Showing posts with label Sara Desai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sara Desai. Show all posts

Friday, March 19, 2021

Blog Tour Excerpt & Review: The Dating Plan by Sara Desai

 

“You won’t want to put [it] down until you’re done!” —USA Today

The Dating Plan, the all new smart and sexy romantic comedy from
Sara Desai is available now!

Even with a step-by-step plan, these fake fiances might accidentally fall for each other in this hilarious, heartfelt romantic comedy from the author of The Marriage Game.

Daisy Patel is a software engineer who understands lists and logic better than bosses and boyfriends. With her life all planned out, and no interest in love, the one thing she can't give her family is the marriage they expect. Left with few options, she asks her childhood crush to be her decoy fiance.

Liam Murphy is a venture capitalist with something to prove. When he learns that his inheritance is contingent on being married, he realizes his best friend's little sister has the perfect solution to his problem. A marriage of convenience will get Daisy's matchmaking relatives off her back and fulfill the terms of his late grandfather's will. If only he hadn't broken her tender teenage heart nine years ago...

Sparks fly when Daisy and Liam go on a series of dates to legitimize their fake relationship. Too late, they realize that very little is convenient about their arrangement. History and chemistry aren't about to follow the rules of this engagement.

Download your copy today!

Amazon | Amazon Worldwide| Apple Books

Nook | Kobo | Google Play

  

What I thought about The Dating Plan
Daisy Patel has a job she likes and is content with her life, if only her aunties would stop trying to find her a spouse. And so what if her ex-boyfriend is dating her ex-boss.  She can handle it.  What she can't handle is literally running into the guy who stood her up ten years ago for Prom.  Him, she hasn't forgiven yet or forgotten. Her brother's best friend, her entire family holds a grudge against Liam Murphy for hurting Daisy and abandoning their family. 
When Liam Murphy finds out he needs to get married to inherit a beloved piece of family property, there's only one person he can ask to be a fake fiancé, and that's Daisy. Even though she is reluctant and still angry with him, Daisy sees a benefit too -- her aunties might stop with their arranged marriage proposals if she already has a fiancé
As Daisy plans their dates that will establish their fake relationship, sh has the opportunity to heal old wounds with Liam.  It isn't long before they are acting like old friends, bantering about everything. There's a real spark between these two characters that I absolutely loved about this story.  
I found myself laughing so many times while reading this book. Daisy is adorable as she tries so hard to stay mad at Liam and he tries hard to melt the walls she put around her after being stood up by him. He does have a good reason for breaking her heart that night, and he gives some great apology too.  It's clear from the start they still have feelings for each other, it's just going to take some work on Liam's part.
I just loved this -- it was so much fun, the aunties were hysterically funny, and Daisy's father was just the right mix of fatherly and forgiving.  This story warmed my heart in more than one way, and I can't recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a wonderfully romantic friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story, The Dating Plan is a terrific choice.
A complementary copy was provided by the publisher. This is my honest review.
 

Excerpt

“Fine.” She sighed. “I’ll marry you.”

It wasn’t the acceptance a man dreamed about, but it was a “yes” just the same. He pulled out his phone.

“I’ll tell my assistant to get us on the first flight to Vegas tonight.”

“Vegas?” Daisy’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“They do quickie weddings,” Liam said. “I know a good chapel. Some of them are tacky, but this one has class. We can fly out tonight. The Elvis wears a three-piece suit and a tie . . .”

His spider senses tingled, warning him that something was wrong. Or maybe it was the scowl on his fake fiancée’s face. “If you don’t like Elvis . . .”

“Are you kidding?” Daisy walked over to the whiteboard and picked up a marker. “We’re not going to Vegas. We need a plan for this whole thing.”

“I don’t do plans.”

“Well you’re going to do one now because otherwise you won’t have your marriage of convenience.” She turned to the board, giving him perfect view of her lush behind. His thoughts immediately went somewhere the thoughts of a fake fiancé shouldn’t go, a small indication that this was going to be harder than it looked—in more ways than one.

“We can’t just jump into a marriage,” she said as she wrote on the board. “It won’t be believable. We’ll have to plan out some dates to legitimize our relationship before the wedding. We’ll need to be seen together by friends and family, and we’ll need photographic evidence we’ve been together.” She turned around and pointed to the board. “This is what we need.”

Liam read the heading and laughed. “A dating plan? I don’t plan dates, sweetheart. I go where the wind takes me.”

“When Orson and I used to go out with friends, we’d talk about restaurants we’d been to, or an interesting documentary we’d watched on Netflix, or an art exhibition we’d seen, maybe an energetic walk along the coast. Those are the stories that make a relationship sound real.”

Liam faked a yawn. “Orson sounds like a boring guy.”

“He was easy to be with. We didn’t have to talk much.”

“My kind of relationship.” He gave a sly smile.

Daisy raised an eyebrow. “If you are suggesting that all we did was have sex, you would be very wrong. We had an intellectual relationship. We saw thought-provoking films, and we discussed philosophy, religion, politics, programming issues . . .”

Liam dropped his head and then jerked it up again. “Sorry. I fell asleep after you said you and Orson never had sex.”

“I didn’t say . . .” She trailed off, her eyes narrowing. “It’s none of your business.”

“I’m your fiancé. I think your sex life is very much my business. I need to know what kind of woman I’m marrying.”

“The kind that doesn’t kiss and tell,” she snapped.

Thoroughly enjoying her discomfort, he leaned back in his chair, hands crossed behind his head. “Who is a better kisser? Me or Orson?”

Daisy’s eyes widened and she froze, her hand hovering in midair. Liam remembered that look from the afternoons he’s spent at her house, when she’d been caught doing something wrong. Daisy couldn’t lie.

“I have my answer.” He puffed out his chest. “The old Murphy charm wins again.”

“That was the only kiss you’ll ever get from me,” she said firmly. “My feelings for you haven’t changed. This is a marriage in name only. That means no physical contact except for holding hands or a peck on the cheek for appearances.” She turned back to the whiteboard. “I’ll write that down so you don’t forget.”

“I’m liking this plan less already,” Liam grumbled. “Write that down, too.”

About Sara Desai
Sara Desai has been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, kids and an assortment of forest creatures who think they are pets. Sara writes sexy romantic comedy and contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When not laughing at her own jokes, Sara can be found eating nachos.

Connect with Sara
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2LKantB
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3c8abO1
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3szNnhJ
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3t02kcq
Twitter: https://bit.ly/38WTAN0
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/3v5v2tW
Website: https://saradesai.com/

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Release Blitz: 5 Big Stars for The Dating Plan by Sara Desai

 

"This is a gem."—Publishers Weekly

The Dating Plan, the all new much anticipated sexy fake fiancé romantic comedy from Sara Desai is available now!

Even with a step-by-step plan, these fake fiances might accidentally fall for each other in this hilarious, heartfelt romantic comedy from the author of The Marriage Game.

Daisy Patel is a software engineer who understands lists and logic better than bosses and boyfriends. With her life all planned out, and no interest in love, the one thing she can't give her family is the marriage they expect. Left with few options, she asks her childhood crush to be her decoy fiance.

Liam Murphy is a venture capitalist with something to prove. When he learns that his inheritance is contingent on being married, he realizes his best friend's little sister has the perfect solution to his problem. A marriage of convenience will get Daisy's matchmaking relatives off her back and fulfill the terms of his late grandfather's will. If only he hadn't broken her tender teenage heart nine years ago...

Sparks fly when Daisy and Liam go on a series of dates to legitimize their fake relationship. Too late, they realize that very little is convenient about their arrangement. History and chemistry aren't about to follow the rules of this engagement.

Download your copy today!

Amazon | Amazon Worldwide| Apple Books

Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add to Goodreads

 
What I thought about The Dating Plan
Daisy Patel has a job she likes and is content with her life, if only her aunties would stop trying to find her a spouse. And so what if her ex-boyfriend is dating her ex-boss.  She can handle it.  What she can't handle is literally running into the guy who stood her up ten years ago for Prom.  Him, she hasn't forgiven yet or forgotten. Her brother's best friend, her entire family holds a grudge against Liam Murphy for hurting Daisy and abandoning their family. 
When Liam Murphy finds out he needs to get married to inherit a beloved piece of family property, there's only one person he can ask to be a fake fiancé, and that's Daisy. Even though she is reluctant and still angry with him, Daisy sees a benefit too -- her aunties might stop with their arranged marriage proposals if she already has a fiancé
As Daisy plans their dates that will establish their fake relationship, sh has the opportunity to heal old wounds with Liam.  It isn't long before they are acting like old friends, bantering about everything. There's a real spark between these two characters that I absolutely loved about this story.  
I found myself laughing so many times while reading this book. Daisy is adorable as she tries so hard to stay mad at Liam and he tries hard to melt the walls she put around her after being stood up by him. He does have a good reason for breaking her heart that night, and he gives some great apology too.  It's clear from the start they still have feelings for each other, it's just going to take some work on Liam's part.
I just loved this -- it was so much fun, the aunties were hysterically funny, and Daisy's father was just the right mix of fatherly and forgiving.  This story warmed my heart in more than one way, and I can't recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a wonderfully romantic friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story, The Dating Plan is a terrific choice.
A complementary copy was provided by the publisher. This is my honest review.
 

About Sara Desai
Sara Desai has been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, kids and an assortment of forest creatures who think they are pets. Sara writes sexy romantic comedy and contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When not laughing at her own jokes, Sara can be found eating nachos.

Connect with Sara
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2LKantB
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3c8abO1
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3szNnhJ
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3t02kcq
Twitter: https://bit.ly/38WTAN0
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/3v5v2tW
Website: https://saradesai.com/

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

Today we are excited to
celebrate the release of
THE MARRIAGE GAME by Sara Desai
by participating in the blog tour!
This is a sexy, romantic comedy that you won't want to miss.

Check out the purchase links for the book below.

 

PURCHASE NOW

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

 The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

A Standalone Novel | Available Now
Add it to Goodreads

Book Blurb:

One of Oprah Magazine's Most Anticipated Romances of 2020

A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy.

After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office upstairs to start her new business and creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesn’t know he’s arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door…

As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he's forced to share his space with the owner's beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, and a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life.

As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm and sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam and Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game.
PURCHASE NOW



What I thought about The Marriage Game

Oh, The Marriage Game was a whole lotta fun!  This cute, romantic story gets four stars from this reader.

Layla returns home to her family after some bad luck with men, work, and life in general.  Because of miscommunications, she ends up sharing an office with Sam who becomes a friend who ends up looking after Layla as she blind dates ten men.  This part of the story is really great and very cute as Sam helps Layla escape some losers.  There's great banter between them that will have you smiling.

Because of the time they spend together, Sam and Layla end up falling for each other.  But Sam's agenda to help his sister puts some roadblocks in their relationship, and carrying through with his downsizing plan knocks Layla's family in a major way.  

I love reading stories like this that describe families and their cultural customs.  Not only was The Marriage Game entertaining, it was also diverse and that's so very important in our world today.  I adored Layla's family, and the sweet ending was absolutely lovely with everyone in attendance.

Sam does screw up, but he does make it right. I will admit his actions are brutal, and he does suffer the consequences, but he also gets a clue about dealing with his sister's situation which was a major upheaval in his life. Like Layla, he finds a way to move forward with his life, with a little help from the patriarchs from both families. There's really satisfying character growth and development in this story.

I'm a big fan of this author's prior titles under a different pen name, and I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with The Marriage Game.  The writing is terrific, the story is told in a way that kept me engaged, and I'm looking forward to more from Sara Desai.  The Marriage Game is an entertaining, diverse romance that I really enjoyed.

An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.

-------------------------

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

 

Sara Desai has been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, kids and an assortment of forest creatures who think they are pets. Sara writes sexy romantic comedy and contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When not laughing at her own jokes, Sara can be found eating nachos. Visit Sara at www.saradesai.com.

FIND SARA DESAI:

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Release Blitz: The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

Today we are excited to share the release of 

THE MARRIAGE GAME by Sara Desai!

 This is a sexy, romantic comedy that you won't want to miss.

Check out the purchase links for the book below.

 

PURCHASE NOW

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

A Standalone Novel | Available Now
Add it to Goodreads

One of Oprah Magazine's Most Anticipated Romances of 2020

A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy.

After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office upstairs to start her new business and creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesn’t know he’s arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door…

As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he's forced to share his space with the owner's beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, and a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life.

As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm and sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam and Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game.

PURCHASE NOW

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

-------------------------

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

 

Sara Desai has been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, kids and an assortment of forest creatures who think they are pets. Sara writes sexy romantic comedy and contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When not laughing at her own jokes, Sara can be found eating nachos. Visit Sara at www.saradesai.com.

FIND SARA DESAI:

Review: Hott, Hotter, Hottest (Hott Springs Eternal #5) by Serena Bell

  Real bodyguard. Fake boyfriend. Unexpected benefits. Trouble guaranteed. Tucker: Autumn Sato is a happiness influencer. And I’m…well, let...