The Bollywood Bride by Sonali Dev

The Bollywood Bride

by Sonali Dev

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year ●  NPR Best Books of the Year ●  Amazon Fall Reading Selection ● Goodreads Best Romances of the Month ● International Dublin Literary Award Longlist

"A fresh new voice."
—Susan Elizabeth Phillips, New York Times bestselling author

Ria Parkar is Bollywood's favorite Ice Princess—beautiful, poised, and scandal-proof—until one impulsive act threatens to expose her destructive past. Traveling home to Chicago for her cousin's wedding offers a chance to diffuse the coming media storm and find solace in family, food, and outsized celebrations that are like one of her vibrant movies come to life. But it also means confronting Vikram Jathar.

Ria and Vikram spent childhood summers together, a world away from Ria's exclusive boarding school in Mumbai. Their friendship grew seamlessly into love—until Ria made a shattering decision. As far as Vikram is concerned, Ria sold her soul for stardom and it's taken him years to rebuild his life. But beneath his pent-up anger, their bond remains unchanged. And now, among those who know her best, Ria may find the courage to face the secrets she's been guarding for everyone else's benefit—and a chance to stop acting and start living.

Rich with details of modern Indian-American life, here is a warm, sexy, and witty story of love, family, and the difficult choices that arise in the name of both.

Reviewed by Lorelei's Lit Lair on

4 of 5 stars

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Sonali Dev's pours love and anguish in her latest release, The Bollywood Bride. It's much darker than her debuting novel, A Bollywood Affair, yet you'll find her unique, romantic voice weaving a story of love, drama and sorrow with hints of humor and banter that will entertain you till the very end.
The ride was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was gripped in many parts and though this story is told from Ria's point of view, there were times I wished I could hear more of Vikram's thoughts and voice. Still, I fell in love with Vikram and rooted for his and Ria's happily ever after.
I find that Sonali Dev's writing possesses such richness and quality that pulls you in once you start reading. Almost mesmerizing, at least that's the effect she has on me. Sonali Dev is definitely on my must-read list, and I highly recommend her books. My only caution to readers is that this book contains stronger topics. It's not as light hearted and fast paced as A Bollywood Affair, which I highly recommend,as well.
I received an advanced readers copy for an honest review.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 1 November, 2015: Finished reading
  • 1 November, 2015: Reviewed