Book picks similar to
Conversations by Rajeev Nanda


short-stories
reviewed
bookreview
first-reads

Simha International


Sundari Venkatraman - 2017
    A thief comes up with a simple modus operandi, believing that nobody’s really going to find out anything about the thefts taking place. But when a guest brings it to his notice, Rohit is determined to save the reputation of Simha International and ropes in a top-notch detective. Will Rohit be able to find who the thief is before time runs out?The lovely and intelligent Tasha Sawant goes to work at Simha International as the duty manager. Her experience in the hotel industry only adds to the hotel’s excellent service. Tasha is attracted to Rohit and it would seem that he reciprocates her feelings. Well, the lady isn’t looking for a permanent relationship as it looks likes she’s already had an unpleasant experience. But then, what about the guy? Does Rohit want any kind of relationship with Tasha? *Simha International is the first book in the trilogy called The Bansal Legacy.

Peril Through The Panama: Book Two: The Cozy Cruise Mysteries


Lizzie Josephson - 2020
    

Pentacles


Sabarna Roy - 2010
    The work delightfully bridges the gap between the mundane and arcane writings of today and provides an interesting, yet intellectually stimulating, treat for the discerning reader. New Life is a long story written from the perspective of a successful adult whose mother had deserted the family for another man. The teenage angst and the scars it has left behind on the psyche of the protagonist are subtly reflected in the character. The different elements and characters of the story are beautifully interwoven to produce an intense and compelling story of an adult haunted by the trauma of being deserted by his mother. The work is interspersed with thought-provoking views on issues like love and socio-economic conditions in India. The traditional rhyme and metre dominated poems are on love, loss and longing. Unshackled by the bonds of rhyme and metre, Sabarna s free verses evoke the stark reality of urban life, hitting you straight in the guts. The use of everyday urban imagery adds to the appeal of the compositions. The concrete prison of urban life and the unfulfilled desire to escape to a simple life is aptly brought out in The Tower. The other poems of the collection are more biographical in nature with the protagonist being the member of the fairer sex. The free verses sketch out their life story with its attendant pathos, poignancy and logic. The best part of all the compositions is that the reader will definitely identify with the poet and will, in one form or other, have similar stories to narrate.

YOURS LEGALLY: a collection of short stories


Sonia Sahijwani - 2019
    

Gym Rat & The Murder Club: Two New Stories (Kindle Single) (Crime Fiction Academy Presents...)


Lawrence Block - 2016
    Not quite what he expected, and not for the faint of heart.Founded in 2012, The Center for Fiction's Crime Fiction Academy is the first ongoing program exclusively dedicated to crime writing in all its forms. Hone your skills with bestselling crime fiction authors Alison Gaylin and Jason Starr. Attend master classes with crime fiction greats like Mary Higgins Clark, Lee Child, Harlan Coben, Linda Fairstein, Nelson DeMille, Michael Connelly, Lisa Unger, and many more. Students receive a Writers’ Studio membership with access to our extensive circulating collection, and have the opportunity to read their work to an audience filled with editors, agents, and publishing professionals at our seasonal Crime Fiction Slam. Not in New York? Check centerforfiction.org for information about our online classes.

The Oddest Little Mistletoe Shop


Beth Good - 2017
     Rose Mistletoe runs her family's flower shop on Christmas Parade, and loves every minute of her job. So when the Parade comes under acquisition by a redevelopment company, Rose forms a protest group against the bid. But business tycoon Nick Grimsby is determined to make her sell up. His company is planning to knock down the parade of traditional shops and build a block of exclusive apartments instead. And it seems the sexy billionaire will go to any lengths to get her shop. As Christmas approaches and Nick dangles the proverbial mistletoe, can Rose resist his powerful allure? Given how gorgeous he looks in a tuxedo, the answer is probably no. But she's not going to make it easy for him! Because Rose has secret plans of her own ... Warning! This romcom novella contains jokes, oodles of romance, festive wreaths, mistletoe, holly, and a sprinkling of paper hats. Another quirky romcom in the popular 'Oddest Little Shop' series from Beth Good. Titles can be read in any order.

The Sheikh's Marriage Bargain


Leslie North - 2020
    Marriage was never in the picture. But when her grandfather is tricked into signing a binding marriage contract to a man she finds repugnant, she has one choice: Run away. Her flight ends with a fortuitous meeting with Zayid Hasan, Crown Prince of Raihan, who offers the perfect solution to Laila’s predicament: marry him and solve both their problems. Zayid’s younger brother must marry his pregnant fiancé, and ancient laws dictate the oldest brother is required to marry first. Desperate for a way to protect both her grandfather and herself, Laila agrees. After all, their marriage will last only until Zayid’s brother can marry—and her marriage to the brooding, handsome prince isn’t much of a sacrifice. It’s not like she’s going to be foolish enough to fall in love…Zayid doesn’t know what to think about his new half-American wife. He doesn’t really want to think about her at all, but for some reason, he can’t stop himself. Strangely enough, all the royal functions that used to bore him silly are now entertaining with Laila by his side—even though he knows she’d much rather be alone creating her art. Though the marriage of convenience was his idea, he can’t help but start to wish it was the real deal. No way can he ignore the simmering chemistry that’s driving them both a bit crazy. He’s much better at ignoring what’s in his heart—until he realizes it just might break if he can’t convince Laila to stay with him forever…

The Dawn Of Grace


Randy Mixter
    A time for joy. A time for tears. A time for reflection. A time for hope.And a time for miracles.This Christmas season Dave and Karen Brenner have welcomed a stranger into their lives. A stranger who may change their lives forever.

Tracks


Stephen Leather - 2014
    But there hasn't been a train there in more than fifty years. So what killed the old man? As Nightingale investigates, he realises that there are dark forces at work and his own life is on the line. Tracks is about 11,000 words, about thirty-five pages, perfect if you have half an hour to spare. Stephen Leather is one of the UK's most successful thriller writers, an ebook and Sunday Times bestseller and author of the critically acclaimed Dan “Spider’ Shepherd series and the Jack Nightingale supernatural detective novels.

The Surgeon's Wife


William H. Coles - 2016
    Otherson's younger partner, Mike Boudreaux, whom he trained and mentored, must discipline him. Otherson resents constrains and criticisms and denies his impairment. Boudreaux complicates his management by falling in love with Otherson's beautiful wife, Catherine. Otherson's wrath threatens violence as Boudreaux and Catherine shape their love struggling for respect in the contempt of New Orleans' society.

Stella Rose


Tammy Flanders Hetrick - 2015
    But Abby struggles to connect with Olivia and she soon finds guardianship of a headstrong teenager daunting beyond her wildest misgivings. Despite her best efforts, and the help of friends old and new, she is unable to keep Olivia from self-destruction. As Abby’s journey unfolds, she grapples with raising a grieving teenager, realizes she didn’t know Stella as well as she thought, and discovers just how far she will go to save the most precious thing in her life.

Tiaras & Teacups (Berry Lake Cupcake Posse Book 2)


Melissa McClone - 2021
    She’s struggling to leave her trophy wife identity behind and make ends meet as a full-time event planner. When her handsome new neighbor needs to throw the perfect birthday party for his niece, Juliet offers her services. If she pulls this off, maybe she can get her life back on track. But to do so, she’ll need the help of the Cupcake Posse. Too bad her friends are grappling with problems of their own:Missy’s recovering from injuries; Nell’s trying to thwart her mother’s matchmaking efforts; Selena’s husband wants her to work less when she needs to do more; and Bria’s facing obstacles she never anticipated trying to save her late aunt’s bakery.Join the Cupcake Posse as they work together to navigate the difficulties of life, loss, and love. They continue to rely on each other, never losing sight of the importance of friendship and family, but will that be enough to save the Berry Lake Cupcake Shop?

This Holey Life


Sophie Duffy - 2012
    Stamped it hard. Stopped the past repeating itself. But what did I do? I did what Mum used to do in times of crisis. I left the room and went to put the kettle on.Vicky is a reluctant curate's wife, struggling to come to terms with her own bereavement and her husband's newfound faith. Then, one Boxing Day, a knock on the door brings her annoying big brother, his teenage son, and a cello into her life, turning her world upside down.With her small terrace house in Penge now fit to burst, Vicky struggles to manage her three children and the joys of everyday family life. As a new threat lurks behind every corner, hope appears in the most unlikely of circumstances. Enchanting, alternately funny, sad, and bittersweet, This Holey Life reminds us that it's not a race, it's a journey."Sophie Duffy is a real find."--Laurie Graham

Accidental Husband


M.V. Kasi - 2019
    A city bred woman. An accidental marriage. And falling in love...Priya Shankar's life has been planned by her high-achieving mother even before her birth.Things always went by the rigid plan, except three years ago when Priya had met a gorgeous man during her trip to Vegas. A wild, passionate weekend was followed by an impulsive marriage and a hasty divorce.And now, on the verge of accepting the proposal from a man hand-picked by her mother, Priya found out that her divorce hadn't gone through! And that she must make a secretive trip to a small village in India to find the man she had married and have him sign on the divorce papers again.The problem? Arjun Pratap, her accidental husband, doesn't want a divorce! And worse, he's even challenged that within a month, he would change her mind.With stolen kisses in the wide open fields, adventurous tractor rides and camping under the stars--can she resist the sexy farmer who is determined to use every bit of his wicked charms to make her stay married to him?ACCIDENTAL HUSBAND is a lighthearted, hot, sweet & passionate standalone romance.***BOOK EXCERPT***"Arjun. You should sleep here on this big bed. I can--" Before she could finish, he got up and crashed next to her. His weight made her roll towards him. And the moment she made contact, he held her and rolled her on top of him.She was stunned for a few seconds. "I meant for us to switch beds, Arjun! Not for you to join me here!"She tried to roll away from him, but his arms held her hostage. Even in the dark, she could see the white flash of his teeth as he grinned."Stop bending the rules so much. You already kissed me thrice even though I said no touching.""Look who's counting," he teased.Her cheeks heated, and she wanted to snap back. But slowly, she stopped struggling when she felt his hand moving in slow circular motions. Even though her body was thrumming with awareness, there was a sense of ease and comfort lying on top of him.His phone beeped from somewhere, making him sigh. "All right. I've got to go now. So, if you'll give me my morning kiss, I'll be on my way."All of her sleepy and lazy contentment vanished at that statement. "What morning kiss?"Her heart began to pound in sudden anticipation, and she was sure he could feel it as she was lying on top of him."Oh. Did we not discuss that rule? I thought we did." From his devilish grin, it was obvious he was putting on an act."We didn't discuss any such rule." She was supposed to sound stern, but her voice came out breathless once again."Well, I must have forgotten. So, let's add that now. All married couples do it." He pulled her up until their heads were aligned together.She tried to resist. "I don't think it's needed. It's a bad idea.""I disagree. It's a great idea. How else can a married couple stay bonded through their busy lives? I would have preferred good afternoon and good night kisses too, but I'll settle for a daily good morning kiss for now."Before she could say anything, he held her waist and rolled them until she was lying underneath him. All thoughts vanished at seeing the intent look on his face as he came closer. She held her breath, waiting.

A Hollywood Ever After (Ryder & Paige #3) (Billionaires' Brides of Convenience Book 9)


Nadia Lee - 2019
     Paige is about to have her baby. Ryder's parents are not going to miss the opportunity to humiliate each other. Paige's ex isn't about to go quietly. And Ryder's enemy sends a special gift... Note: This is a series of epilogues. If you haven't at least read A Hollywood Deal and A Hollywood Bride, please do not read.