Alisha Rai

First Comes Like
Modern Love, Book 3

I Picked Up This Book Because: Finish the series.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Netgalley/BCPL
Dates Read: 3/19/24 - 3/21/24
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Priya Ayyar, Neil Shah

The Characters:

Jia Ahmed Beauty influencer working to make her dreams come true after losing momentum due to illness.
Dev Dixit Actor from a famous family whose world has been flipped after the loss of his brother and Grandfather.
Dev’s Niece, Dev’s Uncle, Jia’s roommates (who I would love to see have their own stories)

The Story:

While I do not have a super dramatic reaction to this story I liked it a lot. I think Jia and Dev are low key characters that have some semi dramatic things happen to them. There is a lot of growth and change for these characters as they are both thrown into major upheavals. I wasn’t in love with the last bit of miscommunication. Jia really didn’t need to jump to conclusions about the housing situation.
I love Dev’s uncle and I would have liked to see more of his niece.… (mer)

While You Were Dreaming

I Picked Up This Book Because: 24 in 24 read.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: CC Public Library
Dates Read: 3/6/24 - 3/9/24
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Soneela Nankani

The Characters:

Sonia Patil
Niam Cooper
James Cooper, Kareena Patil, Hana, Sonia/Kareena’ mom, James/Niam’s Parents

The Story:

Navigating family, friends, romantic relationships and keeping secrets isn’t easy. Sonia knows this first hand. While this wasn’t a thriller I was shocked at several turns. This was a great story, complex but not overly dependent on teen angst. I would love to see another from this world.… (mer)

If you know me, you know I am obsessed with a Hades & Persephone retelling. Give them all to me please!!!

I really enjoyed this take on the myth - and I appreciate a Zeus who isn't a complete asshole (my heart belongs to Hades but I'm always going to want Zeus to be a better guy lol). This was a short, fast STEAMY read. It opens with a naked Persephone falling into Hades's lap, like a surprise gift! Anyway, highly recommend!

CW's: explicit sex, no kidnapping but Persephone ends up in Hades's domain due to trickery (on the part of Zeus), strained family dynamics… (mer)