Once Upon a Scandal | Shilpa Suraj | Book Review | Steamy, Funny, Enemies-to-Lovers Indian Romance

Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj is the second book in “Il Cuore Series”. A steamy, funny, and deeply touching enemies-to-lovers romance novel set in India, read the book summary, book quotes, release date, genre, age rating, and book review of Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj in this post below.

One tragedy made them enemies, and now one moment of passion has resulted in a scandal that can ruin their lives…Read Once Upon a Scandal by @ShilpaAuthor #BookReview #BookQuotes on #NjkinnysBlog #IARTG Click To Tweet

About Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj:

No. of Pages: 245

Publication Date: 4th August 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Adult Romance, Indie Author, Indian Romance, Marriage of Convenience, found family

Series: Il Cuore Book 2

Reading Age: 18 years and above

Can be read as a standalone? YES

Buy From: AMAZON

A Steamy, Funny, #EnemiesToLovers #IndianRomance, Read Once Upon a Scandal by @ShilpaAuthor #BookReview #BookQuotes on #NjkinnysBlog #NjkinnyRecommends #IARTG #FreeWithKU Click To Tweet

Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj Book Summary:

One tragedy made them enemies, and now one moment of passion has resulted in a scandal that can ruin their lives.

Featuring relatable realistic protagonists with flaws, Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj  is the story of a responsible, ambitious, and rich man named Aakash, and a rebellious, hippie lifestyle lover but an ambitious PR company owner heroine named Kanak.

Years ago, one event made them enemies and despite a mutual attraction, they are still enemies who can’t stand each other. But one mistake leads to a scandal that threatens both their reputations as well as future aspirations. So, they agree to a marriage of convenience but as secrets are revealed, and old hurts brought out in the open, they realise that more than their reputation is at stake. It is their hearts now that are involved!

A perfect read for a lazy afternoon or when you need a break from reality…Read Once Upon a Scandal by @ShilpaAuthor #BookReview #BookQuotes on #NjkinnysBlog #NjkinnyRecommends #IARTG #BookBoost #ROmanceNovel Click To Tweet

Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj Book Review:

I absolutely loved this light, witty, sizzling, and deeply emotional romance set in a picturesque plantation with funny moments, memorable characters, and heartfelt emotions.

A perfect read for a lazy afternoon or when you need a break from reality, this book is free to read with Kindle Unlimited too!

Things I Liked:

Title, Book Cover, and Blurb:

With a gorgeous and sexy cover, an intriguing title with a number in it, and a blurb had me itching to start this book asap. So, the initial trio of attractions, namely – the book cover, title, and blurb are all so beautifully done that a reader will be pulled towards this book right from the first sight. 

Can Once Upon a Scandal Book be read as a standalone?

While part of the “Il Cuore Series”, Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj can be read as a standalone story. However, if you want to get a better understanding of the characters, then I would recommend reading the books in order.

Plot, and narration:

The plot is simple and yet the execution makes it so memorable. With expertly placed twists and turns, I was kept on the edge of my seat throughout this story.

Then the narration is so fluid, and engaging that everything felt authentic. I felt a part of the story, and was invested in the scenarios as they unfolded. With simple language that is easy to read, and a tangible narration, be prepared to be sucked in right from the start! I sat glued to my seat and finished it in one sitting!

World Building:

What an immersive world the author has created in this book, and series! Ever since I read the first book in “Il Cuore Series”, “Once Upon a Mistake“, I have been so invested in this bookish world. Il Cuore is a family plantation of the Thakkars, and a place so exquisite that I have been itching to go take a vacation there for real!

The Characters are people who have become like family, and their happiness is my happiness, and their sadness makes me unhappy. Everything is so authentic that even after finishing the book, I wanted to stay right there in this world!

Admirable planned places that are so easily visualised, the story flows in the readers’ mind as a technicolour movie.

Characters:

One of the highlights of this book are the characters. Real, complex, and flawed people we all will relate to, they are persons who have made mistakes, and are haunted by those mistakes. Also these are people who are trying to learn from their past mistakes, and be better. So, you feel an instant connection with them, and are easily invested in their life’s challenges.

Protagonists:

Both the hero and the heroine are strong people who represent independent modern metropolitan Indians. While Aakash Thakkar is a man bound by his duty, and responsibility to his family, and so often seen as a serious, “all work and no play” Billionaire, Kanak is a rebel who is determined to succeed and prove everyone who doubted her wrong.

I loved both the hero and the heroine. Aakash feels responsible for the tragedy that changed his life, and brought so much unhappiness to his family. He also blames Kanak for it. Thus, the enmity. But despite this, the mutual attraction, though unwanted by either of them, is red hot and undeniable.

You can actually feel the heat when they come together. With sexy talk, sizzling bedroom scenes, and witty banter, Aakash and Kanak’s chemistry smoulders.  I, especially, loved Kanak’s one liners, and witty comebacks. So, be ready to read this book with a cold drink to cool yourself! LOL

Then another splendid part is that while the author brings a spicy romance, she also perfectly balances it with heartfelt emotional play. I shed many tears, and unashamedly sniffled as I followed these two on a journey of heartbreak, and angst. The insecurities, guilt, ambition, and unresolved past played havoc on their love life. And I sat biting my nails in eagerness as they stumbled on their way to a memorable happily-ever-after!

This quote is so romantic!

I love you. I chose you then Aakash. I choose you now. I will always choose you.”

"I love you. I chose you then Aakash. I choose you now. I will always choose you.”- #BookQuote Once Upon a Scandal by @ShilpaAuthor + #BookReview on #NjkinnysBlog #NjkinnyRecommends #IARTG Click To Tweet

Also Aakash’s love and protectiveness over his siblings had me going teary eyed. Sometimes even a bit over protective, his concern for his sister, and his guilt over failing to protect them is something every elder sibling feels at one or the other time in their lives. Now, I am so eagerly waiting to see how Aakash and his sister’s relationship heals in the upcoming books.

Then Kanak’s utter devotion to her friends and vice versa is so heartwarming. They are a family not by blood but by heart. So, the “found family” trope is also so beautifully done in this series so far.

Supporting Characters:

This is one of those books where not only the protagonists but also the secondary characters make a place in our hearts. They feel like family, and you will find yourself really connected to their struggles as if they were your own. The whole gang comprising of Kanak, Maya, Karam, Ved, and Aakash’s younger brother, Vikram reminded me of my own college gang. I adored when Maya found her happily-ever-after in “Once Upon a Mistake”, and jumped in joy when Kanak found hers in this book. Now I am eagerly awaiting Karam and Ved’s happily-ever-afters.

Then there is Aakash’s family comprising of his mother, and younger sister, Aayushi. I loved Aakash’s mother. She has lost so much in her life but is still elegant, loving, and supportive. Her unconditional love to Kanak brought tears to my eyes. 

Aayushi made a strong entry in the previous book when she saved Maya. A talented lawyer, she has own scars that she carries close to her heart.  Her open support to Kanak, and her struggle between duty and love had me so invested in her. The author has also given so many hints about her love angle that I am eagerly awaiting her book.

Then there is Aakash’s ex who has intrigued me right from the first book. There is so much more to her easy smiles, and high society bearing. And I am excited to read more about her in future books.

Romance:

The romance is scorching, angsty, and a perfect blend of steamy and emotional. I loved the banter between the protagonists, the push and pull between them added to the enjoyment, and then when they came together they burned!

This scene had me fanning my face, and swooning!

Put a shirt on,” he repeated softly.

Much as I want nothing more than to watch you like this forever, I would rather do it when I can also hold you.” Kanak froze.

Touch you, taste you, torment you until the only word on your lips is my name and the only thing on your mind is me.”

Suspense:

New details are getting revealed about the past tragedy with each book, and this book is no different. There is so much more to the events that led to the tragedy that changed the lives of everyone involved. Aakash became a hard and cynical man. Kanak became a rebel with something to prove. So, when new details are revealed I cried anew, and wanted a happy ending for these people who are still living in guilt and pain.

Also the ending twist has me itching to grab the next book now! 

Things I wanted to see in this book:

While I adored this book and overall have no complaints but there is one thing that I missed. Had this been included in this story this would have been a five star read. I felt the distinct lack of Kanak’s background. While it is hinted that she was estranged, I wanted to know more about her family. And eagerly wanted to know if their feelings had changed over time, and dare I wish, have a showdown with them.

Conclusion:

All in all, Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj is a quick, engrossing, and enjoyable read. A perfect blend of steamy romance, heartfelt emotions, memorable characters, witty banter, and mesmerising settings, this book will leave you smiling. Njkinny recommends this fun, engaging, and entertaining romantic story to all romance lovers above the age of eighteen.

So, are you ready to go on a hot vacation with a grumpy Billionaire, a sassy rebel heroine, three overprotective friends, a loveable family, budding romances everywhere? 

Grab this Indian romance that I finished in one sitting FREE with Kindle Unlimited now!

Buy From:

AMAZON

Also read the first book in “Il Cuore Series” by Shilpa Suraj:

Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj (Il Cuore Book 1) Book Review, Book Quotes, Book Summary

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