PLOT: 4/5 CHARACTERS: 5/5 ENTERTAINMENT: 5/5 STEAM: 3/5 OVERALL: 4.5/5
We’ve all grown up studying romances set both in modern or historic settings within the US or UK, and due to this, our requirements have at all times been set very excessive in terms of studying desi romances that don’t make us cringe and aren’t too Bollywood-like. I, for one, have at all times been looking out for one for some time, and thank God for “All That Sizzles.” It not solely matches and delivers however will depart you with an enormous smile in your face.
The story of All That Sizzles (no spoilers!)
Tanvi Bedi is a profitable marriage ceremony planner, and after excelling in her earlier occasions, she now faces the problem of orchestrating a 100-million-dollar marriage ceremony for a media heiress. Nonetheless, there’s a catch: her consumer insists on having Delhi’s extremely sought-after but reclusive Chef Nik Shankar cater the occasion, irrespective of the price. Regardless of Tanvi’s efforts, she has been unable to rearrange a gathering with him.
In the meantime, Nik Shankar finds himself estranged from his household, together with his inheritance entangled in a authorized dispute involving an absurd demand from his grandfather. To be able to declare his ancestral property, Nik have to be married – a predicament contemplating he doesn’t actually have a girlfriend.
Due to Nik’s greatest good friend, Ruk, Tanvi finds herself compelled to faux to be Nik’s fiancée. In change, Nik agrees to cater the marriage, benefiting each events. Nonetheless, as they spend extra time collectively, their ardour and attraction deepen. But, they have to confront their inner struggles and demons for his or her charade and pretend relationship to evolve into one thing genuinely actual.
My ideas
There are some books that, when you begin, you merely can’t put down till you attain the tip, leaving you with a large, glad smile in your face. And this e-book is one in every of them.
“All That Sizzles” matches that description completely. It’s your quintessential fashionable Desi Indian romance, leaving you not solely emotionally glad but in addition hungry within the literal sense. You might even name it a Foodie Romcom; the trendy twists on Desi recipes will depart you craving extra.
As for the tropes, we’ve a pretend relationship and compelled proximity, the place the characters should navigate pleasing Nick’s reclusive grandfather, who holds some kind of royalty at his ancestral residence in Rajasthan. The setting feels contemporary and genuine, including depth to the story.
Nik and Tanvi are opposites; Nik is tall and soft-spoken, whereas Tanvi possesses a shorter and louder character. Nonetheless, their attraction and chemistry result in some steamy scenes.
There’s nothing fairly like a man who falls first and is open about admitting his emotions, and that’s precisely who Nik is—an embodiment of what many ladies fantasize about.
What I notably appreciated about this e-book was its LGBTQ illustration on a number of ranges, making it much more related and inclusive.
The supporting forged, whether or not it’s Tanvi’s greatest buddies Risha and Nidhi (whose tales are featured in Sakshama’s earlier two books), Tanvi’s older brothers with their banter and protectiveness, or Nik’s greatest buddies Ruk and Abhi, all contribute to creating an ideal steadiness within the story.
The writing is flawless, and the story flows seamlessly. Moreover, references like GPS, VPS, and Albert Pinto add a layer of humour to Sakshama’s writing.
For a South Mumbaikar like myself, the reference from Tardeo to Breach Sweet felt spot on and had me smirking.
I wouldn’t have minded if Tanvi’s previous and her decision have been elaborated on much more.
So sure, my verdict is out. This Valentine’s Day, should you’re trying to learn a Desi Indian Romance that isn’t in any respect cringe-worthy and checks all of the bins, decide this one up, and also you received’t remorse it!
Can’t wait to learn it? Purchase your copy of All That Sizzles straight away!
