Book Review: 'The Friend Zone' by Abby Jimenez

I have a confession to make – for someone who loves to read romance novels, I have not been doing a lot reading recently. I always find something more distractive – whether it’s a TV show that I’m watching for the nth time, or silly videos that unnecessary or just work because that does take a lot of my time. Whatever the reason may be, for I have not been reading a lot and so, I have not been writing a lot. Not good, I know.

So, with temporary quarantine on the cards because of the current unfortunate pandemic, I leapt to one of my many new unread books, this one called, ‘The Friend Zone’ by Abby Jimenez.

I found about the book on Book Depository while ordering a couple of other books, the story sounded interesting – but the title got my eye and cracked me up. I knew I had to get it.

Within three days I found myself at the end of the book, it’s not surprising – I do inhale books that intrigue me, but I haven’t done that in so long – it felt back to being myself again. Whatever that means.

Back to the book, just a little bit about it – the book has been written from two sides of the story – both the protagonist – the girl and the boy. Kristen and Josh. They met through their respective best friends who were getting married – as their maid of honor and best man. They hit it off soon – but Kristen had infertility issues that needed urgent medical care and Josh wanted a big family. But, they both wanted each other.

It’s interesting how the story progresses – especially knowing both sides of the story. Usually it’s a situation of OMG JUST TELL HER/HIM. But, that wasn’t often the case. They both knew exactly what the other wanted – eventually. But, it was all the hurdles that came along the way that they had to deal with together.

The book deals with some really honest infertility issues that most women deal with and the ordeal it becomes on their mental, physical and emotional selves. It is about love, but it’s also about friendship, crazy mothers and importance of ice cream sundaes and fries a the same time. It also proves a well-known theory that all firemen are really hot. Hehe.

It is well-written, witty, honest and easily relatable. I was shaking with laughter, giggling and blushing at the romance and crying – nah, weeping – at the sad parts.

I would definitely recommend reading it!

Get your copy here: https://www.bookdepository.com/Friend-Zone-Abby-Jimenez/9781538715604?ref=grid-view&qid=1584172846652&sr=1-2

A Moment

In a crowded room, chatting away,
Faking smiles, shaking hands,
Your eyes meet mine,
Words needn’t be said.

A secret smile spread,
The one you knew too well,
Making your way slowly,
Every stride, with swell.

Headed to a quieter corner,
With your hand in mine,  
Excused from the nonsense conversation,
Giddy with giggling joy.

In the dimly lit balcony,
Overlooking the lush gardens,
With a moment to ourselves,
A deep sigh and a deeper kiss.

February 9, 2019

Tapping of the Rain

Staring blankly ahead, as the discreet tapping of the rain began,
Blooming Peonies in the vase on the table by the window,
Like caught in a moment of joyous wonder, her hand in his hand.

As the sky tore up faster, pouring with lightning and thunder,
Dressed in hurried slippers, stolen kisses and gleaming gazes,
The umbrella left astray, they jumped on their feet.

Growing muddles in the park, mixed with that fresh smell of rain,
They danced around in their garden,
Adding the sounds of laughter to the chain.

In these little memories of time,
Of love, of laughter and of his contagious smile,
She quietly took a picture – one for her mind.

January 22, 2019

Valentine’s Day: Where’s the cheese?

I can sense it as I write, a lot of my own best friends will be like, ‘what the hell, Swati!’ But, I cannot help it! I’m reading about love, and it’s Valentine’s day and I don’t see a lot of love! And while I’m a newly acquired advocate of self-love and self-relationships, I’m sorry to say, but, where is the cheese?!

Before, my own dear best friends you question my sanity for the nth time again, I respect feminism or willingly being single or not being in love. I know I celebrated last year by sending all of you a giant flower bouquet for being the super supportive squad, that you are. But, you know despite all circumstances and idiot boys, I’m a true romantic and love of all things cheese (including actual cheese). So, when you try to argue my sanity, bear in mind, I love ‘love’.

Sorry for drifting away, but I think that was important to not get worried phone calls and facepalm emojis. Getting back to the topic, Valentine’s day is about celebrating love – all kinds of love – we have that figured out. And yes, wow it’s fantastic that people don’t want to celebrate it because really, love should be celebrated every day. But, are they? What are they doing to celebrate love every day?

Take the day as a token day – Valentine’s Day is a reminder to keep celebrating that love that you apparently already do every day! And what is wrong with that? I personally blame all these “aesthetic Instagram pleasers” for this trend. I was discussing this with my crazy friend, Radhika, who FYI, totally agrees with me, and she said, “Every day is self-love day, but Valentine’s Day is love love day.”

So, if you’re reading this and whatever be your relationship status – CELEBRATE IT! If you are 1/2 of a couple (god knows I’m all about monogamy but to each their own), go out for a nice dinner, maybe bring some heart candy or flowers or something cheesy along and make your significant other’s day. You might celebrate love every day, but today, celebrate it a little more. And if you are completely single, like I am, but love ‘love’, then watch a cheesy romantic movie, or read a cheesy book or take a long bubble bath or eat a box full of chocolates or party with other singles – I don’t know, I’d think these are enough examples to do on a weeknight! But, the point being, celebrate it! Bring back the cheese. There’s a lot of hate and violence in the world everywhere, a little love and celebration of love might do well.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY.

Or you know, Happy 9-days-to-my-birthday! 

–

‘Suraj Hua Maddham’ and Some Revelations

As every new year begins, everyone has new resolutions. My resolutions aren’t dependent on the new year, but rather on how far away my birthday is (February 23rd). I get into the full swing to get working on my birthday body roughly about in September/October.

In the gist of that, as Taylor Swift dropped her new album in November 2017, you cannot possibly imagine my excitement to go running listening to the album. It’s my jam. So, come January 2nd, I’m still running, still listening to Reputation. And just as my pace starts to differ and slow down, ‘Dress‘ comes on. It HAS to be the sexiest song on the album.

To recap, my exact emotions when I first heard the song were:

OH.MY.GOD.

This is a very, very sexy song. With an emotional touch. I am at a serious loss for words. I feel like this should be in 50 Shades of Grey.

“All of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting.”

As the lyrics mooned on, with all the “ah-ah-ah-aaaaahs”, it got me thinking – this song obviously makes me feel a lot of things. Things that another PR girl (read: Samantha Jones from SATC) will proudly raise a toast to. But, while this does make me “feel” a lot, there are more songs that probably have the same effect.

Taking my thought process as a freaky clue, ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’ from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham starts to play, making me blush to my cheeks and thanking my stars for it being dark on my track.

It was the year 2001, and I was 8 years old (if you are doing the math, I’m 24 for another month and 21 days), when I first heard/saw the song. And since then, it’s been my ultimate love song. Till date, if I hear the song, I automatically start to blush. In that Egyptian backdrop with those plain effortless sarees and Shah Rukh Khan’s lusty looks, I had my “awakening”.

As a vain kid who didn’t know what sex was, I assumed, when people went on honeymoon – mostly in Switzerland or Egypt, they danced and ran to each other in slow motions and BAM, that was it. I was proven very, very wrong at 12 when I read my first ever Jude Deveraux. But, that’s a story for another time.

So today evening, as I walked back home, blushing pink with a huge cheeky smile plastered on my face from just listening to two songs, it occurred to be – I can’t be the only one who has a few songs like these – the kind that would make one blush in a busy room.

I can’t, right? 

 

Book Review: ‘The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris’ by Jenny Colgan

This book gave me legit diabetes. It was too sweet from the start to the finish, given it’s got a title that mentions ‘chocolate’.

The book has two protagonists, Anna and Claire- Claire used to be Anna’s French teacher- and Anna’s miserable accident landed her in the hospital, and for Claire, it was another chemo session. Claire encourages Anna (a chocolate taster, if you will), to go to Paris to work in the shop of an acquaintance. Anna, with no other options, actually ends up going.

That’s where the real story begins. The book delves a lot into flashbacks, which show us Claire in Paris as an 18-year-old- how it changed her and how she fell in love, more like who she fell in love with. What follows is a story that unfolds and builds as the plot thickens and bits start to make more sense.

There are delicious mentions of chocolate, and one very sexy man (Anna’s).

Without giving away too much of the plot, the book is about two women who fall love in with Paris and are never the same again. With a predictable plotline, I pretty much knew where the book was going and what was going to happen next. Although it had a few twists and turns, and one particular character change that I did not expect. Yet, what made me keep reading was the delicious descriptions of the chocolate and Paris. The story goes a bit flat in the middle and you’re just stuck reading and hoping this bit flies through quickly.

What made me keep reading was the delicious descriptions of the chocolate and Paris. The story goes a bit flat in the middle and you’re just stuck reading and hoping this bit flies through quickly.

It’s got several characters, all of whom who play some kind of an important role in pushing the story and forming the story line. My favourite has to be Claire’s ex-husband who was so kind and polite- and I would have loved to read and see his plot more.

The book, like fresh chocolate, is warm and delicious and leaves you happy and sad. Happy that you’ve devoured it, and sad that it’s already gone. It’s the perfect book to read on a long weekend.

You can order your copy on Book Depository!

 

Book Review: ‘A Kept Woman’ by Louise Bagshawe

‘A Kept Woman’ was a birthday present from my friend, Lucy (Hi Lucy!!). She appreciates my taste for cheesy romance novels and the author being one of her favorite, she wanted me to read her. Needless to say, I was super excited!

So, after having it for 2 months, I finally got around to reading it (in my defense, I just bought 16 new books!).

The plot revolves around Diana Foxton nee Verity. A British beautiful lady who has just married a media mogul and moved to NYC. She’s hosting the fanciest parties that everyone wishes to be invited to, she’s shopping like there’s no tomorrow and is in general giving the spoiled princess vibe. Meanwhile, “dear” Mr. Ernie Foxton, her husband, is firing people left and right in the publishing company he’s heading and sleeping with random women.

In comes Michael Cierco, a small publishing guy who is trying to make it big. Ernie first convinces Cierco to join his publishing giant company- and somehow, to prove her husband something, Diana ends up working for Michael. Though they are equally hard working, and kinda totally attracted to each other, they don’t get along.

Fast forward a few chapters, Ernie fires Michael, lets Diana (purposely) walk into a room of him (Ernie) and his mistress. This results in an angry Michael and even angrier Diana. What follows is Diana and Michael starting their own company and struggling their way up from dust.

That’s all of the plot I’m going to tell you but that’s because I don’t want to give anything away. It was a really nice book and made for some interesting bath reads. (I didn’t get too much time to devour it in one sitting).

With brilliantly elegant descriptions of their sex lives, and an essential back story that is somewhat realistic- it is an excellent read for those enjoy themselves a little contemporary romance. I know that I do. When I finished the book, the first thought that popped into my mind was that it was essentially a Mills & Boon with a well-written and worded story.

Diana’s character and feelings are very elaborate and help paint quite a picture of her character. She was easy to relate to and did not come across as a do-goody heroine- which is the case in several books. I wish she’d given more on Michael- because he sounded like a darn good character.

I’d say, buy the book and take it with you for a long flight read or to a beach vacation- it’s perfect for a relaxing read!

Why we Throw Coins in Fountains?

Whenever we see a fountain- an especially old fountain with flowing water, we see an abundance of coins on the bottom of the fountain floor. We are all guilty of dropping coins in the water- whether we believe or not- in magic of wishes coming true. At least, I am.

This tradition of dropping coins in the water started a really long time ago- but for completely different reasons. Back then, coins were made of copper, and clean drinking water wasn’t steadily available. Dropping copper coins in the water, because of the magic of chemistry cleaned the water and made it better for drinking. So, people used to drop coins in water fountains.

I know this totally takes away the romantic appeal of closing your eyes, making a wish and dropping a coin in the water- but it kinda doesn’t. Think about it, dropping coins in fountains has been a long running tradition. In the olden times, they dropped it- wishing for a longer life and cleaner water. Our wishes- might be a little more elaborate though.

Even if you don’t see me by the fountain, know that I’ve already dropped my coin and a wish in it already.

 

 

What I’d Rather be Doing: Sitting in Gondolas in Venice

I was sitting on my desk with a long list of things to do for the day, and while the list and my face would say that I don’t have time to sit and gaze at pictures of Venice or plan my trip there, that is what I ended up doing.

So instead of eating my very Italian lunch (Pesto Pasta and tiramisu), I thought of sharing pictures that would make you also want to apparate yourself to a Gondola in Venice.

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Favourite TV Couples

1. Monica and Chandler

   

   Everyone’s who ever seen Friends have them on their list. A long time ago, my best friend, Sonia and I created an entire list of reasons for everything we know about ‘love’ was from Chander and Monica. Reasons included their characteristics- funny and OCD, friends first, lovers second and the perfect match- they are my favourite TV couple. I don’t know about you, my favourite episode is ‘The One Where Everybody Knows’. ( THEY DON’T KNOW, THAT WE KNOW, THAT THEY KNOW THAT WE KNOW!).

2. Chuck and Blair

   

   When at first they got together- I was weirded out. I thought Blair should be with Nate and not the creepy Chuck Bass. But, come season 2, my opinion changed. Chuck brought out the best and worst of her- and enough to still want to be with her. Blair gave it everything to bring out the best of Chuck. Minus all the expensive presents, dinners, “rich people drama”- the couple was quite realistic when it came to the relationship. I loved when in Season 4 beginning, they’re in Paris at the train station- and Blair drops everything when she finds out Chuck’s there and tells him to come back to New York. I, ESPECIALLY, loved it when they finally got married and how!

   

3. Uncle Jesse and Becky

   

   I spent a lot of time watching Full House- and while the coolest relationship on the show was of Danny and his cleaning supplies (just kidding, it was Michelle and Uncle Jesse), Uncle Jesse and Becky were a pretty awesome TV couple. They used to support each other’s insanity, careers, goals, family and each other.

4. Logan and Veronica Mars

   

   I was SOOOOOO upset when Duncan ran away with the baby- that definitely meant the end of Duncan and Veronica, but as Logan and Veronica started their relationship- it became pretty clear who she really suited with (read: Logan). Their relationship had a different dynamic- slightly messed up, but it suited their characters. That said, this is one of the best detective shows I’ve seen- you should REALLLY watch it.

5. Bones and Booth

   

   I stuck through all the 12 seasons. I started watching Bones during their 4th season- and couldn’t miss an episode. Every episode, to me, was the most fascinating thing- and I literally wouldn’t do anything for the hour (especially eat when the body was still being “recovered”). Seeley Booth and Temperance ‘Bones’ Brenan’s relationship was the highlight of the show. Of how they eventually went from being partners to a couple.

6. Ross and Rachel

   

   They were on a break, but Ross shouldn’t have slept with the photocopier girl. I wanted to slap the man’s idiot face when he did. And all the missed opportunities of being with Rachel- stupid, stupid man. But, despite all the flights, fights and longing looks they shared- Ross and Rachel were made for each other.

7. Jane and Rafael

   

   I know, I know so many people who supported Jane and Michael- but. I’ve always been Team Rafael. Oh, the man is way too sexy. I wish he didn’t break up with Jane when he did- then they’d still be together. I got on the whole Michael and Jane boat when he recovered from the hospital after the shooting. But, then they went and killed him. So, I swam back on the Team Rafael boat. Rafael and Jane, especially now, have a beautiful relationship and co-parent the cutest toddler, Mateo.

8. Barney and Robin

   

   The only reason I stuck with this mind-numbingly silly show, How I Met Your Mother was to watch Barney and Robin get together. Only for the writers to ruin it in the last 3 minutes of the series. Robin and Barney complemented and completed each other in a way nobody else would have.

9. Schmidt and Cece

   

   The best thing about New Girl might be Jessica Day, but the best romance on the show is Schmidt and Cece. The crazy levels that Schmidt went through to be with Cece are brilliant- even crashing her mass Indian “date” thing in an Indian groom’s attire. They have an amazing chemistry, understanding, and relationship.

Book Review: ‘Just Haven’t Met You Yet’ by Cate Woods

I ordered this book off Amazon to Delhi when I was there last. I had ordered like 15 books- and this was one of them. It’s Cate Woods debut novel and it came highly recommended from all the GoodReads reviews.

The book is very interesting, and the protagonist, Percy James SUPER hilarious. The book, based in Norwich and London, follows her and her confusing attempt at sorting out her life. On paper, she has the perfect boyfriend, a comfy job, normal set of friends- but in reality, she’s miserable. She’s kinda bored at her job, her boyfriend doesn’t exactly “excite” her- but her friends, yeah, they are the only good thing.

So while she’s living, what she believes is her perfectly mediocre, boring, routine of a life, EROS Tech approaches her. EROS tech is a company that have some bizarre algorithms that find you your soulmate- irrespective of the gender. Slightly amused, and mostly curious, Percy agrees to meet with her “soulmate” when the bossy, marketing lady from EROS approaches her.

In Percy’s head, she’s assuming without a doubt that the “soulmate” is a man. When she gets there- and this is where it starts getting funnier-it’s a woman. Freaked out, she makes an excuse and leaves. Although, she did have a fantastic time with the sexy, rich soulmate woman, Flora.

Anyway, she goes back to her regular life and after a conversation with bossy, marketing lady about women’s gender fluidity- Percy’s as confused as ever. So when invited to a party by Flora in London, she accepts. There she kisses the woman- only to realize, while she might enjoy Flora’s company, her sexuality is definitely straight, and also her perfect boyfriend is under the assumption she’s out with her work friend. Out of the party, she gets mugged- and there is one of the three musketeers, Milo to help her out. No kidding, he was dressed as a musketeer.

She has to call the perfect boyfriend and tell him she’s definitely not out with work friend and needs train money to make her way back to Norwich from London. She gets home super late and the next day- she breaks up with the guy. Not because of Flora or Milo- but because she finally realizes that they aren’t suited for each other.

And then the book follows her many drunken nights with her friends, her work, another date with Flora when she comes clean about being straight and more encounters with Milo.

451 pages later, it’s Milo she ends up with. Now, that’s the plot for you- in a really long way.

While the book sheds a lot of light on the character of the protagonist, the other characters don’t get enough details or a back-story. I wish Cate had elaborated a little more about Percy’s friend Charlie, and on Adam (the perfect boyfriend), Maggie (Percy’s hip grandma), Flora and even Milo. Although, I’m glad she didn’t elaborate on Mel (the crazy work buddy)- she was a 30 something woman DEDICATED, I repeat- DEDICATED- to Michael Buble’.

But, other than that- the circumstances in the book are quite realistic and hilarious. I really did not expect the soulmate to be a woman- just like the protagonist. And it was so convincing that the match might/might not be right. The funny parts were well written and thought through. The book really did surprise me and had me screaming very loudly- sometimes with laughter and sometimes with shock. It was very easy to connect to the protagonist- because despite all the crazy circumstances- what she’s thinking and going through, and concludes too seemed very real.

It’s the perfect book to read on a break, and will have you cracking within 2 chapters.

Book Review: ‘Going La La’ by Alexandra Potter

If you don’t know already, I’m a sucker for contemporary chick-lit/romance novels. Alexandra Potter’s ‘Do You Come Here Often’ is actually one of my favourite books to read.

I’ve been trying to get my hands on Going La La for quite some time, seeing as it was her second novel and was released in 2001 first. There are several instances that won’t make sense anymore- like the fact she sat by her phone so he would call- not her cell phone, no the landline.

Our heroine, Frankie lives in London with her boyfriend, Hugh and two cats, Fred and Ginger. She works at a magazine as a writer and is very content with her life. A little bill in Hugh’s jacket suggests that he bought a ridiculously expensive ring at Tiffany’s just days ahead of her birthday.

So, even when she’s laid off from work, she still thinks she has something to look forward to. Until she gets to her birthday- her 29th, at the bowling centre with Hugh, and his friend Adam (who she can’t stand) and his 21-year-old super annoying girlfriend. Her birthday turns out to be a disaster – with Adam proposing to his girlfriend- and “dear” old Hugh actually telling Frankie that he wants space.

She runs home, packs up, books ticket to her old flatmate/best friend’s house to Los Angeles. What begins then is a lot of adventures, a sexy American photographer (Reilly), a weird neighbour, and a lot of drinking. Reilly turns out to be this classic romantic hero for our protagonist.

As Alexandra’s actual, legit fan- I wasn’t too thrilled with this one. Though at one point, all I wanted to do was read this book and do nothing else. But, while that usually starts much earlier when I’m reading her books- this time it was somewhere when I was halfway through.

But, what this book did offer was an honest reveal of how relationships really end. Hugh dumped Frankie to pursue meaningless one night stands, only to realize he just wants to be in a stable loving relationship. I don’t understand why people do this- break away from a good, healthy relationship- and completely mess up the other’s head, and only to come begging back after a cold, silent time.

Hugh didn’t feel the need to call back Frankie to even find out if she’s okay, or where she is. The minute she left the apartment, he didn’t bother. And when she did call from LA to speak to him- all he could care was about the girl in his bed! And then he shows up in Las Vegas with a ring and a whole plan of what they’re going to do- assuming she’s going to go through with it?! I would have been super angry if she went back to the asshat. But, thank god she didn’t.

Reilly’s character is first introduced when Frankie’s at the airport in London drinking her sorrows in bodyweight vodka. I wish she’d talked more about him than just in the scenes he was present in- and his physical features. I feel like Hugh’s character was explained more in detail than Reilly’s was.

All her novels have a theme of magic and mystic to them- this one, unfortunately, didn’t. Maybe that was the substance lacking from the book. She’s much more witty, engaging and humorous in her other novels- that I kept looking for it in this one. I did have a few LOL moments where I actually fell off the bed laughing- but those weren’t as many as there were in the others.

All in all, give it a read- but not the first one I’d recommend if you’d never read Alexandra Potter before. I’d recommend ‘Do you Come here Often’ That’s my favourite one.