You can plan everything, but you can't plan with whom and when you'll fall in love, isn't it? Aishwarya, at twenty-eight years, would rather be a single mother than trust the 'normal' family structure. In her new start-up, she wants to revolutionize childcare for young woman professionals-this is her ultimate goal. Plus, she's in a hurry to do it all. On her mind is the ambitious and good-looking Akshay, perfect genetic material, but he's not ready to be part of her plans. Yet. In comes Dhiren, who has made and lost his money in cryptocurrency. He takes up the first floor of Aishwarya's nursery building and, by a queer coincidence, begins to work for her. Her friends Smriti and Vinny, as protective as mother hens, warn her against Dhiren. There is something that he's hiding along with his friend Neeraj-they just don't know what. Things begin to take shape but really, it's just the beginning of a disaster. The only thing that can save them is what they don't want-love. Crazy, quirky and so utterly romantic, this book is the ultimate relationship roller coaster!
I would say I give this book a 3.5. Like I have said before for other reviews, Durjoy Dutta’s book are made for big screens probably and are to those girls who are right now at high school.
I genuinely struggled to finish this book. 'When I Am With You' was, unfortunately, one of the most frustrating reading experiences I’ve had in a while.
This book had 321 pages, and somewhere around page 50, I started wondering whether I was reading a romance novel or conducting an endurance test. Let’s talk about the characters. Aishwarya. Oh, Aishwarya. Where do I even begin? She has the remarkable ability to make one questionable decision after another while somehow expecting everyone around her to deal with the consequences. Throughout the book, she came across as immature, frustrating, and seemingly more than happy to take advantage of Dhiren whenever it suited her. I kept waiting for some character development that would make me understand her better. Instead, I got more Aishwarya.
And then there’s Dhiren. The way his character is written makes it feel as though the entire universe revolves around him. I kept waiting for some depth or development that would make me genuinely care about him, but that never really happened for me.
And then we have Vinny and Smriti - because apparently the book hadn't already tested my patience enough. These two were irritating with the consistency of a perfectly functioning machine. Every time they showed up, a tiny part of my remaining sanity packed its bags and left.
The writing itself didn’t help either. The entire book felt sloppy and poorly handled. There was very little emotional depth, and I never developed genuine sympathy or attachment to any of the characters. The situations that were presumably meant to make me feel something mostly left me feeling frustrated instead.
Usually, even when I dislike a book, I can appreciate something about it - the writing, the characters, the premise, or at least a few memorable moments. Here, I struggled to find much that worked for me.
321 pages of pure torture, followed by the greatest plot twist of all: I finally reached the last page. Would I recommend it? Only to someone who has wronged me and whom I secretly wish to punish.
When I’m With You was an emotional rollercoaster. Durjoy Datta has this knack for creating characters who are flawed, messy, and very human, and that’s what makes the story so relatable. I found myself connecting with their struggles — whether it was love, heartbreak, or just trying to figure out who they are. Some parts felt a little dramatic, but that’s also what kept me turning the pages.
What stood out for me was the writing style. It’s simple, but the emotions come through strongly. There were a few lines that really stayed with me, the kind you want to highlight and come back to later. I also liked how the book wasn’t just about romance — it had layers of friendship, pain, and self-discovery woven in.
Overall, it was a heartfelt and engaging read. Not perfect — a few parts dragged — but it left me thinking about the characters even after I finished. That, for me, is what makes a story work. When I’m With You isn’t just another love story, it’s about people trying, failing, and still finding a way to keep going.
This is the 1st fictional book which I don't like much. No offense for the characters or the author but personally in some parts I found some characters behaviour a little bit toxic. Like how Aishwarya's friends always tell her what to do and literally make her DO IT! I mean is this what the author thinks that the girls manipulate each other. I mean some might! And at first I really liked aishwarya but later on after the collapse i really didn't like the way she behaved...and behaviour as in I mean she CHEATED ON AKSHAY. I agree that she had a huge loss but it never makes a women go so crazy. personally I'm feeling a little bad for akshay but the ending is fine. Again no personal grudges or offense to the author or anyone, just my opinion. I think it also happened because I read romance after a very long time. Maybe I can try a few more books from this author and give it a try, what do you guys think?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sometimes you don’t choose where life takes you — destiny does. And all you can do is go along with it. That’s exactly what When I Am With You by Durjoy Datta captures — a story where two strangers cross paths, begin talking, get to know each other, and slowly fall in love… all by chance, or perhaps fate. At the heart of the story is Aishwarya, a young, independent woman, and Dhiren, a quiet, mysterious crypto expert. Both are battling personal demons and dealing with tough phases in life. Just when their bond starts to grow, life begins to pull them apart. A tragic accident changes everything - How far can love go when tested by truth, trauma, and time? To know how their story turns out, read the full review on my blog: 🔗 https://throughthebooksss.blogspot.co...
"When I Am with You" by Durjoy Dutta was a fresh reading experience for me. The writing style felt very modern something I’d call pretty Gen Z in tone and it actually worked well for the story. The Indian setting and context felt authentic and relatable, which made the whole experience even better. This was my first Durjoy Dutta book, and it turned out to be a really good read.
The book carries a lot of young energy, especially in the way it portrays falling in love the excitement, the emotions, and those tingling feelings that come with it. At the same time, it also explores the consequences of past mistakes, healing, and the lengths people are willing to go for love. The madness and intensity that sometimes come with love were portrayed really well.
Overall, it was a solid read and a good first experience with Durjoy Dutta’s writing.
Yes I did love the story (I always love @durjoydatta books tho ❤️), but haa I'm thoda disappointed by the end of it.
I'm happy that at the end Dhiren and Aishwarya and back together 🥰🥰 ,but it left me with a few doubts?? 🤔🤔
How will Smriti and Vinny react to it? What about Akshay?? She was going to the US with him for a new life, a new start. Aab kya?? How is she going to break this news to them and how will she convince them that all this is what she wanted. That she wanted DHIREN from their first meet.
I'm curious to know what's going to happen next if there's any other part of it.
This book holds a special places in my heart since this was the first ever book I had purchased. Dhiren and Aishwarya, the chemistry between them was undeniable as well as they understood each other. The major theme of this book according to was how the past experience affects present relationships and how we can help someone simply being present in their lives. Overall the storyline was good, the pace was medium, neither too fast nor slow ending on a good note.
Gave what it needed to, the ending was lowk rushed asf but I think that was on purpose. Had a Hate-Love relationship with Aishwarya. The name of the book should've been 'When I am with you; the destruction I cause' or 'When I am not with you' cause half the book, they weren't even with each other. In all seriousness though, The character development was supa good.
A heartwarming story about love, friendship, self-discovery, and new beginnings. I enjoyed Aishwarya's strong personality, the humor brought by her friends, and the emotional journey throughout the book.
The story beautifully reminds us that sometimes the thing we fear the most is exactly what we need. A delightful and meaningful read. ❤️📚
It was a light romance read, definitely gave a lot of butterflies while reading. Absolutely loved the initial chapters 🤌. As i was reading the last few lines of the book, "Bakhuda tumhi ho" started playing in my head.🫠
I loved how mysterious dhiren was in the beginning and I how the story progressed with them growing closer then the major shock then the accident and how they grew closer then apart then finally together I really like how the end was and it was really enjoyable!! Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another Durjoy Datta romance. Perfect in every sense. I love the scenes between Aishwarya and Dhiren. The brewing of romance gave me goosebumps—overall a light, very romantic read.