Once Upon a Mistake | Shilpa Suraj | Book Review | Il Cuore Series
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj is the first book in her new romance “Il Cuore” Series. An angsty second chance Indian romance featuring two tortured lovers, read the book summary, publication date, genre, reading age, book quotes, similar book recommendations, and book review of Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj in this post below.
About Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj:
No. of Pages: 277
Publication Date: May 19th 2022
Genre: Indian Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance, Adult Romance, Tearjerker, Indie Author
Series: Il Cuore Book 1
Reading Age: 18 years and above
Can be read as a standalone? YES
Buy From: AMAZON
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj Book Summary:
An accident changed Maya’s life leaving her crippled, in-debt, and dumped by her fiance. So, when after five years she comes face to face with the man who broke her heart and beggared her family, she is shocked to realise that underneath all her hatred for him, there are still feelings.
Yash has never forgiven Maya for breaking his heart and dumping him at a difficult time in his life. So, when he meets her again he is sure to put on an indifferent front except his heart and body haven’t got the memo yet!
Is this second chance meeting enough to bring these tortured souls together? Or will past hurts, mistakes, and misunderstandings keep them apart?
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj Book Review:
Shilpa Suraj’s romance books are always entertaining and she has become an author I adore and highly recommend. So, when I heard of her latest romance novel I jumped to read it. And I am so glad I did too. This book is absolutely stunning and a total package!
Things I Liked:
Cover, Blurb, and Title:
The initial trio that attract readers towards a book are splendidly done in this book. Starting with the gorgeous cover, intriguing title with a number in it, and then the interesting blurb, readers will get pulled towards this book.
Plot and World Building:
The plot is seemingly straightforward and simple but the execution is so admirably done that I stayed glued to my seat throughout. With well placed twists, emotional turns, and story relatability I was hooked right from the start and finished it in one sitting!
Then the world building is vivid, realistic, and so fluidly done that I could easily visualise every scene, and place. Now I want to visit the gorgeous vineyard of Il Cuore.
Characterisation:
Shilpa Suraj’s books shine in the characterisation department. Her characters are flawed, real, and relatable people who have made mistakes in the past, and are now determined to make the most of life. The same is the case in this book. Every character right from the protagonists to the secondary characters will make a permanent place in your heart.
Maya’s Character:
I instantly connected with Maya’s character. She is the typical girl-next-door with big dreams, and yet burdened by parental expectations. So, her small rebellion in the form of an outing with friends on the last day of her MBA will resonate with every one of us.
If she was going to have just one night to live by her rules, then she was going to make the absolute most of it.”
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj Book Quote
My heart broke at her daily struggles because of her gimpy leg, her broken dreams of working a job of her choosing, and her financial and emotional burdens. The turn about in her life is shown so convincingly that I got teary so many times, and wished for better times for her.
Maya looked at her tiny, crowded table with her ancient desktop system and then at Mr. Desai’s furious, red face. With a sigh and an apology, she sat down to her reality. The one the accident had carved out for her…one she knew she could never escape.”
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj Book Quote
But what makes Maya a strong and memorable character is her strength and determination.
Despite all the setbacks in her life, she is a fighter who is determined to claim her life back.
Maya laughed. It felt like a weight had lifted off her shoulders. A new beginning…new life. A new her. This time, she was going to make it work.”
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj Book Quote
Her interactions with her friends had me chuckling so often, and reliving my memorable moments with my friends.
Then her scenes with Yash are full of angst, turmoil, yearning, hurt, and sizzling. Her confusion, regret, and longing for Yash broke my heart. And had me rooting for a happily-ever-after for these beloved people
I came to tell you,” she said again, looking directly at him this time.
That I am aware, sober, and completely conscious of my choices. And I have made my choice. I choose you.”
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj Book Quote
Yash’s character:
Yash is an introvert while Maya is a people person. I adored Yash’s quiet strength and integrity. He is a good man with a loyal heart. And his love for Maya is evident in all his actions, and despite his claim to hate her his actions betray him. He has never gotten over Maya and her betrayal but did she really betray him? Separated due to deception, misunderstandings, and miscommunication, my heart went out for this sweet hero.
So, Yash has made a permanent place in my heart and I want more of him please.
Tell me why,” she whispered.
Why did you put the things you valued the most on the line for me?”
Because nothing holds more value for me than you. Nothing.”
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj Book Quote
Secondary Characters:
Their lives had all fallen apart after the accident, in different ways but fallen apart nevertheless.”
Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj Book Quote
I loved meeting Maya’s friends, and they are a diverse group. So, where Kanak is headstrong and a loyal friend who supported Maya all through her difficult times, Karam is a womanising bad boy. Then there is the proper Ved who often comes across as stuffy, and Vikram who is rich but has no airs. However, despite the different natures, these friends are loyal, dedicated to each other, and a family.
Then there are Vikram’s siblings, Aakash and Aayushi. Where Aakash is bitter and blames Maya and her group for his family’s grief; Aayushi is determined to bring everyone who loved Vikram together.
I was so thrilled to notice the inklings of future romances among these people, and the author has maintained the mystery behind each suspected pair’s past history with each other. So, now I am so eager to get my hands on the subsequent books in this series!
Maya’s father is another endearing character. He reminded me of my own father. Quiet, loving, unconditionally supportive, and non-judgemental. So, he loves his daughter and it shows in his actions.
Maya’s mother is the typical middle class mom who is worried about her daughter’s timely marriage. And who wants to stay in society’s good graces. However, despite her sometimes overbearing and judgemental nature, she loves her daughter and this what redeemed her in my eyes.
Then there was Yash’s mother who was someone I hated with all my heart. She is the typical social butterfly worried about her image, and standing in society. And her actions towards Yash angered me and broke my heart.
This quote sums up Kamini’s character:
Kamini Malhotra was a force of nature. She was his mother and he loved her but Yash had no illusions about her. His father and he had known exactly what she was capable of and how much money and image mattered to her.”
Once Upon a Mistake by shilpa suraj Book quote
Storytelling:
Author Shilpa Suraj is getting better and better with each book, and her storytelling is a highlight of her books. Here too, her simple, engaging, and vivid narration easily transported me the bookish world. So, I was sucked in and felt a part of the story all through. Everything felt real and reading this book was such an immersive experience. So, I adored every second spent reading this emotional, angsty, and sizzling romance.
Conclusion:
All in all, if you are looking for an entertaining, emotional, and engrossing story that is relatable and memorable then your search ends here. Go read Once Upon a Mistake by Shilpa Suraj!
I can’t stop raving about it. This book is worthy of all the stars and so, 5 out of 5 super shiny stars to it from me. And Njkinny Recommends this must read romance book about forgiveness, love, and second chances to all readers above the age of eighteen.
Buy From:
Also read the next book in “Il Cuore Book Series” by Shilpa Suraj:
Once Upon a Scandal by Shilpa Suraj (Il Cuore Book 2) Book Review, Book Quotes, Book Summary
Also Read:
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