When a business proposal turns very personal… Rule #1: Don’t fall for the client. Because he’ll rock your world… Architect Rani Gupta will never let a man compromise her career or freedom again. Which is a problem now that her newest client is irresistible hotelier Arjun Singh–aka the sexiest bachelor in India. A little fling with this gorgeous man would be scandal enough. But a fake … scandal enough. But a fake engagement might just be more trouble than they bargained for–especially if Arjun has a prior arrangement!
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Loved the story and both characters. I enjoyed getting a peek into another culture and loved that the heroine was a highly-competent professional in a male-dominated field.
Bonus: The food descriptions made me hungry, and I enjoyed the architectural and interior design descriptions.
***Spoiler-free book review***
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequinbooks for the free eARC to review!u2063
u2063
Rani is an Indian-American interior architect hired to work Arjun’s new hotel in Vegas. Aside from their Indian heritage, they don’t have much in common. After a failed marriage with Rani is focused on her career to be totally independent. This book is a quick read. I loved Rani, who experienced the classical issues of growing up in a different country from where your parents are. The author perfectly described how difficult it is to combine modern life and tradition without feeling betraying your family. I wished the author would have given more insights into Rani’s professional life. Nevertheless, Arjun’s attitude wasn’t the regular wealthy businessman, and I was happily surprised by the end.
The last comment, even though marriage is continuously present in the book, I found the title misleading.
Marriage by Arrangement is a wonderfully written love story that shows the dynamics and roadblocks that a tradition culture can create to interfere with the blossoming romance. As a non-member of the Indian culture, I enjoyed the insight and inclusion. I also liked that terms were defined so that I could easily follow along with the story without having to stop and look up terms used. Rani is a junior architect trying to earn the respect and promotion she deserves but has always been treated less than and is now learning to assert herself. She is also a divorcee which has created additional issues in terms of her low self-esteem. Arjun is a wealthy, traditional eldest son from India who is currently working to open a new hotel in Las Vegas and has hired Rani’s firm because of the visions and details that Rani has created. Their attraction is instantaneous but both work hard to avoid giving in to their desires but surrender to the draw with an agreement that it is only a fling. As their relationship grows, they both will have to decide if the love they share can over come the obstacles that stand in their way. This is a well-written, engaging story.
Marriage by Arrangement by Sophia Sasson was an interesting peek into the Indian culture and customs. I loved the characters and worried over their dilemma on pleasing their family versus independence and control over their own lives. There were lots of ups and downs, and plenty of sweet and steamy interactions between the couple, but I enjoyed every minute. I wasn’t sure how this could end happy, but this author did it and in such a satisfying way!! Looks like little sister gets a book soon and I will be fist in line to grab it!!
This was my first book by Sophia Singh Sasson and definitely won’t be my last. I loved this workplace romance with a heroine seeking her independence and a hero walking a careful balance between a modern and tradition world. Both the heron and heroine are Indian, and the author weaves in the culture so beautifully that it enriches the story from the the decor of the hotel, to the amazing food they eat to the complicated, sometimes heartbreaking and very proud backstories for both main characters. I just loved this book. It was engrossing, fast paced and sexy. And even though I knew their HEA had to happen, I found myself wondering how it could! That had me on the edge of my seat! The grand gesture was amazing and heart warming. Can’t wait for the next in the series!
I liked this book but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have liked to. To start, I want to say that I found the basis of this book very appealing and I thought this delivered as promised. The struggles and trails faced by the characters in regards to family ties and mixed cultures. I will also say that I really liked Rani. She seemed sweet and I could relate to her “been burned before” attitude. As for Arjun, I did not appreciate his withholding of such an important detail and to be 100% honest, this ruined this couple for me. Still that is just my own opinion and if it turns out to not be a big issue for you, you might really enjoy this book. Honesty and trust are a huge deal for me though and I just couldn’t get over it. This is my independent, impartial review.
Growing up in a dual culture home I was thrilled with Rani! Identity struggles, making a mark, having to choose a side… she’s a different culture from my own, but her issues were understandable and very relatable. I was also pleasantly surprised with her job as an architect/designer, something I haven’t really come across before. I loved Rani’s tenacity and determination to forge a path and rediscover the person she really wanted to be and ended up appreciating why she made her final decision.
Arjun had a similar dilemma with his Indian parents, but he really waffled. His heart said one thing while his upbringing said another leaving him stuck. Between this couples’ two families, I was hard pressed to say who I felt more sympathy for. I finally decided both were caught between a rock and a hard place, but was loudly rooting for concessions and compromise from ALL parties involved!
Marriage By Arrangement is the first time reading Sasson but won’t be the last! I liked her writing and characterization. The descriptions of Indian culture, families, protocol, and yes, the food! added an enriched layer to the story I truly enjoyed.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/Harlequin and this is my honest review.