Game On, Shai Pai | Jyothi D’Mello | Book Review | Contemporary Indian Romance
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello is a contemporary Indian Romance, and the second book in the “Pai Girls Duet”. Featuring a grouchy new restaurant owner, and his feisty maître d’, this is a slow burn, witty banter filled romance set in India. So, read the book summary, book publication date, genre, reading age, book quotes, similar book recommendation, and book review of Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello in this post below.
About Game On Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello:
No. of Pages: 340
Publication Date: 30th April 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Indian Romance, Indie Author, Office Romance, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers
Series: Pai Girls Duet Book 2
Reading Age: 18 years and above
Can be read as a standalone? YES but strongly recommended that you read the first book, “Dare You, Millie Pai” before reading this one.
Buy From: AMAZON
Game On Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Summary:
Shai Pai is the maître d’ at an Indian restaurant. But her carefully constructed life gets disrupted when her beloved restaurant is sold, and she meets her new boss. Cranky, grouchy, and judgemental, Dwayne Lewis may have the features made to make women swoon but he is nothing but a thorn in her side. And smug at having caught her in a legal loophole that forbids her to quit before a certain period of time, she is even more furious with him.
he was the thorn in her grand life plans. A thorn who pricked her with his angry words provoking words and accusations. A thorn who drew blood with his cool tone, devoid of emotions. A thorn who she is surrounded by six days a week. But he was prickly and a deadly thorn exclusively with her. With the rest of the staff, he was a different species altogether…”
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Quote
So, it is a game of tug of war filled with witty banter, getting on each other’s nerves, and in short making life difficult for the other person. And if certain sparks fly then they are studiously ignored.
But life has a way of throwing surprises, and Shai and Dwayne are in for the ride of their lives!
Game On Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Review:
Jyothi D’Mello is a new author I discovered last year when I read and adored her debut novel, “Dare You, Millie Pai” which also happens to be the first book in the “Pai Girls Duet”. Ever since I have been eagerly awaiting the next book in this romance duet. So, when I heard that the next book which was the story of the elder Pai sister, Shai, had released, I jumped to read it.
In one word this book was “EVERYTHING”.
Right from complex characters, witty banter, slow burn chemistry, sensual romance, heartwarming feelings, emotional upheaval, closure of old wounds, new beginnings, and a chef’s kiss happily-ever-after, this book has everything!
Things I Liked:
Cover, Title, and blurb:
This book nails the initial three things that attract us, readers. So, with a cover that is absolutely gorgeous, a title that intrigues, and a blurb that instantly makes us want to pick the book up to read, this book captivates right from the start!
Plot, Narration, World Building:
The plot is well planned and so beautifully executed. So, I sat engrossed right from the start, and was left so happy at the end. Then the world building is very realistic, and so immersive that I felt like I was there right alongside Shai and Dwayne. You can feel the hustle bustle of the restaurant, the quiet of Shai’s place, the traffic prone streets of Mumbai, and so on.
Also worth mentioning and raving over is Jyothi D’Mello’s narration. She is a master at bringing out the emotions. So, Shai with her bubbly personality, gorgeous persona, and a loyal friend circle looked so content from the outside but inside she is a mess. And the author has so expertly navigated Shai’s character to not only make her real but also one who had me so invested in her happiness!
Jyothi’s storytelling is simple, fluid, crisp, and engaging. So, I sat glued to my seat, totally invested in the story, and characters. Laughing, crying, raving, and swooning came easy all through!
Then she also admirably moved the story of the Pai family ahead from the previous book. We see not only a reunion with beloved characters but also a closure for the Pai household.
Characters:
The characterisation is the highlight of this book, and of both books by Author Jyothi D’Mello.
I adored meeting Millie, Aditya, Nick, Jay, Natalie, Papa Pai from the previous book. It was so satisfying seeing Millie and Aditya, and Jay and Natalie so happy after the hardships they faced in “Dare You, Millie Pai“. Then they move ahead in their happy life in this book which added to my excitement.
Then Nick’s further role in this book had me smiling in pure bliss, and so looking forward to his own story. We get so many hints about his upcoming reckoning and I am so excitedly waiting for it!
Papa Pai is so happy. He has dedicated his life to his girls, and watching them so broken had broken my heart right alonside his. But now with his troubled younger daughter happy, and more closeness between his two girls, he is finally coming out of his shell which was a pleasure to watch. And given a chance I would jump to experience his culinary expertise.
Protagonists:
Shai seemed like a bitchy character in the previous book but as the story progressed we got to see inside the layers. But the true reveal happens in this book. This is a complex character with hidden wounds, trauma, and fears. So, while Shai is a strong, happy, independent woman from the outside, inside she is riddled with insecurity, loneliness, and a yearning.
I loved her newfound transparency, and camaraderie with Millie, her chai dates with Nick, and her unfailing support to her colleagues at work.
Then there is Dwayne. Hot, sexy, broody, and grouchy but only with Shai, he is a chick magnet. But inside he hides fears, insecurity, and past demons. So when Shai and Dwayne meet it is all sparks, and “I hate you” vibes.
Shai preferred watching his interaction with the staff. Especially in that stiff white apron because he looked as delicious as her favourite Eleven-layered Belgium chocolate and Hazelnut cake…”
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Quote
I loved the banter, tricks, taunts, and intense stares between these two. They are so attracted towards each other but both are headstrong, and the whole enemies in office vibes added to the entertainment. I quickly flipped pages eager to read what they would do next!
Loved Dwayne’s style!
And my compliment wasn’t to make a point. You are beautiful, Sunshine.” He said, his voice like silk that left her confused and hot.
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Quote
The swoony actions by Dwayne, his gentleness, his gruff care, and then his alpha possessiveness towards Shai is so endearing. I adored Dwayne and he has my heart now!
This quote had me swooning!
“Do you believe in heaven, Sunshine?” he asked, making her squint at him. When she didn’t respond, he whispered in her ear,
Good, because today, I am going to take you to heaven and back. I am going to take care of all the pent-up anger, fantasies and cold showers.”
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Quote
Alpha, possessive Dwayne is so hot!
“Sure, bro. But tell your girl not to bully my Sunshine? Because I won’t have it either.”
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Quote
"No one, absolutely no one, ever gets away by talking to you disrespectfully.” – Dwayne in Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D'Mello | #BookQuote #BookReview #Romance #IARTG on #NJkinnysBlog #NjkinnyRecommends Click To TweetNo one, absolutely no one, ever gets away by talking to you disrespectfully.”
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Quote
“She is mine.” He hissed matter-of-factly.
You are mine, Shai,” He cupped her face with one hand.
And I am yours,” he said as another hand settled around the pulse at her throat.
I love you, Sunshine.”
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Quote
Shai and Dwayne’s romance is full of challenges both external and internal but boy, I loved how they won over every obstacle! You got to experience it all!
And this scene has my heart!
“You have no idea what you do to me.” He pressed his forehead against Shai’s.
You have no idea what I would do for you.” His breath mingled with hers.
I love you, my fierce, beautiful heart. I’ve been falling for you since the day you threatened to walk out of our restaurant and my life. That moment I realised I would rather argue with you, fight with you and lose to you in every challenge you put my way than lose you.”
Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello Book Quote
Other supporting characters:
We meet Papa Lewis and he is another character misunderstood and looking for redemption. And I adored him. His care for his only son made him a villain but won’t every parent do anything to keep their child safe?
Then we also meet Dwayne’s best friend Ossi. He is protective of Dwayne, and his character is another beautiful mix to this rich story. With so many hints, and his grumpiness increasing towards a certain someone, I want his story now!
Things that could be better:
I adored everything in this book, and with proper editing, everything is perfect.
Conclusion:
All in all, Game On, Shai Pai by Jyothi D’Mello is a complete package. This is a book that entertains, gave me serious hunger pangs and cravings, as well as gives all the pleasure of an enemies-to-lovers romance with heated looks, hot chemistry, heartwarming romance, and memorable romantic gestures. I adored the characters, loved the storytelling, stayed glued to my seat throughout, and was left wanting more.
So, 5 out of 5 super shiny stars to this must read romance with flawed, relatable characters, and a story that will resonate with everyone. Njkinny recommends this beautiful book to all readers above the age of eighteen. Go dive in the Pai world, and meet the Pai sisters and the men who win their hearts now!
Buy From:
Read the Pai Girls Duet by Jyothi D’Mello:
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Such a detailed and wonderfully written review!