When Love Finds You

by Yashodhara Lal

Natasha is a badass boss. Jut how badass? She can make a grown man cry, whip a team into shape, meet her targets - and she won't take any bullshit, period. Of course, getting the job done is never enough for a woman in a man's world. When it's time for her promotion, she's passed over for Rishabh - a smarmy rake who apparently has 'people skills'. He knows just how to push her buttons and it's driving her up the wall. Then there's the very serious Nikhil, whose quiet self-assurance and distracting dimple only seem to complicate things at the office. With a crotchety old neighbour, an unrelenting friend and a tumultuous family history in the mix, Natasha is suddenly beginning to find that everything she's ignored in the pursuit of success is coming back to haunt her.

But don't worry. She's bringing her A-game. She always does.

294 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2016

About the author

Yashodhara Lal's USP is in taking the ordinary and making it hilarious. She graduated from IIM-Bangalore in 2002 and has over 12 years of experience in the Marketing Domain across two large corporations in FMCG and media. She lives in Gurgaon with her husband Vijay, and the three small children they call Peanut, Pickle and Papad - all of whom never fail to provide her with material for her entertaining blog at http://www.yashodharalal.com.

'Just Married, Please Excuse' is her first book. 'Sorting Out Sid' is her latest work of fiction.

Reviews

[Asmita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I’ve ever read an office romance, so to say, and the first time reading a book by Yashodhara Lal. I didn’t know what to expect considering I usually stick to YA books, but this book ended up making me want to read more of this genre. I actually finished this book on a Sunday, because the story and writing were such that I was reluctant to put it down at all.

This book is about Natasha, a 35-year old Sales Head for whom, work is first and foremost, and rest takes a backseat. In the first two parts of the book, her life seems to be straight and narrow, and her hard working nature seems to push away anyone who gets close to her. She’s sarcastic, negative, pessimistic, and not a very likable character, and that’s just what grabbed my attention. The fact that she isn’t candy coated, all strawberries and vanilla. She doesn’t take any bullshit or excuses when it comes to her job, and is headstrong, earning the moniker ‘Hitler’ from her juniors, and seems to be the Grinch who stole Christmas. She’s interested in results, and following hard and fast rules, without giving much heed to how her co workers feel about her or her methods.

These qualities of hers are what drive people away. The first two parts of the story highlight how her lonely her life is to people who observe, such as the reader, but she’s adamant that she needs nothing and no one, which leads to her alienating everyone close to her, such a her best friend Priya.

However, she does have a soft side to her which comes out when she interacts with Nikhil, who her colleague and a single father, and his daughter, Tisha. One thing I loved about Natasha was the no-nonsense way she dealt with the situations that came with being single and successful at 35.This book made me laugh out loud multiple times at the way Natasha viewed the world around her, her sarcastic observations, such as that of the ‘Chopra fossil from downstairs,’ whom she eventually opens up towards, and her ‘I need no one’ mantra.

“We come alone and we go alone.”

This book also touches upon some issues faced by women such as Natasha herself in the workplace, such as sexual harassment, and the constant power play between her and the new boss, Rishabh, who is seen as better suited for leadership by their colleagues. This is a mainly feminist novel about an independent working woman, which I thought was inspiring. One thing that I’m confused about is the fact that she did nothing about the advances made towards her, which would be considered sexual harassment. It just doesn’t seem like Natasha’s character to let that go after a page of contemplation.

All in all, I absolutely enjoyed this book and found myself immersed in Natasha’s world and the author’s easy narrative style for a few hours until the book finished. I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants a light and entertaining read. I, personally, can’t wait to read the rest of the author’s books.

This review is also up on my blog linked here

[Anirban Mukerji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding , must read novel

Short review - As the review title suggests, this is an outstanding piece of work and a must read, Yashodhara has out done herself. As is fashionable for every star to stay while being interviewed that this is a "hatke" ( a different) film but truly Yashodhara bravely tackles a difficult subject and emerges triumphant . Unlike her earlier novels - "Sorting out Sid" and " There's something about you", where readers instantly develop an affinity for the protagonist, in this novel, most men and maybe women may take an instant dislike to Natasha , the protagonist, after all , successful , forthright (bossy) , single women who can no longer be called young, do get our backs up. But be patient and read through, your reward will be something like I felt when I reached Chanderi, a historical town in Madhya Pradesh, after a 6 hour train and 1 1/2 hour car ride through some of the worst roads in India.

If you have the patience to read more - I didn't like PG Wodehouse, the person so much, after I read his biography and since then I have wowed never to know much about the authors of the books I like. I don't know a thing about Graham Greene except that he probably converted to Catholic faith later but there is no way to unknow Yashodhara, the wife of a longstanding close friend. Close as in Vijay and Yashodhara, stay 600 meters across the road from my office.

Given that I know something of Yashodhara ( though maybe not a lot), I feel this may have been a difficult novel for her to write as she may not have been able to delve much into her pool of experience to write this. But should she have gone further and probably added a sexual fling with the gym instructor, every young males fantasy , I was kind of expecting that, but now I am being naughty .

So in closing, go ahead and buy the book, it will give you a different perspective, after all that is what all diversity programs in companies want you to do. Don't go by the other reviews, they needed to be more patient and you have a money back guarantee from me.

Bravo Yashodhara - you have set a much higher bar for your next book. My professor from IRMA has started a crazy Multi Level marketing program for books. I earlier thought I will send to one of the persons in the my link "Hungry Tide" by Amitav Ghosh, but now I am sending your book to him. It needs a varied audience.

[Richa Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Natasha is a badass boss, who has priorities in check. She has her goals and she takes no excuses in fulfilling them. No matter the person, Natasha can't let it slide and her truth bombs can make even the toughest one shed a tear. When she is surpassed for a position at her office by Rishabh, who has the 'people skills', Natasha's life takes a hit. On top of all this there's Nikhil who is causing all kinds of confusing feelings in Natasha. Surrounded by a pushy boss, ever-present colleagues and the haunting past, will Natasha be able to power through this all?

Yashodhara Lal's books have a cozy homey feel to them. The vibes in the book with its easy to read language makes this book one of the relaxing reads. The characters in the book are highly relatable, especially Natasha and her choices. You can't help but face palm with each chapter, when Natasha keeps digging a bigger mess. The old school tv shows, the ones we watched in our college days with loving characters, awkward experiences and funny dialogues, that's what this book feels like.

The conversations between Nikhil and Natasha and even Natasha and her neighbour have got to be my favourite part of this book. It's sassy, cute and perfectly humorous that it kept me smiling. So dive in if you wish to read a story full of craziness, love and characters that you could root for.

[Ranjan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not that good.

[Ashima Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light, breezy read, When Love Finds You is about a strong, independent young woman's rise through corporate success as she finds her balance in her personal and professional life. The author tells a simple story with well sketched characters and a compelling narrative. I particularly like her writing style which suits her stories - with just the right proportion of each emotion and a creative flow of language that is not over the top.

[Mahalakshmi Venkatesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penned by Yashodharalal , when love finds you is the story of Natasha, the Hitler boss. She takes no nonsense and wants to get the job done no matter what. Excuses aren't her thing and she calls spade a spade. When the position she has been eyeing goes to another person — Rishab — who is everything she is not, Natasha is enraged. When Nikhil, another senior joins their office, she finds herself attracted towards him. Will Natasha give in to the attraction? How will she bear the over enthusiastic Rishab? Will she get over her "we come alone,we go alone" theory?

Strong independent women and sarcasm are the core of yashodhara Lal's books. I am a great fan of the author's sarcastic writing. The language is smooth and the tone is steady. The book moves in a moderate pace. It does fall in the middle, but picks up quite soon.Written in third person's perspective, the narration switches between the present and flashback without any mention. Hence it was difficult for me to distinguish between both.

I had read the book exactly one year before. I don't know what made me pick this once again from my library, but I don't regret it. Natasha, while not very likable, is an interesting character. Most of the books portray women as weak and incapable of taking their own decisions. But the author's books are mostly exceptions. It had actually scared me how much I resemble Natasha. But I guess that's okay. I really liked Nikhil's characterisations. His maturity and lame jokes are keeps the book light. Natasha and Nikhil's relationship dynamic is written beautifully. Natasha's character development is an important aspect of the story.

Every character in the book is a person you know in real life. Pick this book and you won't regret it. Overall a good read.

Plot : 4.5/5
Language : 4.75/5
Title : 4/5
Cover : 4/5
Overall : 4.5/5

[Craartology · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Love Finds You by Yashodhara Lal is a fabulous journey of ambition, passion, grit and what it takes to be a woman competing in a male-dominated world.

Natasha, is our successful leading lady who has everything under her control, her life mainly her career is what keeps her going. Independent, practical, passionate and driven to “get things done” at any cost have brought her success and respect enveloped with awe at the professional front. While all is well with “targets, figures, goals, strategies and program structures” she severely lacks “people skills” one that make her difficult, cold and closed to people beyond work and social niceties.

Changes in her workspace unsettle her deeply and the ugly office politics begin to disturb her work pattern in more ways than expected. Amidst all the change, Natasha has to deal with a smarmy-condescending boss, deteriorating health and personal relationships while finding the answers to questions she’s been evading since forever, Settling these complications are the only escape from the cage of isolation to finding joy in being with those who wish to be with her. After all emotional baggage can be more damaging than the loss itself.

The author has penned this superb tale of ordinary and flawed humans who unconsciously fail to communicate and maintain unbreakable bonds. This book has a crisp and witty tone, carefully carved characters and a mature plot which persistently amazes the reader for being real, known and yet addictive.

If you are one who loves to indulge in detailed scenarios, characters and wish for the book to have a fast paced story, then you are sure to love this book. I’ve enjoyed this book thoroughly and I would recommend it for sure.

[Devanshi Sanghani · Rating 3 out of 5]

We think we come alone and go alone.
Truth is: we’re probably never alone.

When I first started reading this book I was very much excited and hooked but after turning in a few pages I realised that the story was going really slow. Natasha who was considered to be a boss bitch in her office was actually a softie from a heart. The story is about her transitioning, loosening herself up and loving people freely. One thing I loved about Natasha was how she was strong willed and independent, how she always thought of doing things by herself before taking any help from others.

Nikhil a dashing single dad who seems to charm his way into Natasha’s life is also a character who possesses maturity and calmness. The only thing I felt aloof in this book was about the story constantly leaving readers into the suspense about Natasha’s degrading health only to turn it into nothing at the very end. I felt connected when Natasha said that she remembered nothing about her father who passed away while she was of 10, that maybe she had blocked out their memories and it felt close to me because sometimes I feel the same way about the loved ones who have passed away.

All in all, it was a good read. A slow start in the beginning and the middle but a good end. I would say it’s a good summer read.

[Bandita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story about Natasha who is a fierce and strong headed woman in her thirties. Single and bossy, she doesn’t heed to anybody and is independent. She was supposed to get a promotion but the promotion is passed onto Rishabh and he is pushing her buttons.

Then there’s Nikhil, who is a quiet guy with a dimple and she starts falling for him and this seems to complicate things at the office.

I am a fan of office romances and this was an enjoyable read for the most part. I did not like Natasha in the beginning but by the end, she started to grow on me. And Nikhil was also a nice and sweet character.

The writing of this book is simple but it is very easy to fly through the book. I read this book in a short time. Though the circumstances and the characters were relatable, I think this was an enjoyable one time read. By no means is this book bad, but it failed to keep me gripped.

Overall, an enjoyable read and I’d definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for something lighthearted or easy to read.

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasha is a badass boss who can make a grown man cry, whip a team into shape and meet her targets, who won't take any crap. With competition in the workplace to desirable guys, crotchety old neighbours, unrelenting friends and a complex family history, Natasha's life gets complicated.

The book begins with the story of an unlikeable protagonist, and the readers get clarity as we keep on turning the pages. The characters are peculiar, and yet common. The events occurring in the book are relatable and can be found in any corporate office in parts, and that makes the book something to read, because we can find ourselves in parts of the book. The writing style is as usual great, this is my third book from the author, and I read them all back to back. Although it wasn't much of a gripping read, and rather predictable at times, nevertheless it's a fine one-time read.

[Siddhi Palande · Rating 4 out of 5]

When love finds you by Yashodhara Lal was my second by the author and much like it's predecessor, this one too felt like a youthful, spunky web-series. The only thing different this time was it was a lot more heartwarming.

The book follows the story of Natasha and her straight jacketed corporate life. In this book, you see how a character like Natasha matures. The transition is the showstopper here.

This book is prominently about characters but it is also about the plot. Here the plot was old school with the main character getting out of the shell and realising the magical powers of love and having a happy ending. Yet it was slow and an episodic narrative. With undertones of gender bias, childhood trauma, sexual harrasment at workplace. ©

Read the entire review here 👇
https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...

[Gurpreet Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Love Finds You by Yashodhara Lal, was more than a office romance for sure. The feelings, emotions and relationships described in this book are so real.

Natasha, the main protagonist of our story, firstly I thought was an arrogant one. But her back story made it clear why was she like that and also how her character changes along the story-line. I gradually liked her character for being what she was - energetic, motivated, workaholic and head strong.

Nikhil is a character who I adored from the time he was introduced in the story - sensitive, caring, honest, concerned and perfect farther to her daughter.

The author has a delightful way to express the relations and emotions that I loved reading the story and its ending.

My Rating : 4.25 stars

[Honey & Anjali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about Natasha, a badass woman who knows what she’s doing. She can get her work done efficiently. Sadly her colleague, Nikhil stole her promotion. He very well knows how to push her buttons. A lot of things are happening around Natasha and these things are suffocating her.

I kind of enjoyed reading it because of how it were written, but coming to the story, it did not stand out to me or had any value to give.

I finished reading it in no time, partly because it’s too simple and partly because I wanted to be done so that I could pick up something that was more of my taste.

I'll recommend it to people who are just beginning their journey with books.

[Vishal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light breezy romance novel speaking about the various equations of Natasha as a corporate honcho, prospective lovers and friend where she struck an unlikely friendship with an old, pesky neighbor. The book is a roller coaster of sorts with quirks, making it relatable, fun, heart-pounding, and exhilarating. A unique romance where love finds in the unlikeliest place, making it an explosive cocktail. Super fun. It's my first book of Yashodhara Lal and definitely not the last for its not run-of-the-mill romance, boasting of its own USP in a unique fashion.

[Varsha Hegde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tea time read

On the lines of previous books , when love finds you feels like a blended version. The story revolves around a corporate setting and tries dealing with gender diversity, sexual harassment, on a superficial level. However, Kudos to the author for always sketching a strong female protagonist. Overall a good tea time read

[72706b · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous ones which i had read i had from the same author.

[findingnimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normal predictable, nothing good

[Akshata · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read of a book by Yashodhara Lal and I am intrigued. I look forward to reading more by her. It was easy for me to relate to this book as I am a working woman who is career driven as well. I could very well empathise with Natasha when she is a tough boss as I know being a woman boss and getting work done and is not easy.
Its a breezy romantic story and a light read which keeps you engaged. The only part which I found it hard to be convinced about is when such a strong, independent and fierce lady is mute and completely lost when someone tries to sexually molest her. It was hard to digest as it went completely against hr very nature that the book was built upon.
Overall its a engaging read and look forward to more by the author.

[Raingirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a review program.
One word review: Nope
For a detailed review, please click here- https://thecreatist.wordpress.com/201...

[Devika Rajeev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yashodhara Lal's last book, There's Something About You, was the first book that I read as part of a book reviewing program I signed up for last year. I loved it and it really changed my perspective on Indian chick-lit. So when I was offered the chance to read and review her latest, I signed up quickly.

It was a ten-day wait to receive the book, presumably due to all the festivals we've been having lately. But once I received the book (thankfully on a Friday night), it took me just a few hours to read it, despite having a very demanding toddler at home. (The fact that it was the weekend helped.)

Before I begin, let me just get this off my chest quickly - I didn't enjoy this book as much as the last one. Sure, it's a good read and unputdownable and all that, but it doesn't have the wit and sparkle of the last book.

Lal presents us with a really dislikable protagonist - Natasha Patnaik is a 35-year-old Vice-President of Sales at an HR software company. She's extremely ambitious and a tough boss, very sure that she has to be doubly hard on her team to overcome their resistance to having a female boss. She's single, and not sure if she wants to mingle. She clearly has health and body image issues (though she doesn't seem to realize it).

Unfortunately for her, all the sacrifices she has made for her career don't seem to be enough. Her boss feels that she needs to develop her "people skills" and brings in an extra layer between him and her - a business head who seems to be all style and show, but who is supposed to mentor her.

Throw in a hot new colleague at work, a crochety old neighbour and a sexy gym instructor, and you've got everything you need for a riveting few hours.

You'll enjoy the book if you don't expect much more than your usual romantic potboiler. Personally, I had high expectations thanks to her last book, but this one doesn't quite match up.

All of Natasha's troubles are over by the end of the book. But there's no clear reason why.

(Possible spoilers begin)

Yes, she finally decides to deal with her past, but why? Yes, she suddenly becomes a manager the team loves performing for, but why? Yes, the guy she likes falls in love with her too, but why?

(Possible spoilers end)

Other peeves, while we're on the subject. Natasha introduces herself to her new boss in the first half of the book as an IIMC alum. In the second half of the book, she says she did her MBA from FMS. WTF.

And my major peeve from the last book holds true for this one as well - the cover. Dayamn, that is one terrible cover. And let's not even talk about the title, which is so generic it must have come from some Random Romantic Title Generating Machine.

Overall, general timepass read that your brain cells can sleep through.

[Shruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full detailed review - http://www.defineyellow.com/2016/10/b...

This is a story of Natasha - the determined, unrelenting and uptight boss, who lives and breathes work. Best known for her extraordinary performance at work, she lacks at people’s skills, making her the ‘Boss from Hell’. Things shake up when at the time of her promotion; she is passed over for Rishabh, an arrogant peer whose work ethics and strategies are different to hers. The new dynamics at work, her friendship with Nikhil – a good looking and self-assured colleague, her intruding & annoying neighbor, and a haunting past, brings about a major change in Natasha’s life.

The story also highlights the stigma attached to being a successful single female boss, and how they are suppressed at every crossroad. The numerous challenges they face in a corporate setup, as opposed to a male boss - who is considered a better fit for leadership roles. I like that the story, very briefly but rightly so, touches the subject of sexual harassment at work, which is incredibly happening more now than ever before.

When Love Finds You is interestingly a new and enjoyable story of a strong and focused female boss, who is cold and distant but still manages to crunch outstanding sales every quarter. The story picks up with the friendship of Natasha and Nikhil, which then brings some enjoyable twists and turns, making it hard to put down the book. Natasha’s journey to resolve her past issues, uncover her raw emotions, and her strength to face the situation at work is engaging. The story highlights the strong attributes and commitment of a female in every aspect of her life – making this a great book to read. The book has it's drawbacks too, which almost made me give 3 stars.

(Review copy received as part of Flipkart Blogger Review Program, in exchange for my honest review.)

Define Yellow Blog

[Parinitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was handed this book, “When Love Finds You” written by Yashodhara Lal by a colleague, I instinctively knew that I would enjoy this book! A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, the title caught my attention and drew me to it. This book made for a delightful read with its characters and their stories. Natasha, the protagonist, put me in a dilemma several times with her ways of dealing with office politics. Though, I don’t think I have traits like her, I could relate to her emotions at times. She made me rethink and revisit a lot of my own experiences with life! The two characters Rishabh and Nikhil, with their contrasting personalities, made it further exciting. I took a day to finish reading the book and will give it a 4 out of 5 stars for its interesting storyline. I am looking forward to reading the author’s previous works.

[Pratibha Pandey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little underwhelming , poorly developed characters and yet a happy sort of quick read

[Karthic Sivaswamy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another easy to read, can be finished within hours, but didn't like it much.

Detailed review here: http://sujathanesan.blogspot.in/2016/...

[Namratha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I blame myself. I think I have outgrown this genre.