Like a Love Song

by Nikita Singh

Love is a many-flavoured thing: it can go from vanilla to rainbow sprinkles in the blink of an eye.

Four years ago, Maahi s heart was broken into so many pieces that it looked like she might never put it back together again. Yet time has healed her wounds, and she has found her true calling and even a dash or romance. But when the past comes knocking on her door, threatening to shatter a life she has carefully rebuilt, her world is turned upside-down. What will Maahi do when she is torn between her head and her heart?

Emotionally charged and vivid, Like a Love Song is about the sort of love that consumes and sears you ... and the healing powers of true passion.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Indian Literature, Love, Contemporary

280 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2017

About the author

Nikita Singh is the bestselling author of eleven novels, including Letters to My Ex, Every Time It Rains and Like a Love Song. She is also the editor of the collections of short stories 25 Strokes of Kindness and The Turning Point.

After working in the book publishing industry in New Delhi for a few years, she got her MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) at The New School in New York. Invested in the fight against climate change, she handles marketing for a solar energy company based in Brooklyn.

Nikita is a digital nomad, currently obsessed with travel, tea and thrillers. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and Twitter (@singh_nikita).

Reviews

[Preethi Venugopala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of Nikita Singh that I am reading. The first was Love@Facebook which I didn't like much.
Her growth as a writer is clearly visible in this new book.
Mahi's story can be a lesson to be learned for the young girls of today. The book is written in simple language and is clearly aimed at today's youth.
Recommended if you like light reads.

[Ajay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikita singh growing as a writer and changing her style like a boss. I read this book in span of 3 weeks. I'm a slow reader. its a light yet emotional rollercosater. Amazing book. I enjoyed it and got insides over how a female mind works. such an inspiring yet amazing story. now off to buy every time it rains. I missed meeting the author when she was in my city but next time I'm gonna meet her and thank her for writing a great love story which doesn't involve much vomit inducing love cliches. In fact its a story about a girls shot of doing what she loves. take a bow you literary beauty. its like it is a love story but there is something better. *high five for the darth vader t-shirt*

[Abeer Hoque · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like a Love Song is the first of Nikita Singh’s many best selling romance novels that I’ve picked up. Released in 2017 in the US, LaLS follows a young woman, Maahi, crashing and burning out of college in Bangalore after a failed romance. She returns to her hometown outside Delhi, and rebuilds her life, slowly, precariously, deliciously, embarking on a baking adventure and a new romance, making lively friends, reconnecting with a sarcastic younger brother, and of course, dealing with the standard set of judgmental controlling Desi parents and aunties. I loved how ordinary and down to earth and relatable the protagonist was. The fights she has, the mistakes she makes, the lashing out and the apologies - all of it rang true, often painfully. Ms. Singh honors diverse relationships in her writing, not just the romantic ones. Parental, sibling, friendships with both genders - all of it is tenderly detailed. LaLS is a quick read - I read it in one sitting - and satisfying for both its formulaic and surprising twists and turns.

[Yashika Ahuja · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Like a Love Song by Nikita Singh was quite light and easy read. I finished reading it in a couple of sittings. It was the first time I ever read anything by this author and I was kinda reluctant to buy this book but the cover was pretty and I couldn't help my myself from pre-ordering it.
The story according to me wasn't so great. I was expecting more and something extraordinary from it but I was disappointed. The ending was even worse for me. :(
I couldn't feel connected to the writing style either. There was a lot of repetition of stuff and I didn't mind skipping some of the sentences.
I liked Laila's character better than Maahi's. I just couldn't connect to her and she is portrayed to be so confused (which I don't really mind) that it got me confused as well. I mean I just couldn't figure out she is really like.
I really tried to like this book and gave myself a lot of reasons to like it for example : people here are chasing their dreams which is awesome, right?
But sadly nothing changed my mind and I am the only person so far who gave this book such low rating and review :P
I feel quite 'meh' about it but if you don't have anything else to do or you want a break and want to read something light maybe this could book come in handy.

[Anmol Bhatia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm more into reading Indian authors & Nikita Singh is one of my favourite. The ride from beginning of the book to the end has charmed me. I'm just too bewildered. It had been a long time I hadn't read any good book. I am satisfied now. The story, the characters, the theme of the book & yes, the book cover itself! Everything of these make this book sooo effin' amazing. How finding a dream & leaving behind past is difficult, I learnt too much to contemplate. I love Nikita Singh & this book is just more than anyone can ask for!

To read the full review:
http://its-allaboutbooks.blogspot.in/...

[Rohit Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept is good, and Nikita has evolved tremendously as a writer. But, somehow, as a reader I felt the story lacked pace. It was slow and soporific. But, still, I liked the book for its honesty and simplicity.

[G. K. Malathi · Rating 1 out of 5]

WTF did I just read.

[Hema Dadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like A Love Song is the 3rd book i have read from Nikita Singh's . I really liked the book the way of writing style is very simple & Simple storyline with lots of emotions.nice start in middle little bit bore bur end is pretty good but
Honestly, I was expecting a happy ending, like in every novel, and since this wasnt such a happy ending one, it made the book even more better.
Loved the book nikita maam..
one of the best books of urs books

[Kavya Janani U. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a book written by Nikita Singh. So, I am not going to judge the book based on her previous writing. Many have said that she has improved as a writer. But for me, this is her first writing and I am going to consider it from that perspective. Well, to begin with, Like a Love Song is much similar to other candyfloss books in the Indian writing scenario. The book contains ample dosage of love, friendship, heartbreak, self-discovery and struggle. What’s more! Nikita sprinkles some humor here and there, which makes the book a lighthearted read. The way in which she develops the plot is quiet interesting. She divides the book into parts and each part ends on an anticipatory note. The protagonist Maahi is not flawless. She struggles, commits mistakes, faces her fears and discovers herself through her troubles. A few women can easily relate to her. Especially the dilemma of not knowing what you really want has been portrayed with the right depth. But I wonder whether any girl would discontinue her studies just for the sake of a breakup, given the story is set in a contemporary era. Are women that vulnerable that they can leave everything just because a man broke their heart? Maybe Nikita could have justified it by telling that Maahi loathed engineering and she had to discontinue it. That act of Maahi was unsatisfactory.

Moving on to the other characters, Laila as the best friend of Maahi was convincing. She was peppered with apt suaveness and she came across as a sassy yet responsible girl. The characterizations of Kishan, Siddhant and Sarthak were cat on the wall, neither greater nor lesser. Especially Siddhanth’s revelation after Maahi reveals about her escapade with Kishan was written weakly. Meanwhile, Kishan’s chameleonic character left the right impact.

The main theme – baking – was interwoven excellently along with the plot, with yummy cupcakes dominating most of the book. The romance was also not forced, it seemed to gently flow along with the story. One great relief was that there was no overload of expletives. However, I felt that sometimes the pace of the story was tad boring. Nikita could have reduced a few unwanted details and made the plot little more crisper. Otherwise the narration was excellent. I was not thoroughly impressed with the ending. I felt like the loose ends were not properly tied up. Maybe Nikita has planned to write a sequel. Only time will tell.

Overall, Like a Love Song makes for a lovey-dovey read on your vacation or on your daily commute to work. Though there is nothing unique about the story, it can be enjoyed for Nikita’s style of writing.

[Book Reviews & Promotion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has brought about one more mind boggling and heart racing book
I have read her earlier books
The story is sweet, slow and passionate.The unique thing about the book is, it doesn't start with a slow pace and end with BANG!

The story revolves around the protagonist Maahi.
Born and raised in Ghaziabad,Maahi was having trouble adjusting to life in south India.
She convinced herself that all she needed was time.
She falls in love with kishan.
But the bond between them didn't worked.Soon relationship ended.Kishan left without saying a word her. Devoid of any emotion .Gunjan was broken.
The experience completely tranformed the way she looked at love and life.

The book was splendid in its plot development, character development and story line.
The beauty of the book lies in its narration and infusion of honest thoughts at certain situation.
Blowing my mind away with this amazing piece of work.

I would rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Vamsidhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is not always magical rainbows and unicorns. When real life happens shit hits the fan screwing with everything that was built. This is the story of Maahi, a girl whose break-up made her on the other side of world in finding her passion only to bring back those old moments resulting in a crazy situation.
The writing is very authentic, humorous yet so emotional. Nikita Singh took a huge leap of improvement from her previous works. Hope her future works are even better.

[Shriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Nikita Singh has become my favourite Indian romance author. I'm really impressed with her writing style and the story captured my imagination. I never found it to be predictable. Maahi is a likeable character. In fact everyone is. I hope there's a sequel. This isn't enough for me! I look forward to reading more books by Nikita.

If you're open minded and wanting to try a raising author from India I highly recommend Nikita Singh.

[Avni Desai · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate this book and I could not relate to the female protagonist of the book. Why did I even buy this. The girl broke up and left the college and went back and excepts her parents to understand who have zero knowledge about her relationship. Her parents just wanted her to focus on her career she has problems with that too.
I feel bad for siddhant too, he was loyal to her and she literally cheated on him. Here was zero character development.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't a bad read, it's just not very good. It's chicklit to be sure and a quick read but I had a hard time engaging with the characters and I'm not sure why. I think this would have benefited from an editorial scrub before it was reissued in the US. THanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.

[Sulagna Ghosh · Rating 1 out of 5]

A "2 Broke Girls" spinoff. Complete disaster.

[Bhuvan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last 80pages are good. just a time killer. was Better than expected !!

[Payal Banik · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, this is not my genre. One of my friends gifted it to me so I read it. It might be okay for people who love reading chicklits. Though I didn't like it much so rated it as one star.

[FairyxA · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you can complete reading this whole book ,you might as well survive a disaster.
This book bored the heck outta me.I regret having bought this book.

[MAHI JAIN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh mine......this book.....give me a mixed emotions in everything.....What Maahi did was actually bad.....means literally how can she just go to her ex just because she needed someone and when her boyfriend wasnt available she went back to her ex for hanging.....she from starting knows what Kishan intention was....so why she allowed him back to her life....But at the ending the way she shouted on Kishan was fantastic and proud moment....And good she got to realize her mistake at end.....Siddhant he was sweet and lovable guy.....he was always genuine with maahi from starting which actually takes my heart....I believe that the people who really want to try will do anything to be together even than how much efforts it take....so if maahi and Siddhant give their relation a second try....I possibly hope it would have worked better...And my Most favorite side characters Rohit, Sarthak and Laila....were always amazing with get humor....I wished the author have shown more friendship bond between maahi and Rohit........Laila was so strong and independent women.....I understand her frustration on maahi at that point....But she really cared alot about her and one of the bestest bestfriend anyone can have!!.....Will love to read her story [Everytime it rains]...Sarthak was good and reliable brother.....I actually love the story as I can't keep it down while reading....I give one less star because I really wanted maahi and Siddhant to be together.....But I highly appreciate the author for beautifully describing Indian locality ,culture and thoughts we as kids have and want to talk to our parents....Maahi growth from beginning to ending was marvellous....Finding something she really loves baking and generously working so hard for it ......This also taught us we literally can do whatever we want....just it take little passion,determination, consistency and ofcourse courage to make it true in real life!!!

[Shreya Pandey · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5 Stars)

I realized I haven't read a lot of (read: any) contemporary Indian Romances and considering I'm trying to write one myself, I decided I'll start reading 'em, just to get a sense of what's out there. It's supposed to be a DOs & DONTs kinda thing for me (but mostly DONTs.) After reading this book, I realized why I'd steered clear of Contemporary India Romances for so long.

The main character was annoying but believable. The rest of the characters were fine. This book's only strong points: that its characters seemed believable with proper history, ambitions, desires, fears, insecurities etc. Although there's still a lot of room for improvement. I also appreciated that the issues, though sometimes a little forced and unnecessary, were realistic. The dialogue work was fine at places. The writing style was basic, maybe even a little dull. The plot was the weakest point of this novel though. It was slow, some of it was unnecessary (uh, please refer to Aristotle's principle of unity of action!) The author, it seems, hasn't been able to decide what she wants out of this book. Is it supposed to be a ChickLit or a Romance? She focuses too much attention on events and details that don't hold weight but skims over the essentials. This book lacked intensity which tampered with the depth it could have achieved if the author had focused and written about certain events properly.

Disappointed!

[dikhya mohanty · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story is about ‘Maahi’ who was in a relationship but abruptly the guy broke up and she struggles for four years and later she changes herself and move forward. While struggling with what exactly to do with her career she met Siddharth and fall in love. But then her past comes around to haunt her...

Finishing three books of Nikita Singh was very difficult for me... Not just the writing but either of the characters makes sense and sometimes are so irritating that you just wanna turn the page and get over with it.

Unlike her other books, this one also doesn’t satisfy enough even if you just wanna kill the time. The story is basic, the characters are bland, and there is no depth in the plot. ‘Maahi’ as the protagonist is so silly and stupid that I just that if I would have met someone like her then seriously I would have just punched her. Her reactions, her relationship with her parents and even her love angle are so boring that the audience will never connect with her. Even when she was heartbroken I didn’t sympathy at all, rather felt like giving her a tight slap for behaving like a four-year kid.

As I have mentioned earlier in the previous reviews, not waste your money and energy reading this book. There is nothing unique about the story, lots of loose ends, no character development and a lame love story.

Stars- 1/5

[Sonam Shukla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't heard good things about this book but I personally love this book it's a refreshing love story. This was the second book of Nikita Singh which I read read and I must say I quite like her content. I would say Nikita has grown as a writer.
In this book, the main character Maahi's heart was shattered into tiny pieces in the past.but as we say time is the best healer and so time has healed her wounds. Now she is very passionate about her work and her friend laila also supports her in every every condition.while working towards her dreams she finds love. We can all the lesson from Mahi lesson from Mahi story and for that you have to read the book. We can all learn a lesson from Maahi's story and for the same you have to read the book.

[Abhishek Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikita Singh like a love song is a simple story with lots of emotions. The main characters of this book are Maahi and Laila. This novel shows us the hardships Maahi goes through to come out successful from his journey and Laila played an important part in this journey of Maahi. Like a love song is about the sort of love that consumes and sears you. Checkout this article i found online about best Nikita Singh Books.https://dailybugle.in/nikita-singh-bo...

[Nishtha Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of Mahi, a girl with a perplexed mind. Don't know what she actually wants from life. Her first love ditched her and then she left her engineering in the midst, flying back to Vaishali all the way from Bangalore.. Left her parents in shock.
Then she finally found out her talent, also that she loves baking cupcakes. Amid that she fell in love again and discovered herself.. Transformed herself from a perplexed girl to a confident and ambitious woman.

[Ayesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a Love Song is beautiful story of mahi.... like any other person she struggle a lot to follow her dream and follow her heart... her brother and her best friend helped a lot to follow her dream.....her parents resist in starting but they convinced after some time......amazing story grab it...................

[Booked By Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the first book I read written by Nikita Singh.
I didn't like the book because it didn't meet my expectations as I had high expectations from the title . I thought it would be special but unfortunately it was like an ordinary love story.
Although I didn't like the book still I like the way of writing. It's a light read book and is written in a simple language.

[Adv. Vandana Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. I would love to give it 5/5 stars. The story is very well-written. The language used is simple and easy to understand. I liked the writing style of the author. The book cover is attractive and the title is apt. I would recommend it to everyone.

[Kirti Changlani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loveeeeeddddd itttttt.
I had read part 3 before, so I somewhat knew what would happen in the end. But it rather broke me heart! She weaves something so beautiful in a simple story. Her books truly hold a magic!

[Partha Pratim Bhuyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book seems like a true story. Things that happen in love, career and how people accidently find their true calling. While reading it you feel its the story of someone you know. Kudos to Nikita Singh for writing such a realistic story.

[Vaishnavi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's ok as far as the language goes. The plot leaves much to be desired. A waste of words..