Book Review
Twilight’s Temptation by Shilpa Suraj
An engaging page-turner
My Rating: 4.8/5
Diana Severes and Manav Apte, a drop-dead-gorgeous model, and a sexy photographer; they’re perfect for each other, and their chemistry is visible to anyone and everyone around them when they’re together. But they can’t stand each other. Is it because of their past baggage or is it something else?
Book details:
Blurb (as on Amazon):
The ace photographer and the supermodel, they should have been a match made in heaven. Instead, they fought like the demons of hell. Complicated, surly, and sexy, Manav Apte was probably the only photographer who resented his muse. From the day he’d seen her, there had been no other. Unfortunately, she was the one woman he could never have. Passionate, talented, and gorgeous, Diana Severes refused to give the temperamental ass behind the camera the satisfaction of knowing he got under her skin. It was, however, impossible not to notice him or his glowering disapproval that trailed her everywhere she went. Their dislike and distrust of each other is legendary in the fashion industry and yet, the sparks that fly when they come together for work are enough to light the sets on fire. Will the Golden Girl of India’s fashion scene be able to see beyond his hatred to the love he’s desperately trying to mask? And will the country’s most talented photographer realize that his true talent lies not in what he views through his lens but what he sees through the filter of his heart?
Genre: Fiction/Romcom
Pages: 209
Format: Kindle eBook
Price: 125 INR/$2.99
Detailed review:
What I liked about the book:
- It’s a complete package, like a Bollywood movie (and my favorite kinda filmy drama) From a friend's group Goan holiday to somebody getting injured and landing up in a hospital, from a wedding party with emotions.
- All the characters have pivotal roles to play in the story of Diana and Manav. And in fact, Diana and Manav play an equally important role in the stories of the side characters, as well.
The bond between the three girls and the three boys is friendship goals. The way they fiercely protect each other and stand by each other is seriously enviable.
- Some moments and incidents make you guffaw, and they leap out in the most unexpected manner. I especially enjoyed the way the three boys pull each other’s legs. Another entertaining bit was the email exchange between Diana and Manav.
Manav’s family history and past are truly gut-wrenching. I couldn’t help but get inspired by his character and how he grew up to be such an amazing human being despite having such flawed parents.
What I did not like about the book:
I wish there was more about Diana and her family.
- I wish there was more about Diana and her family. It felt that Manav’s past and family got covered and quite well so, but it would have been nice if we learned more about Diana’s childhood, her siblings, and her equation with her parents.
Quotable quotes:
That was love, seeing the good in someone even when they showcased their bad.
-> You have to keep going. To keep living. That’s what life is like for most people. We put one foot in front of the other and dealt with one problem after the other until we died.
-> I frowned. My face was going to freeze into this expression one day.
-> It was a cloudless night and still, you couldn’t see a single star. Pollution and smog won the battle every day.
-> I’d rather be overworked than jobless.
-> Being phone-free all day had been a surprisingly liberating experience.
-> Don’t ask the question if you don’t want to hear the answer.
-> Talent and good music always spoke to the deepest parts of my soul.
-> “I want world peace, no poverty, nobody to sleep on an empty stomach, and for my father to stay out of my life.” “Except for that last bit, that could have been your Ms. India speech.”
-> I kissed him with all the hurt, pain, and love in my heart. I kissed him to tell him what I never would be able to if I used words. I kissed him to show him what we could be. And most of all, I kissed him to show him how far from nothing he was to me.
-> “Are you really wearing a floral pink shirt?” “I look like a cherry blossom tree,” “What’s going on here?” “Where the hell have you guys been?” “Who threw up strawberry ice cream all over you?”
-> That was love, seeing the good in someone even when they showcased their bad.
-> We can always find the time if it’s important enough to us. We make time when we want to.
-> “Come back here, my arms are empty.” “Did you hear that line in a movie?” “I read it in a book.” “Porn magazines are not considered books.” “They have some very educational content in them.”
-> Some wounds couldn’t be treated, and they never healed.
-> “We’re going out.” “Not in the mood.” “We know. We know, you’re moping.” “Am not.” “Sulking?” “No,” “What do you call it then?” “Manly brooding.” -> We all have one shot at true happiness. We shouldn’t let it slide by because our pride has taken a beating.
-> We all have issues. We all have scars. Some visible, some invisible.
Thank you for reading.
If you are an indie writer or have some great book recommendations for lesser popular books, hit me up. I’ll be more than happy to read and review the book on all major social media platforms. You can check out all my book reviews under the list titled ‘Bookish Witch’ on my Medium profile.
Here’s the link to my previous review:
