POISONED IVY BY AVA RANI

 Print length: 394 pages
ASIN: B0FMKFX4MK
Buy here: kindle unlimited
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts:

What happens when Maxton Hall meets Gilmore Girls? THIS BOOK!!

Poisoned Ivy by Ava Rani is a delicious mix of privilege, passion, and mystery, think the glitz of elite academia, the chaos of double lives, and the swoon-worthy romance you can’t stop thinking about.

The story follows Malena Amin, who’s living a total double life, at home, she’s the perfect, rule-abiding daughter her strict desi parents expect, but at her Ivy League university, she finally gets to be the version of herself she actually wants to be. With a secret phone, hidden bank account, and a dream to win a national feature-writing contest, Malena’s determined to make her mark  even if it means infiltrating an ultra-exclusive secret society for the perfect story.

Enter Conrad Hastings, the charming, golden boy and notorious playboy heir to Hastings Media. The man who can flirt his way through life but somehow ends up falling hard for her. When Conrad gets stuck with Malena on a joint article assignment, sparks fly between deadlines, late-night research, and stolen glances across gothic libraries. Their banter is ICONIC. The way his carefree charm softens into genuine care and loyalty? I was gone.

The deeper they dig into the secret society, the more they uncover an art forgery mystery that pulls them into a web of deception, secrets, and danger. Yet, through it all, the chemistry between them only grows stronger. And let’s talk about the friend group: Cora and Sabrina are the kind of besties every girl deserves: chaotic, loyal, and pure comfort energy.

The writing is simple yet addictive. The way Ava Rani balances emotions, friendship, identity, and slow-burn romance is just chef’s kiss. And the South Asian rep? So beautifully done it's realistic, raw, and deeply relatable.

Plus, we get library scenes, a jealousy jersey moment, trips to Paris, and all that cozy college-drama energy. It’s the perfect fall read if you love cozy mysteries, secret societies, found family, college romance, witty banter, and just the right sprinkle of spice.

THE LOTUS KEY BY NM THOTA

Print length: 484 pages

ASIN:  ‎ B0F3WFL1PY

Buy here: kindle unlimited

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thougths:

The Lotus Key by N.M. Thota is an ancient Indian-inspired epic fantasy set in a magical subcontinent called Saptavarsha. The world-building is so rich and with four powerful elements: the Meru (mountain), Danavas, Devas, and legends deeply rooted in Indian mythology.

The story follows Prince Veer of Rajgarh, a ruthless warrior on a mission to find the mystical Lotus Key to stop volcanic eruptions that threaten his kingdom. His journey leads him to Amaravathi, where he meets Princess Chandrasena, his wife. Yes, they’re married… but here’s the catch, Veer is the very reason she was exiled from her kingdom after a tragic incident on their wedding night seven years ago.

Now, Veer, Chandra, and their team set out on this dangerous quest, facing hurdles, discovering new lands, meeting unexpected allies, and slowlyyy discovering their hearts too. They hate each other (like, truly can’t-stand-each-other level hate), but the tension?? The knife-to-throat moment?? I was screaming and giggling like a fool every time they got close!!

Chandra, our fierce sorceress princess, is strong, powerful, and so misunderstood especially by Veer. I loved how despite everyone turning away from her, she still had Sameera and Kalpana by her side, holding her up through her struggles. And Veer? Cold-hearted, short-tempered, arrogant — but ugh, somehow still lovable. His friendship dynamics were fun to read too (except you know who)

Also, can we talk about Shota and Sameera?? I was soo rooting for them!! The ending literally left me craving moreee like, I need book 2 already.

Even though the plot felt a bit predictable at times, the world-building, the mythological depth, and all those tiny details kept me hooked. It’s such a proper Indian fantasy, magical, emotional, and full of adventure. I’d totally recommend this to every fantasy lover out theree!!

RAGE BY NIA MYST

Print length: 416 pages

ASIN: B0F8R6QNBM

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts:

what happens when powerful girls meet the mindf*ck series? THIS BOOK!!

Samaira aka Crimson Tiger is part of a vigilante girl gang called the Wildcats, five survivors who literally rose from the ashes and turned into women the whole world fears they work undercover with just one mission: serving justice to women who were denied it. and trust me, they’ll do ANYTHING to make it happen (imagine the worst ).

Then we have Dominic Park, billionaire CEO, who’s broken and helpless after his sister Sophia was abused and the law completely failed her. when he comes across the Wildcats, he’s hesitant… but one look at how they deal with abusers and he knows they’re exactly who he needs.

Maira is ruthless, morally grey, and cold to the core, yet Dom is instantly drawn to her. what i loved was how he didn’t just push into her life but slowly and carefully broke through her walls, helping her rediscover herself and leave behind her insecurities. he’s gentle, protective, and sooo caring… no wonder the girl gang eventually accepted him as their own.

also, girl gang >>> everything! their bond was amazinggg (sloane is my fave wildcat hehe). and omg the teasing they did to maira about dom had me giggling. and shadoww my babyy is the cutest character ever!!

the chemistry between dom & maira? UNDENIABLE. the spice? waaay too hot for me to handle, i cried, laughed, blushed, giggled and basically felt everything while reading this.

if you’re into dark romance, female rage, found family, morally grey heroines then def pick this up!! i cannot wait for book 2 already ahhh!!

i’ve been waiting for this since the title was announced and honestly, the wait was SO worth it!!

LOVE UNDERCOVER BY KACEY SOPHIA

 

Print length: 237 pages

ISBN-10:  1036925749

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts:

Love Undercover by Kacey Sophia is book 2 in The Dutta series and ohhh my god, it was worth the wait!! The story follows Ophelia, a writer who has zero hopes of falling in love, and Zane, the charming hockey player who’s determined to prove her wrong. He also happens to be her bestie’s brother (hello forbidden vibes) and she’s the maid of honor at her bestie’s wedding, so you already know the dramaaa.

Zane’s parents won’t stop nagging him about marriage, but he’s all about his career right now. So what does he do? Comes up with a fake dating plan. And guess who he asks? Ophelia, the same girl he “pretends” to hate but secretly dreams about!! She’s hesitant (thanks to her parents’ divorce and her fear of relationships), but deep down she wants that companionship… so she says yes. And you know how this goes fake-dating alwayssss turns real.

Now, let’s talk about Zane—HE IS THE GREENEST FLAG EVER. Handsome hockey player ✅ family-oriented ✅ cooks for the people he loves (including Ophelia after he saw her mention her fav dish in a random post—are you kiddinggg?? I want him plsss). Ophelia is a sweetheart too—bubbly, caring, loves swimming to clear her head, but carries this little void in her heart. Luckily, she has Alisha, her family, and of course, Zane.

I’ve been waiting for Zane’s book since book 1 and finallyy got it!! And the best part? My babies Alisha & Felix are back and they’re still total couple goals. The sibling dynamics?? ICONIC. I’m literally counting days for Aadi’s book now!!

If you’re looking for a soft, warm romance with found family, fake dating, cute banter with a dash of spice, then this is your sign to pick it up!!

KEERU BY FAUZIA RAFIQUE

 Print lenght: 168 pages

ISBN-10: 9357319344

Buy at Amazon IN: https://www.amazon.in/Keeru-Fauzia-Haider-Rafique-Shahbaz/dp/9357319344?dplnkId=42057cd1-b2dc-41c5-aa4b-900d1027d5de

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts:

"Keeru" is a short yet strikingly powerful novella that left a deep impression on me. At its heart is the story of Muhammad Hussain Khan, nicknamed "keeru" (meaning “pest”), who is forced to flee his homeland at the age of fourteen. Hounded for his caste and falsely accused of blasphemy, he escapes to Canada in search of safety and dignity. Yet, no matter how far he travels, the past continues to cast its shadow over his present.

What makes "Keeru" so compelling is the way it unfolds through multiple perspectives. Each character is carrying their own wounds and yearnings—Haleema, Keeru’s mother still scarred by the Partition; Daljeet, struggling with his desires; Naila Aunty, longing to break free from an abusive marriage; and Bella, determined to rebuild her life. In just 150 pages, the narrative weaves together themes of migration, caste, patriarchy, feminism, and queerness with remarkable sensitivity and impact.

What truly struck me was how the book redefined the idea of migration for me. I had always thought of it as something hopeful, even exciting. But *Keeru* shows us that migration is not only about new beginnings—it is also about struggles, fractured identities, and the weight of memories that refuse to fade. It’s a reminder that “home” is not always a place, but sometimes something we are endlessly searching for within ourselves.

This novella may be brief, but its resonance is lasting. It is a celebration of resilience, of survival against the odds, and of our capacity to carve out love, family, and hope—even in unfamiliar worlds.

PYRE BY PERUMAL MURUGAN

Print lenght: 216 pages

ISBN-10: 0143429019
Buy at Amazon-IN: https://www.amazon.in/Pyre-Perumal-Murugan/dp/0143429019
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

My thoughts:

"Pyre" by Perumal Murugan is a powerful and unsettling novel that boldly explores the destructive force of caste in rural India. Through the deeply personal story of Kumaresan and Saroja—a newlywed couple who elope across caste lines—the book sheds light on how deeply ingrained and blinding caste prejudice can be.

The novel begins with Kumaresan bringing Saroja, his new bride, to his native village, Kattuppati. However, no one in the village knows that Saroja is from a different caste. Kumaresan’s mother is immediately suspicious and distressed by his sudden marriage. Word spreads quickly, and villagers begin to visit their home, more out of curiosity and to mock the couple than to offer congratulations. Despite Saroja's attempts to fit in, her appearance and mannerisms make it hard for anyone to believe she is from their caste.

As days pass, Kumaresan is humiliated and shunned by his own people. Saroja, overwhelmed and isolated, longs for the family and comfort she left behind—her father, brother, and the relatively privileged life she once had. The couple’s love story had begun at a soda bottling facility, where an accident brought them closer. Their secret glances turned into affection, and knowing their families would never accept their union, they chose to elope.

What Saroja doesn't expect is the crushing poverty and hostility she faces in Kumaresan's village. Her mother-in-law is cruel, and the community views the couple as a disgrace. Desperate to escape the suffocating environment, Saroja persuades Kumaresan to move to a nearby town and start a new life by opening a soda bottle shop. She breaks the news of her pregnancy, bringing a rare moment of joy. Kumaresan begins preparations for a fresh start and leaves for the village to wrap things up.

However, things take a terrifying turn. One day, while in the bushes for defecation, Saroja overhears a chilling conversation between her mother-in-law and the villagers—they plan to kill her. Panicked, she sends word to Kumaresan to return immediately. But before he can reach her, the villagers set the bushes where she’s hiding on fire. The novel ends with this harrowing scene—Kumaresan racing on his bicycle toward the flames. The title, Pyre, takes on a gut-wrenching significance in this moment.

Reading Pyre left me horrified, not just by the tragic ending but by the reality that such atrocities—motivated by caste hatred—still happen in many parts of India. Murugan lays bare the cruelty and ignorance that caste can breed, and he does so with unflinching honesty. This novel is not just a love story; it's a searing indictment of a society that still chooses caste over compassion.

THE EX FACTOR BY VARSHA CHITNIS

Print length: 406 pages  

Buy at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ex-Factor-Billionaire-Romance-Connection/dp/B0FBGX3JT9/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0
ISBN-13: 979-8988919025
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
My thoughts:

The Ex Factor by Varsha Chitnis is a poignant, emotionally charged billionaire romance that delves deep into heartbreak, healing, and the complexity of human connection. Centered around Sujit Rao and Aarti Bhatia—two individuals deeply scarred by their pasts—the novel captures the raw, often messy journey of two ex-lovers who find their way back to each other amidst pain, vulnerability, and unspoken longing.

Having previously encountered Sujit in The Art of Taking Second Chances, I already held a fondness for his character. However, this book allowed me to truly fall for him. He is portrayed with a beautiful balance of tenderness and strength—attentive, emotionally intelligent, and quietly protective. Aarti, on the other hand, is a standout protagonist in her own right: fiercely independent, guarded, and reluctant to show vulnerability. Yet her emotional evolution, particularly in moments where she allows herself to break open and seek comfort, is deeply moving. One such scene, where she asks Sujit how he’s coping, is especially powerful—heart-wrenching yet profoundly beautiful.

This story is not just a romance; it’s an exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. The reunion with Tara and Sameer adds an additional layer of warmth and closure, making the narrative feel whole and deeply satisfying.

Once again, Varsha Chitnis proves her remarkable ability to write emotionally resonant stories that linger with readers long after the final page. The Ex Factor is a testament to the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and emotional growth. I am grateful to Swipe for this truly touching reading experience.