Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon

Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon
Release Date - February 18, 2020

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster Canada

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  384 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi comes the first novel in a brand-new series set at an elite international boarding school, that’s a contemporary spin on Beauty and the Beast.

Will the princess save the beast?

For Princess Jaya Rao, nothing is more important than family. When the loathsome Emerson clan steps up their centuries-old feud to target Jaya’s little sister, nothing will keep Jaya from exacting her revenge. Then Jaya finds out she’ll be attending the same elite boarding school as Grey Emerson, and it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. She knows what she must do: Make Grey fall in love with her and break his heart. But much to Jaya’s annoyance, Grey’s brooding demeanor and lupine blue eyes have drawn her in. There’s simply no way she and her sworn enemy could find their fairy-tale ending…right?

His Lordship Grey Emerson is a misanthrope. Thanks to an ancient curse by a Rao matriarch, Grey knows he’s doomed once he turns eighteen. Sequestered away in the mountains at St. Rosetta’s International Academy, he’s lived an isolated existence—until Jaya Rao bursts into his life, but he can't shake the feeling that she’s hiding something. Something that might just have to do with the rose-shaped ruby pendant around her neck…

As the stars conspire to keep them apart, Jaya and Grey grapple with questions of love, loyalty, and whether it’s possible to write your own happy ending. 

Ever have a book that seemed, on paper at least, to be exactly everything you love in a book only to read it and not be as into it as you expected to be? That is, sadly, exactly what happened when I read Of Curses and Kisses.

Those who love Sandhya's other novels will be happy to hear that her writing style is carried over to this novel. The romance really is well done with a bunch of sweet moments woven into the story. There is also a lot of humour tossed in and some interesting side characters. I do think that those who have loved her previous novels will find a lot they like within these pages. What stumbled for me was the world building. I didn't feel like I got a full realized picture of the castle that is going to be the setting of this series, and I wish it had been more prominent.

Jaya was the strongest part of the story for me. I loved her desire to protect her family and sister. I appreciated her character growth and how she had to find her own voice and make her own path. Even though this is written in the vein of a modern version of a fairytale, the elements that worked the best in the story were those where Jaya was struggling with not disappointing her family and yet being true to what she wanted for her own life. I think that is relatable for a lot of people growing up and fit nicely into this version of the Beauty and the Beast tale.

The part of the Beast's story that I always gravitated to is that he has to learn something. He has to grow and change. There is some sort of transformation that he has to go through. I felt that was missing from Grey's story arc. He doesn't start out as the enraged jerk that we know the Beast to be. He, in fact, seems to be the opposite. He keeps people at a distance, and is a little abrasive, but he does things that would be considered a kindness. The growth his character typically goes through was missing for me. I actually felt Jaya's character goes through a lot more growth. His character didn't feel as fleshed out as I would have wanted and that left other elements lacking for me.

There are some great nods to the inspiration from the beautiful rose shaped ruby pendant that plays a pivotal role, to a sweet, snowy romantic moment that will delight fans. These nods are integral to making this story feel like a retelling and I think that part was mostly successful. I wish that some of the other elements had been included though.

I ended up feel not really strongly either way about this one. There are elements I enjoyed and others that I didn't connect with. This will undoubtedly have many others who love it so I encourage you to check out those reviews as well. I, perhaps, would have enjoyed this one more if I hadn't gone into it expecting a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I think it works better just as a charming modern fairytale with any of expectations. 

2020 Most Anticipated - Of Curses and Kisses

The next book in my 2020 Most Anticipated event is a fairytale retelling (which should surprise nobody). It also happens to be one of my favourite fairytales.

It is, of course, a Beauty and the Beast retelling! Sandhya Menon's Of Curses and Kisses offers up a modern twist on the classic tale.

The Goodreads synopsis is more than enough to make you want to read this. It teases a version of the classic tale that balances just enough from the original with the new.

From the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi comes the first novel in a brand-new series set at an elite international boarding school, that’s a contemporary spin on Beauty and the Beast.

Will the princess save the beast?

For Princess Jaya Rao, nothing is more important than family. When the loathsome Emerson clan steps up their centuries-old feud to target Jaya’s little sister, nothing will keep Jaya from exacting her revenge. Then Jaya finds out she’ll be attending the same elite boarding school as Grey Emerson, and it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. She knows what she must do: Make Grey fall in love with her and break his heart. But much to Jaya’s annoyance, Grey’s brooding demeanor and lupine blue eyes have drawn her in. There’s simply no way she and her sworn enemy could find their fairy-tale ending…right?

His Lordship Grey Emerson is a misanthrope. Thanks to an ancient curse by a Rao matriarch, Grey knows he’s doomed once he turns eighteen. Sequestered away in the mountains at St. Rosetta’s International Academy, he’s lived an isolated existence—until Jaya Rao bursts into his life, but he can't shake the feeling that she’s hiding something. Something that might just have to do with the rose-shaped ruby pendant around her neck…

As the stars conspire to keep them apart, Jaya and Grey grapple with questions of love, loyalty, and whether it’s possible to write your own happy ending. 

I am intrigued by that rose-shaped ruby pendant and how it is going to play into the Beauty and the Beast tale.

My top three reasons for wanting to read Of Curses and Kisses;

1. It is a fairytale retelling. I adore them and especially love ones based off of Beauty and the Beast. 

2. Sandhya writes incredible romances and I cannot wait to see what she does with that element of Beauty and the Beast. I predict it'll be pretty romantic.

3. The modern take on the story and the fact that it is set at a boarding school has me very intrigued. It is also the start of a series of books that are based around this boarding school They are each going to be a different fairytale retelling with the setting being the backdrop for all of them. I can only hope that the characters will appear as background characters in the other books.

Of Curses and Kisses releases February 18, 2020 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (and it'll make a perfect Valentine's Day gift).

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about Sandhya by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Do you love fairytale retellings? Which are your favourite to have retold? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Be sure to stop by Monday to for the next book on my 2020 most anticipated list. 

Waiting On Wednesday ... Of Curses and Kisses

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi comes the first novel in a brand-new series set at an elite international boarding school, that’s a contemporary spin on Beauty and the Beast.

Will the princess save the beast?

For Princess Jaya Rao, nothing is more important than family. When the loathsome Emerson clan steps up their centuries-old feud to target Jaya’s little sister, nothing will keep Jaya from exacting her revenge. Then Jaya finds out she’ll be attending the same elite boarding school as Grey Emerson, and it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. She knows what she must do: Make Grey fall in love with her and break his heart. But much to Jaya’s annoyance, Grey’s brooding demeanor and lupine blue eyes have drawn her in. There’s simply no way she and her sworn enemy could find their fairy-tale ending…right?

His Lordship Grey Emerson is a misanthrope. Thanks to an ancient curse by a Rao matriarch, Grey knows he’s doomed once he turns eighteen. Sequestered away in the mountains at St. Rosetta’s International Academy, he’s lived an isolated existence—until Jaya Rao bursts into his life, but he can't shake the feeling that she’s hiding something. Something that might just have to do with the rose-shaped ruby pendant around her neck…

As the stars conspire to keep them apart, Jaya and Grey grapple with questions of love, loyalty, and whether it’s possible to write your own happy ending.

This Beauty and the Beast retelling captured my attention for obvious reasons. I not only love fairytale retellings but this one also happens to be set in an international boarding school! This is going to be a series that features different fairytales from what I understand and I am excited that Beauty and the Beast is first.

This one doesn't come out until February but it'll be the perfect way to spending an evening right after Valentine's Day.

Expected release date - February 18, 2020

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOKS

Cover for Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon (goodreads)

Fairytale retellings are always a favourite of mine and the fact that this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling set in a boarding school was enough for me to want it immediately.

The incredibly fun cover was revealed and I want to read it even more now.

I love the colour scheme and the font used for the title. It also done in a style that is very popular right now with the characters being drawn instead of using real people. This is a highly anticipated one for me and I cannot wait to read it.

Cover of Anna K by Jenny Lee (goodreads)

A story inspired by Anna Karenina and set in modern times. That alone should have you taking a second look at this novel. The adorable cover doesn't hurt either.

It's bright, and eye catching in a great way. I cannot wait to read this one!

TV/MOVIES

Queen and Slim Trailer

We had a teaser trailer which looked awesome, but not the full trailer for Queen and Slim has been released. It is sort of a Bonnie and Clyde story (which I have always been fascinated by) so I am obviously going to see it. Daniel Kaluuya looks to be giving a heck of a performance in this one.

The line 'Can I be your legacy?' gets me for some reason. This looks like it'll be romantic, heartbreaking and hard to watch at times.

OTHER

Recent Etsy Finds

I loved the third season of Stranger Things so was thrilled when one of my favourite Etsy shops, HappyHello, has these adorable Robin and Steve bookmarks from the third season.

Picture copywrite @ HappyHelloCo

The next item I absolutely love is this cute pin from the KrystanSaintCat Etsy shop. It is available in different colours, but the black and silver one caught my eye. I, obviously, needed to get one because it is very much on brand for me.

Picture copywrite @ KrystanSaintCat

Stand By Me is one of my favourite movies (if not my absolute favourite). I immediately coveted this adorable art print that I found on the AnchoredDesignsUK Etsy shop. It has so many of my favourite quotes and just makes me so happy. Hopefully I'll get to own this soon and it'll find its way on to my wall at some point. It's too good for me not to own.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday .... There's Something About Sweetie

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is There's Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Ashish Patel didn’t know love could be so…sucky. After he’s dumped by his ex-girlfriend, his mojo goes AWOL. Even worse, his parents are annoyingly, smugly confident they could find him a better match. So, in a moment of weakness, Ash challenges them to set him up.

The Patels insist that Ashish date an Indian-American girl—under contract. Per subclause 1(a), he’ll be taking his date on “fun” excursions like visiting the Hindu temple and his eccentric Gita Auntie. Kill him now. How is this ever going to work?

Sweetie Nair is many things: a formidable track athlete who can outrun most people in California, a loyal friend, a shower-singing champion. Oh, and she’s also fat. To Sweetie’s traditional parents, this last detail is the kiss of death.

Sweetie loves her parents, but she’s so tired of being told she’s lacking because she’s fat. She decides it’s time to kick off the Sassy Sweetie Project, where she’ll show the world (and herself) what she’s really made of.

Ashish and Sweetie both have something to prove. But with each date they realize there’s an unexpected magic growing between them. Can they find their true selves without losing each other?

This books cover screams joy to me. Sweetie looks so joyful and the colours are bright and eye catching. This has me hopeful that the story inside it is just as smile inducing as this cover is.

If you haven't read When Dimple Met Rishi you have plenty of time before the May release date of this companion novel.

Expected release date - May 14, 2019

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

Cover of Finale by Stephanie Garber (goodreads)

The final book in Stephanie's series was recently revealed by Entertainment Weekly and it is just as amazing as I was hoping it would be.

It is so eye catching and matches the other two perfectly. It is hard to believe that the end of this series is so close. It's bittersweet. 

Cover of There's Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon (goodreads)

Sandhya Menon always has really fun, bright covers that immediately catch your eye and her newest is no exception to that. She has a brand and I love that all of her covers compliment each other. 

Sweetie looks great on the cover and I love how joyful she looks! It makes me think the book is going to be just as joyful.

MOVIE / TELEVISION

Isn't It Romantic Trailer

Trailers for the early part of 2019 have started to come out and this really charming one caught my eye. I am tentatively optimistic but this type of movie has the potential to be pretty cringe inducing.

This trailer seems to indicate that this is partly a satire of the rom-com while still being a rom-com. I laughed at a few moments (I loved the PG-13 part of the trailer) and it could be a good Valentine's Day hit.

Five Feet Apart Trailer

This is based off an upcoming YA release (it releases Nov 20th) that will be released on this blog a little later this month. I was immediately curious about the trailer and now that I have seen it I am totally going to see this movie when it is released.

It seems like a movie that is going to make me cry but it also looks like it'll be good. I think this movie (and the book) may end up proving more popular than people think simply because it is reminding me a little bit of The Fault In Our Stars.

OTHER

TBTBSanta

If you've followed me for awhile you'll know about The Broke and Bookish Santa Swap that happens yearly. It's an amazing way to spread some holiday cheer and I highly recommend signing up if you are able. It's really heartwarming to see all the excited tweets as people shop and send/receive their packages.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Release Date -  May 30, 2017

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  380 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A laugh-out-loud, heartfelt YA romantic comedy, told in alternating perspectives, about two Indian-American teens whose parents have arranged for them to be married.

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways. 

I love a good rom-com movie. They are the equivalent of a good hug, a cozy blanket on a cold day, and a mid-afternoon nap. They make you happy. They leave you a grinning, happy sighing fool who hums love songs. When Dimple Met Rishi is exactly this in novel format. It's the kind of book that helps you break out of reading slumps, and the perfect novel to read after an emotionally heavy book due to its sheer cuteness.

This novel, at least for me, explored Indian culture (and Indian-American culture) in a way that is seamlessly woven into the story through the characters. It was shown to us through them, rather than being told to us. It made the characters backgrounds read as being something that was part of them instead of the sole thing that defined them. It was important to the story, but it is really just an epic love story at its core. It also, for me, offered the chance to get to learn things about arranged marriages that I wasn't aware of before. It offered a perspective I hadn't had before, and I predict many other readers will feel the same and that makes me excited for others to pick this up so they can have that experience for themselves. However, what |I am most excited for from people being able to read this novel is for those who share the same background as Dimple and Rishi to see themselves in this story.

The themes of falling in love, family pressure, and self doubt are all ones that are universal. Everyone experiences them. It makes the story feel recognizable, which adds to the rom-com feel. It ensures that the reader will fall into the story because we are able to sympathize with both Dimple and Rishi. This is a story that is in no way new, but feels fresh thanks to Sandhya's take on the genre.

The romance is, of course, the focus. The heart of this novel is getting to see Rishi and Dimple fall in love, and work towards being on the same page so they can (hopefully) move forward together. The romance is dependent on who each of the characters are and what they are feeling at the time. Rishi knows that he wants to get married. He is a romantic, and more traditional. Dimple is unsure of what the future holds but she knows what she doesn't want from it - anything that will hold her back from her dreams. It may seem like they are too different for a relationship to work, but they challenge each other. They balance each other out, and bring out the best in one another. This pushing outside of each other's comfort zones is what makes their relationship work so well. There is also plenty of fun banter between the two. I knew I was going to love them as a couple right from their first meeting when Dimple throws her iced coffee on Rishi. It sets the tone for this relationship that is filled with memorable moments.

While the romance is what is going to sell this novel, the secondary stories are just as interesting and well developed. Both Dimple and Rishi have story arcs outside of the romance which add dimension and nuance to their characters. It made them feel more realistic and made the story feel fleshed out. The side characters, such as family and friends, are also given the chance to shine. Care was taken with these characters, even the secondary ones, and that shows through the entire novel.

When Dimple Met Rishi is a cute, smile inducing, rom-com novel that will leave you feeling happier than when you began reading it. Sandhya Menon is a promising new voice in contemporary young adult novels and I cannot wait to see what adorableness she writes next. If you're looking for a perfect summer read I highly recommend this one.

2017 Most Anticipated - When Dimple Met Rishi

The last book I am featuring during this year's event is one that has a title that immediately brings to mind one of the most iconic romantic comedy movies.

When Dimple Met Rishi obviously brings to mind When Harry Met Sally and sounds like it is going to be equally cute. I am a big fan of contemporary young adult novels and I am very excited about this one in particular.

The Goodreads synopsis is already brings to mind the cutest of romantic comedies and I think it'll be a fantastic addition to the YA contemporary genre.

A laugh-out-loud, heartfelt YA romantic comedy, told in alternating perspectives, about two Indian-American teens whose parents have arranged for them to be married.

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

Sandhya was kind enough to answer a few questions for this event. They've made me want to read this even more, if possible.

1 Describe When Dimple Met Rishi using three words.

1. Kismet
2. Family
3. Love

2 If someone were to make a signature ice cream in honour of your book, what might be included?

Ooh, there’s a scene in When Dimple Met Rishi where they eat gelato, so I’ll go with those flavors. Dimple would definitely choose cherry and Rishi would scarf down banana chocolate swirl until he got sick. I wonder if they have cherry-banana-chocolate swirl? 

Everything about this book sounds cute, and perfectly adorable. I cannot wait to read it and feel all those warm fuzzy feelings that a good rom com instill in me.

When Dimple Met Rishi releases May 30, 2017 and is available for pre-order from your favourite retailer right now!

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM 

You can also follow Sandhya on Twitter, visit her website, and the publisher website for all the details about When Dimple Met Rishi. You can also follow Sandhya on Instagram and Pinterest.

Sandhya Menon was born and raised in India on a steady diet of Bollywood movies and street food. She pretty much blames this upbringing for her obsession with happily-ever-afters, bad dance moves, and pani puri.

She currently lives in Colorado in the United States, where she’s on a mission to (gently) coerce her husband and children to watch all 3,220 Bollywood movies she claims as her favorite.

Her YA novel WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI will be out on May 30, 2017 from Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster). You can preorder it on Amazon: http://bit.ly/wdmrhardcover or add it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/dimplerishi

Waiting On Wednesday ... When Dimple Met Rishi

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

A laugh-out-loud, heartfelt YA romantic comedy, told in alternating perspectives, about two Indian-American teens whose parents have arranged for them to be married. 

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right? 

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself. 

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not? 

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways. 

This cover immediately makes me think of summer for some reason, and the entire premise of the book screams summer reading fun! This one sounds like a must read for YA contemporary fans and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

A bit of a wait as this doesn't come out until May of 2017. Hopefully the time will fly by until we can meet Dimple and Rishi!

Expected release date - May 30, 2017

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Lots to be excited about this week and I predict lots of people will be excited about this week's inclusions.

BOOK

Cover of Romancing The Throne by Nadine Jolie Courtney (goodreads)

The tagline kind of says it all - 'Two Sisters + One Prince =  Major Heartbreak. This has been described as Anne and Mary Boleyn or Kate and Pippa Middleton (if Pippa ever dated William first). I was immediately sold and this adorable cover has any cemented my need to own this book.

The cover is perfect and hopefully the story inside is just as amazing. I cannot wait for this one to be released. You may just see this one pop up on the blog later this year as well (*hint, hint*)

Cover of When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (goodreads)

This book just recently came on my radar when the cover was revealed, but it sounds adorable and has an equally adorable cover to go with it.

The cover makes this look funny and light. It prefectly represents the romantic comedy the synopsis promises. I am excited to read this and discover Dimple and Rishi's love story.

OTHER

New Funko Pops

Funko has announced two new Pops that I MUST own.

First up is this amazing Breakfast at Tiffany's Pop! She's classy and elegant, just like Audrey.

She looks amazing and perfect and I cannot wait to add her to my collection.

Next is this incredibly fun Liv Moore Pop. I love iZombie and especially love this particular Liv Pop.

This whole Pop collecting thing has the potential to be a BIG problem, but I am having fun with it so far and cannot wait to see what Funko releases next.

What are you obsessed with this week?