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Shy
‘India’s first gay Olympic gold’ is not the news headline Saaransh wanted to make. Losing his family and his job is hard. But badminton? That’s not something he will give up. Not even for Brendon. Unless he finds the courage to keep them both.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2022
3 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 17, 2023
"Not everyone's journey is linear, not everyone's path is the same. Have faith in the Gods and more than that, in yourself."
3.5 stars
Listen, when I say I'm not a fan of #Romance, I really mean it; but then some books have the audacity for coming along and providing compelling evidence to get me to change my mind...
So, a boy who plays badminton falls for a boy who plays rugby; both represent their respective countries but one is in the closet while the other is not. "In" guy gets accidentally outed by the "Out" guy, in public, and what follows is the fallout and how they deal with all the negativity and hate that comes their way.
Saraansh, being Indian and carrying all the hopes of his country as their representative at the Olympics, is finding it really difficult to keep hiding his identity and needs a little time to just be himself every now and then. With his need to be with people like him, Saraansh takes a little side trip and meets the ruggedly handsome, rugby bear, Brendan.
I feel that the pacing is great throughout and the characters are well-written, the sports element is rather good, too, even though sports is definitely not my thing, but I feel that it highlights the homophobia further due to the stigma of gays in sports. I also feel, and I do not know the author's process here, that this book could have benefited from having a beta-reader/s before their final draft - for eg. whenever the author refers to a body part, for example, it would be disassociative, like "the pain in the wrist was bad".
Having said all that I LOVED this book and can definitely recommend it.
Wait. Does this mean I now have a thing for MM Sports Romance?
3.5 stars
Listen, when I say I'm not a fan of #Romance, I really mean it; but then some books have the audacity for coming along and providing compelling evidence to get me to change my mind...
So, a boy who plays badminton falls for a boy who plays rugby; both represent their respective countries but one is in the closet while the other is not. "In" guy gets accidentally outed by the "Out" guy, in public, and what follows is the fallout and how they deal with all the negativity and hate that comes their way.
Saraansh, being Indian and carrying all the hopes of his country as their representative at the Olympics, is finding it really difficult to keep hiding his identity and needs a little time to just be himself every now and then. With his need to be with people like him, Saraansh takes a little side trip and meets the ruggedly handsome, rugby bear, Brendan.
I feel that the pacing is great throughout and the characters are well-written, the sports element is rather good, too, even though sports is definitely not my thing, but I feel that it highlights the homophobia further due to the stigma of gays in sports. I also feel, and I do not know the author's process here, that this book could have benefited from having a beta-reader/s before their final draft - for eg. whenever the author refers to a body part, for example, it would be disassociative, like "the pain in the wrist was bad".
Having said all that I LOVED this book and can definitely recommend it.
Wait. Does this mean I now have a thing for MM Sports Romance?
December 9, 2022
I loved this story as there's not a lot of book featuring a LGBTQ+ Indian character. i found it thought provoking and poignant.
Good plot and character development, a compelling story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Good plot and character development, a compelling story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
May 18, 2023
Right away, I was impressed with Rastogi’s writing. Prose is vivid and never dull, always keeping me intrigued. I especially enjoyed this book because of the setting – I too visited London during the Olympics, and it transported me back there. Including a visit to a gay bar!
We dive into the burgeoning relationship quickly (some stories like this contain a lot of backstory, and it was refreshing that this one didn’t), as our two main characters, Saaransh – bullish on the badminton court but closeted and shy in the dating sphere, and Brendon – a sexy, muscular powerhouse, meet in an electric atmosphere. I laughed out loud in parts. And it quickly became very sensual.
I really enjoyed the voices of our two main characters. Both were written expertly. The setting of the London Olympics turned this story from a run-of-the-mill coming out story into something with far bigger stakes. Our characters are not just falling for each other – they are also trying to win gold medals at the same time.
The meat of the story revolves around Saaransh’s very public outing, and how he comes to terms with it in a country that still looks down on homosexuality. I’m sure many gay people will relate to some of his heart-breaking experiences, especially those with his father. Plus, the jealous ex of his new lover causes no end of problems.
We dive into the burgeoning relationship quickly (some stories like this contain a lot of backstory, and it was refreshing that this one didn’t), as our two main characters, Saaransh – bullish on the badminton court but closeted and shy in the dating sphere, and Brendon – a sexy, muscular powerhouse, meet in an electric atmosphere. I laughed out loud in parts. And it quickly became very sensual.
I really enjoyed the voices of our two main characters. Both were written expertly. The setting of the London Olympics turned this story from a run-of-the-mill coming out story into something with far bigger stakes. Our characters are not just falling for each other – they are also trying to win gold medals at the same time.
The meat of the story revolves around Saaransh’s very public outing, and how he comes to terms with it in a country that still looks down on homosexuality. I’m sure many gay people will relate to some of his heart-breaking experiences, especially those with his father. Plus, the jealous ex of his new lover causes no end of problems.
January 15, 2023
Shy is the first story I've read about male leads and their journeys, and I can't find this type of intensity in any other book. Hats go to the author for shedding light on such matters and sharing this great narrative with us.
📒The plot revolves around two male protogonists, Saraansh and Brendon, who are both athletes. Saraansh is an Indian badminton player, and Brendon is an Australian rugby player. They first met in a bar and have become increasingly close as time passes. They come from different backgrounds and face many challenges in life, but they accept their not-so-shy truth.
Its all about the struggles, fights & acceptances. Characters performed admirably in both their professional and personal lives. They would also serve as an encouragement for many others to come across and make those difficult decisions.
TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE WHOLE STORY, READ IT..👍
❤️observations --
💖heartwarming story about two athletes - saraansh and brendon
💞romance, suspense and gay couples
🌶️loads of spices
🎉very light and crispy read
👍rarely discussed
⭐battle for societal acceptance
💫easily read it in a few sittings
✔️ Title is appealing
This is pretty great storytelling conveyed in short English - a dynamic read that is both incredibly captivating.
📒The plot revolves around two male protogonists, Saraansh and Brendon, who are both athletes. Saraansh is an Indian badminton player, and Brendon is an Australian rugby player. They first met in a bar and have become increasingly close as time passes. They come from different backgrounds and face many challenges in life, but they accept their not-so-shy truth.
Its all about the struggles, fights & acceptances. Characters performed admirably in both their professional and personal lives. They would also serve as an encouragement for many others to come across and make those difficult decisions.
TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE WHOLE STORY, READ IT..👍
❤️observations --
💖heartwarming story about two athletes - saraansh and brendon
💞romance, suspense and gay couples
🌶️loads of spices
🎉very light and crispy read
👍rarely discussed
⭐battle for societal acceptance
💫easily read it in a few sittings
✔️ Title is appealing
This is pretty great storytelling conveyed in short English - a dynamic read that is both incredibly captivating.
January 12, 2023
Worlds apart, the battle for societal acceptance is the same. The book SHY by Ashish Rastogi is about gay couple in love.
Australian rugby player Brendon is out and proud. Still hiding in the closet is Saraansh. When apart, they reconnect and miss one other. Saraansh is unintentionally opened out and he is facing the consequences as a result of societal questioning. More people talk about his sexual orientation than his badminton victories.
With help from his pals, Saraansh now starts the fight and labour for this love. Will he avoid the critical spectators, find acceptance, take home the gold and keep his dignity, pave the way for LGBTQ rights, and spend the rest of his days with Brendon?
You must read because of righteous story, superb writing, the language is casual, and the story line flows well. I admire how Ashish Rastogi skillfully expressed every emotion of every character in words for the readers.
SHY is a good book about gay romance with a subtly message about how essential it is for everyone to be accepted without judgement.
Australian rugby player Brendon is out and proud. Still hiding in the closet is Saraansh. When apart, they reconnect and miss one other. Saraansh is unintentionally opened out and he is facing the consequences as a result of societal questioning. More people talk about his sexual orientation than his badminton victories.
With help from his pals, Saraansh now starts the fight and labour for this love. Will he avoid the critical spectators, find acceptance, take home the gold and keep his dignity, pave the way for LGBTQ rights, and spend the rest of his days with Brendon?
You must read because of righteous story, superb writing, the language is casual, and the story line flows well. I admire how Ashish Rastogi skillfully expressed every emotion of every character in words for the readers.
SHY is a good book about gay romance with a subtly message about how essential it is for everyone to be accepted without judgement.
January 13, 2023
I'm not a huge fan of the romance genre because it tends to get quite redundant for me quickly. And I was pretty skeptical about SHY too. The Song of Achilles and Heartstopper Series have been successful in making my heart mushy for the characters and I was unsure if I was going to feel the same about Saaransh and Brandon.
But my oh my was I wrong! Saaransh is such a lovely character, I would totally hug the guy and protect him from the world. On the contrary, Brandon feels like an elder brother- kind, warm, and approachable. Ashish has done a beautiful job with portraying the delicate as well as the passionate. I really like how the author hints at some dark aspects of romantic relationships. While the struggles of the LGBTQIA individuals are present in the book, they are a part of the book.
I would have enjoyed if the ending was a little more stretched out, but that's a very subjective opinion.
But my oh my was I wrong! Saaransh is such a lovely character, I would totally hug the guy and protect him from the world. On the contrary, Brandon feels like an elder brother- kind, warm, and approachable. Ashish has done a beautiful job with portraying the delicate as well as the passionate. I really like how the author hints at some dark aspects of romantic relationships. While the struggles of the LGBTQIA individuals are present in the book, they are a part of the book.
I would have enjoyed if the ending was a little more stretched out, but that's a very subjective opinion.
January 17, 2023
It's nice
I love romance novels and this one just ticks all the boxes for me - the sports background and all the characters - narrow minded, evil, or supportive, just makes it a fast paced read that's full of twists and turns yet has enough meaningful pauses to develop the lead pair's chemistry, and respective internal turmoils. You constantly root for Brendon and Saaransh's happy ending and aren't disappointed!!
I love romance novels and this one just ticks all the boxes for me - the sports background and all the characters - narrow minded, evil, or supportive, just makes it a fast paced read that's full of twists and turns yet has enough meaningful pauses to develop the lead pair's chemistry, and respective internal turmoils. You constantly root for Brendon and Saaransh's happy ending and aren't disappointed!!
January 6, 2023
🫀This is such a unforgettable, well written and a stunning read, the storyline revolves around two men who are struggling with their lives in different ways and the way their lives intersect and the way they come into a single frame is just so beautiful, this books is pure love, it teaches that no matter how you’re built externally but the heart is what really matters.
It written so well, like after every page I felt more attached to the characters and their lives that in a way I felt I myself was a part of the story, the clashes, the moments, a good plot it has it all!
It’s new, it’s very raw and it’s really engaging, the way it’s narrated makes it super fun and entertaining, my favourite character has to be Saraansh, though I loved Brendon too, they have such a chemistry that made me fall in love with their bond! I truly loved and I feel this book is a need for today’s generation to understand and normalise and appreciate queer love! I will highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
January 12, 2023
This is my first read by this author and I must say that I quite liked the writing style and the unique storyline. The lead pair is charming and the chemistry shines through the narrative. I liked how it despite being a romance, shows the struggles of talented sportspersons when they decide to come out of the closet. It definitely has the scope to evoke sensitive discussions in this regard. Would love to read more from the author.
December 25, 2022
"Shy" by Ashish rastogi is a tale of two men . 'Saaransh' and 'brendon' . They both struggle around the closet . One locked inside shackled by his love of badminton . On the other hand brendon is proud and out, a bull on the rugby oitch , tackling monsters of his past.
Firstly kudos to the author for penning a book having two male protagonists. Because I didnt remember the last time I have read a book with two male protagonists. You will feel connected with each and every character since, the beginning author has made it very clear by mentioning the name of the character, before the conversations get started .
From intriguing narrative to engrissing writing style . Author does not left any stone unturned in the story to make it more interesting. The cover of the book might misguide you. Because when you start reading it , you will be losted in the imaginative fictional world created by the author.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this engrossing tale of saaransh and brendon. And I must recommend this book to others.
Must read❤❤
Firstly kudos to the author for penning a book having two male protagonists. Because I didnt remember the last time I have read a book with two male protagonists. You will feel connected with each and every character since, the beginning author has made it very clear by mentioning the name of the character, before the conversations get started .
From intriguing narrative to engrissing writing style . Author does not left any stone unturned in the story to make it more interesting. The cover of the book might misguide you. Because when you start reading it , you will be losted in the imaginative fictional world created by the author.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this engrossing tale of saaransh and brendon. And I must recommend this book to others.
Must read❤❤
November 17, 2022
Thank you, Ashish Rastogi, Nine Star Press and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Shy is already out and ready to read.
Shy is heartwarming story about a closeted badminton player from India and an out and proud rugby player from Australia. Saaransh is an Olympic badminton player from India who during his two weeks in London during the Olympics decides he is going to find a man to find out what he has been missing. He meets Brendon is a rugby player who has been out for years, and even though it has been tough he still has had the support of family and most of his fans. During their time together they experience some lows but a lot of highs, but after an incident where Saaransh is outed to the world the two are split apart. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles thrown in their path and have the bright future they were meant to have.
I thought this story was really sweet and, in the end, very heart warming. I felt like their romance was very hard won, like they kept getting their butts kicked by their different worlds. I thought it was very interesting to see the different LGBTQ experiences other people can have. I do have to say that the writing is a little choppy including some of their conversations. I also felt like the ending was rushed, I would have loved to see a little bit more sweet moments after everything the two went through. Even with all of that I couldn't put the book down and was rooting for the two.
Shy is heartwarming story about a closeted badminton player from India and an out and proud rugby player from Australia. Saaransh is an Olympic badminton player from India who during his two weeks in London during the Olympics decides he is going to find a man to find out what he has been missing. He meets Brendon is a rugby player who has been out for years, and even though it has been tough he still has had the support of family and most of his fans. During their time together they experience some lows but a lot of highs, but after an incident where Saaransh is outed to the world the two are split apart. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles thrown in their path and have the bright future they were meant to have.
I thought this story was really sweet and, in the end, very heart warming. I felt like their romance was very hard won, like they kept getting their butts kicked by their different worlds. I thought it was very interesting to see the different LGBTQ experiences other people can have. I do have to say that the writing is a little choppy including some of their conversations. I also felt like the ending was rushed, I would have loved to see a little bit more sweet moments after everything the two went through. Even with all of that I couldn't put the book down and was rooting for the two.
November 26, 2022
3.5 stars "Shy" begins with a fast start as Saaransh, 24 years comes out to his longtime best friend before he jumps on a plane to London.
From Delhi, India to London, a closeted Saaransh travels and explores the alternate world of being out.
Brendon, aka Blue is an out and proud Aussie Rugby player who is out enjoying a night with his friends, a man sitting alone at the bar catches his eye.
Saaransh was on a business trip for the games supplying equipment, or so he tells Brandon.
Shy included both pov and was told in the third person. At their first meeting, a bit of nervous foot in mouth, which earned the Shy nickname.
Throughout the story, Saaransh refers to Ele and Gillu, I needed to understand who they are. Some of the Aussie slangs used are worded wrongly. Yeah, I'm an Aussie.
Includes a homophobia attack and slurs, outing someone publicly, countries apart, accidents, and more. This a good story for the cultural aspect of the LGBT people in different countries, especially India. Saaransh has difficulty in the closet with who he is and deserves to be loved.
I had mixed feelings about this book, but I loved Saaransh and Brandon being together and what they faced.
I could feel that Shy has a good storyline, and both characters are great together. The writing style needed to include some finer edits to make the book smoother. The book finishes in a HEA for a fast read, and I really wanted to love this book as love concurs all.
From Delhi, India to London, a closeted Saaransh travels and explores the alternate world of being out.
Brendon, aka Blue is an out and proud Aussie Rugby player who is out enjoying a night with his friends, a man sitting alone at the bar catches his eye.
Saaransh was on a business trip for the games supplying equipment, or so he tells Brandon.
Shy included both pov and was told in the third person. At their first meeting, a bit of nervous foot in mouth, which earned the Shy nickname.
Throughout the story, Saaransh refers to Ele and Gillu, I needed to understand who they are. Some of the Aussie slangs used are worded wrongly. Yeah, I'm an Aussie.
Includes a homophobia attack and slurs, outing someone publicly, countries apart, accidents, and more. This a good story for the cultural aspect of the LGBT people in different countries, especially India. Saaransh has difficulty in the closet with who he is and deserves to be loved.
I had mixed feelings about this book, but I loved Saaransh and Brandon being together and what they faced.
I could feel that Shy has a good storyline, and both characters are great together. The writing style needed to include some finer edits to make the book smoother. The book finishes in a HEA for a fast read, and I really wanted to love this book as love concurs all.
December 6, 2022
I received an ARC through Netgalley for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. It not only shines a light on queer culture, but growing up in a culture where being queer is not acceptable. Although the story focuses on both Saaransh and Brenden, it is Saaransh’s story that is the main focus. And with many stories that feature multiple pov’s there is a struggle to give each character their own voice. But with this story, I do feel like Brendon and Saaransh had their own voices in their chapters.
Although I did enjoy it I feel like it needed to be fleshed out more. It feels like we are jumping from 1 plot point to the other with little to no in between or set up for the next point and what set up is there is rushed.
This is not a positive or negative, but it was also a lot more spicy than I thought it was ganna be (it is all mostly the first half of the book, and I say this because I was expecting some of something but I was not expecting as much as there was).
I really enjoyed this story. It not only shines a light on queer culture, but growing up in a culture where being queer is not acceptable. Although the story focuses on both Saaransh and Brenden, it is Saaransh’s story that is the main focus. And with many stories that feature multiple pov’s there is a struggle to give each character their own voice. But with this story, I do feel like Brendon and Saaransh had their own voices in their chapters.
Although I did enjoy it I feel like it needed to be fleshed out more. It feels like we are jumping from 1 plot point to the other with little to no in between or set up for the next point and what set up is there is rushed.
This is not a positive or negative, but it was also a lot more spicy than I thought it was ganna be (it is all mostly the first half of the book, and I say this because I was expecting some of something but I was not expecting as much as there was).
September 14, 2023
This is my first read by Mr. Rastogi, and I'm looking forward to seeing more. Shy is about the budding romance between Brendon, an out rugby player from Australia, and Saraansh, a fellow athlete who is still in the closet, afraid of the social consequences of accepting and receiving love. He's in a difficult situation--one I suspect isn't unusual for queer folk who want to be free of the shackles imposed on them but still loved and accepted by those who had done so before coming out. His inner demons prevent him from embracing what could turn into real, enduring love.
Mr. Rastogi's writing style is clear and easy to follow. I don't usually gravitate toward sport stories, even in romance (just generally not my thing). However, I'm glad I gave this book a chance. I found myself drawn to these two characters and was rooting for them from early on. Their friendship was sweet and endearing, and this made the read especially enticing for me.
Mr. Rastogi's writing style is clear and easy to follow. I don't usually gravitate toward sport stories, even in romance (just generally not my thing). However, I'm glad I gave this book a chance. I found myself drawn to these two characters and was rooting for them from early on. Their friendship was sweet and endearing, and this made the read especially enticing for me.
January 6, 2023
Wow this book was a rollercoaster.
I think serious topics were attempted to be discussed in a ridiculous, overly dramatic way. The characters and plot overall felt underdeveloped and rushed. There desperately needed to be more development between the main couple as well as with main character Shy individually. Any sort of character development was mostly glossed over and was told to the reader rather than shown, leading to a rushed feel of every conflict.
There were many rushed parts throughout the novel, often at key points such as big games or big relationship moments, which definitely attributed to the underdeveloped feel of the entire book.
Even still, the book was a somewhat quick read and still had some parts that were cute and inspiring.
TWs: homophobia, racism, suicide, revenge porn, hate crimes, domestic violence
I think serious topics were attempted to be discussed in a ridiculous, overly dramatic way. The characters and plot overall felt underdeveloped and rushed. There desperately needed to be more development between the main couple as well as with main character Shy individually. Any sort of character development was mostly glossed over and was told to the reader rather than shown, leading to a rushed feel of every conflict.
There were many rushed parts throughout the novel, often at key points such as big games or big relationship moments, which definitely attributed to the underdeveloped feel of the entire book.
Even still, the book was a somewhat quick read and still had some parts that were cute and inspiring.
TWs: homophobia, racism, suicide, revenge porn, hate crimes, domestic violence
November 15, 2022
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This story was super unique and I loved the insight it provided into being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in a culture that is not as accepting and as foreword thinking as others. It also served to shine a light on the pressures placed on professional athletes, and the ways in which their personal life can affect their career.
While the story was a fairly quick read, and while I really loved Sarransh and Brendon’s relationship, I found the writing to be a bit clunky and hard to follow. I did generally enjoy the story, but thought that the execution, especially the dialogue between characters, could use a little work.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Nine Star Press. All opinions are my own.
This story was super unique and I loved the insight it provided into being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in a culture that is not as accepting and as foreword thinking as others. It also served to shine a light on the pressures placed on professional athletes, and the ways in which their personal life can affect their career.
While the story was a fairly quick read, and while I really loved Sarransh and Brendon’s relationship, I found the writing to be a bit clunky and hard to follow. I did generally enjoy the story, but thought that the execution, especially the dialogue between characters, could use a little work.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Nine Star Press. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2023
Shy is the third book of Ashish Rastogi, unlike his other romances or works of literature. It is a conventional burster that questions stereotypes and stigma of queer romance and relationships. It is a good read for people attempting to read, understand and experiment with new genres and novel authors. Rastogi' s vision and talent gets a clear depiction in Shy. It is light hearted and delves readers into love story of Brendon and Saaransh , hailing from two contrary worlds. Despite their oddities their love for each penetrates their souls and forms the central plot of the novel. It is a quick read, lucid, light and fast paced rendition set in the world of games and sports, hosting characters from two different countries.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and hope this author writes many more! It is honest and kind, with a wealth of 'stuff' going on behind the story. I'm also glad to note that the cover has won a Queer Indie Award!
Grandness all round and five owl stars from me :)
Grandness all round and five owl stars from me :)
September 16, 2023
An Indian Olympian falls in love with an Australian Rugby player?? Sign me up. The parts of the story felt too close to home, like when Saaransh's family abandoned him for being gay.
Its so hard to find queer books with Indian mcs and I'm glad I found this one.
Its so hard to find queer books with Indian mcs and I'm glad I found this one.
December 17, 2024
I don’t branch out of the SFF territory when it comes to reading these days but every now and then I’ll take a jaunt into another genre, especially when said book is written by a lovely person, such as Ashish. Shy is a contemporary romance that hits with heavy themes about identity, public v private shame, and being true to oneself.
I wouldn’t say I read a lot of romance novels, but from those I’ve read, this book does have those standard tropes you would expect. A character and the LI (love interest) meet very very early on in the story, hit it off (typically in a positive manner), and the rest of the story plays out toward their HEA (happily ever after). But because this story has the added layers of being LGBTQ+ and one of the characters being from a culture that still has deep-seeded stigma/borderline revulsion against the community, this story was not only an enjoyment read but also gave me a lot to ponder about as the plot tackles a lot in such a small amount of pages. Shy doesn’t shy (ahem) away from the topics of bigotry and cultural shame, and I applaud Ashish for tackling (insert rugby joke here) them head on.
Saaransh, aka Shy, was a very compelling character right from the beginning. Aside from being a closeted gay man from India, he is also a world-renowned badminton player. That duality of being a sports figure in the public eye and hiding his true self was not only the heart of this story, but also was seeped in sadness because he just wants to be out and proud. The joy he goes through when meeting LI Brendon (aka Blue) to the shame of being outed not on his own terms to the ostracization from his family, his career, and potentially his true passion in badminton was an emotional rollercoaster. To counter Shy’s arc, we have proud gay rugby player Brendon. He’s the yin to Shy’s yang, but Brendon is not just a simple character, no, he has his own past trauma, some of it pretty dark. It was just nearly impossible to not root for each of these guys.
The prose of Shy was really great and there were so many turns of phrase that were exquisite. There were just so many great lines it’s hard to highlight them all!
‘Mr. Common Sense dumps me right at this moment, and Mr. Intuition turns the other way. Both are blindsided by lust. Add the fog of stupidity to the mix, and you get all the ingredients for a crash.’
This story is told in 1st person POV from both Saaransh and Brendon, and both of them were as distinct as their personas. What I really enjoyed was that both characters wore two faces: the one the other saw and then their true faces. Saaransh, in his POV, was a scared, self-confessed cowardly introvert who was anguished over everything that happens, so much so that it was pretty crippling for him. Saaransh also has two inner voices, Gillu (the outerward, in the closet athlete) & Ele (the pink gay elephant who tramples through everything while Gillu picks up the pieces). But when we are in Brendon’s POV, Shy is a snarky, brazen hitter of (shuttle)cocks [okay, this will be my only badminton-related sex joke…], unafraid to be who he is, pretty much Ele. It’s the same with Brendon. Via Saaransh, Blue is so proud, so open, so poised with who he is that Saaransh is inspired to be like him. But the Brendon we come to know is hurt by his past abusive relationships (police matters were involved but are spoilers). I loved seeing the dichotomy of these two.
Shy is a stellar contemporary romance, one that I’m incredibly grateful I read. The older I get, the more of a romantic I become from people finding their partner, their soulmate, their better half, or whatever you want to call it. Whenever I’m next ready to step outside of my SFF genre bubble, I know I can always count on Ashish Rastogi for a good tale.
I wouldn’t say I read a lot of romance novels, but from those I’ve read, this book does have those standard tropes you would expect. A character and the LI (love interest) meet very very early on in the story, hit it off (typically in a positive manner), and the rest of the story plays out toward their HEA (happily ever after). But because this story has the added layers of being LGBTQ+ and one of the characters being from a culture that still has deep-seeded stigma/borderline revulsion against the community, this story was not only an enjoyment read but also gave me a lot to ponder about as the plot tackles a lot in such a small amount of pages. Shy doesn’t shy (ahem) away from the topics of bigotry and cultural shame, and I applaud Ashish for tackling (insert rugby joke here) them head on.
Saaransh, aka Shy, was a very compelling character right from the beginning. Aside from being a closeted gay man from India, he is also a world-renowned badminton player. That duality of being a sports figure in the public eye and hiding his true self was not only the heart of this story, but also was seeped in sadness because he just wants to be out and proud. The joy he goes through when meeting LI Brendon (aka Blue) to the shame of being outed not on his own terms to the ostracization from his family, his career, and potentially his true passion in badminton was an emotional rollercoaster. To counter Shy’s arc, we have proud gay rugby player Brendon. He’s the yin to Shy’s yang, but Brendon is not just a simple character, no, he has his own past trauma, some of it pretty dark. It was just nearly impossible to not root for each of these guys.
The prose of Shy was really great and there were so many turns of phrase that were exquisite. There were just so many great lines it’s hard to highlight them all!
‘Mr. Common Sense dumps me right at this moment, and Mr. Intuition turns the other way. Both are blindsided by lust. Add the fog of stupidity to the mix, and you get all the ingredients for a crash.’
This story is told in 1st person POV from both Saaransh and Brendon, and both of them were as distinct as their personas. What I really enjoyed was that both characters wore two faces: the one the other saw and then their true faces. Saaransh, in his POV, was a scared, self-confessed cowardly introvert who was anguished over everything that happens, so much so that it was pretty crippling for him. Saaransh also has two inner voices, Gillu (the outerward, in the closet athlete) & Ele (the pink gay elephant who tramples through everything while Gillu picks up the pieces). But when we are in Brendon’s POV, Shy is a snarky, brazen hitter of (shuttle)cocks [okay, this will be my only badminton-related sex joke…], unafraid to be who he is, pretty much Ele. It’s the same with Brendon. Via Saaransh, Blue is so proud, so open, so poised with who he is that Saaransh is inspired to be like him. But the Brendon we come to know is hurt by his past abusive relationships (police matters were involved but are spoilers). I loved seeing the dichotomy of these two.
Shy is a stellar contemporary romance, one that I’m incredibly grateful I read. The older I get, the more of a romantic I become from people finding their partner, their soulmate, their better half, or whatever you want to call it. Whenever I’m next ready to step outside of my SFF genre bubble, I know I can always count on Ashish Rastogi for a good tale.
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