, her estranged husband, comes to know about her return and plots to meet her and make her pay for leaving him in a soup. And the drama begins.
The author has painted a sophisticated picture of mechanics of Bollywood and that’s the USP of the book. I loved the setting and the way Arfaaz is portrayed in the story. Summerita narration is smooth and entertaining giving us a peep into Piya’s tumultuous childhood and to why Piya is the way she is.
Highly entertaining, a recommended read for all romance lovers.
Set in the back drop of India’s film industry, Bollywood; MTJD takes us through an emotional journey of Piya. A top actor—a Diva to millions—had abandoned everything to seek peace in life and discover herself. But as they you can never ignore your inner calling; she comes back to Mumbai. Arfaaz, the handsome director, her estranged husband, comes to know about her return and plots to meet her and make her pay for leaving him in a soup. And the drama begins.
The author has painted a sophisticated picture of mechanics of Bollywood and that’s the USP of the book. I loved the setting and the way Arfaaz is portrayed in the story. Summerita narration is smooth and entertaining giving us a peep into Piya’s tumultuous childhood and to why Piya is the way she is.
Highly entertaining, a recommended read for all romance lovers.
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July 14, 2016Book Review: More than Just Desire by Summerita Rhayne
How does divorce, revenge, atonement figure for both Piya and Arfaaz along with combating the sizzling attraction between them they both are not averse to? You can find all the synonyms of hot & red in these pages :D
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