This was an okay book. It was really slow in the beginning and felt like it wasn't going anywhere for a long time. The ending was good and quick to read. It was predictable but it was still a good and the story was well written.

This was a very tricky novel to rate. It started off quite strong and I came to enjoy the alternating POVs and family dramatics. However, it all became a bit melodramatic and quite predictable, in terms of Mallika's discovery and Vandy's relationship with Rani and Vir. There was also a bit of repetitiveness with the discussion of pregnancy and miscarriages, which started to felt a bit excessive. Altogether not my favourite read.

I read the author's previous work and enjoyed it, and this book was no exception. Engaging story and really well-thought-out characters. I figured out the plot relatively early on and my only criticism was that it seemed to take a really long time to get to the point of the novel.
I would recommend this to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!

I really liked this book, it was different than anything else I've read which was a breath of fresh air. I will be recommending this to my friends, and auto buy this author!

After reading and loving "The Wedding Setup", a short story by the author Sonali Dev earlier this year, I wanted to read a novel by her and when this latest release by her came up, I went all in for it.

The author wonderfully showed the story of three interlocking protagonists and how each action of them affects each other, directly or indirectly. The twisted past, the messy present, and the possibility of a tormented future give the story a strong base and a dominating factor in the story.

For me, the benchmark of the story is the friendship of Rani and Vandy, and how with time it evolved, changed, rusted, and yet, had a connection. The differences in family and economic background, parenting, upbringing, surroundings, and people around them were visible in their relationship and gave deep insights into their character development.

The story also sheds light on how parenting affects children deeply, making them make choices they wouldn't have thought of and do things they haven't imagined, consciously or subconsciously. Also, it shows how childhood trauma can impact your whole life.

The relationship of Vandy and Vir, and Mallika and Rex was written beautifully and showed again, how the relationship of parents with each other as partners affects children's relationship with their partners.

The story is very filmy when it comes to the competition between Pinky and Tinku, Vandy’s two sisters-in-law, and all the dance drama, which of course I enjoyed!

Although the ending was very well built up, for me, it was very predictable. I think the blurb gave away too much of the story and with the little slow narrative and pace, it takes away the interest in between. I would have loved to see more of Mallika's relationship with her cousins, especially Amey, and maybe with Aarav as well.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book because of the engaging writing style and the storytelling and I would like to read more by the author for sure.

The book is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the intricacies of love, relationships, and personal evolution. Dev's prose effortlessly transports readers into a world populated by well-crafted characters and thought-provoking themes.

A notable strength of the book lies in Dev's skill at shaping multi-dimensional and relatable characters. The protagonist's voyage of self-discovery, coupled with her challenges in navigating trust and vulnerability, is portrayed with sincerity and depth. The supporting characters contribute equally compelling perspectives and diverse experiences to enrich the narrative.

Dev's exploration of love languages introduces an intriguing dimension to the story. Through her nuanced depiction of varied communication styles and emotional needs, she underscores the complexities and gratifications inherent in comprehending and forging profound connections with others. This thematic layer adds richness and intricacy to the relationships interwoven throughout the narrative.

The novel adeptly strikes a balance between poignant moments and instances of levity. Dev's witty and engaging writing style provides a refreshing and delightful reading experience. The pacing is well-calibrated, unfolding the story at a steady rhythm that keeps readers invested and eager to unveil the next developments.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I want to begin by saying sorry for the tardiness in sharing my thoughts on "Lies and Other Love Languages." Even though I snagged an early copy, life's twists and turns slowed down my ability to sit down and put my feelings into words. Now, let's dive into the book itself.

This was my first experience with Sonali Dev's storytelling, and I must say, it was a delightful venture into a genre I haven't explored much before. The intricate relationships and cultural nuances she wove into the narrative added a layer of depth that kept me engaged.

Admittedly, it took me a little while to fully immerse myself in the story, but once I did, I found the characters' emotional journeys to be quite compelling. The global backdrop, from LA to Mumbai, added a unique charm that elevated the reading experience.

I appreciate Dev's compassionate writing style; it made the characters relatable and the exploration of complex emotions palpable. Despite the delay, I sincerely recommend "Lies and Other Love Languages" for those who enjoy a thoughtful exploration of love and deception. It may have taken me some time, but it's never too late to share a good find!

This is a lovely story of friendship that I really enjoyed. Each of the three women portrayed in the book have had their own challenges, successes, and failures. The characters have a lot of depth and they try to support each other. They’re all Indian, and I liked reading about life in India and the making of Bollywood movies. 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of Lies and Other Love Languages by Sonali Dev.

I normally really like Sonali Dev's books, but I didn't like this one as much. I didn't hate it, but I found it slow for a lot of it. Once Vandy made it to India, I think it finally picked up but that was so much toward the end of the book. I wish there had been more character growth throughout the book. Also, the synopsis made it seem like Mallika would be having this bonding journey with Rani, but that doesn't happen. It just didn't feel like it ever really took off and went anywhere.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another delightful read from Sonalie Dev!

Lies and Other Love Languages tells the stories of family, found family, and how far we will go for the ones we love. What is the cost of your life dream?

I loved these characters and their story, woven through three POVs and two timelines. I highly recommend!

Note that there are themes of infertility and miscarriage if that is a topic you are sensitive to.

This cover drew me in! While this was a good book and I loved the different relationships shown. I struggled with the issue of miscarriages. That really diminished my enjoyment of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sonali Dev may be best known for her charming Jane Austen-inspired romances, but with her latest, Lies and Other Love Languages, Dev takes a step into more deeply exploring family secrets (but don’t worry, romance-lovers…there are still some swoon-worthy moments). Mallika and her mother Vandy have a beautiful, openly communicative relationship – or so they both think. But when it becomes clear that they are each keeping something from each other, not only does their relationship take a hit, but their senses of self do as well. Throw in flashback chapters told from the perspective of Vandy’s childhood friend Rani (who is mysteriously missing from the present-time narrative), Lies and Other Love Languages leaves the reader unraveling the secrets a few steps ahead of the characters. The real narrative intrigue rests not in the content of the secrets, but in watching how they are discovered and revealed to the characters – and how those characters choose to react.

3.5 stars rounding up.
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed but it was an up and down read sometimes really engaging and other times less compelling to me. . Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion..

"Lies and Other Love Languages" by Sonali Dev is a poignant and beautifully written tale of love and deception. Dev masterfully weaves complex relationships and cultural nuances into the narrative, creating an emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lasting impact. A powerful exploration of the many facets of love.

This is the first novel by Sonali Dev that I have read, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed the character development throughout the story. Exploring the paths through life that we choose and the consequences of those choices. Consequences that we as well as our loved ones must endure. Well-written with both raw emotion and humor, this novel took me on quite a journey.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Sonali Dev always writes with heart and compassion. Vandy started out with an Agony Aunt column, becoming famous and well loved for her advice. Mallika is her daughter, a choreographer trying to break out of choreographing wedding dances for Indian weddings.. Both Mallika and Vandy are mourning the loss of Vir, a devoted husband and father when Mallika finds out something that makes her question everything she knows about herself. The third main character is Rani, an orphan who finds her way into the hearts of Vandy’s family and becomes her closest friend. I loved the way the story develops, as well as the relationships that are deciphered. Highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, and though I didn't get to this until after the publication date, the ARC was still the one I read.

This was a tough read for me. I'm currently pregnant, and went through a pregnancy loss earlier this year. There was a lot of talk about pregnancy lost in this one, so that was difficult. I mostly figured everything out before it was revealed, but I still thought it was interesting how things were resolved. I don't agree with Vandy's efforts, but I've also never been in that position. I did like the relationships between the main characters. I missed the description of food that Dev usually includes in her books.

I really liked/cared about the 3 main characters and all of their relationships with each other and others too. That makes a good read for me! A book about secrets, friendships, mother/daughter relationships, being a mother and what that means. Friendships and rebuilding a broken friendship. A good read.

Very interesting book how they took a modern story. And we're back in time and talking about this girl who was from India. The girl named R Ana. She had a hard life in India. Her mother had to struggle for everything.. When her mother died she came to america to live with her aunt. She had a lot of difficulty adjusting to this new life, especially when it came to food. And then she met her friend Van GP. When she was eating her leftover fries from McDonald's when she threw them away.. Then they went back to her house. She It was shocked to see how this girl had everything. If it came best friends through the years. A n a with more practical Then Van g.. As the years passed they went to college.. While they were in college V, ANG met a man. And feel l And in love with him. She married this man, but things didn't turn out the way she thought it wouldw. She wanted a child so bad she tried everything to have a child. This made this book very interesting. Because her friend, what's all I'm involved in this and a child was made. It is interesting how this girl.
Mallik. Was raised, but she had a lot of problems because her mother didn't know what to do with her that her father died. And things started getting really crazy in this book. It's like a mystery based on a love story. And based on lies and everything seems to come out at the end of the book. Everybody got what they wanted in this book. And they could understand each other at the end.