Adrift

Elements of Rapture #1

by Swati M.H.

Rani Shah is everything I can’t have–too young, too sweet, too innocent. Not to mention, she’s my late wife’s sister and my son’s nanny.

So when she asked me to kiss her, I should have refused.

When she begged me to touch her, I could have turned her down.

When she coaxed me to take the one thing she’s never given away–her virginity–a better man would have walked away.

Should have, could have, would have . . .

But I didn’t.

She should have been living the carefree life of a nineteen-year-old.

She could have avoided all my broken pieces and jagged edges.

She would have been able to save herself before I got a taste.

Should have, could have, would have . . .

But she didn’t.

Some love stories are forbidden from the start.

Ours is one of them.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Forbidden Romance, Plus Size, Forbidden Love

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2022

About the author

Swati MH is a Texas raised contemporary romance author living in the Bay Area with her very own book husband and two beautiful daughters. When she's not writing stories full of humor, heart, and heartbreak, she's likely thinking about doing so . . . preferably while holding a glass of wine.

FIND ME!!
Website→ http://www.swatimh.com/
Newsletter→https://bit.ly/SMH-Newsletter
Amazon→https://bit.ly/Swati-AMZ
Instagram→https://www.instagram.com/swati.mh
Reader Group→ https://bit.ly/SMH-Sweeties
Facebook→https://www.facebook.com/authorswatimh

Reviews

[Ilaria 🌸]

Come on Who the fudge finds romantic a guy that falls /lust for her ex wife sister
🤮

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a delicious and forbidden story.
I liked a lot!
It’s worth the reading.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the risk of repeating myself, one of my favorite things about reading is finding a new, talented author and being able to follow her through a long and promising career. And with indie authors on the scene, the possibilities are endless. Swati is one such author, and it brings me so much joy to watch her shoot for the stars and land perfectly in the center of her target. With each new offering I fall more in love with her poetic prose and garner new characters who will live in my heart forever.

Rani Shah and Darian Meyer get reacquainted by accident. The kind of accident where Rani needs rescuing from a life and death situation. They've been in the periphery of each others' lives since Rani's sister and Darian got married years ago. Sadly, Darian's wife died a year ago and he's barely keeping his head above water trying to keep his business afloat while raising his one-year-old son, Arman. Rani is on summer break from college and offers to help care for Arman to take the responsibility off of Darian's mother who needs to tend to her own health.

Now, at this point you may think you know where things are headed, but this crafty wordsmith is anything but predictable. I'll save those surprises for when you read their story, but I have to gush about both Rani and Darian!

Rani is nothing short of spectacular. She’s young and has dealt with a lot of negativity in her life, including from her own family, but she's this beautiful, refreshing ray of sunshine. She’s figured out that happiness comes from loving herself and then sharing that love with others. She's vulnerable and uncertain at times, but she has no trouble standing up for herself and giving as good as she gets.

And Darian, gah! If you love a wounded hero, Darian is that in spades. Yes, he comes across as gruff and guarded and stoic (who can blame him?) but underneath that tough exterior is the heart of a teddy bear. He loves fiercely, and that protective streak of his? Swoon!

These two seem so opposite, but they’re two halves of a whole and balance each other perfectly. She's the light to his dark, the anchor in his storm, and the peace to his fears. And he's the confidence to her insecurities, the gentle care for her past mistreatment and her greatest fan. And don’t get me started in the two of them with little Arman because it's precious and sweet and cuteness overload!

Buckle up, my reader friends, because this one starts rough. Like rip your heart out and shred it into a million pieces rough. But have no worries. This masterful storyteller then weaves us a beautiful tapestry with threads of loss, betrayal, forgiveness, redemption, hope and new beginnings. And it is stunningly breathtaking.

Just when I think I’ve seen her best work, this gifted scribe raises the bar and then leaps over it with ease. She gives us the perfect balance of sweet, funny, heartfelt, poignant and holy-hades steamy, and I loved every second I spent with these characters. This charming, evocative, remarkable story is one of my all-time favorites, and I know you'll love it as much as me. Your romantic heart will fall head over heels for Rani and Darian, so make sure you don’t miss it!

[PeaceOfGod]

Personally, for me? I find it....PRETTY disgusting. Like... these things used to happen in the 80s in India, but they were arranged not 'love marriages' so the widowed husband's lineage could continue. And this kind of relationship saved a lot of money since the man already knew the to-be-wife. So, ZERO dowry.

Good for you if you wanna read it...but...I'm NOT made for this kinda book.

[Catherine Wiltcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! RTC xx

[Readwithsav · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up!

This one was a random pick on kindle unlimited that thoroughly surprised me with how much I enjoyed it! I love a good single parent x nanny trope, but adding in an extra forbidden element really worked for me.

[Tish · Rating 4 out of 5]

4

rtc - honestly can’t believe i found a desi author who writes interracial relationships that make me SWOOON. 100/10 would recommend

[bookspaced · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrift is a slow burn, forbidden romance between a widower and his sister in law.

After the death of his wife during childbirth, Darian finds himself struggeling to keep his business and raise his one year old son. When he unexpectedly runs into his sister in law, she offers him to take care of Arman over the summer to help him lighten his workload.
What started of as an easy option quickly turns into something both of them didn‘t expect. To fall in love with eachother. Both of them are a little reluctant about this relationship but it is hard to ignore your feelings.

I really enjoyed Rani and Darian‘s story. It was sweet, emotional and angsty. I felt a little uncomfortable with the ages for both characters but nonetheless did i enjoy them being together. They fit perfectly. I loved the bond between Rani and her nephew and how she was able to stand up for herself throughout this book.
I love a strong heroine who knows what she wants!

4.5⭐️

[freyleyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I surprisingly enjoyed this! The writing was beautiful, and the story was very realistic.
4/5⭐️
3.75/5🔥

[Tiffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!! This book was so good. I'm pretty sure I had a full blown conversation with my kindle. This story was so much more than I expected. I was already sold at the grumpy single dad. But this story ended up being so much more than a single dad, age gap. I love a good age gap story if it is done right. While we know the mc is younger, it doesn't overshadow all the other things that are going on in the story. The author builds this world that you feel completely apart of. The tension between Rani and Darian is palpable, you can feel it and touch it. Darian is grumpy, calculated and controlled, which makes him so yummy. Rani is curvy, smart and level headed for her age. Their chemistry is undeniable. Swati is becoming one of my favorite authors.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it

3.5 Stars. I liked the book but there was way to much inner monologue🙄 I will admit I skimmed through those parts....oops

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swati M.H. is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Adrift is an addictive, single-dad, slow-burn, age-gap, forbidden, emotional romance. This book is beautifully written with captivating, relatable characters.

I loved Rani and Darian, their chemistry, the forbidden nature of their relationship, and the push/pull between them was *chef’s kiss* Rani was a strong, independent woman and Darian was this swoon-worthy man. His devotion to his son after the loss of the love of his life added to how swoony Darian was.

These two were opposites of sort, yet they were perfectly suited. I can’t wait to see what else Swati M.H. writes next!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Cheyenne]

DNF

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't offended by this, but also I was bored. Kid was cute

3.5 stars
3 on the spice scale

[Nerlie౨ৎ🎧📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

I was a bit hesitant to start this because of the dead spouse trope, but I ended up loving it.

Forbidden romance always hits the right spot for me, and this one was no exception. I thought they were really cute together, but the antagonizing of the wife felt completely unnecessary. We could have just left it at they weren’t in love anymore without turning her into a villain.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I received this ARC from the author***

We love a good taboo romance! Especially when the love interest becomes your 10 years younger, late wife's sister, who is also your nanny!

This book was emotional, sweet, funny, and spicy! I don't usually go for books with babies / single parent tropes, etc, but I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend this author!

[Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAWWWW I fell in love with this book I actually could not put it down no matter what I did

I loved the story plot I loved the characters I loved everything about this book, was I expecting that twist at the end HELL FRICKIN NO

BUTTTTTTTT

DAYUM I LOVE DARIAN SO MUCH AND MY HEART BREAKS FOR HIM AND HES SEXY AS F AND OH MY GOD RANI HAS THE MOST SWEETEST AND PUREST OF HEARTS AND I'VE ROOTING FOR HER SINCE THE BEGINNING


I LOVED THEM BOTH SO MUCH AND THEY MADE THEIR WAY INTO MY HEART AND SOUL 😍😍❤️❤️

[Laura Perttula]

DNF at 12%. I really liked another book by this author so I borrowed this. Reading the description I thought maybe it would be okay but actually reading it the BIL trope isn’t my thing. I don’t really like nanny stories either so this DNF is about my preferences and nothing about the author or problems with the book.

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story that captured pain, loss and growth so well. I particularly enjoyed the cultural insights into the characters and the issues of body image that weren’t shoved down your throat, but were explored with grace and beauty.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of swati's books from the time I accidentally came across her first book and loved loved reading it. Since then, I have always waited for her releases.

Darian, a widower is managing to raise his little son with help from his parents, when he accidently happens to meet his ( kind of estranged ) sister in law Rani. An instant attraction apart, Rani offers to baby sit his son through summer, something that he desperately needed at the time.

As much as their relationship is forbidden, they can't help but fall for each other. Just when things are starting to look better, there's an interesting twist in the tale...

Will Rani and Darian's age gap, slow burn, forbidden romance just be a summer fling or will this move over to a happily ever after is what you need to read along and find out

I love Swati's style of writing and the depth that she brings to each character, that makes them very relatable. Another lovely story by the beautiful author that had me smiling, laughing and loving this book ❤️❤️

Thank you Swati M H for the arc copy of this book

Do grab your copies as soon as it hits published on the 10th Nov

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew from the blurb that this would be a fantastic ride and I was right! Rani and Darian's story is so dang amazing. It was an emotional roller coaster ride but what a wonderful one. I couldn't put the book down but I also didn't want it to end especially once they figured out their feelings for one another. And that took a bit, for them to realise it. And it was so amazing once it all falls in line.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 4.5 ✩ read!
Adrift is a single dad, age gap, slow burn, forbidden romance between a widower, and his sister-in-law! These are my favorite tropes to read. I really loved Rani and Darian‘s story. They fit perfectly together! It was sweet and emotional. The characters were perfectly written. I love Swati's style of writing and the profundity that she brings to each character.
I just recently discovered Swati’s books!
This book is definitely a must-read!

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Goodness! Swati M.H. Knows how to twist your heart! There’s just something about the way she draws you into the story itself. Adrift was emotional and heart wrenching, yet had a warmth to it! Darian and Rani were passionate and sensual, and she was definitely comical being nervous Nelly. Such a profound connection that led to a powerful love! What an incredible journey! Fantastic book!

[Amanda Divine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an ARC of this book and thought I would give it a try. I was completely blown away by this read and the author. I think I have just found a new author to follow. Her writing style and the plot develop quickly but you don’t feel like the book is ever rushed. Instead, the plot developed at a natural pace, the characters were true to themselves all the way through. What they said and did seem like natural reactions. It felt like a friend telling you a story. That is how easy it was to fall into the story. I had weeks to read it, but I found myself not wanting to stop reading. I looked for any opportunity to pickup the book and see what happened next.

You can tell that I immediately fell for Rani and Darian. They both had such warm, good hearts. Rani’s was on the surface and visible in all her actions, and it was obvious from the very start. Darian was a bit more complex and guarded in everything he did. He had been hurt in the past and protected himself. Rani broke through these defenses and made Darian want for more. She showed him how good life could be. How happy he could be. What a site to see this man transform. He was hot in the beginning of the story, but he only got more appealing and sexier as his defenses came down. These two were matches from the start. It was clear that they were able to give the other what they needed the most. Only true soulmates can sense what to offer without being asked.

I won’t go into all the detail of the story as I don’t want to ruin it for any readers. So much unfolded in these pages that will have you gasping in surprise. I promise that you will feel for both characters and want to get to the end of the book to see what their HEA looks like. It was beautiful!!

[Tempest Phan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite and profound. Swati MH shredded my heart with her emotional story of two people who weren’t ever supposed to fall in love, but were absolutely what the other needed. Full review TK.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are not a lot of certainties in life, but I know when one of my authors release a new book I will love it! Swati is one of those authors! I was thrilled when I got my hands on an arc copy and havent been able to put it down!

This is a slow burn forbidden romance between a widower and his sister in law who is 13 years his junior. Darian was with his wife Sonia for 10 years but died from a blood clot after she gave birth to their baby, Arman. Rani was only 9 years old when her sister ran off to marry Darian. She lost her beloved sister when her mother couldn't deal with the union and disowned her.

Darian is now struggling without the help of his partner in their outdoor sports school, Truckee Sports. His mother has also been dealing with health issues along with helping with her one year old grandson. Rani has a new motto in life since the death of her sister. She wants to experience life because who knows which breathe will be your last. Her "live for today" attitude brings her directly to Darian. She ends up in his office after she has a kayaking accident and has to be rescued. Rani can't help herself and volunteers to help as a live in nanny after Darian mentions how much he is struggling with Arman's care.

Swati does an amazing job of making you forget that Rani is only 19 years old. As they spend more time together you see the connection and it is as natural as breathing for them to become a couple. When Darian's world gets turned upside-down will he let Rani help him or push her away? Read this amazing book to find out!

[RomanceAddicted79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’d let that man guide through my rapids any time of day”

This is the first book I’ve read from Swati and when I say it has started an obsession, well…it’s started an obsession. No sleep, not food, just Swati’s books.

I was excited to read a book with diverse characters but was even more elated to find out the h was a sexy, curvy girl. Rani is my new hero. Heroine? Whatever. She’s my girl and one badass beauty.

But Rani’s confidence wasn’t what first pulled me in. It was the —get ready for it, or stop here if you don’t want spoilers— heartbreak that starts off our journey.

Darian, a married man who has literally had his hopes and dreams laid in his hands, is thrusted into becoming mom and dad for his newborn when the unimaginable happens. With the tragic loss of his wife, the distance that was growing between them is now a permanent separation that Darian doesn’t have the luxury of grieving. His world has crumbled beneath his feet and all he can do is move forward for the sake of his son. His transition from a man in love, working hard to make his wife happy to a jaded, single father happens in the blink of an eye.

Estranged from his in-laws means they’re no help with either his newborn son nor the healing process that he so badly needs.

But when Rani steps into his life —the younger sister-in-law he barely knows— the fire that used to burn is reignited and has him all sorts of bass-awarkds. His sprouting feelings for Rani has him pushing his anger over the hand he was dealt aside. He’s older, far more experienced and a helluva lot more cynical, but he can’t resist the pull of Rani and how she has him feeling things he didn’t know were possible. Rani doesn’t fare any better as she can’t stop the sinful thoughts about the one man who should be off limits. The brother-in-law that is practically a stranger should be far from her thoughts, but her desire for him grows faster than a forest fire and her ability to douse those flames is useless. All she can do is give in to what they both want and pray her heart doesn’t turn to ashes.

In no time at all, Darian’s romantic side shows and it has Rani swooning, head over heels. The lilies? I mean…that’s panty soaking hot.

And how much do I love the supporting characters. Darian’s brothers (twins? Yes, please!), Rani’s best friends (wishing for a girls’ night with them), his mom (good Lord, someone tell that woman that is NOT how texting goes 😂) and her parents (yikes! Talk about Monster-in-law) add the perfect amount of tension and comic relief that rounds out this incredible story.

The twist that comes and smacks you upside the head leaving you confused and wondering if you need to scratch your watch or wind your a%@, is a doozy. I just knew Ryan was sleazy. I could feel it from the moment his creepy leer lingered on Rani. I’d give my left arm to give that guy a hard kick in the nutz with steel toed boots. Just sayin’.

The layers to this story were endless and captured me from page one. If there is only one thing I would change it would be to have an added dose of sexual tension between Darian and Rani. I felt like those moments of longing and desire could’ve been stretched out, adding to the combustion that inevitably occurred when the two of them finally came together. With that said, the steam, the drama, the heartbreak and HEA were the perfect combination for a 5 ⭐️ read.

Darian + Rani = couple goals.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This book had me crying and laughing! Rani and Darian have such a beautiful connection. It takes them a bit to figure it all out. Watching them overcome their losses and fears to make it work is a wonderful emotional ride, with lots of steam! Let me not forget to mention sweet Arman, so happy he has such a loving family. I was so excited to get to read an ARC of this book as I just recently discovered Swati’s books. I just loved everything about it! Swati did not disappoint! Adrift is definitely a must read!

[Jen Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the tragic loss of his wife Sonya during childbirth, Darian is overwhelmed as he juggles running his business and caring for his one-year-old son, Arman. Hoping to ease some of his burden and get more time with her precious nephew, Darian’s sister-in-law, Rani, offers to take care of Arman for the summer. What begins as a solution meant to ease stress turns into much more than either of them could have bargained for.

Adrift is a slow burn, taboo romance. Filled with so much emotion, angst, humor, and spice, Darian and Rani’s journey captured my attention from the start. Sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants, which is definitely the case here. These two tried to ignore their undeniable chemistry and their attraction to each other, but love wins out in the end. Get ready for a heartfelt tale filled with unforgettable characters, breathtakingly hot spice, and the unequivocal proof that love isn’t something you can deny or plan for.

You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
♥️ Forbidden romance
♥️ Single dad/Nanny
♥️ Close proximity
♥️ Age gap
♥️ Virgin heroine
♥️ Multicultural and interracial romance

🎧Audio review: What a duo with Simone Lewis and Aaron Shedlock! I’ve always been a fan of Aaron, and his narration in this audiobook was no exception. He embodied the gruff and broody Darian’s personality perfectly. From the inner dialogue to the fun banter, my heart leapt for this character, and that was in large part to Aaron’s performance. Simone Lewis is a narrator I didn’t have as much experience with, but she was a vibe! Bringing Rani’s young but confident persona to life, this feisty yet sweet character shone brightly through the narration by Simone! Put the two of them together, and it was pure magic. I definitely recommend this narration team and this audiobook!

Coming to Audible on October 29! Also available now on Kindle Unlimited.

Thank you to Swati MH for the opportunity to preview this ALC! All opinions expressed are my own.

[anita.thebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read age gap with heartbreak 💔 and steam🌶️🔥

Review 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adrift by Swati M.H
"My thoughts take me to my bottle of sunshine–the woman who gave away free smiles and kept a pocket full of fairy dust with her at all times.,"

Age Gap, Single dad hot AF
Nanny 19, sweet, and also hot AF

Swati my girl 👏👏 WOWZ!! What an incredible story you gave us! I'm not that into big age gape romance, but I LOVED this so much. OMG so much heartbreak 😭 emotional rollercoaster for sure, and humor, and that hotflashes I got because of your steamy scenes. Woohoo!!!

Darian and Rani went through so much to get to the point of their happiness forever 💕. The suffering was palpable on each page. Her parents ugh....his wife I cried a few times!!! Her parents , the culture that Swati brings to her stories is beautiful and unique from her very debut novel it's one of the things I treasure the most in her writing.
(Don't ever change that) The author went even a step further with Adrift.
The secondary characters, are always so yummy as the main ones. I know I am going to get hooked on most of then, and want to you knowwww k¥ll others, LOL. Little Arman stoled the show, yep he did.
Now I'm jumping on the bit to find out who is next? Bella and Garrett or will it be Melody & Liam? Or the other? Hmmmm

I can't wait to see what you give us next. I love you so much 💖
That extra, extra bonus epilogue you give us, is another thing I treasure from you! 🥰 Thank you!

Book is written in dual POV, 1st person, no cliffhanger and a HEA!
I highly, highly recommend this book. You should read them all .
ARC was given by author, thank you so Swati.
My review is given voluntarily.