Rihana is a painter who is trying to find inspiration in love. Zara is a businesswoman trying to make a niche for her company in a male-dominated world. Rihana is fire, Zara is ice; Rihana is openly sensual, while Zara is more cautious with her heart—they are opposites that attract. They are different people bound together by their house—‘Cupid’—and their pet golden retriever, Tiger.
As both of them navigate their fulfilling careers and try to leave behind troubled pasts, they find solace in each other. But Tiger’s not the only male in their lives. Rihana finds herself a string of sexy men, while Zara emerges out of her shell and meets an actual prince who sweeps her off her feet. But can these relationships last? And what road will they take when love happens bi the way?
Dr. Bhavna Arora is a new-generation writer who is an avid learner from life. She is a young enthusiast who has two MBA degrees and a Doctorate from Pittsford University in Leadership to her credit. A philanthropist at heart, she has been sponsoring an underprivileged boy's education. She also works closely with an institute for special children. You can visit her at http://www.bhaavna.com Write to her at writer@bhaavna.com
“Whether it's men, women—it doesn't really matter. The human race is filled with passion and lust. And to coin terms like heterosexuality, homosexuality or even bisexuality makes no sense to me. You are human. You love who you love. You fuck who you fuck. That should be enough—no labels. No stigmas. Nothing. Just be to be. But life isn't that kind. People will always find things to hate.”
----Krista Ritchie
Bhaavna Arora, an Indian best selling author, pens an emotional and hilariously sassy contemporary fiction in her new book, Love Bi the Way that narrates the story of two young and successful women, both with broken past that they do not want to share with one another, while one being an introvert and the other an extrovert, lives life freely through men, sex, love, royalty but with one another's support, care, trust and friendship, but is that all?
Synopsis:
Rihana is a painter who is trying to find inspiration in love. Zara is a businesswoman trying to make a niche for her company in a male-dominated world. Rihana is fire, Zara is ice; Rihana is openly sensual, while Zara is more cautious with her heart—they are opposites that attract. They are different people bound together by their house—‘Cupid’—and their pet golden retriever, Tiger.
As both of them navigate their fulfilling careers and try to leave behind troubled pasts, they find solace in each other. But Tiger’s not the only male in their lives. Rihana finds herself a string of sexy men, while Zara emerges out of her shell and meets an actual prince who sweeps her off her feet. But can these relationships last? And what road will they take when love happens bi the way?
Rihana is a successful and award winning painter, protege of a late and famous artist, who lives with her friend in her friend's house called 'Cupid' in a posh locality in Delhi. Rihana is the carefree modern 21st century woman with a drinking problem, and likes to lead a liberated lifestyle, as she dates a new guy almost every other day, but the only stable guy in her and her friend's life is their pet dog called, Tiger. While Zara is the exact opposite of Rihana who is a a successful business woman and an introvert. Unlike Rihana, Zara loves to stay back in home and love to take care of her careless and alcoholic friend, Rihana. And as they tread their way into the world of men, love, sex and some royalty, they realize that their unbreakable bond of friendship can blossom into something more, but the problem is will the world accept them they way they want to be with one another?
I rarely read any Indian authored contemporary fiction, but this one simply stole my heart and mind with its intensity, boldness, freedom, and the supporting character, Tiger. The author has cleverly portrayed a strong message of bisexuality in a narrow-minded society like India where people have double standards on everything. And the message is so strongly depicted through the story line, that the readers are bound to ponder about it. That alluring and eye-catchy sexy cover easily arrested my mind and begged me to open the book and get lost into the words of this author.
PS: You need to have a broader perspective before reading this book!
The author's writing style and voice is fresh, intrepid, eloquent and is laced with some intense, deep, heart felt emotions that will make the readers feel for the characters as well as for the story. The narrative is simple, coherent but somewhere lacked depth thoroughly and also at times, it will fail to engage the readers. If the readers keep a highlighter pen handy while reading this book, I'm pretty sure, each and every line and pages of this book will turn bright yellow or green, as the author has depicted so many quotable and meaningful one liners that will make the readers fall for the story. The dialogues are sometimes funny and sometimes dark, that will change the moods of the readers accordingly. The pacing of the book is really fast as the story progresses forward with a rather swift speed without much drama or action.
The characters from this book are good, strong, real and quite convincing enough to make the readers contemplate with their stories. The protagonist, Rihana, is bit of a drama queen, at times, she loves to overreact, so that might dissuade the readers to support for her cause, also her back story is quite well developed, but the way it has been narrated, it will give much lesser impact on the readers. The other protagonist, Zara, is not at all developed or focused much on her sweet yet sad demeanor all through out the story, as the limelight forever stayed on Rihana, until the very end. The only one supporting character who steals away the show, despite of not having any dialogues on this book, is Tiger, who is a cute and extremely loyal and loving pet which is also very sharp, and the readers will simply fall for this naive yet smart character. The rest of the supporting cast, especially the male characters, are quite dull and very typical.
The relationships and the love among the characters are portrayed with thorough passion, lust, vivid details and extremely well, that will allow the readers to not only feel the strong essence of love through the pages of the book, but will also let them visualize those raw and bold love making scenes right before their eyes.
In a nutshell, this is an entertaining yet poignant modern day story of love, bisexuality and friendship that is not gonna disappoint the contemporary fiction readers.
Verdict: Sassy, sexy yet emotional tale of love and friendship between two women.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Bhaavna Arora, for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
Another author's autographed novel in my arsenal. I've read the very first chapter, the day I received it from Amazon. The characters of Rihana & Zara are quite interesting but not the narration as such. Sometimes, it's dilemma for me to continue the book or not, whether I'm wasting my time & efforts or not. I'm not feeling connected with the plot.
Secondly, the front cover not allowing me read it at home or in front of neighbors (in garden). So certainly I may gave up on quite soon.
The book has the story of love in the purest of its forms. It revolves around the romantic lives of Rihana and Zara. Rihana, a painter who paints love and the only love she seeks in real is the one made in bed. She knows what men are made of and what they wants and every single time she is successful at making their blood rush to their groins. She is too glam to give a damn and she is aware of the fact that the only male that loves her unconditionally is Tiger, her golden retriever. Her days are fuelled by inspiration and nights by passion and each time the man is different. Zara, a businesswoman set to pave her path in the male dominant world and be truly independent. A soft hearted woman who just wishes to make peace with her past. She keeps to herself most of the time and the one time she opens up to Rihana is after gulping few glasses of wine. The ladies have a series of romantic encounters with many men, including a Prince who charms Zara into making her feel like the beautiful woman she is and a few unfortunate incidents as well that make them open up to each other and slowly paves a way to their love to surface. Its a treat to read the women make a pact with their past so that it doesn't bother them anymore and the way two independent girls deal with all the situations that they face. And in the end, how they fall in love and realise that all they need to cherish is their togetherness and the intimacy they share with each other that no other man had ever been able to reach.
The book summarizes change as the current society treats sex and every other thing related to it as taboo. Two women in love are neither socially nor legally accepted in our country and yet this book stands proud displaying all the love women can have in a healthy relationship. Love doesn't need to be with someone of the opposite sex, you just go there where you find love. The book is both sugar and spice. Zara's serenity and Rihana's talent depict the sweetness and the passion between the ladies and the men they spend their time with( I would like to mention the Prince) spices up the book.
The best thing about the book, the scenes were perfectly described, passionate, sexy yet nowhere near vulgar. The author has pulled off the scenes with such grace that most people aren't able to do. The writing style is simple without the use of many gargantuan words which makes it an east and appreciable read.
Ratings- 3 stars out of 5
Though the feeling between the two could be felt, it would have been better if there were more words describing it
The book has been named " Love BI the way " which gives a view of a love relationship where the woman/man is confused whether he/she loves the man more or the woman while the plot is clearly of lesbian love.
The book clearly has a plot to inspire as the author and the editor have done a great job.
Curious cover, strange title and interesting blurb – In short marketing done really well at the outset – hallmark recipe for a potential bestseller. That is exactly how I saw the book when it came up for review. My curiosity got the better out of me and I signed up. To say this book was one big surprise is one big understatement.
Rihana and Zara – our two protagonists are young women fighting their own battles and confronting their inner devils on a daily basis. While Rihana is like fire – outgoing, unfazed and charming, Zara is the quintessential ice queen who is mellow, timid yet strong in her own ways. They live under the same house named “cupid”. They search for perfect relationships with the opposite gender. However, does their search yield a proper result?
The cover, the title and the last line of the blurb was such a giveaway to potential twist. Nevertheless, even if the book was packaged in a different way, the initial characterization and the interaction between the protagonists makes the reader anticipate that twist. Or maybe the writer intended to keep it that while making the reader realize that they were perfect for each other immaterial of the gender and it was just a matter of time and realization. The writer handled the whole LGBT part of the story surprisingly well, in a sense that they didn’t seem puke-worthy or awkward like it is generally expected. However, the climax could have been handled better. As in I felt as if Zara and Rihana were still two besties who were comfortable in their own skin.
The story line, the characterization and the narration were perfect. No peeve points there at all. The narration was actually refreshing with quirky dialogs. If only the cover, the title and the blurb were crafted better, the book would have been an absolute winner.
MY SAY: Well written piece of Indian fiction. RATING: 4/5
Love bi the way is the 3rd book of Bhaavna Arora and trust me from the 1st book to writing her 3rd book she has just grown more as an author. There are some books which holds an important place in your bookshelf's and needs to be re-read, love bi the way is one heck of a book. For me this book is a plethora of emotions. From LGBT love to failed marriages to true friendship to societal norms, every emotion has been perfectly displayed and the way words have been woven with the correct emotions makes it an unstoppable read. I remember when i started this book, it took exactly 5 hours to complete this book, brilliant one liners * i have just marked 60% of the book *, excellent narration and easily going flow, the way Author managed to convey this beautiful story with her amazing writeup makes it the best LTGB-centric novel. What disappointed me is the book cover of the novel, i just couldn't relate it with the story and the blurb, it could have been a bit better. otherwise from story to dialogues, blurb and everything makes LOVE BI THE WAY a perfect page turner and a must read for every age group and gender out there. i rate it 4, 1 negative point coz i felt the cover could have much been better, also i felt the author could have written a lil more extra about their life as a couple, and i really look forward to a sequel of this book.
After Breaking up with my Boyfriend, when I started reading this Book, Friends would often ask me if I have Turned into a Lesbian. Many Times, Lesbians have Even came forward and asked me out while I used to Read this Book Outdoors. The Cover as well as the Title is very Powerful. Anyways coming to the Point, the Book is all about Zara & Rihanna, Friends and Room Partners. Their Life, their Careers, their Sex Life, their Battles Etc. Rihanna and Zara are Both Poles Apart. One is Conservative about Sex, the Other is a Sex Goddess. Many may jump to the Conclusion that this is a Soft Porn Novel but let me tell you, there are only 2 Sexual Encounters in the Book, but when they come, they wash you over with their Potency. Author Bhaavna Arora throws us in the Room of 2 Young Girls in their 20s living a Successful Career life. The Dialogues are so Spicy and Peppered with so many Sexual Innuendos, that you actually start believing in the Characters and Feel like a Part of them. The Climax is Very Beautiful and Satisfying. The Author has Beautifully described how Love should Be Pure , devoid of any Filters that our Society puts over it. 5 Stars for this Book and a Standing Ovation for The Author
The book is all about Rihana & Zara ,how they met , what is going on each others life, how good the bonding is , what they do when they are in some kind of trouble, how to Patao boys, how crazy Rihana is and how Quiet Zara is. So in supporting characters you have Kanhaiya, Nandini, Gudiya, Shaurya, Zubair, very cute Tiger. The best thing about the book was it’s not boring, it goes on a steady phase with all the craziness reloaded in Rihana and her one liners. The way author portrayed Shaurya and you would hate him like anything and Zubair too . The negatives about the book, I can say is its predictable ending and what past was carried by lead characters is easy to guess. Overall a fun read… Ratings:4 out 5
Book – Love bi the way Author – Bhaavna Arora Page – 239 Format – Paperback Language – English Publisher – Penguin Random House India
This is something that I have never read before. This should not be listed under romance in future rather under revolutionary book. The book cover is extremely alluring and bold. In the event, that you are somebody who purchase a book seeing it’s cover, you may end in purchasing this one as well. Story revolves around the romantic lives of Rihana and Zara. It broke the stereotypes. The book holds something different, bold and unique than the other books falling under similar category. Topic is powerful and Story is gripping. Rihana, a painter who paints love and the main love she looks for in genuine is the one made in bed. Rihana appears to be carefree and always looking for sex. Zara, a business women set to clear her way in the male prevailing world and be independent. Zara seems sweet and adorable. The title is snappy and also discussing the dialect than it is clear and a few lines are exceptionally catchy. The plot comprises of numerous emotions which includes Love, Friendship, Domestic violence and LGBT love. Each and every detail of the characters, their life styles, relationship with others were penned down beautifully. The story keeps running at a quick pace, so much that it's easy to lose track yet hard to put down. However, i found it little dragged somewhere in the middle. The language used is extremely easy to grasp & relate to. What I accept is the feature of this book is the writer's endeavor to expound on subjects which are viewed as taboos in our society, she depicts the situation of the LGBT people group great and likewise some social disasters as well. This book is most likely an honorable endeavor to convey such subjects to standard. I appreciate the manner in which the author has moved toward the troublesome subject of homosexuality and I should state, the adoration the 2 ladies share is equivalent stirring for a straight lady. She demonstrates that fascination is of the spirit. Kudos to the author for writing such a bold concept and a strong idea. It's highly recommended if you want to read different other than typical love story Book Title – 4/5 Book Cover – 4.5/5 Narration – 4/5 Language and Grammar – 4.5/5 Final Rating – 4/5
I rarely assign two stars to a book--it takes so much work to get a book published, that doing so says a lot. That said, there are several critical flaws in this book. First, the use of omniscient point of view is both lazy and sloppy at times. The narrator dips in and out of characters' heads at any moment when they wants but avoid doing so when it would develop character--especially given the importance of Zara's budding feelings for Rihana. I also could have done without getting into the dog's head, which happens more than once. There are also a number of preposterous moments that read like the author's attempt to insert commentary rather than include content that is true ot the story/characters. For example, when Rihana goes to the hospital in such pain she needs a wheelchair, but when she's checking in, her pain abates so she can criticize the gender problems with the check-in form. She also forgets that she's just brought her domestic worker to the hospital for stitches from assault long enough to hit on the doctor. She also drinks a bottle of wine in less than 10 minutes. She also becomes a board of trustees member because she's a painter. The sex scenes are also so overblown they sound like they were written by someone who has never had passionate sex and is imagining what it feels like (a feeling informed by daytime TV and romance novels)., The bisexual content is also severally under baked, and only surface late in the novel--and at no point does the adult Zara actually devote serious considerations of--or provide any real sense of the consequences for--her budding relationship with Rihana. They are also basically married after ONE night of passion. I was really hoping this book would deliver on the potential for an honest, adult handling of a bi-sexual-identifying protagonist but it doesn't.
My only sexual preference is love - only love - no matter where it comes from. Is it a crime to be happy? Our society wants to bring down who wants to be happy. Pleasure is never associated with morality. Just because I am happy doesn’t mean I am immoral. Does it? How can something that gives pleasure and happiness to some be immoral for other? - Zara questioned Rihana.
I believe the above paragraph, from the book contains the extract of the message being conveyed in the story.
- interesting title & cover (good marketing) - An easy read book, which I finished in around four hours.
Must Read i never felt this emothional, sad, happy, stunned , terrified, overwhelmed while reading a book. it truly made me whole. i loved both the characters ; zara- kinda introverted don't spill out her secrets (like me) and rihaana- speaks her mind irrespective of what others may think /bold(whom i admire) . Situations taking turns along with our emotions (like a movie)The writting style, OH GOD ITS AMAZING. i felt like home and completed after reading this book. Anyone reading this: bear with the book, its worth it. Lastly, Bhaavna Arora thank you for giving this gem to us :)
The first novel I read on homosexual orientation though I have read a lot of articles on gays and lesbians and wondered about their feelings and struggles. To that end, this book was a good read for me.
Talked about mental illness depression and sexual harassment over all this friendship to lovers this journey is wow you need someone to heal your wounds the line is Zara has Rihanna and that's all matters !❤
... You're going to get so much love from me that no matter where you go, you'll return to me only.. Only a female can say this to 'anyone'.. This book is a piece of life..swift breeze..peaceful stillness..
Wow! Now that is something that I have never read before. This book broke the stereotypes. Many of you might outrage against the storyline and you might sit in the dharnas too. But seriously the storyline is intriguing and at the end you will be left with a question, should this be legalized?
The book cover is really attractive and if you are someone who buy a book looking at its cover then you might end in buying this one too. The story revolves around two female protagonists: Rihana and Zara. They have a strong bond between them, may be they are bff or maybe they are soul sisters or maybe they have a different side to the story. If I disclose everything here, why would you care buying the book? *Winks*
“Yes, the truth. It sets you free – but tears you apart first.” These words could well be the pivot around which the story of Bhaavna Arora’s ‘Love Bi The Way’ hinges, the story of two modern young women, Rihana and Zara, who live in a house aptly named ‘Cupid’ in Delhi’s Greater Kailash, along with their adorable Labrador, Tiger. The two could not be more dissimilar. While Rihana is a talented artist, with strong views on marriage, sex and relationships, the gentle Zara, a businesswoman, suffers from a major depressive disorder. Rihana’s irreverence and her apparent promiscuousness hide scars that have deeply marred her psyche. The refined Zara too has secrets in her past that have triggered off her health problems. “Both of them were two very different people. “ Yet, Rihana’s “happiness was so infectious that Zara thought she could find a true companion in her.” Zara is the yin to Rihana’s yang, both heiresses in their own right. Zara has inherited her father’s business after the breakdown of her marriage, while Rihana is the protégé of the renowned artist, Habib Ansari, and turns into the sole benefactor of his lineage and estate after he succumbs to cancer. Despite the insouciance of the often frothy and risqué dialogues, a strain of darkness runs through the novel. There are episodes that threaten the frailty of the two women at times, and as Rihana puts it, “repressed memories are more dangerous than a snake in your bed... a very venomous snake”. While Rihana resorts to alcohol and wild sexual escapades for her release and throws people off balance with her startling comments, Zara finds solace in her work, striving for financial independence, as well as inner motivation. The Maharani of Jodhpur, a client of Rihana’s art, auctions the latter’s painting for a stupendous sum of money that goes towards a charitable hospital for cancer patients. Zara has a short encounter with her handsome son, Prince Shaurya, at the end of which she comes to terms with what she needs to do in life to free herself from the shackles of her past. Rihana goes through a particularly rough patch, as a number of events conspire to make her particularly vulnerable, and she confides in Zara. The two comfort each other, “both equally vulnerable - one for having bared her soul , the other for having had a glimpse of the other’s love for her”. It is now that the significance of the title dawns on the reader. Bhaavna Arora comes across as a modern, no-nonsense writer, but there are instances when her language reveals a mellowness all its own. “She would have preferred to be a drop in the ocean and free rather than be caged in a bottle of wine like a pearl in its shell.” At other times, the characters display a robust common sense, as when their beleaguered maidservant, Nandini, confesses, “When the wounds heal, memory fades.” Or when Rihana says ironically, “Thieves follow principles more than saints.” Some truths are spoken with underlying humour, as when Rihana retorts, “There is a dearth of both good men and parking spots in India. Both bloody close to extinction.” The novel ends on a note of hope as both Rihana and Zara confront their fears and insecurities, even as the letting go of hate and guilt set them both free.
I would like to start this review by saying that if you are going to buy this book simply on the basis of it's cover and blurb, you would be grossly mistaken. They are ambiguous, non-appealing and meaningless at best. There is no way they both would give you an idea how good this book is content-wise. Two beautiful successful ladies in their late 20s headline the plot and they each have got a scarred past. One of them, Rihana, the more vivacious and extrovert among the two, is a successful painter and she seeks solace in 'men' and her often-went-wrong 'sexual misadventures'. Her roommate, Zara, is more intelligent among the two and has been at the wrong end of a 'false' marriage with a gay man. Zara is a businesswoman and makes all her decision in life with aplomb. They both complement each other completely but are also unaware of each other's fateful 'past'. Their maid, Nandini, her daughter Gudiya and her abusive husband 'Harish' are also an integral part of this tale and so is Tiger, their only 'faithful' male companion and happens to be a dog. There are some recurring characters in Maharani of Jodhpur, her son Shaurya; Javed Habid, the 'deceased' mentor of Rihana; Kanhaiya, Zara and Rihana's driver and Rohan, the famous criminal lawyer who helps both Rihana and Zara sort their present and past. And now I have mentioned their names to you, I have realized that they almost make up for the entire plot of the book and thus all of them are important. Kudos to author that she hasn't introduced a single character in the book that we feel is 'wasted' later on.
Bhaavna Arora is the author of two previous bestseller books and thus is entrusted by Penguin Books and their team of professionals who make the book a technical triumph. Although I have got my issues with cover and blurb but they certainly have found some logic in their doings. But what impressed me most in this book was it's language. It's witty, charming, smart and cosmopolitan. Some of the conversations that take place in the book between Zara and Rihana are absolutely fun to read and although you wouldn't go LOL or ROFL but to a serious reader, they will definitely bring about a chuckle or at least a durable smile on his face. Make no mistake, it's a serious book that discusses issues such as 'homosexuality', 'child abuse', 'domestic violence' and 'alcoholism' and stirring a plot congested with so many issues with eclectic language is an achievement of sorts. I congratulate the writer for scoring this victory. The other aspect I put much emphasis upon is 'character development' and all the main characters have been meticulously thought and drawn upon. There is a certain depth in plot and sexual innuendos which are now almost part of every other Indian English novel, although are present aplenty, they don't make 'unwanted' and 'unnecessary' presence but only the timely ones and author makes you wait for them. This lends weightage to the feelings that Rihana and Zara come to grow for each other.
It's a fast-paced book that makes you want to read it. I shall assign it a rating of 3.5 out of a possible 5.
This book is brilliantly penned and executed. I was thinking it to be about lgbt and there fight against the world by the cover but this book has so much more to it, you name it and it's there. Love- fears- acceptance- humour-drama-romance. Everything in a book. It keeps you so hooked that you will deny to keep it down before finishing it at one go. The cover was a not much related to the story. It is about two personalities rihana and zara, trying to find love and more meaning to themselves. Tiger ( their beloved dog) is loved by both. We all have pasts we hide. Same is with the story. This book will take you to a ride to plethora of emotions. It's enchanting. Different refreshing. Must read.
About the story- The plot revolves around two girls – Rihana and Zara. Both of them are doing extremely well in their careers. Albeit both of them are different from each other, but the only thing that is common between them is the scar from the past. Both of them have had a broken families and their share of wounds. Now, after toiling hard, they find their love in an unexpected place. Writing & Narration- The writing style of the authoress is common, but the thing that I really liked is the way in which the authoress has elucidated the little facts of the society. The way Nandini is trying hard to cope- up with her drunkard husband and still didn’t want to leave him because he is the ‘Man’ of the house and the way her husband leaves no opportunity to beat her black and blue is something that is no exception in this society. The narrative skill of the authoress is also good and I could easily connect myself with the characters of the book. Title & Cover- The title of the books is interesting and forces readers to explore the content of the book. The cover is really unique and intriguing. Pros- • The book holds something unique than the other ‘Love’ based books. • The character justification is the up-to-the -mark. • The emotions have been woven fine. Cons- The writers hold the power to change the world with their words. The authoress has chosen a substantial theme, but she should have worked a bit more on the enhancement so that she could have given a proper message to the society to ponder upon. My verdict- “Love is like the truth – everyone has their own version. The heart has its own justification for love, especially the one the world denies.” This whole sentence justifies the book in one line. Our society has a very different definition of “Love.” According to the society, love is something that should only exist between a man and a woman. Anything other than this is illegal and unacceptable. Although, we are progressing towards something good; but this progress is only limited to the technology and other resources. When it comes to the mindset and the freedom, we are still living in the era where unusual norms and regulations are the only things people follow. In reality, there is no precise definition of love. One can love anyone in whom one can find solace. If only the society can understand! But, Bhaavna Arora, through this book is trying to give out a message to the society, which could have been more subtle.
When it comes to societal issues like LGBT, child labour, excess service tax or women empowerment, there is always a voice in the wilderness. With the changed perception of accepting bisexual people as a part of our society, ‘Love bi the way’ is not only a bold reminder for people busy in wool-gathering, but is also a delightful read. Zara and Rihana are more like soul-sisters; they are the leads who are different from each other. But opposites attract, don’t they? Rihana’s character is strong, bold and tangible. By tangible I mean the tangibility in her thoughts. And her beliefs, too, are flexible. Zara, on the other hand, is dyed in the wool. Her hale and hearty nature is something the readers can look forward to. Rihana is more like full of piss and vinegar. But both the ladies complement each other. The only trustworthy male in their lives is Tiger, their Labrador-golden Retriever- the man’s best friend. Both the characters have their good side as well as the dark side. The secrets of the past are kept under the hat by both the characters and when they feel ready to expose each other to the darkest reality of life, they discover a new pleasure and liberation. The story of their lives moves at a comfortable pace; one will find it difficult to leave the book and go back to the salt mines. Words in this regard play a more important role. Words full of hot air would not have served the purpose, but Ms. Bhaavna chose a plot that comprises of small threads that directly reach out to the masses. The use of friendship as the building block of Zara and Rihana’s relationship is commendable. Impeccable narration, strong and clear characterization, good hold on the plot and a gripping story make this novella a bodice ripper. Nowhere did I miss the male dominance in the book. The authoress won my heart right when I came across the very first idiom in the book. With flawless language and suitable word selection and vocabulary, the book is a good read. Yet again, Penguin outshines other publishers (I couldn’t refrain from mentioning this). However, I felt the title gave out too much information about the storyline. Along with the blurb, it was more like a blueprint of the life journey of Zara and Rihana. This could have been worked upon. With a hopeful heart and satiated mind, I wish the authoress of ‘Love bi the way’ good luck. This book is definitely worth all the time.
Love Bi The Way is a story of two beautiful, successful and troubled, tortured girls – Rihana & Zara, both come from dysfunctional homes and with traumatized pasts. The premise of the book is the friendship between the two and how it grows in to love. It could have been a regular story of friends becoming lovers but it involves two girls and hence the ‘Bi’ in the title.
The cover is quite descriptive as it easily tells the reader what the story is about and even though you might not read it in public but it is a big lure for the reader to pick the book. I think even though it expresses the crux of the story yet it leaves it at a basic level since the book explores their personal demons, how their past is affecting the present.
I have read The Deliberate Sinner by the author and I feel this book is much mature and the controversial topic that she chose adds to the story. The men in the book represent the many lying, deceitful kind we often find. I would have liked at least one who did the right thing. Sad, but the men drive the women to each others arms where they find a safe haven. Saif, the spineless one - who was willing to cheat on his wife since she already doubts him! Harish, a bully and a paedophile. He turned on his family & benefactors. Shaurya, the poor little rich guy looking for a little love on the side with no strings attached. Even the fathers Rihana and Zara have left so much to be desired.
Love Bi The Way is not just a fluff read or titillation about the physical relation of these two girls. The author has explored many serious topics of physical abuse, child abuse, mental trauma, cheating and deceit in marriage and love. Bhaavna has blended the trauma and abuse the girls faced in the past with their life as it progressed. The past has to be embraced so it can set us free and this message comes across so strongly in this story.
The flirting and the royal romance thrown in bring freshness to a story that could have been a heavy read. The girls are beautiful, successful, confident and kind. Helpful and supportive, few men are strong enough to love a woman as an equal and this book reflects it.
The events unfold in a dramatic fashion and kept me turning the pages. I recommend this book as it talks about topics usually left buried, ignored and taboo. Bhaavna takes a bold path as she shares the angst of women and many shades of which we will find around us.
Love bi the way is one of those amazing books I've read this year. Love bi the way revolves around Rihana and Zara, two girls who lives with each other. There's another character Nandini, the one who help them in their work with her daughter, Gudiya. Story starts with the knock on the door of 'Cupid', their house, by Gudiya, around 12 at night, when her mother was facing those daily dilemma of her husband. He used to hurt Nandini, both mentally and physically but still the societal pressure led her not to give up on her husband. We are in 21st Century, but we think more of society than ourselves. Nandini used to think that her husband loves their kids, but it was not so.
When I saw the cover for the first time, I didn't get the meaning of a hand of a girl and a boy both on the girl's back. But when I finished reading it, I can say that the designer designed it so well. Cover of the book is interesting and blurb giving final shape to the cover very well. You can relate everything to the story. I feel there was an abrupt starting to the book, it could have been little more better but then middle and the ENDING of the story let you forget every fault. Narration is very simple and there was nothing like Grammatical errors in the story. Humor is used perfectly by the author.
What I like the most about the book is that it talks on various topics which is still a TABOO in India, and finally writers are coming up with such great ideas. It also taught me one thing that, love doesn't see CASTE, CULTURE, GENDER or ANYTHING. If it has to happen, it will happen. There are many other lessons as well, which makes it a perfect read.
Kudos to Bhaavna Ma'am. You have done extremely well. You are a fearless writer. Thanks to the team of Author Paradise, for providing me a review copy of this work and asking me to provide an honest review of this book.
I would recommend this books to youngster and make a request to accept bisexuals as a part of our society.
I like- 1) Topic- LGBT 2) How they have given no importance to society and did what they liked.
Ratings
Book Cover - 4.5/5 Editing - 4.5/5 Blurb - 4/5 Book Quality (Typing, Word Setting, Fonts) - 4/5 Story - 4/5
I would not worship a god who is homophobic and that is how deeply I feel about this.
- Archbishop Desmond
"Love Bi the Way" is a story of 2 such women who find happiness in each other, with each other.
Rihanna, Zara - 2 souls, so poles apart.
Rihanna is filled with passion and creativity, expressing her sexual confusion through her paintings.
She's a rebel, trying to make peace with her own desires and while she does that, a string of new men leave her bedroom, satisfied. All this time, she remains with her unfulfilled lust.
I loved this character because so many modern women will associate themselves with her. She has been searching for love through sex, all the while, never realising how much damage each encounter causes her. Zara is a business women, who has trained herself to be cold. A woman has to be cold, to survive the work pressure and politics. She is struggling to trust men, just enough, so she can experience the act of physical love. I find myself in her. It's proves that survival instincts result in cold hearts.
Zara a mothering soul to the rebellious, chaotic Rihanna and their cute, perfect pet, Tiger, makes the book an interesting read.
The story runs at a fast pace, so much that it's easy to loose track yet difficult to put down. One drawback of this fast pace is that many scenes feel hurried. There are scenes that would have benefited from a little more description to match their intensity.
Till, the climax and after one has read the last page, we don't realise just how many issues this book actually covered. From anger, depression, alcoholism, patriachy, molestation to first time, attractions and discoveries of love. This book has it all.
The writing style adopted by Bhaavna is simple and descriptive. It's very easy to comprehend which is what makes it better.
I admire the way the author has approached the difficult subject of homosexuality and I must say, the love the 2 women share is equal arousing for an straight women. She proves that attraction is of the soul. It is also refreshing to read the tiny parts of erotica and to find another Indian author who doesn't shy away from writing descriptive scenes of love making.
All in all, the books is a must read for an interesting weekend.
It is said "A true love does not come by finding perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly".The story revolves mainly around Zara and Rihanna. They stay in the same house "Cupid". There are other characters also in the story that involves Tiger (dog),Nandini and her Daughter (maid), Kanhaiya (driver). The other minor characters were Maharani and Prince Shaurya,Vinay (ex-husband) of Zara,Parents of Zara and Rihanna, Dr. Saif, Nandini's husband.
Rihanna is a free bird, carefree,painter by profession, big flirt. She is very attached to Zara as well as Tiger. Rihanna is attractive and can make men go on their knees and which she does always. On the other side Zara is bit conservative and is going through the disturbed past life is a successful businesswomen.Zara had disturbed childhood as well as disturbed married life and during one of the event she falls for Prince Shaurya but again she has to face a failed love life.
The title is catchy as well as talking about the language than it is lucid and some lines are very catchy. The plot consist of many emotions- love,friendship,physical relationship, domestic violence and LGBT love. The book is very unique and a bold. Kudos to the author for writing such bold concept.
The LGBT love i.e. Section 377 is not yet legalised in India and such is a taboo, but the way author has penned down is just marvellous. The societal mentalities faced by the people most of the woman had to go through is described very beautifully. In one of the incident, when Nandini could not leave her husband just because he is the "man of the house" and when in self defence Rihanna kills Nandini's husband her statement proves it all "Being a widow is better than being divorced". The description is love is also marvelous it can be proved from this line "Making love to the body is different from making love to a soul and such nakedness was beyond her physical body ". Love is truly blind you can find it in anyone and such can be proved from these the bond they shared was irreplaceable.
So, Guys go and opt for this bold and spicy story ....
Love Bi The Way is third novel by bestselling Indian Author Bhaavna Arora. Her previous books are The Deliberate Sinner and Mistress of Honour. I received this book from Author Paradise in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Book Cover and Title- Title of our book is attractive and appropriate with the content. Cover is beautiful and intriguing, but i couldn't relate it with the content. Blurb is up to mark and interesting enough for readers to pick the book. Altogether, First Impression of our book is catchy and attracts readers to read this book.
Language and Narration- Language of our book is simple and flows smoothly throughout the book. Narration is fruitful. Book is full of amazing one liners.
Some of the few liners that i loved are-
For the media, any bad news is good news, and any good news is boring.
Children should never get exposed to a parent’s sins if they are to remain scar-free. And there are some things about our parents that we could do without knowing.
Theme- Love Bi The Way is not only about LGBT love but it also covers the Friendship and Human Emotions.
Storyline and Plot- As i mentioned earlier, Love Bi The Way is not only about LGBT Love but it also covers the various odds of our society. Bhaavna Arora takes on problems of our society with perfect humor and one liners that reader find it relatable instantly.
All the characters are justified properly with their secrets revealing one by one for readers to relate and glued with the book. Pace of our book is fast.
Ratings- Book Cover and Title- 3/5 Language and Narration- 4/5 Theme- 4/5 Storyline and Plot- 4/5
Overall Love Bi The Way is perfect page turner with unique theme. I would recommend this book to readers who wants to read something different but interesting as well.
This book was surprisingly good. I have not read any book with LGBT characters by any Indian Author before and the reason is clear enough. Being Gay is illegal in India. (it hurts my soul to even write this line so i will not discuss upon it further). let's just say I was so happy to read this book because it's not only based on a theme of "Love is same for all people, LGBT or otherwise", it also brushes up some other serious problems in India. It has elements of Domestic Violence, child labor, narrow mentality, alcohol addiction, religious differences, and yes fake education degrees too in such a manner that the pace or the flow of the novel didn't suffer. So you can understand why I liked this book despite some cheesy moments. I connected with the main characters Rihana and Zara because I consider myself to be a blend of these two. Rihana the outgoing, fun-loving crazy girl and Zara,the introvert. I even thought the love interests entered into their lives at a very correct moment and it was all rightly balanced so you can enjoy the story and still think about the important issues. This is not my first contemporary romance novel by an Indian author but it is definitely my favorite one. And I'm the kinda person who stays away from romance stuff, so you should know if I'm saying it's that good, it is THAT good. Hey, anybody else love how important Tiger's role was in the girl's lives. Tell me one chapter where there's not a mention of Tiger! and since I love dogs, I loved that element too. I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review