Sweet, lush, and genuine are the words that I would use to describe this captivating and heartwarming read. It was so much more than a simple love story.

**Book Review: _& Then They Wed_ by Riya Iyer**

_Riya Iyer's_ _& Then They Wed_ is a captivating tale of love, relationships, and the intricacies of modern romance. Iyer crafts a story that is both relatable and heartfelt, capturing the excitement, doubts, and complexities that accompany the journey toward commitment. Her characters are vivid and multi-dimensional, drawing readers into their lives and emotions with authenticity and charm.

The novel weaves humor with tender moments, offering an honest portrayal of the ups and downs of wedding preparations and the challenges of blending two lives. _& Then They Wed_ is a delightful and touching read that celebrates the beauty and chaos of love, reminding us that every journey to "I do" is uniquely special.

this was a really cute book! i loved the writing style and the characters and the plot! it was super cute and the cover is so so so cute. definitely gonna add this to my collection

Riya Iyer’s *& Then They Wed* is a delectable blend of romance and personal growth, serving up a satisfying read with a side of heartfelt emotion. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai, this contemporary romance centers on Rian Shetty, a master chef and ambitious restaurateur, and Dr. Aditi Krishnan, a gynecologist with a newfound career opportunity in the city.

Rian Shetty’s life is meticulously planned, revolving around his thriving restaurant business and the dream of opening a culinary institute. The idea of romantic entanglements or family commitments seems far-fetched to him, despite his grandmother Nanamma’s persistent pleas for him to consider marriage. His well-ordered world is upended when Aditi, with her unapologetic charm and candid nature, enters his life as a temporary guest in his Mumbai apartment.

Dr. Aditi Krishnan is escaping from a series of disappointing romantic encounters and is focused on her burgeoning career. Her temporary move to Mumbai is supposed to be a fresh start, but she finds herself sharing space with Rian, who harbors resentment from a past altercation between them. The initial friction between Aditi and Rian is palpable, making for some of the novel’s most entertaining moments. Their interactions, filled with witty banter and unspoken tension, set the stage for a compelling romance.

As the story unfolds, Aditi’s quest for a fulfilling relationship and Rian’s aversion to commitment clash in delightful ways. Their tentative friendship evolves into something deeper, revealing vulnerabilities and desires neither of them anticipated. The transformation from adversaries to allies and eventually lovers is portrayed with nuance and authenticity. Iyer masterfully explores themes of love, commitment, and personal growth, making the journey of these characters both engaging and relatable.

What stands out in *& Then They Wed* is its exploration of the complexities of modern relationships and the impact of past experiences on present choices. Rian’s journey from a man resistant to change to someone open to the possibility of love is particularly well-crafted. Aditi’s struggle between following her dreams and meeting her family’s expectations adds depth to her character, making her journey both poignant and inspiring.

In conclusion, *& Then They Wed* is a captivating read that combines romance with emotional depth. Riya Iyer’s ability to weave together the characters' personal growth with a charming love story makes this novel a delightful addition to the genre. For readers seeking a romance with heart and substance, this book is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-book copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I'm not exactly the target audience for fun rom-coms type books. Overall, sometimes I was more interested and sometimes but again, I'm not exactly a romance girlie.
This book is sexy and fun and has good steamy moments in it. With that, I was sometimes going back and forth between finding Rian's dirty talk perfectly fine, and him feeling a tad cringey when being possessive. I also appreciated that the book had a male main character that has suffered abuse and discussed its effects on Rian.

Other than just my personal taste, the biggest cons about the book in my eyes are that the chapters started a bit ubruptly so it'd take me a few pages to figure out what's the setting and who's there and how long has it been since the last chapter, and that sometimes it felt like Aditi is supposed to be "quirky" through cultural references and certain clothing items (which again my just be my personal taste).

But, I still managed to enjoy this and I think that any average romance girlie/readers will enjoy this.

The story of Rian and Aditi who are unknowingly been set up together. Interesting to read, and some great characters.

📚 Book Review: "And Then They Wed" by Riya Iyer
📚Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Contemporary Romance/Asian Literature/Indian Literature/Adult
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

💍 & Then They Wed by Riya Iyer is a beautifully crafted romance that will make you believe in the power of love to heal and transform. With characters that leap off the page and a setting that immerses you in the vibrant life of Mumbai, this novel is a must-read for anyone who believes that love, when it comes, changes everything.

🌟 Why You'll Love It:
💑 Compelling Romance: The chemistry between Rian and Aditi is palpable from the start, drawing readers into a slow-burn romance that feels both authentic and deeply emotional. Their interactions are laced with humor, tension, and the kind of vulnerability that makes for a truly engaging love story.
🍲 Rich Setting: Riya Iyer’s vivid descriptions of Mumbai’s culinary scene and the bustling life of the city add a layer of richness to the narrative. The food, culture, and the vibrant city life create a sensory experience that enhances the story’s emotional depth.
❤️ Realistic Characters: Both Rian and Aditi are beautifully flawed, making them relatable and real. Their struggles, both personal and professional, resonate with readers who have ever faced the uncertainty of love and life’s unexpected challenges.
🌱 Themes of Growth and Healing: At its core, this novel is about healing—letting go of the past, embracing the future, and allowing love to take root even in the most unlikely of circumstances. It’s a story of how two people, with very different lives, can find common ground in their shared need for connection and understanding.

🎯 Perfect For:
✨Fans of contemporary romance with depth and emotional complexity.
✨Readers who enjoy stories about love that challenges and changes the characters involved.
✨Anyone looking for a novel that combines rich cultural elements with a heartwarming love story.

In & Then They Wed by Riya Iyer, the complexities of life, love, and the unexpected twists of fate are brought to the forefront in a captivating romance that is both heartwarming and emotionally charged. Dive in and let love surprise you! 💖 Thanks to @goodgirlspr for the #ARC

#&ThenTheyWed #RiyaIyer #IndianAuthors #BookReview #ContemporaryRomance #LoveInMumbai #FoodAndLove #GoodGirlsPR #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity

As a desi I love reading books with desi representation. When I started this book I did not know that it was a second book in a series but it was still enjoyable. I love the progression of the story and how the characters developed. While I wish I had read the first book before I started this one I still thoroughly enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to go back and read the first book.

Book Review - no spoilers

& Then They Wed by Riya Iyer

The second installment in the Ampersand Love Series, this follows Rian and Aditi. Rian Shetty is a successful business man with a few restaurants under his belt and a Michelin star. Known as one of India's most eligable bachelors he is an attractive man with a complicated family life he has decided marriage isn't for him, but his Paati has other ideas.

She has planned for Dr Aditi Krishnan to stay at Rian's flat while she is studying and also trying to find a husband. She hasn't been lucky in this department so far and has still got scars from her previous relationship.

Even with Rian's instance that he doesn't want marriage he can't help.but fall in love with Aditi - not a spoiler...look at the title lol!

I really loved reading this one, even though I knew where it would go it took the anxiety of will-they-won't-they so I could just fully enjoy the romance and spice 🌶

I lived the curvy girl representation and Rian was the perfect book boyfriend (sorry to my husband 😅) and I enjoyed the way their love blossomed. It was an easy read but the spicy scenes were muy caliente 🔥🥵

Riya wrote totally relatable characters who all have their own insecurities but are totally loveable (except Leela, she's a piece of work). Just a joy to read from beginning to end!

I would love to read the rest of the series now as we have met the characters in this story so can't wait for that!

Favourite Quote:
"And all he could think of was that Aditi, with her wide smile, kind heart, sunny disposition, and innate strength, deserved someone who believed she made the world go around.

Because she was Aditi. And that was reason enough."

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Trigger warnings for: toxic relationship between parent and child, mentions of child abuse, physical violence (Rian attacks a man who beat a child)

Aditi rearranges his kitchen to her own needs — while being a guest in his house — and implies that it’s nothing he needs to be worried about, and that his worry is, in fact, insulting. That he can’t find things in his own kitchen because she moved them without asking. Then she complains that he acts like he doesn’t like her, that he’s standoffish because he’s not instantly best friends with the house guest his grandmother brought home. But it’s fine, she said sorry, she’s moved on, so he should, too.

A chapter later they’re friends. I would have liked to have seen that, to see the growing relationship and how and why they connected; instead I have to just accept that it happened but wasn’t important enough to be included on page.

Rian is the best part of this book. He’s kind, compassionate, and embraces his community — from street vendors to the hard working cooks who serve in his restaurants. He’s a good guy with a sense of humor, a strong sense of morals, and who treats Aditi like a person, not a possession. Aditi on the other hand is obnoxious, brushing past boundaries, and feels less like a character and more like the bubbly girl trope without being an actual person.

However, while I didn’t care for Aditi as a person, I appreciated the relationship that was between the pair of them. They talked about marriage, expectations, religion, work, children, families; they didn’t just make assumptions. When they start theri sexual adventures, Rian wants Aditi to know she has all the control to stop whenever she wants, regardless of what they’re up to. Not in the BDSM way, but simply because he wants her to feel safe. She, in turn, also wants him to feel free to use it.

The level of consent, conversation and compassion on both sides really worked for me. Aditi’s assertion that “One fight doesn’t mean a break up. It just means we have things to work through,” is a lovely sentiment, Character wise, this book didn’t quite hit the way I wanted it to. Plot wise, it’s fairly predictable with a focus on sex and food with lovely moments of Indian culture. The writing was fine, the pace was slow, but the messaging — the relationship between Rian and Aditi was a very nice highlight of a strong, well-balanced and well-matched couple.

That said, there is something that really, really stood out to me — and not in a good way. Chapters are labelled with the name of either Aditi or Rian, which is meant, I assume, to indicate that a particular chapter will be told from the character’s point of view .. but that isn’t always the case. Often the other persons thoughts, emotions, opinions will show up mid-paragraph, sometimes for an entire scene. I found it to be annoying, so much so that I dropped a half point in my rating for it, bringing this book from a 3.5 to a 3.

I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for granting me access to an advanced reader copy

Rian Shetty owns one of the most popular restaurants in Mumbai. He has big plans to expand his business around the world. He has no time for love or marriage, and due to an unhappy childhood, he doesn't plan to ever make time for it. He isn't thrilled when his beloved grandmother insists on hosting a young doctor in his home and is even less thrilled when he realizes it's the woman who pissed him off long ago.
Aditi Krishnan is the eldest in her large family, and therefore the responsible one that all the younger ones look up to. Her parents are not happy about her medical career taking her to Mumbai and only agree because she is staying with a good family friend. They also expect her to meet several prospective grooms while away.
This was a cute story and touched on some important topics. Both Aditi and Rian were likeable characters and I loved their dynamic together. I had read the previous book in this series and found this story much more appealing. I appreciate the way this author doesn't create unnecessary tension or extra drama to her stories to drag them out. Her characters all have enough on their plates to deal with. Overall this is a cute rom-com/beach read, nothing overly serious. I'm looking forward to the next book in the Ampersand series!
Thank you to Netgalley and Riya Iyer Books for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first time reading anything by Riya Iyer, and I very much look forward to going back and reading book 1 in this series! With that said, there were some things I loved and a few things I disliked—I'll start there.

I felt that overall the writing and pacing was a bit confusing and odd. For example, there are times where Rian and Aditi go out and it just seems like an endless night where they go on many adventures and visit many places, but when they get home they have time to do more things together and it made me wonder just how long the days were meant to be. I also disliked some of the verbiage in the spicy scenes but that is very specific to me and my inability to find "folds" and "my sex" sexy or sexual, but this was few and far between and I generally found the spice to be decent and centered on mutual pleasure, which is always wonderful to read. I also very much disliked Leela and found her character to be comically overbearing and antagonistic. While I grew to like the roommates-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine vibes of this story, the bickering early on was childish and took up too much space—so much so that when they began to realize they liked each other I didn't fall in line at first.

I loved how Rian was not afraid to show his emotions, and how much Rian and Aditi balanced each other's shortcomings and blind spots intentionally and with care. There are some moments between the odd writing and pacing where Iyer's real artistic talent shines through via beautiful prose and descriptions and declarations between the FMC and MMC. I adored how they communicated with one another and how much Aditi fought to believe the best in Rian when faced with Leela's antics or her own insecurities, and I loved how Rian fought to stop allowing his insecurities to give way to entitled outbursts. I loved how Rian constantly checked in with Aditi to ensure she was comfortable and enjoying the things they did together. Nanamma was such an adorable and lovely character, and I loved reading about Desi characters and exploring the beautiful sights and good eating of Mumbai through Iyer's writing. The side characters were lively and added more than they took away from the story, and I didn't get annoyed with them the way I tend to do in romcoms. Speaking of—Aditi was genuinely funny!

This was overall an enjoyable read, and I look forward to seeing how Iyer grows as an author and the ways she is able to centralize her culture and customs into her work.

Thank you to Riya Iyer Books & NetGalley for providing an ARC!

4 ⭐️s
3 🌶️

DNF at 37%.

Rian Shetty, up-and-coming chef, lives with his grandmother, Nanamma. He has no time for love or romance while he strives for those Michelin stars. Then his Nanamma springs an unwelcome surprise in the form of a houseguest, Dr Aditi Krishnan who has come to the city for a new job and to leave behind her disastrous love life. Despite his protests initially, Rian is soon smitten with Aditi but would it be crass to make a move while she's a guest in his house?

I was enjoying this, and then suddenly Aditi is asking Rian to teach her how to kiss and then they move onto safe words!!! I find the blushing virgin act hard to stomach, there is so much information in books and online these days (and was 40 years ago when I was a teenager) that asking to be taught feels fake. I tried to carry on but it seems like this is going to be a thing so I'm giving up at 37%.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Description
# 2 in the Ampersand Love Series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

Rian Shetty had a plan. His business was profitable. He was listed amongst the top up-and-coming restaurateurs in the world. He might even get a second Michelin star any day now. It was the perfect time to focus on building the culinary institute he’d been dreaming of. He had no time for the complications of love, marriage or children, no matter how much his grandmother, Nanamma, begged. Until a surprise guest, with her heart-stopping smile, filterless mouth and inescapable presence, torpedoed his life and blew his plan to smithereens.

Dr. Aditi Krishnan needed a plan. After a disastrous end to her first love and a series of coma-inducing dates, she wondered if her dreams of having her own happily-ever-after would come true. An escape from her non-existent love life comes with a career opportunity that takes her temporarily to a new city- Mumbai. Faced with a distractingly handsome host however, she begins to wonder if her plan should include a fling with the sexy chef who makes her want things she knows she can’t have.

As a tentative friendship blooms, Rian and Aditi find that best laid plans often go awry, and even temporary situations have a way of permanently altering a heart.

A Note From the Publisher
This is an open door romance intended for audience aged 18+.

Please review the trigger list before requesting the book:
fat shaming (off and on page)
body image issues (on page)
eating disorder (mildly discussed on page)
physical and emotional abuse of children (off and on page),
physical violence against an adult (on page)
panic attack (on page)
difficulties due to undiagnosed neurodivergence (dyslexia)

Review:
I had the opportunity to review the ARC of this book and was pleased to find the Note from the Publisher before downloading. The potential trigger warnings were addressed thoughtfully, which only added to the story's quality. Moreover, it stood well as a standalone novel; I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, though I am now curious about the previous novel. The characters Rian and Adi strongly reminded me of Colin and Penelope from the Bridgerton series (not the books), where the girl is certain about her choice from the start. The "boy," on the other hand, required some persuasion before he could see things clearly, but once he did, they were unstoppable. I found the story enjoyable and would recommend it to those who appreciate a romance infused with Jane Austen's charm, Indian cultural elements, and a dash of spice.,

The cover made me want to read the book, their banter was great. Was a great read! I love a good enemies to lovers book!

Thank you Riya Iyer Books and Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book!

˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚

📚 & THEN THEY WED @authorriyai
⭐ 4/5
🌶️3/5
.
((Thanks to @netgalley , @authorriyai and the publisher for providing me with the e-ARC of this amazing book))✨

💌My review:
I just finished this book, and it was a wonderful read! This book features a Desi romance, a Grumpy and Sunshine romance trope, and the forced proximity storyline of housemates turned lovers. The characters were well-developed and their struggles with dyslexia and body insecurity were portrayed with sensitivity. The author did a fantastic job of depicting the Indian background, which I found particularly engaging as a Desi reader. The banter between Rian and Aditi was captivating, and Nanamma's character was endearing. While I felt the steamy scenes were a bit forced and the pacing was a tad rushed, the Bollywood references, puns, and inside jokes kept me hooked. I'm absolutely intrigued to read the first book in the series now!🤭

This was such a mixed read. This is my first from the author, and being desi, I can wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts taken to depict an Indian background authentically. Some of the songs from the book's playlist are my faves! There's great bonding between the MCs which I adored, and I was upset to see the steamy scenes just shoved in there for -in my opinion- no reason at all. It just turned a sweet, heartfelt romance into something that indicated more of lust. The dyslexia and body shaming themes felt very vague, as if they hadn't been fleshed out quite enough. But I did like seeing the MCs coping mechanisms and how they varied with their personalities. Then again, there's the matter of the childhood trauma and as I wish with most books like these, I'd have liked seeing where it stemmed from rather than just villainizing one character to give the MC some backstory.

I loved this book! The cover is so cute and it made me want to read the book. The enemies and to lovers in this book was great and I loved their banter!

Oh this book is food for my soul. Each of us has that comfort food or comfort space..& Then They Wed by Riya Iyer was exactly that. Reading a Desi romance set in India was so satisfying because I almost never get to read them in international romance space. I know I have a different connection to Rian and Aditi because I get each of their issues with love and relationship so well. I cannot tell you how many times I was shaking my head and shouting " OMG THAT'S SO REAL". Aditi being a doctor was just extra point. Having said that, this book has an excellent plot and range of emotions those will pull at anyone's heartstrings. It doesn't matter what your ethnicity is or where you live..this story proves love is a universal language. The spice was so well done. Stories with Indian setting often doesn't do justice to the sex part but the author brought all the slow burn and nuclear hot scenes and I am in love with it. An emotionally unavailable hero falling for a sweet and sassy heroine in a setting of family and culture..what more do you need?

-Desi Romance
- opposites attract
- grumpy sunshine
- forced proximity ( house mate to lovers)
- enemies to lovers
- Chef hero & doctor heroine

The story revolves around master chef and successful restaurant owner Rian Shetty and gynecologist Aditi Krishnan. Aditi comes to Mumbai to live with Rian's grandmother in Rian's apartment because she has secured a prestigious residency here. Rian doesn't like her in his space because they had an altercation years ago. Aditi's family is pushing her to get married and she has to find a match else she will have to get married to a NRI groom leaving her dream career behind. Rian doesn't want to get married ever. But as they cross from enemies to friends to lovers territory..what will Rian do?


Oh my gosh Riya Iyer gave me my first Desi hero crush! His family was dysfunctional one. His grandmother gave him all the love and support and he fought so hard to make a name for himself. He didn't take help of his family money or name. But all the resentment and shame and anger made him closed off. Aditi came like a tornado in his life. She is stubborn and lovely and fierce. She has a big heart. That's why she could see the soft and vulnerable man behind Rian's cold and hard exterior. They had an amazing dynamics. The initial battle of banter was entertaining. The author built their connection slowly but I wasn't bored. I was so invested. To see the jealous possessive protective Rian. To see Aditi making him fall in love slowly but strongly. To see them heal each other. It wasn't easy. Rian had to work through his issues before he could give all of his heart and soul to Aditi. There was heartbreak. There was heartache. There was redemption. There was spice. Oh the spice was perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the Indian setting. The last chapter made me laugh and swoon.

I reviewed an early copy

First of all this cover is so cute. The male mc putting jasmine flowers in the female mc’s hair. This was a cute adorable read for me.