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Moti on the Water
2019 Writer's Digest Award Winner: A romantic comedy about family, love, and inconvenient truths, by New York Times bestselling author, Leylah Attar
A Greek family. An Indian family. A summer wedding on the Aegean coast…
Meet Moti Ferreira—spectacularly jinxed from the day she’s born.
Saddled with an eccentric mother, she stumbles upon the one man who holds the key to her freedom—the best man at her cousin’s upcoming wedding.
All Moti has to do is overcome her fear of water, board a yacht to the Greek Isles, seduce the dreamy Nikos Manolas, and survive two weeks at sea with her oddball family.
The only obstacle Moti doesn’t see coming is Alexandros Veronis, the onboard chef and star witness to her awkward mishaps. He transforms onions into chocolate and aroma into nostalgia. Day by day, his alchemy works its magic on Moti. But she’s not the only one falling under his spell. Everyone has a secret, growing round and ripe at Chef Alex’s table. When the masks fall off, they spill out one by one, and everything blows up in their faces.
Now Moti’s truth is exposed, and worse, she’s hooked on more than Alex's midnight snacks. But this time, screwing up could be the best thing she’s ever done…
A Greek family. An Indian family. A summer wedding on the Aegean coast…
Meet Moti Ferreira—spectacularly jinxed from the day she’s born.
Saddled with an eccentric mother, she stumbles upon the one man who holds the key to her freedom—the best man at her cousin’s upcoming wedding.
All Moti has to do is overcome her fear of water, board a yacht to the Greek Isles, seduce the dreamy Nikos Manolas, and survive two weeks at sea with her oddball family.
The only obstacle Moti doesn’t see coming is Alexandros Veronis, the onboard chef and star witness to her awkward mishaps. He transforms onions into chocolate and aroma into nostalgia. Day by day, his alchemy works its magic on Moti. But she’s not the only one falling under his spell. Everyone has a secret, growing round and ripe at Chef Alex’s table. When the masks fall off, they spill out one by one, and everything blows up in their faces.
Now Moti’s truth is exposed, and worse, she’s hooked on more than Alex's midnight snacks. But this time, screwing up could be the best thing she’s ever done…
258 pages, ebook
First published August 13, 2019
About the author
Leylah Attar
13 books2,691 followersLeylah Attar is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. A recipient of the Writer’s Digest Award (for Moti on the Water) and the Indie Reader Discovery Award (for Mists of The Serengeti), Leylah writes unique, emotionally compelling stories that range from rom-com to dark romantic suspense.
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August 13, 2019
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Moti on the Water (stand-alone). A feel-good story about family, tradition, love and finding one’s destiny!
Moti on the Water (stand-alone) takes us on a cruise around the Greek isles onboard a luxury yacht. In celebration of a wedding, two families come together. An eclectic group of people each on their own inner journey navigating secrets, family expectations and purpose.
Centerstage Indian-American Moti Ferreira who has come to celebrate her cousin’s wedding, conquer her fears and most importantly to nab her written-in-stars future husband. She did not expect to be grounded by the yacht’s chef, Greek-born, Alexandros Veronis, Alex.
Told from multiple POVs, it’s a refreshing and heartfelt friends-to-lovers following Moti as she tries to live up to expectations, face her fears, set goals, and stand up for herself. Flawless character development, hilarious situations, exotic locations. What looked to be a recipe for disaster ended up being a recipe for love!
***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★1/2
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★1/2
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | LOW FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | HIGH FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | LOW FOCUS |
Thank you warhawke, Mer. CC, Jamie, Timitra, Liz, Lo, Myla, Susan, Lu, Sophie, V & Snow for our ARC(F)BR!
ARC provided to me by author Leylah Attar in exchange for an honest review.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Moti on the Water (stand-alone). A feel-good story about family, tradition, love and finding one’s destiny!
“I want to be one of those lights— somewhere by the water, where people can eat and share and connect. I want to be a link in a story that is as old as time.”
Moti on the Water (stand-alone) takes us on a cruise around the Greek isles onboard a luxury yacht. In celebration of a wedding, two families come together. An eclectic group of people each on their own inner journey navigating secrets, family expectations and purpose.
Centerstage Indian-American Moti Ferreira who has come to celebrate her cousin’s wedding, conquer her fears and most importantly to nab her written-in-stars future husband. She did not expect to be grounded by the yacht’s chef, Greek-born, Alexandros Veronis, Alex.
Told from multiple POVs, it’s a refreshing and heartfelt friends-to-lovers following Moti as she tries to live up to expectations, face her fears, set goals, and stand up for herself. Flawless character development, hilarious situations, exotic locations. What looked to be a recipe for disaster ended up being a recipe for love!
“Alex was making love to my fingers, his hands over mine, clasping them and then letting go, sliding his fingers in and out of the spaces between them.”
***
Hero: ★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★1/2
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★1/2
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | LOW FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | HIGH FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | LOW FOCUS |
Thank you warhawke, Mer. CC, Jamie, Timitra, Liz, Lo, Myla, Susan, Lu, Sophie, V & Snow for our ARC(F)BR!ARC provided to me by author Leylah Attar in exchange for an honest review.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
August 8, 2019
MOTI ON THE WATER: Is a full length romance novel by Leylah Attar.
5++++++ STARS!! 2019 FAVOURITE BOOK!!
Moti is a twenty four year old, the daughter of Indian parents and lives with her overbearing, over the top mother Dolly in Chicago. Her cousin and her fiance were getting married in Greece so the whole wedding party was going on a two week cruise of the Greek Isles.
Now the right way to pronounce her name: MOTI. It means pearl in Hindi, but only when you say it with a soft T - with your tongue between your teeth: Mo-thi. When you say it with a hard T, Mo-tee, like most people do, it means fatty or chubby. Which was the bane of her life and pretty much ruined her childhood.
Now as most girls are aware mothers want to marry us off as soon as possible, but that's not the case for Moti her mother would be perfectly happy if she never got married. You see it all goes back to the day Moti was born, her mother had a birth chart plotted, this woman predicted that Moti would meet her two thumbed (on one hand) soul mate by the water, but if she ended up marrying anyone else other than this bearer of two thumbs her mother would die within a seven day time frame.
So imagine her surprise when she meets Nikos Manolas' the man with two thumbs on one hand.. Game on!! She had two weeks to win over the one man her mother would ever approve of..
So sit back and enjoy this hilarious adventure!! This is one read you do not want to miss!!
For years it's felt like I've been chasing that never to be found EPIC READ, like a needle in a haystack it was never to be found!! UNTIL NOW!! I devoured this, as soon as I started I didn't, couldn't put it down!! I just loved everything about this book, and there is not one thing that I would change!!
I can't even form thoughts to explain why, it just was..Going into this I had no expectations, a wedding, a cruise been done before BUT not like this!! This was beyond UNIQUE!!
This was AMAZING!! Throw in some Indian beliefs, some clumsy antics and this book was PURE MAGIC!!
I have never giggled so much throughout reading before, I have never LOVED a heroine like I loved Moti before!! Like this book she was ONE OF A KIND!!
Oh god and don't get me started on the menu on this cruise because I swear I had a food description orgasm!! The author brought it so alive in my mind I wanted to taste it on my palate, experience it for myself, smell the creations that were made!! Even the places they docked at and explored it all came so ALIVE!! It felt like I was there, experiencing it all along side the characters. Feeling the sun on my skin, the wind in my hair, the sand under foot, smelling the sea air, listening to the locals banter. Yet again PURE MAGIC!!
November 30, 2019
★4.5★
Moti on the Water is an adventurous romantic comedy full of exotic locations, colorful characters, and witty dialogue. Moti Ferreira is headed on a two-week cruise with her family as they travel for a wedding. Moti is determined to seduce the man of her dreams Nikos Manolas. She never suspected that Alexandros Veronis, the onboard chef, would actually be doing the seducing and win her heart forever.
Told in Moti's POV, Moti on the Water is a laugh out loud read full of numerous mishaps and smoking hot shenanigans. The connection between Moti and Alex is full of unforgettable moments of tenderness. In addition to the complex characters, the fusion between the cultures colors the pages with vibrant sounds and smells. As always, Leylah Attar's writing is rich with color and held me captive the entire read.
✰ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!
✰This is an (F)BR with the Shhluts!
SueBee, warhawke, Mer. CC, Jamie, Timitra, Liz, Lo, Myla, Susan, Lu, Sophie, V & Snow
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"Every night, under the light of the moon, he cast his net toward the heavens to catch the stars."
Moti on the Water is an adventurous romantic comedy full of exotic locations, colorful characters, and witty dialogue. Moti Ferreira is headed on a two-week cruise with her family as they travel for a wedding. Moti is determined to seduce the man of her dreams Nikos Manolas. She never suspected that Alexandros Veronis, the onboard chef, would actually be doing the seducing and win her heart forever.
Told in Moti's POV, Moti on the Water is a laugh out loud read full of numerous mishaps and smoking hot shenanigans. The connection between Moti and Alex is full of unforgettable moments of tenderness. In addition to the complex characters, the fusion between the cultures colors the pages with vibrant sounds and smells. As always, Leylah Attar's writing is rich with color and held me captive the entire read.
"I can't swim."I highly recommend Moti on the Water to anyone who enjoys an entertaining read full of passion, tenderness, and loveable characters. Such a wonderful read to close out the summer! Moti and Alex delivered one summer romance that I will never forget!
"Can you kiss?"
✰ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!
✰This is an (F)BR with the Shhluts!
SueBee, warhawke, Mer. CC, Jamie, Timitra, Liz, Lo, Myla, Susan, Lu, Sophie, V & Snow
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 13, 2019
Read my interview with Leylah Attar here: https://wp.me/p5bsdH-2QZ
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Moti Ferreira lived her whole life in fear and bound by expectations. For her cousin‘s wedding, the whole family was taken on a cruise around the Greek islands. Onboard, was the man of her destiny that she needed to secure. But on her quest, she met another that was determined to show her what living truly meant.
Moti was a lovable character. Always considerate and nice to others, though sometimes I felt like slapping her in the face for her “generosity”. Alex was such a dreamy hero. Everything about him just ticked every box that made me weak in the knees.
I loved the infusion of two different cultures in the story. Each of the supporting character’s antics and issues brought depth into the story. I also loved how this book helped to transport me into my dream destination. And don’t even talk about the food. I felt heavier just reading on the lusciousness.
But the truth is no one can battle your demons for you. Your doubts and fears are your own to feed or to slay.
Even though the story direction felt typical at times, there were so many interesting things happening and amused me throughout the book. And the last 10% or so was incredible and made the book for me.
“It’s not about me, is it?” I let go with a sad smile. “It’s about what I do to make you happy.”
Moti on the Water is a chaotically lovable story of breaking free and finding one’s own way. It would appeal to readers looking for a light, fun read with heart.
🍩 🏖 🍩 . . . (F)BR With the Shhluts! . . . 🍩 🏖 🍩
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 12, 2019
5 STARS
I devour it this is the perfect summer read!It was lighthearted,fun,romantic and sweet!I adored the characters and I fell in love with the story!I absolutely loved Moti, such a lovely heroine, she might have become one of my favorites!
It was an addictive story with an amazing romance withe a great banter between the characters and it was so romantic!Leylah doesn't stop to surprise me with her talent!She always delivers original stories and unique characters!
If you are looking for a refreshing story tha will make you laugh and smile but also swoon this is the perfect read!
I devour it this is the perfect summer read!It was lighthearted,fun,romantic and sweet!I adored the characters and I fell in love with the story!I absolutely loved Moti, such a lovely heroine, she might have become one of my favorites!
It was an addictive story with an amazing romance withe a great banter between the characters and it was so romantic!Leylah doesn't stop to surprise me with her talent!She always delivers original stories and unique characters!
If you are looking for a refreshing story tha will make you laugh and smile but also swoon this is the perfect read!
July 29, 2019
This book is extra special to me cause *Ahem* I'm IN the book. It's a miniscule little line in the background but whatever!🙄.
I'm.In.The.Book!! And I've found my soul mate- Prem Prakash Pyaarelal😄
Adorable, magical and serendipitous, this story will make you a believer in Fated Love🥰
Leylah took me to Greece,the Azure waters of the Aegean and picturesque towns of Santorini, Hydra, Naousa, Folegandros...
Leylah has deviated a little from her angst and slow burn romance to give us this Hilarious and rib tickling Rom-com. Beautiful story about a girl who on her quest for perfect soul mate, finds love at unexpected place with the seemingly wrong person. I've never jumped so fast on a book and read in record time cause I couldn't put it down. Heart touching and soulful, mystical and magical, this story will definitely Leave it's permanent mark on you. Characters that will become yours and stay that way, you'll become an active participant and get invested in their lives.
Entertainment, thy name is Moti (with a soft T😀)
She's epitome of clumsiness and dignity, she's spunky, spirited and ferocious (only she doesn't know it yet) and she's every girl who wants to be loyally grounded to her family while her heart wants to fly like a kite. I'm so in love with you Moti🌷
It's a breath of fresh air to come across such a vulnerable and spunky heroine, very REAL in her dilemmas and insecurities. I bet every reader will identify with her at some point or another. She is a spectator in life, watching the parade of love and adventure go by, Waiting for her own time in the sun. She's pure of heart, beautiful, loyal, generous and too much taken for granted by everyone in her family
"She was a comma among the characters of her family—unnoticed and overlooked."
She's been programmed into an obedient daughter to the point of submission of her heart into negation.
There's slapstick humor which is spot on in describing Greek and Indian Families. The wedding incidents, the lingo, the auntyjis and Naani and their beliefs,...Omg it was like reading about MY FAMILY😅😅
There's a wedding happening and everything that could go wrong, does go wrong, which sets the stage for some outrageous mishaps and accidents cause Moti is nothing if not a Klutz
I died laughing. Legit out-of-breath, tears running down my face with laughter so hard, I damn near scared my neighbours, But fear not, Leylah has put a lot of heart in it too. So many feels,I swooned, I laughed, I teared up, I sighed, I fell in love and I acquiesced to Epicurean Gods.
I loved how Leylah as perfectly amalgamated the power of love and power of food. It's a culinary and romantic delight to read this fabulous story
Bite by bite makes a meal. Moment by moment makes a life.
Life is to be savored, as is food. the essence is in enjoying what your heart wants, living in every moment.
Food plays an important part in bringing the emotions up to a boil so the characters ultimately break out of their plastic veneer and become real. It's magic unshackles their real true selves.
“Every time you share a meal with someone, you bring your history, your country, your region, your religion, your tribe, your grandmother with you. You sit with your past, your opinions, your love, your curiosity, your resentments, your hospitality. Food is where we all intersect. Everywhere you go, anywhere you go."
Alex was swoon-worthy, humane chef on the ship and one dimpled smile of his and I was ready to fall on my knees and lick his fingers...I swear, I would!!! He's not a chef, he's a magician, casting a spell on everybody with his charm and mad skills in the kitchen
I loved the trio of Mom-Aunt-grandma circling sound Moti, breathing down her neck
The pressures it puts on her, tears apart her heart.
"Nikos was the litmus test. A living, breathing, quantifiable yard-stick Dolly was measuring me by—my love, my loyalty, my worth as a daughter."
I loved the nobility of Uncle Joseph and George, the perfect alpha handsome stature of Nikos, but my heart just fell on Alexandros feet. His meditative culinary skills and his uncanny ability to SEE the people for what they are, I was bowled over!!
I'm besotted and enraptured and drooling over this delicious story that should be a MUST-READ for everybody
take your time though, enjoy the words, let emotions wash over you. Fall in love under a Starlit sky with Alex and Nikos, laugh with Dolly, Rachel, FIA, Isabelle and Naani, who is a hooooot😅😅😅😅
Wise and witty she's the voice of reason and chutzpah.
Siga-Siga, Dheere-Dheere,Slowly Slowly
Enjoy this book and come laugh with me
5 stars for Men who pluck Stars instead of flowers
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I'm.In.The.Book!! And I've found my soul mate- Prem Prakash Pyaarelal😄
Adorable, magical and serendipitous, this story will make you a believer in Fated Love🥰
Leylah took me to Greece,the Azure waters of the Aegean and picturesque towns of Santorini, Hydra, Naousa, Folegandros...
Leylah has deviated a little from her angst and slow burn romance to give us this Hilarious and rib tickling Rom-com. Beautiful story about a girl who on her quest for perfect soul mate, finds love at unexpected place with the seemingly wrong person. I've never jumped so fast on a book and read in record time cause I couldn't put it down. Heart touching and soulful, mystical and magical, this story will definitely Leave it's permanent mark on you. Characters that will become yours and stay that way, you'll become an active participant and get invested in their lives.
Entertainment, thy name is Moti (with a soft T😀)
She's epitome of clumsiness and dignity, she's spunky, spirited and ferocious (only she doesn't know it yet) and she's every girl who wants to be loyally grounded to her family while her heart wants to fly like a kite. I'm so in love with you Moti🌷
It's a breath of fresh air to come across such a vulnerable and spunky heroine, very REAL in her dilemmas and insecurities. I bet every reader will identify with her at some point or another. She is a spectator in life, watching the parade of love and adventure go by, Waiting for her own time in the sun. She's pure of heart, beautiful, loyal, generous and too much taken for granted by everyone in her family
"She was a comma among the characters of her family—unnoticed and overlooked."
She's been programmed into an obedient daughter to the point of submission of her heart into negation.
There's slapstick humor which is spot on in describing Greek and Indian Families. The wedding incidents, the lingo, the auntyjis and Naani and their beliefs,...Omg it was like reading about MY FAMILY😅😅
There's a wedding happening and everything that could go wrong, does go wrong, which sets the stage for some outrageous mishaps and accidents cause Moti is nothing if not a Klutz
I died laughing. Legit out-of-breath, tears running down my face with laughter so hard, I damn near scared my neighbours, But fear not, Leylah has put a lot of heart in it too. So many feels,I swooned, I laughed, I teared up, I sighed, I fell in love and I acquiesced to Epicurean Gods.
I loved how Leylah as perfectly amalgamated the power of love and power of food. It's a culinary and romantic delight to read this fabulous story
Bite by bite makes a meal. Moment by moment makes a life.
Life is to be savored, as is food. the essence is in enjoying what your heart wants, living in every moment.
Food plays an important part in bringing the emotions up to a boil so the characters ultimately break out of their plastic veneer and become real. It's magic unshackles their real true selves.
“Every time you share a meal with someone, you bring your history, your country, your region, your religion, your tribe, your grandmother with you. You sit with your past, your opinions, your love, your curiosity, your resentments, your hospitality. Food is where we all intersect. Everywhere you go, anywhere you go."
Alex was swoon-worthy, humane chef on the ship and one dimpled smile of his and I was ready to fall on my knees and lick his fingers...I swear, I would!!! He's not a chef, he's a magician, casting a spell on everybody with his charm and mad skills in the kitchen
I loved the trio of Mom-Aunt-grandma circling sound Moti, breathing down her neck
The pressures it puts on her, tears apart her heart.
"Nikos was the litmus test. A living, breathing, quantifiable yard-stick Dolly was measuring me by—my love, my loyalty, my worth as a daughter."
I loved the nobility of Uncle Joseph and George, the perfect alpha handsome stature of Nikos, but my heart just fell on Alexandros feet. His meditative culinary skills and his uncanny ability to SEE the people for what they are, I was bowled over!!
I'm besotted and enraptured and drooling over this delicious story that should be a MUST-READ for everybody
take your time though, enjoy the words, let emotions wash over you. Fall in love under a Starlit sky with Alex and Nikos, laugh with Dolly, Rachel, FIA, Isabelle and Naani, who is a hooooot😅😅😅😅
Wise and witty she's the voice of reason and chutzpah.
Siga-Siga, Dheere-Dheere,Slowly Slowly
Enjoy this book and come laugh with me
5 stars for Men who pluck Stars instead of flowers
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow me :
BookBistroBlog@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/BookBistroBlog
www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
https://Bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
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August 12, 2019
It was the strangest feeling—free-falling into someone else.
Are you looking for the perfect light-hearted summer read? Well look no further, friends, because it seriously doesn't get any better then this book. Think My Big Fat Greek Wedding but with one side being a crazy and quirky Indian family and all of it set on the stunning and vivid backdrop of Greeke isles. Intrigued yet? Add into all that Leylah Attar's colorful and magical story telling skill and what you've got is one unforgettable romance. Seriously. This was not just a romance, it was an experience. One where the story unravels like a stunning movie reel before your eyes and leaves you incapable of setting it down for even a setting.
There's a magic formula between making your characters downright crazy and the perfect brand of eccentric. And Leylah Attar has found the secret sauce, because Moti and her family are something else. And oh my word, I loved it.
Moti has spent almost all of her life trying to live up to her mother's expectations of her. And the woman has some...interesting quirks to say the least. And when Moti finally meets a unicorn of a man at her cousin's wedding, she thinks she's finally got the key to freedom. Unfortunately for Moti, not everything goes according to plans.
Beyond the crazy families being stuck on a chartered yacht and Moti's own eccentricities, there's a bigger problem on board; her attraction to the chef, Alexandros.
I cannot tell you all just how much I adored everything about Moti. It wasn't just her usual knack for catastrophes when she so much as breathes. Or her fear of water and disappointing her mother. Or her incredibly endearing inner monologue that I couldn't get enough of. It was simply Moti. This imperfectly perfect character that had a smile on my face whenever she graced the pages. This is a woman that you can't help but connect with because I think all of us have a little Moti in us.
Then there was Alex. Oh my swoon, this man. Can he BE any better? I think not. Between their sunset swimming lessons and his surprise midnight snacks with notes for Moti, I fell hard and fast for him. He was perfect. OH MY GOD he was perfect.
Moti on the Water was sheer magic set on a stunning backdrop and wrapped around a swoony romance; all of it told in Leylah's unique voice made for one incredible read. This book is not to be missed and one I recommend for every romance reader out there. It's easily one of my favorite reads this year!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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July 31, 2019
Moti is a quirky, fun, obedient daughter, someone you can depend on, hilarious without really trying and in search of her soulmate. But finding her soulmate is not an easy task though, her future mate must have something extra in his hand. Will she be able to find him aboard the luxurious yacht?
Moti On The Water was enjoyable from beginning to end. I was surprised by how funny this book is. The development of the two main characters as they go from strangers who can't stand one another to friends to lovers is an entertaining journey. The pacing was great and the writing style was awesome.
A story by Ms. Attar always gives me an amazing reading experience. Her characters are like no other. They have this unique personality that's hard to forget. I loved this book and I definitely recommend reading it. I know I will be doing a re-read in the not so distant future!
Note: ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
(F)BR with Shh... Ladies!
August 1, 2019
Buddy-read with Shhhluts...
here we are: SueBee, warhawke, Mer. CC, Jamie, Timitra, Liz, Lo, Myla, Susan, Lu, Sophie, V & Snow
Looking forward to this...
REVIEW
Brilliant!!!
Refreshing!!!
Absolutely unique in style, easy to follow storytelling filled with wits and remarkably smart humor!!!
This is a "feel good" story of love and life...
it's a story of living the life full on and yet it's also a journey of self-discovery in so many levels you eventually forget to count.
It's a perfect recipe for enjoyment on a lazy, sunny afternoon, relaxing in shade, knowingly smiling to yourself in reminiscence of all the mishaps and fiascos of your own family gatherings LOL, yeah cause we all experienced those, at least once or twice...
What more to say, I won't go into re-telling you the blurb, it's unique in its simplicity...and it has to be "experienced" fully...on your own.
Think of Almodovar in the movie world, yet with a side-dish of lightness and perpetual sensibility and palpable visuals of surroundings and food...this is truly a unique, masterfully portrayed life through all its facets only to be a witness to the full blown close up of that notion of what you need the most, of what's the most important, sacrifice worthy...
to figure that out, to breathe in fully, join this journey, join Moti on the water
Honestly, this is MY TOP READ of 2019.
and I'm feeling good!
August 13, 2019
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
This is going to be one giant ramble of a giffy mess, so before I begin let me start with THIS COMES OUT TODAY AND Y’ALL ROMANCE READERS NEED TO BUY IT. Okay, now that that’s done, here goes the rambling. It all begins with the cover . . . .
And my reaction . . . .
Seriously. This is quite possibly my favorite cover ever. I had never heard of this book (because it had not yet been released, DUH, but I didn’t know that at the time) or this author, but as soon as I saw it on Instagram I knew I had to have it. And why don’t I just take a minute to share the pre-release bookpushing press photos that went along with this perfecto cover while I’m at it . . . .
Dear Everyone Else: You’re doing it wrong.
Okay, so I see this thing over on the ‘Gram and I’m like . . . . .
Without even knowing anything about it and I see that there’s a little application you can fill out to be part of the hype train. If you know me, you know I’m a huge whore when it comes to free books so despite the fact that I have 12 Instagram followers I totally filled out the form. AND THEY GAVE ME AN EARLY COPY!!!!!
Now, obviously this could have gone South in a quick hurry for me if the execution had been poor, but the basics had me looking like Joey eating the trifle on that one episode of Friends . . . .
The story here centers around our hopeless 24-year old leading lady, Moti. Upon her birth it was foretold that Moti’s soulmate would be the proud owner of three thumbs. If she opted to marry another fella? Her mother would die within the week. No pressure, right? So fastforward back to the present where Moti and her parents are attending her cousin’s destination wedding . . . .
Once again . . . .
Or maybe more like . . . . .
And guess what the best man just happens to possess???? If you guessed a third thumb, maybe this ain’t your first rodeo. There’s only one problem. The yacht’s private chef is a real manbun who appears destined to ruin Moti’s plans on making Nikos Three Thumbs fall in love with her. Mmmmm, manbun . . . .
Wait. Where was I????
Oh yeah, so if you read romance stories you know what’s bound to happen. What you might not be used to is a book that calls itself a Rom Com that is 100% a romcom. We’re talking laugh out loud funny and Moti is a fourth wall breaker – you know what that is, right????
Which is just my favorite thing ever. A little Big Fat Greek Wedding, a little Chocolat, a lot of win. My expectations were set super high for this and I’m so pleased to say that I enthusiastically give it . . . .
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Sometimes it works out for them! All the Starzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
This is going to be one giant ramble of a giffy mess, so before I begin let me start with THIS COMES OUT TODAY AND Y’ALL ROMANCE READERS NEED TO BUY IT. Okay, now that that’s done, here goes the rambling. It all begins with the cover . . . .
And my reaction . . . .
Seriously. This is quite possibly my favorite cover ever. I had never heard of this book (because it had not yet been released, DUH, but I didn’t know that at the time) or this author, but as soon as I saw it on Instagram I knew I had to have it. And why don’t I just take a minute to share the pre-release bookpushing press photos that went along with this perfecto cover while I’m at it . . . .
Dear Everyone Else: You’re doing it wrong.
Okay, so I see this thing over on the ‘Gram and I’m like . . . . .
Without even knowing anything about it and I see that there’s a little application you can fill out to be part of the hype train. If you know me, you know I’m a huge whore when it comes to free books so despite the fact that I have 12 Instagram followers I totally filled out the form. AND THEY GAVE ME AN EARLY COPY!!!!!
Now, obviously this could have gone South in a quick hurry for me if the execution had been poor, but the basics had me looking like Joey eating the trifle on that one episode of Friends . . . .
The story here centers around our hopeless 24-year old leading lady, Moti. Upon her birth it was foretold that Moti’s soulmate would be the proud owner of three thumbs. If she opted to marry another fella? Her mother would die within the week. No pressure, right? So fastforward back to the present where Moti and her parents are attending her cousin’s destination wedding . . . .
Once again . . . .
Or maybe more like . . . . .
And guess what the best man just happens to possess???? If you guessed a third thumb, maybe this ain’t your first rodeo. There’s only one problem. The yacht’s private chef is a real manbun who appears destined to ruin Moti’s plans on making Nikos Three Thumbs fall in love with her. Mmmmm, manbun . . . .
Wait. Where was I????
Oh yeah, so if you read romance stories you know what’s bound to happen. What you might not be used to is a book that calls itself a Rom Com that is 100% a romcom. We’re talking laugh out loud funny and Moti is a fourth wall breaker – you know what that is, right????
Which is just my favorite thing ever. A little Big Fat Greek Wedding, a little Chocolat, a lot of win. My expectations were set super high for this and I’m so pleased to say that I enthusiastically give it . . . .
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Sometimes it works out for them! All the Starzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
July 9, 2023
⛵️💚🧡💙🌞⛵️💚🧡💙⛵️🌞💚🧡💙🌞⛵️
Moti.
She's 24 years old. Lives in Chicago. Is the daughter of Indian parents.
Her name can be pronounced two ways. One means Pearl in Hindi. The other means fat/chubby. And that about sums up her life. ☺
She's currently at her cousin's engagement party trying to keep her slightly crazy mom and grandma out of trouble.
The upcoming wedding will take the whole family to Greece! On a yacht for two weeks with all of her cousin's new in-law billionaire people!
And that's where it gets even crazier for and with Moti! ☺☺☺
First we have Nikos. Best Man. And according to her mom and a fortune teller ... Moti's future husband.
But then there's also Alex - the yacht's oh-so yummy chef!☺
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!
═════════════════
ADORABLE!!!
The book is just like the cover. Colorful. Sunny. Summery. Watery. Fun.
But also so very hilarious and Indian and Greek and so full of food and flirting and arguing and family and wedding stuff and craziness and a bit of coming-of-age ... you just can't help but completely adore everything about Moti's story!
Of course we immediately know that we want Moti to end up with Alex and not Nikos. And Alex is sooo adorable and hot and such a talented chef. He makes the most magical dishes and snacks and he's always there when Moti needs him. Which might be pretty often - she ends up in lots of funny 'situations'!
I adored this book. I loved reading it. I wanted them to be on the yacht for another two weeks - it was so beautiful! It would obviously be soo much more fun if you could read it while sitting by the pool on a yacht with a cocktail and a sexy cocktail-bringer, but pffft - the couch was ok too. ☺
I really hope Netflix is already writing the script for this!
MOTI ON THE WATER was such a beautiful & hilarious love story! Full of sun & food & Greece & family & expectations & hope & dreams & craziness! I just adored it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Yacht-Chef-ALEX - this one is MINE - and I'm realllly hungry!
♡
♡
Moti.
She's 24 years old. Lives in Chicago. Is the daughter of Indian parents.
Her name can be pronounced two ways. One means Pearl in Hindi. The other means fat/chubby. And that about sums up her life. ☺
She's currently at her cousin's engagement party trying to keep her slightly crazy mom and grandma out of trouble.
The upcoming wedding will take the whole family to Greece! On a yacht for two weeks with all of her cousin's new in-law billionaire people!
And that's where it gets even crazier for and with Moti! ☺☺☺
First we have Nikos. Best Man. And according to her mom and a fortune teller ... Moti's future husband.
But then there's also Alex - the yacht's oh-so yummy chef!☺
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!
═════════════════
ADORABLE!!!
The book is just like the cover. Colorful. Sunny. Summery. Watery. Fun.
But also so very hilarious and Indian and Greek and so full of food and flirting and arguing and family and wedding stuff and craziness and a bit of coming-of-age ... you just can't help but completely adore everything about Moti's story!
Of course we immediately know that we want Moti to end up with Alex and not Nikos. And Alex is sooo adorable and hot and such a talented chef. He makes the most magical dishes and snacks and he's always there when Moti needs him. Which might be pretty often - she ends up in lots of funny 'situations'!
I adored this book. I loved reading it. I wanted them to be on the yacht for another two weeks - it was so beautiful! It would obviously be soo much more fun if you could read it while sitting by the pool on a yacht with a cocktail and a sexy cocktail-bringer, but pffft - the couch was ok too. ☺
I really hope Netflix is already writing the script for this!
MOTI ON THE WATER was such a beautiful & hilarious love story! Full of sun & food & Greece & family & expectations & hope & dreams & craziness! I just adored it! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Yacht-Chef-ALEX - this one is MINE - and I'm realllly hungry!
♡
♡
August 2, 2019
4.5 Stars
Moti Ferreira is on the cusp of changing her life, yet she is completely oblivious as to the intricate layers that must be cast to see her truth. Setting sail on the Aegean Sea for 10 days with her family, Moti believes destiny is finally on her side and she’s about to stake her claim before it’s too late.
Moti is an endearing character with various insecurities and quirky behavior. Many times, and much to her dismay, she made choices based upon the expectations of her family. Though Moti isn’t a pushover, she just wants to be accepted for who she is. But it isn’t until she meets Alex Veronis who slowly prompts Moti to step outside her comfort zone. As an unexpected but refreshing friendship builds between them, Moti reveals herself to Alex and he likes the unfiltered version.
Told predominantly from Moti’s perspective, the storyline begins by setting the plot foundation with a cast of characters that highlight influences on Moti’s personality. Throughout, there are many comedic moments that stir laughter, whether it’s Moti’s misfortunate accidents or her inner monologue. But what also percolates is a plot with complex layers offering a budding romance, self-reflection, and the ability to transform the ordinary to the extraordinary.
There are so many components I enjoyed in this novel. Moti is a character most can relate to in one way or another and I liked her straightaway. As for Alex, he is absolutely swoon-worthy with his passion for cooking and life. I loved the flirtation between Moti and Alex and how food was used to convey emotion. The cross of cultures is also interesting, as each family brings forth their unique heritage. Lastly, I respect the path and pace Moti and Alex choose to take.
Moti on the Water is a heartwarming, uproarious and touching story centered on romance but also love in general. This book will appeal to those who enjoy realistic characters dealing with multifaceted issues.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
Shhluts: SueBee, Twinsie Hawkey, Jamie, Lonestar Liz, Loyda, Lu, Mer, Myla, Snow, Sophie, Susan, Timi, and V!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Moti Ferreira is on the cusp of changing her life, yet she is completely oblivious as to the intricate layers that must be cast to see her truth. Setting sail on the Aegean Sea for 10 days with her family, Moti believes destiny is finally on her side and she’s about to stake her claim before it’s too late.
“Your doubts and fears are your own to feed or to slay.”
Moti is an endearing character with various insecurities and quirky behavior. Many times, and much to her dismay, she made choices based upon the expectations of her family. Though Moti isn’t a pushover, she just wants to be accepted for who she is. But it isn’t until she meets Alex Veronis who slowly prompts Moti to step outside her comfort zone. As an unexpected but refreshing friendship builds between them, Moti reveals herself to Alex and he likes the unfiltered version.
“Sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing until you find it. And when you do, you want to pause and relish it forever.”
Told predominantly from Moti’s perspective, the storyline begins by setting the plot foundation with a cast of characters that highlight influences on Moti’s personality. Throughout, there are many comedic moments that stir laughter, whether it’s Moti’s misfortunate accidents or her inner monologue. But what also percolates is a plot with complex layers offering a budding romance, self-reflection, and the ability to transform the ordinary to the extraordinary.
“His food was giving flesh to my feelings. Alex held the prism to the transcendental, and I filtered through in bands of rainbow emotions.”
There are so many components I enjoyed in this novel. Moti is a character most can relate to in one way or another and I liked her straightaway. As for Alex, he is absolutely swoon-worthy with his passion for cooking and life. I loved the flirtation between Moti and Alex and how food was used to convey emotion. The cross of cultures is also interesting, as each family brings forth their unique heritage. Lastly, I respect the path and pace Moti and Alex choose to take.
Moti on the Water is a heartwarming, uproarious and touching story centered on romance but also love in general. This book will appeal to those who enjoy realistic characters dealing with multifaceted issues.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
Shhluts: SueBee, Twinsie Hawkey, Jamie, Lonestar Liz, Loyda, Lu, Mer, Myla, Snow, Sophie, Susan, Timi, and V!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 29, 2019
“Oh, to be so sure of your place in the sun. Or the sea. Or the sky.”
If anyone ever asks you why you read romance books, tell them to read THIS book! The perfect escapist summer read, Leylah Attar’s latest gem is everything I’ve come to expect from this incredibly gifted storyteller—evocative, moving, witty, sublimely written—and it’s the kind of story that fills you with delight from the moment you start reading it. Attar transports us to an exotic paradise of sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters, a place where reality looks and feels like a dream, and where a young woman finally finds herself in the arms of a man who makes her feel brave, loved, and weightless in a world that has held her down for too long. This is by far one of my favourite books of the year.
Continue reading this review...
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August 7, 2019
5★★★★★Stars
Genre:
Romantic Comedy
Type:
Standalone
POV:
First Person - Female
❝I wasn't afraid of dying. I was afraid of dying without living.❞
Moti Ferreira lived her life pleasing others. She always did what was expected of her. Moti's entire family took off on a cruise for her cousin's wedding in Greek. Her entire life she has been told by her mother who her soulmate would be so when by chance she meets this person she was determined that he was her future because that's all she knew.
❝When you've been looked over your whole life, it's starling to find yourself in someone's eyes, to be held in their vision, the same way they hold sunsets and beautiful things.❞
I honestly did not expected to find this book to be so funny but the more I read; page after page I couldn't helped the giggles and the laughter. I utterly enjoy Moti's character and her thought process. Her comments made me laugh so hard so many times. Her entire family was peculiar and interesting. I found myself devouring this book as fast as I could because it was so good and I just couldn't get enough.
❝"And you? I assume, are trying to swim?" He squatted beside the pool and motioned to my neck float. I didn't feel like explaining myself to a guy who had nicer hair than me.❞
We meet Alex who stole my heart and tummy right away with his fascinating cooking skills. He was such a wonderful character and made the story more interesting; the chemistry between him and Moti were on point and I had all the butterflies every time they were together. Alex was the chef assigned to the boat for the cousin's wedding. He made the trip for everyone much enjoyable. With a big family and a lot of characters this book delivers such a unique and fascinating story. There was a scene that it caught me by surprise, I was not expecting it and it made it for an unforgettable story.
❝Gravity seized to exist when I was with him...The past blurred, the future evaporated. The place we intersected was all that we had, and it was magical.❞
Moti On The Water is such a wonderful summer story about family, love and finding your own path. I absolutely loved everything about it. The characters were interesting and hilarious, the story was different and refreshing! I laughed so much on several occasions is definitely light but yet satisfying. Readers looking for a fun, light, and yet hilarious summer story will find this book appealing.
This is an (F)BR with the Shhluts!
SueBee, warhawke, Mer. CC, Jamie, Timitra, Liz, Myla, Susan, Lu, Sophie, V & Snow
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 19, 2019
I am delighted to tell one and all that reading this book has been the highlight of my summer reading for so many reasons! It is my first taste of the very accomplished author, Leyla Attar. I know…Where the heck have I been? And… “taste” is actually a very apt metaphor considering the male protagonist in this wonderful story and his “magical” abilities. Wait…I’m getting ahead of myself.
Moti is the quirky female protagonist who begins with the story of who she and her family are as her cousin… more like sister…is celebrating her engagement with their East Indian family and her Greek fiancé along with his wedding entourage and family in Chicago. It is an amusing and interesting introduction into a family that is rooted in the traditions of India. This family also having embraced part of the Western culture of the US and Europe.
“Your parents are from there, but they live here. You are born here but will forever straddle the boundaries between here and there.”
Moti has very explicit expectations placed upon her in choosing who she will eventually love and marry by her mother. Failing to meet these expectations is a life or death matter for her mother. Her mother withholds so much praise for and affection from Moti, as well as, she is unwilling to allow Moti any personal agency in her life. Her mother resorts to hysterical behavior when things do not quite go her way. As a result, Moti feels manipulated and somewhat socially awkward and insignificant to the people around her.
She finally meets the man who matches the qualities expressly described by her mother’s fortune teller in India when Moti was born and Moti prepares herself to meet her fate with with this destined man again on the private wedding cruise that will include him and her entire family around the islands of Greece. Interestingly enough, there does seem to be some spark between the two and their dynamic becomes intriguing as Moti begins her campaign and quest to capture her life’s destiny as was foretold to her mother.
Along the way… there is a wonderful transformation that is taking place on this voyage of marriage on the Aegean sea . Moti begins to bloom while falling in love and of all things learning to swim. Moti discovers magic in the form of getting to know herself and her real limitations…her true desires. There is a dreamweaver on board who speaks, delights, seduces and holds, not only Moti, but her entire family in thrall with his culinary creations.
“His food spoke to us. It whispered to our deepest desires and stoked our deepest fears.”
It is a wonderfully rich and layered story with fully developed main and supporting characters. There are exquisite moments of tenderness and heat and some terrifying and challenging moments as well. The book is rich in story, description and culture. Ms. Attar’s faculty with language at times reads like poetry. There is suspense and true laugh-out-loud moments.
I felt refreshed and renewed after I read the story. Initially, I was looking for a different kind of ending. After considering everything, I finally came to the conclusion that the ending is fitting because it is real and the “fading of the footprints” means that Moti let go of her past and began soaring into her future while reliving her best memory.
I promise you, that you will be absolutely charmed by the alchemy in this gorgeous story. Don’t hesitate... just go for it!
I was honored and happy to be a part of the SHH (F)BR.
Thank you, Leyla Attar for the ARC!
Thank you SueBee!
Thank you fellow SHHluts!
August 4, 2019
Omggg I’m so excited about this new story from the amazing Leylah Attar that I don’t know where to start with my review. You already know how much I admire this talented lady. I could read her grocery list and be a happy camper. Her books are all unique. What they all have in common and Moti on the Water it’s no exception is the cultural diversity and the impeccable writing style. The journey of discovering another cultures and while learning from then you get an emotional, fun and beautiful love stories is a readers dream.
Moti on the Water is an enchanting romantic comedy. Its a different and refreshing read from Leylah. It’s also an overload for your senses. All the scenery, the culinary experience and the passion between our main couple will put you in quite a journey. Prepare yourself to swoon, tear up and laugh your heart out. This book is full of family banter and drama. There’s the beautiful words that you just have to pause, re read, absorb and highlight. I mean I highlighted so many passages in it that I might as well highlighted the whole book.
Moti is our beautiful, quirky, vibrant, loyal, funny, clumsy and sweet heroine. She is no size 2 model and that made me love her even more. She felt real in all the sense of the word. Also all the situations she is in were hilarious. A disaster waiting to happen.
“𝗖𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲, 𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝘁, 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘁. 𝗔 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻—𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩-𝗨𝗽. 𝗚𝗼 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗽. 𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗜’𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.”
I love this girl so much. Her spirit, quirkyness, beautiful simplicity, heart and even her insecurities. They made me connect with her as I know all of you will too. Moti is a dreamer and she is waiting for the stars to aline and destiny to bring her her happily ever after. She comes from an Indian family we’re traditions are very crucial and she is constantly battling her need to fulfill her family expectations or follow her own dreams. This made me ache for her. Sometimes she felt like she wasn’t really seen by anyone. She is now the only single girl in her family and the maid of honor for her cousin Isabelle wedding. Her family is crazy, loud and in each others life just like mine jajaja.
The wedding party is going on a cruise to get to the wedding destination in Greece where the grooms family is from. All the places they visit made me want to grab a phone, book a trip to the Greek Islands without a return ticket. Imagine a yacht full of greek and Indian people plus crew members. All the chaos and fun times and multiple them by 10 and you can have an idea of all that’s will transpire on board. I laugh so much with all the madness and mishaps. I swear this was like watching a movie.
“𝘿𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙩?”
Then on that yacht the mighty yum Chef Alexandros and his CULInary goodness enters. This made food a very important part of this story. The guy can cook. He will put you on a spell with every single bite. I swear I wanted to lick every one of his magic fingers and kiss his dimple.
“𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚, 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢. 𝙊𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙖𝙨𝙨. 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙮-𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚.”
Alex is delicious in all the sense of that word. Leylah wrote his delectable cuisine in a way that you could feel every bite melt in you mouth. Eating was a complete and satisfying experience.
“𝘽𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙡. 𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚.”
Every word from Alex lips and touch from his hands you felt in your skin. He is as sexy as he is talented and with a heart of gold.
The secondary characters are as magnificent, entertaining and lovable as the main characters. The trio of woman ( Dolly, Rachel Auntie and Naani) were all up in Moti life. Intruding on her all day long. That made me want to hug Moti but also brought many laugh with their shenanigans.
This is a complete and marvelous read. A perfect summer romance to take to the beach or just snuggle in your reading nook. I can’t get enough of it. Feel free to text me and talk Moti all day long. Release is August 13 and get you 1-clicking ready for this 5+ stars read.
**** I voluntarily read and review an advance copy of this book.
August 10, 2019
WARNING: I loved Moti so much that I just HAD to INTERVIEW Leylah on the "making of" so be prepared to have her interview "hurled" at you tomorrow :-D
WARNING BIS: I highlighted so many quotes and passages that my kindle could have been used as glowing bilboard for the book. Blindness from my fellow commuters may or may not have ensued. I claim no responsibility in any damages ...they should just have not peeked over my shoulder to read MY book! Even if I was laughing like a maniac on the train ....
More than 5 stars!
THIRD WARNING (already??? How did we come to this? I blame you Leylah!) reading this book and laughing hard while walking fast on the threadmill is a VERY BAD IDEA! Or a very good one as your abs will work twice as hard to laugh and help keep your balance in the hope of avoiding a “Moti Moment”.
I have never given more than 5 stars for what could be seen as romcom so far but Moti is in a category of its own!
I am a huge fan of Leylah Attar’s books and said for Mists of the Serengeti that it should be made into a movie as it was “grand and epic” well I am saying it here again but for totally different reasons: this book is the perfect candidate to become a movie!
Let’s rewind here and explain what the story is and why I loved it so much that it will be on my list of “Bests of 2019”.
Moti (pronounce with a soft T like “th”) is a young Indian woman.
She lives with her mother Dolly as her father left her when she was two years old.
Moti works for Joseph Uncle and at the beginning of the story she is at a dinner rehearsal for her cousin Isabel’s wedding. The only problem is that Moti is prone to accident or rather “incident” and it will have her fired as the maid of honor.
Pause: that scene with Moti choking on her food and then falling backward, below the dais being stuck with her legs at an angle impossible for her to stand up discreetly already had me laughing so hard that I nearly peed my pants. And that was only the beginning.
Resume: Moti’s fate has been foretold by an old Indian woman and she has to marry a three thumbs man who will be her true love or her mom will die. Moti is also predicted to die drowning and her mom, Dolly, has always forbidden her to swim or enter any kind of pool.
Yet Isabel’s wedding will happen in Greece, on an island, after a two weeks cruise with her family, Moti included. As Moti has met Nikos, the best man who happens to possess three thumbs she will embark with a plan to seduce her future husband.
But what Moti did not plan for was chef Alexandros!
Pause again: Alexandros must be a wizard undercover! Everyone seems to fall under his spell. Glazed eyes, reliving his youth or becoming bold and confessing some big secret every passenger is enthralled by the food.
Alexandros is not only a magician in the kitchen he is handsome and considerate. He saw things other people never saw. You want to bask in that guy’s attention.
Will Moti choose Nikos and finally make her mother happy or will she fall for the hot chef?
I loved Moti and I adored the writing in this book!
Moti has always been overlooked and is taking care of everyone around her. She was used to walking on eggshell around everyone. She’s wanted to please her mother for as long as she can remember. And what a mother!
Every character in this book has quirks and some brand of crazy.
Do you see how with some well thoughts out words Leylah delivers a big truth about families and gives you the core of Moti’s role in it?
Moti is a unique story.
You’d want to categorize it under romantic comedy for all the laughter but it is more than that. That book is filled with wisdom about family relationship, marriage advices, people dynamic …
Leylah Attar has a sharp mind and a hawk eye, dissecting every habit, every quirk, every myth to expose deep thoughts wrapped up in irresistible humor.
I also learned plenty of useful things in this book like how to ogle hot guys discreetly!
Don’t underestimate this book!
I think the best quote to represent this book is this one because that’s how I felt too while reading this story:
Just read it please!
Have you read Leylah's books? Do you like romcom? Any exceptional to recommend me?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
WARNING BIS: I highlighted so many quotes and passages that my kindle could have been used as glowing bilboard for the book. Blindness from my fellow commuters may or may not have ensued. I claim no responsibility in any damages ...they should just have not peeked over my shoulder to read MY book! Even if I was laughing like a maniac on the train ....
“When you’ve been looked over your whole life, it’s startling to find yourself in someone’s eyes, to be held in their vision, the same way they hold sunsets and beautiful things.”
More than 5 stars!
THIRD WARNING (already??? How did we come to this? I blame you Leylah!) reading this book and laughing hard while walking fast on the threadmill is a VERY BAD IDEA! Or a very good one as your abs will work twice as hard to laugh and help keep your balance in the hope of avoiding a “Moti Moment”.
I have never given more than 5 stars for what could be seen as romcom so far but Moti is in a category of its own!
I am a huge fan of Leylah Attar’s books and said for Mists of the Serengeti that it should be made into a movie as it was “grand and epic” well I am saying it here again but for totally different reasons: this book is the perfect candidate to become a movie!
Let’s rewind here and explain what the story is and why I loved it so much that it will be on my list of “Bests of 2019”.
Moti (pronounce with a soft T like “th”) is a young Indian woman.
She lives with her mother Dolly as her father left her when she was two years old.
Moti works for Joseph Uncle and at the beginning of the story she is at a dinner rehearsal for her cousin Isabel’s wedding. The only problem is that Moti is prone to accident or rather “incident” and it will have her fired as the maid of honor.
Pause: that scene with Moti choking on her food and then falling backward, below the dais being stuck with her legs at an angle impossible for her to stand up discreetly already had me laughing so hard that I nearly peed my pants. And that was only the beginning.
Resume: Moti’s fate has been foretold by an old Indian woman and she has to marry a three thumbs man who will be her true love or her mom will die. Moti is also predicted to die drowning and her mom, Dolly, has always forbidden her to swim or enter any kind of pool.
Yet Isabel’s wedding will happen in Greece, on an island, after a two weeks cruise with her family, Moti included. As Moti has met Nikos, the best man who happens to possess three thumbs she will embark with a plan to seduce her future husband.
But what Moti did not plan for was chef Alexandros!
Pause again: Alexandros must be a wizard undercover! Everyone seems to fall under his spell. Glazed eyes, reliving his youth or becoming bold and confessing some big secret every passenger is enthralled by the food.
“It was like someone had just pulled an unexpectedly erotic move on me. I’d never had a food orgasm before, but standing in the galley that night, with moonbeams streaming through the window, my taste buds quivered in a state of heightened arousal. A few more bites and I slammed both palms on the counter while my mouth silently screamed, Yes. Yesss. YESSS.”
Alexandros is not only a magician in the kitchen he is handsome and considerate. He saw things other people never saw. You want to bask in that guy’s attention.
Will Moti choose Nikos and finally make her mother happy or will she fall for the hot chef?
I loved Moti and I adored the writing in this book!
Moti has always been overlooked and is taking care of everyone around her. She was used to walking on eggshell around everyone. She’s wanted to please her mother for as long as she can remember. And what a mother!
Every character in this book has quirks and some brand of crazy.
“If you looked at a family closely enough, you’d see that everyone had a job. There were Bosser-Arounders and Bossed-Arounders. War Makers and Bread Bakers. Promise Keepers and Promise Breakers. When you did something enough times, you got a label so everyone else knew what to expect.”
“Labels made life easier for everyone. I was all about labels and mine read ‘Mother Minder’, meaning I had to mind my mother, Dolly, at family get-togethers. You see, Dolly liked to play dead. Usually at the most inopportune times.”
Do you see how with some well thoughts out words Leylah delivers a big truth about families and gives you the core of Moti’s role in it?
Moti is a unique story.
You’d want to categorize it under romantic comedy for all the laughter but it is more than that. That book is filled with wisdom about family relationship, marriage advices, people dynamic …
Leylah Attar has a sharp mind and a hawk eye, dissecting every habit, every quirk, every myth to expose deep thoughts wrapped up in irresistible humor.
I also learned plenty of useful things in this book like how to ogle hot guys discreetly!
“I put on my sunglasses, because that’s the polite way to ogle hot people.”
Don’t underestimate this book!
I think the best quote to represent this book is this one because that’s how I felt too while reading this story:
“Alex’s cooking was doing things to me. Strange, weird things. All my yearnings and burnings were eating and growing and taking form. His food was giving flesh to my feelings.”
Just read it please!
Have you read Leylah's books? Do you like romcom? Any exceptional to recommend me?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
August 3, 2019
My words are not good enough to describe how much I adore this unique and refreshing story.
Leylah Attar has sprinkled her magic all over these pages, and has proven once again that she is a master of her game. She is in a class of her own, and let me tell you, when her mind starts cooking up a story, we can rest assured that it will be an experience not to missed.
Attar has nailed the art of transporting her readers to far away places, and through her trademark prose, we are thrown into cultures and fascinating traditions that we would otherwise know little about, were it not for her exquisite stories.
You want to read something different? Meet Moti, our 24 year old, Indian-American heroine, who is torn between her obligations to her family and living her best life. Yes, this story is light and refreshing. It's laugh out loud funny in places, and the perfect summer read, but don't be fooled by the humour. Attar has weaved some very relatable and deep themes throughout the pages of this much anticipated novel.
We are whisked away on a super-yacht around the Cyclades - a group of Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea - where the author has nailed the Greek and Indian cultures to a T. The characters are very real and relatable, and you'll find yourself howling at some of the antics on board the Abigail Rose II. But amidst the laughter, your heart will fall in love with Moti, a quirky, clever, funny, clumsy, self-conscious young lady, whose mission in life is to please her mother.
Not only will you be overloaded with the sights of the mesmerising Cyclades, your senses will be exploding when Chef Alexandros, the on-board chef, is introduced. His food will take you on a culinary adventure, and your taste buds will be zinging and pinging with delight.
Can Chef Alex find a way to Moti's heart through her stomach, or will she remain loyal and steadfast in her quest to please her mother?
Moti On The Water is a hilarious and heartwarming story of family, loyalty, obligation, and finding yourself. I defy you not to fall in love with Moti, with the Greek isles, and with Alex and his magical powers that can transform onions into chocolate.
This is a summer read not to be missed!
Perfection once again from Leylah Attar.
Leylah Attar has sprinkled her magic all over these pages, and has proven once again that she is a master of her game. She is in a class of her own, and let me tell you, when her mind starts cooking up a story, we can rest assured that it will be an experience not to missed.
Attar has nailed the art of transporting her readers to far away places, and through her trademark prose, we are thrown into cultures and fascinating traditions that we would otherwise know little about, were it not for her exquisite stories.
You want to read something different? Meet Moti, our 24 year old, Indian-American heroine, who is torn between her obligations to her family and living her best life. Yes, this story is light and refreshing. It's laugh out loud funny in places, and the perfect summer read, but don't be fooled by the humour. Attar has weaved some very relatable and deep themes throughout the pages of this much anticipated novel.
We are whisked away on a super-yacht around the Cyclades - a group of Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea - where the author has nailed the Greek and Indian cultures to a T. The characters are very real and relatable, and you'll find yourself howling at some of the antics on board the Abigail Rose II. But amidst the laughter, your heart will fall in love with Moti, a quirky, clever, funny, clumsy, self-conscious young lady, whose mission in life is to please her mother.
Not only will you be overloaded with the sights of the mesmerising Cyclades, your senses will be exploding when Chef Alexandros, the on-board chef, is introduced. His food will take you on a culinary adventure, and your taste buds will be zinging and pinging with delight.
Can Chef Alex find a way to Moti's heart through her stomach, or will she remain loyal and steadfast in her quest to please her mother?
Moti On The Water is a hilarious and heartwarming story of family, loyalty, obligation, and finding yourself. I defy you not to fall in love with Moti, with the Greek isles, and with Alex and his magical powers that can transform onions into chocolate.
This is a summer read not to be missed!
Perfection once again from Leylah Attar.
August 1, 2019
Rated 4.5 Stars
Moti On The Water is a delightful, sweet, funny, cute and sexy read that had emotionally invested in it from the beginning. I loved that it's also part ode to Greece, from the various locales to the food it highlighted, I fell a little bit deeper in love with this country.
The heroine is quirky, relatable and so lovable. The hero is swoon-worthy, I loved that he saw her, the real from the get go. I adored them together and felt that they complemented each other well.
I truly enjoyed this story, the highs and lows, ups and downs and surprises in between. I highly recommend it.
Copy provided by author
Moti On The Water is a delightful, sweet, funny, cute and sexy read that had emotionally invested in it from the beginning. I loved that it's also part ode to Greece, from the various locales to the food it highlighted, I fell a little bit deeper in love with this country.
The heroine is quirky, relatable and so lovable. The hero is swoon-worthy, I loved that he saw her, the real from the get go. I adored them together and felt that they complemented each other well.
I truly enjoyed this story, the highs and lows, ups and downs and surprises in between. I highly recommend it.
Copy provided by author
January 19, 2020
I'm smiling like a lunatic!!! This book was soooo good. 😍😍😍
July 31, 2019
5 "PERFECT SUMMER READ" STARS
Moti has been haunted by a prophecy since the day she was born. According to this, her soulmate has three thumbs, she will meet him by the water and if she marries to anyone else, her mother will die within seven days. Being raised with this hanging over her neck and the pressure of her mother, when she meets Nikos on her cousin’s wedding party, who fulfils the requirements, makes it her mission to win his heart, within the two weeks that they will spend on the yacht.
Last year I read Mists of Serengeti and oh boy it became immediately one of my most favorite 2018 reads! When I heard about this new upcoming book by this author, combined with Greek elements, which is my country, I didn’t even need a second to ponder this or think about it. I said yes to the dress, or in this case, I said yes to the book. And guess what? It’s definitely my favorite read for this summer and I bet your sweet ass that it’s going to be on my top 2019 books! I cannot recommend it enough, especially if you love summer books. The main plot takes place on a yacht in Greece, that goes from island to island and the description of these places, the food, the people and the scents will make you fall in love and want to book the next ticket to a Greek island 😊 I know that’s how I felt and I live in this country, I eat this food and I am one of this people lol.
I really loved this biracial romance that has Indian and Greek elements. I’m a fan of books where I learn a lot about other cultures, words and I’m fascinated with the Indian culture. I’ve read a few books about them, so I already knew a few things already, which made them seem familiar and I felt giddy with this already acquired knowledge. But also, I loved the things that surprised me around the end of the book, things that I never saw coming and I always appreciate the element of surprise, the plot twist and all that you don’t see coming. Do yourself a favor and read this book, especially during summer. It’s just a light, funny, swoon worthy book and it’s worth of your money and your time 😊
ARC(F)BR with Shhluts on Shh…Thank you for the chance to review this copy <3
Moti has been haunted by a prophecy since the day she was born. According to this, her soulmate has three thumbs, she will meet him by the water and if she marries to anyone else, her mother will die within seven days. Being raised with this hanging over her neck and the pressure of her mother, when she meets Nikos on her cousin’s wedding party, who fulfils the requirements, makes it her mission to win his heart, within the two weeks that they will spend on the yacht.
"I wasn't afraid of dying. I was afraid of dying without living. "
Last year I read Mists of Serengeti and oh boy it became immediately one of my most favorite 2018 reads! When I heard about this new upcoming book by this author, combined with Greek elements, which is my country, I didn’t even need a second to ponder this or think about it. I said yes to the dress, or in this case, I said yes to the book. And guess what? It’s definitely my favorite read for this summer and I bet your sweet ass that it’s going to be on my top 2019 books! I cannot recommend it enough, especially if you love summer books. The main plot takes place on a yacht in Greece, that goes from island to island and the description of these places, the food, the people and the scents will make you fall in love and want to book the next ticket to a Greek island 😊 I know that’s how I felt and I live in this country, I eat this food and I am one of this people lol.
I really loved this biracial romance that has Indian and Greek elements. I’m a fan of books where I learn a lot about other cultures, words and I’m fascinated with the Indian culture. I’ve read a few books about them, so I already knew a few things already, which made them seem familiar and I felt giddy with this already acquired knowledge. But also, I loved the things that surprised me around the end of the book, things that I never saw coming and I always appreciate the element of surprise, the plot twist and all that you don’t see coming. Do yourself a favor and read this book, especially during summer. It’s just a light, funny, swoon worthy book and it’s worth of your money and your time 😊
ARC(F)BR with Shhluts on Shh…Thank you for the chance to review this copy <3
May 11, 2022
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Leylah Attar is one of my favorite authors, so I always look forward to her next release. We had to wait two years this time, but I'd pick quality over quantity any time. I am more used to her dark or emotional reads, so I was excited to see how she would do with a more light and fun book. I have to say that she did a great job with this ultimate summer read. This book was fun, original, intriguing, and romantic. I was smiling from start til finish, and couldn't believe all the things that the main character Moti had to go through. Her family is crazy and quirky, and I loved it. The setting of the book was beautiful, and Leylah has convinced me to visit Greece in the future. One of my favorite moments in this book was when Moti and Alex first met, it was unconventional and I loved that. Alex was so swoon-worthy. Come on who wouldn't want a hot guy who has a great sense of humor and can cook? Moti thought she had it all figured out when she set her mind on seducing Nikos, but she wasn't ready for Alex coming in and sweeping her of her feet.
Moti on the Water is the ideal summer read that will have you smiling and laughing out loud. It was also heartwarming, sweet and sexy. This isn't just a romance novel, it is also a book about family and how you always have each other's backs when needed. Moti's character development was amazing, she really transformed and I loved that I was able to witness that. I do want to mention that I absolutely loved the farewell dinner scene, it was so awesome and one of my favorite in the book. So many secrets were unleashed during that scene that I just couldn't keep up, and it was hilarious. I recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for a more fun and light contemporary romance. I enjoyed this book a lot and I really hope that Leylah Attar will write more books like this one.
Leylah Attar is one of my favorite authors, so I always look forward to her next release. We had to wait two years this time, but I'd pick quality over quantity any time. I am more used to her dark or emotional reads, so I was excited to see how she would do with a more light and fun book. I have to say that she did a great job with this ultimate summer read. This book was fun, original, intriguing, and romantic. I was smiling from start til finish, and couldn't believe all the things that the main character Moti had to go through. Her family is crazy and quirky, and I loved it. The setting of the book was beautiful, and Leylah has convinced me to visit Greece in the future. One of my favorite moments in this book was when Moti and Alex first met, it was unconventional and I loved that. Alex was so swoon-worthy. Come on who wouldn't want a hot guy who has a great sense of humor and can cook? Moti thought she had it all figured out when she set her mind on seducing Nikos, but she wasn't ready for Alex coming in and sweeping her of her feet.
Moti on the Water is the ideal summer read that will have you smiling and laughing out loud. It was also heartwarming, sweet and sexy. This isn't just a romance novel, it is also a book about family and how you always have each other's backs when needed. Moti's character development was amazing, she really transformed and I loved that I was able to witness that. I do want to mention that I absolutely loved the farewell dinner scene, it was so awesome and one of my favorite in the book. So many secrets were unleashed during that scene that I just couldn't keep up, and it was hilarious. I recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for a more fun and light contemporary romance. I enjoyed this book a lot and I really hope that Leylah Attar will write more books like this one.
August 10, 2019
When you’ve been looked over your whole life, it’s startling to find yourself in someone’s eyes, to be held in their vision , the same way they hold sunsets and beautiful things.
I don't even have words. I'm completely out of good words. I'm redundant and flat and boring in my ramblings, unlike this one here, Leylah Attar, queen of ALL the vibrant and colorful words, the almighty deliverer of vivid descriptions and absorbing storytelling. She KILLED IT with the words in this book and I'm left gobsmacked over here, reeling from everything I've just experienced.
Did you know that Leylah Attar writes rom com? Did we know this? Is that fact a thing that we knew? I didn't. I did not know. I had no idea. I had no clue I'd laugh my way through Moti On the Water. I had no awareness at all of Attar's stellar comedic timing, her wickedly amusing way with words. I kept thinking back on 53 Letters and The Paper Swan and Mists of the Serengeti and I couldn't recollect a moment in those heavily emotional storylines that made me laugh out loud. So what does that say, my friends? It tells us that Leylah Attar is a magical, mystical unicorn with numerous tricks up her gorgeous sleeves because this book was ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS in only the smartest, most brilliantly superb ways. It was so much fun to read. It was sharp and bright and richly layered. It swept me straight away with its tastes and scents and flavors of not only the stunning backdrop of Greece and the Aegean sea, but of these characters and their converging cultures and vibrant personalities. This book is a feast for the soul, there's no other way to explain it.
Moti on the Water is the feel good story of the year. I never wanted to come up for air. I never wanted to surface. I was swallowed up, cacooned by salty seas and the refreshing taste of food and romance and family. I feel as if I've just traveled the Earth, like I've been whisked away on an unforgettable vacation without ever leaving my couch only to return with a new appreciation for life, for love, for food.
This is a story of destiny, of a love written in the stars. It's a wholly unforgettable story of reaching out and embracing life and love rather than sitting on the outskirts waiting for it to happen to you. It's Moti's story of learning how to fly, to float, to free herself from the fears that she's floundered beneath for a lifetime. It's about the delicious man who brought flavor and color and life to her world, who showed her how to keep her head above water when she thought she might drown under the weight of everyone else's expectations. It's the most breathtaking, soulful storyline, a course of events so rich and passionate and wildly emotional... it is INTOXICATING.
Leylah Attar is truly one of the most sensational writers I've ever read in my life and this story left my chin on the floor. I just didn't anticipate it. Even as I read, I couldn't anticipate the twists and turns and humor and wit. It took everything I could've ever hoped for in a novel and catapulted it to another level. I will never get over how stunning this book is. I will never forget the PHENOMENAL story of Moti and her great love. I won't get over how funny it is, how hard I laughed, how wickedly smart I found it. I won't forget how emotional it became, how much I FELT on these pages, how refreshing it was. I won't forget any of it because it's easily one of the most fantastically enjoyably books I've ever read.
I don't even have words. I'm completely out of good words. I'm redundant and flat and boring in my ramblings, unlike this one here, Leylah Attar, queen of ALL the vibrant and colorful words, the almighty deliverer of vivid descriptions and absorbing storytelling. She KILLED IT with the words in this book and I'm left gobsmacked over here, reeling from everything I've just experienced.
Did you know that Leylah Attar writes rom com? Did we know this? Is that fact a thing that we knew? I didn't. I did not know. I had no idea. I had no clue I'd laugh my way through Moti On the Water. I had no awareness at all of Attar's stellar comedic timing, her wickedly amusing way with words. I kept thinking back on 53 Letters and The Paper Swan and Mists of the Serengeti and I couldn't recollect a moment in those heavily emotional storylines that made me laugh out loud. So what does that say, my friends? It tells us that Leylah Attar is a magical, mystical unicorn with numerous tricks up her gorgeous sleeves because this book was ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS in only the smartest, most brilliantly superb ways. It was so much fun to read. It was sharp and bright and richly layered. It swept me straight away with its tastes and scents and flavors of not only the stunning backdrop of Greece and the Aegean sea, but of these characters and their converging cultures and vibrant personalities. This book is a feast for the soul, there's no other way to explain it.
Moti on the Water is the feel good story of the year. I never wanted to come up for air. I never wanted to surface. I was swallowed up, cacooned by salty seas and the refreshing taste of food and romance and family. I feel as if I've just traveled the Earth, like I've been whisked away on an unforgettable vacation without ever leaving my couch only to return with a new appreciation for life, for love, for food.
This is a story of destiny, of a love written in the stars. It's a wholly unforgettable story of reaching out and embracing life and love rather than sitting on the outskirts waiting for it to happen to you. It's Moti's story of learning how to fly, to float, to free herself from the fears that she's floundered beneath for a lifetime. It's about the delicious man who brought flavor and color and life to her world, who showed her how to keep her head above water when she thought she might drown under the weight of everyone else's expectations. It's the most breathtaking, soulful storyline, a course of events so rich and passionate and wildly emotional... it is INTOXICATING.
Leylah Attar is truly one of the most sensational writers I've ever read in my life and this story left my chin on the floor. I just didn't anticipate it. Even as I read, I couldn't anticipate the twists and turns and humor and wit. It took everything I could've ever hoped for in a novel and catapulted it to another level. I will never get over how stunning this book is. I will never forget the PHENOMENAL story of Moti and her great love. I won't get over how funny it is, how hard I laughed, how wickedly smart I found it. I won't forget how emotional it became, how much I FELT on these pages, how refreshing it was. I won't forget any of it because it's easily one of the most fantastically enjoyably books I've ever read.
August 17, 2019
3.5 Stars
August 11, 2019
6 Stars!!!!
This book! My Heart! How do I begin to describe the experience of reading this book???!!!
This was a breath of fresh air in a world of mundane books. A wonderful blend of Greek and Indian culture that brought so much humor and heartfelt emotions! I laughed out loud. I swooned so hard. I COULD. NOT. GET. ENOUGH!
"When I was little, I prayed for dimples. And now I had them. On my ass. Naturally people with properly faced dimples irritated me.
Moti! One of my favorite heroines EVER! So relatable with her insecurities and so admirable with her confident and adventerous spirit. Her inner dialogue was a cluster of clever and hilarious remarks. She battled with her need to honor and respect her mother and her path to find true love. The balance of respecting family tradditions and finding levity in one's culture was so well done by this author.
The romance! The sparks! The chemistry! The romantic affair of this couple was exhilariting, heartfelt and seductive. So much passion and intensity! This hero! He reached into my heart, squeezed it and implanted himself permanently. He was so laid back. No drama to be found with him. He was all about loving Moti and loving food. His love felt so effortless but no less meaningful.
This book was also about family! The good, the bad and the ugly. Three generations of women in this book who embraced their culture, eventually faced their fears and showed themselves to be women of strength. The bond between these women warmed my heart and filled my soul!
My review would not be complete without me gushing over the love afffair with food explicitly expressed in this book!
Food felt like a main character on its own. Written into the story with so much care and affection! It felt like a literary cullinary orgasm. Yes I'm making that a thing!
Gah! I know this review cannot bring this book justice but I hope I convinced as many people as possible to read this bopok. Leylah Attar is QUEEN! An amazingly emotional, romatic comedy of cultural diversity that is NOT TO BE MISSED!
TOP RECOMMENDATION!!!!
6 Stars!!!
Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Comedy
POV: Dual (mostly heroine)
Heat Level: Mild to Moderate
HEA
Follow me for your next comfort read!
This book! My Heart! How do I begin to describe the experience of reading this book???!!!
This was a breath of fresh air in a world of mundane books. A wonderful blend of Greek and Indian culture that brought so much humor and heartfelt emotions! I laughed out loud. I swooned so hard. I COULD. NOT. GET. ENOUGH!
"When I was little, I prayed for dimples. And now I had them. On my ass. Naturally people with properly faced dimples irritated me.
Moti! One of my favorite heroines EVER! So relatable with her insecurities and so admirable with her confident and adventerous spirit. Her inner dialogue was a cluster of clever and hilarious remarks. She battled with her need to honor and respect her mother and her path to find true love. The balance of respecting family tradditions and finding levity in one's culture was so well done by this author.
The romance! The sparks! The chemistry! The romantic affair of this couple was exhilariting, heartfelt and seductive. So much passion and intensity! This hero! He reached into my heart, squeezed it and implanted himself permanently. He was so laid back. No drama to be found with him. He was all about loving Moti and loving food. His love felt so effortless but no less meaningful.
This book was also about family! The good, the bad and the ugly. Three generations of women in this book who embraced their culture, eventually faced their fears and showed themselves to be women of strength. The bond between these women warmed my heart and filled my soul!
My review would not be complete without me gushing over the love afffair with food explicitly expressed in this book!
"Every time you share a meal with someone, you bring your history, your country, your region, your religion... You sit with your past, your opinions, your love, your curiousity, your resentments, your hospitality. Food is where we all intersect. "
Food felt like a main character on its own. Written into the story with so much care and affection! It felt like a literary cullinary orgasm. Yes I'm making that a thing!
Gah! I know this review cannot bring this book justice but I hope I convinced as many people as possible to read this bopok. Leylah Attar is QUEEN! An amazingly emotional, romatic comedy of cultural diversity that is NOT TO BE MISSED!
TOP RECOMMENDATION!!!!
6 Stars!!!
Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Comedy
POV: Dual (mostly heroine)
Heat Level: Mild to Moderate
HEA
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July 31, 2019
I devoured this.
Point blank.
Moti on the Water was just all around FUN! From the setting to the characters, when I read this it was so laid back, witty, and full of joy. I had NO worries or a care in the world. Not to mention: Moti MAKES THIS BOOK. It's no wonder the title has her name in it. It belongs there. She is a force to reckoned with. And my new spirit animal. I think she is one female lead that I will remember forever.
I absolutely loved the banter between ALL of the characters, I thought they all had such great dynamic and great playful banter to keep the story moving at even the slow parts. It didn't matter to me who was interacting, we were getting some LOL moments and fantastic one-liners that kept me chuckling. Leylah really shown through this book. I could see her personality on each page.
I think one of Leylah's many great talents is her ability to write settings and locations with such vividness and clarity. Everything feels so real and feels as if you're actually there. Not only that, the settings always match the characters. They fit in where they are. If you think about her other books, I know you can absolutely agree with me! Moti on the Water was no different.
I think this review will be pretty short and sweet because I talked about the two things I loved the most: the characters and the setting. If I keep going I think you'll get bored and then call me out for being a rambling person who doesn't care how redundant she sounds. If you are looking for a book to escape with for a while, pick this one up! It's such a light-hearted and fun read that I forgot about all of my other worries while I was on the water with Moti.
Point blank.
Moti on the Water was just all around FUN! From the setting to the characters, when I read this it was so laid back, witty, and full of joy. I had NO worries or a care in the world. Not to mention: Moti MAKES THIS BOOK. It's no wonder the title has her name in it. It belongs there. She is a force to reckoned with. And my new spirit animal. I think she is one female lead that I will remember forever.
I absolutely loved the banter between ALL of the characters, I thought they all had such great dynamic and great playful banter to keep the story moving at even the slow parts. It didn't matter to me who was interacting, we were getting some LOL moments and fantastic one-liners that kept me chuckling. Leylah really shown through this book. I could see her personality on each page.
I think one of Leylah's many great talents is her ability to write settings and locations with such vividness and clarity. Everything feels so real and feels as if you're actually there. Not only that, the settings always match the characters. They fit in where they are. If you think about her other books, I know you can absolutely agree with me! Moti on the Water was no different.
I think this review will be pretty short and sweet because I talked about the two things I loved the most: the characters and the setting. If I keep going I think you'll get bored and then call me out for being a rambling person who doesn't care how redundant she sounds. If you are looking for a book to escape with for a while, pick this one up! It's such a light-hearted and fun read that I forgot about all of my other worries while I was on the water with Moti.
August 8, 2019
‘I liked the idea of a soul mate, but most days I was lucky if I found a hair tie that was compatible with my big, curly hair. So no, I didn’t believe in the stars or destiny or all the stuff my mother tried to impress upon me.’
Moti on the Water by Leylah Attar was just hilarious, sweet and so rich with lessons in love, life and different cultures. It really read like those romantic comedies we love to watch and this book is a prime candidate to be made into a movie. Leylah Attar grabbed us from the get-go with a quirky family dynamic, an adorable heroine, a passionate hero and an engaging storyline which, whilst quite predictable, had us furiously turning the pages with a huge smile on our faces. What a wonderful summer read on the beach or by the pool! Just make sure, if like Moti you can’t swim, that you wear a swim vest as you’ll be swept away in the pages.
‘Sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing until you find it. And when you do, you want to pause and relish it forever.’
We felt Moti’s journey in our hearts all the way through. She had us laughing, blushing and wishing for her dream to reveal itself, as well as for Moti to realise that she needed to live for herself not anyone else. Moti was a strong slightly eccentric girl, but where it really counted she felt insecure, hence why she was an easy target to be either forgotten or used by others for their own personal gain. Her inner musings were both comical yet they were laced with such frustration and unhappiness it broke our hearts.
“You’re hungry,” he said. “People don’t take things unless they’re hungry. For food, for love, for a buzz, for attention. For whatever they feel is missing.”
We immediately felt like Moti was at a crossroads between making her Mum happy and truly finding herself by following her heart, hopes and dreams. There’s such a difference between living for yourself and living for someone else. You know what you should be doing but sometimes family expectations dictate almost clinical robotic behaviour, which strays far from the heart. Actions become predetermined and other outlets are found in order to ground yourself with a falsely perceived self-control. It only takes that one special person to see through it all and Moti couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful and oh so talented man than Alex, who had his own emotional and inspiring story to tell. Such a wonderful man!
‘Alex had a dream. He had talent and drive and ambition. Every night, under the light of the moon, he cast his net toward the heavens to catch the stars.’
Leylah Attar writes with such beauty and poise. Her words flawlessly transport you into her world, where the scenery and food serve as their own rightful and stunning characters. Its peace and tranquillity forming the landscape for the utter chaos of family relationships. Moti on the Water was quite the shift from what we’ve read previously from this wonderful Author, however, the message of love, family and self-worth is prevalent once again, as is the importance of different cultures and the traditions that go hand in hand. This romance was swoon-worthy beyond words and whilst it was very low on angst, love did not find its way easy for Moti and Alex.
‘I don’t know if I’m ever going to be okay. I’ve fallen in love with the wrong guy. But it didn’t feel wrong. It felt fantastic.’
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August 13, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher & Social Butterfly PR , Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read the book.
*****************
"People's pasts were fascinating . Scratch the surface deep enough and you'd unearth all kinds of dusty stories"
Book : Moti On the Water .
Author : Leylah Attar
Genre : Fiction , Romance , contemporary .
Rate : 5/5.
Review in one word : Perfect .
*****************
I can't believe , I got the opportunity to read this incredible book .
For me , it's the most perfect romantic novel I've EVER read .
A story about family , Cultures , traditions, acceptance , change , diversity and love .
It got everything , a great , realistic heroine , who was kind , sassy , funny , brave and lovely. I can definitely say that MOTI is one of my all time favorite characters.
We also have ALEX , sweet ,caring, handsome , poetic , romantic and hot . While reading their scenes I was reminded with "Ashley and Drew from Beauty and the Mustache " which is one of my favorite books .
Their story with all its adventures , moments , looks and Leylah Attar beautiful words took my breath away .
"I like it . I like that I can never tell what I'm going to get with you . I like that you're weird and quirky , and you see things I don't "
I couldn't put this book down , I kept reading and reading until I finished all their story , It was outstanding .
In addition , To that feeling I got while reading , As If I was watching a romantic-comedy , with a funny , sassy heroine . The book talked about important subjects , such as body image and the importance of self acceptance as well as accepting others .
"I got the impression it was something she did for herself - because she respected her body and made it a priority "
It was so diverse , discussed the relations between different cultures with different traditions , values , religions , sexuality , ideas and how love can bridge all the gapes.
This amazing book contained a lot of talk about FOOD , I mean who doesn't love a book that makes you hungry !!
As our hero is a chief , you will be reading about many brilliant dishes , with Attar lush and visual descriptions , believe me you are going to google every dish mentioned :P .
I liked the plot and all the characters so much , all of them were realistic , funny and great addition to the story .
And now let me talk about the sitting , ahhhh , this novel made me so eager to visit Greece someday, The descriptions were amazing , I felt like I was really there with the characters , viewing all of those beautiful places .
All of the above were entertaining , but Leylah Attar great writing style , poetic words , sassy phrases and beautiful descriptions , made the story a romantic masterpiece , I would reread it forever , and of course Attar is one of my new favorite authors , planning to read all of her works .
I won't spoil you by talking about the story more , but , read it , this book is ahhmazing , don't miss it . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
"IT feels like I'm trusting you with all of my weight . All of my insecurities . All of me ."
For More Reviews Visit : https://bibliomedico.wordpress.com/
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*****************
"People's pasts were fascinating . Scratch the surface deep enough and you'd unearth all kinds of dusty stories"
Book : Moti On the Water .
Author : Leylah Attar
Genre : Fiction , Romance , contemporary .
Rate : 5/5.
Review in one word : Perfect .
*****************
I can't believe , I got the opportunity to read this incredible book .
For me , it's the most perfect romantic novel I've EVER read .
A story about family , Cultures , traditions, acceptance , change , diversity and love .
It got everything , a great , realistic heroine , who was kind , sassy , funny , brave and lovely. I can definitely say that MOTI is one of my all time favorite characters.
We also have ALEX , sweet ,caring, handsome , poetic , romantic and hot . While reading their scenes I was reminded with "Ashley and Drew from Beauty and the Mustache " which is one of my favorite books .
Their story with all its adventures , moments , looks and Leylah Attar beautiful words took my breath away .
"I like it . I like that I can never tell what I'm going to get with you . I like that you're weird and quirky , and you see things I don't "
I couldn't put this book down , I kept reading and reading until I finished all their story , It was outstanding .
In addition , To that feeling I got while reading , As If I was watching a romantic-comedy , with a funny , sassy heroine . The book talked about important subjects , such as body image and the importance of self acceptance as well as accepting others .
"I got the impression it was something she did for herself - because she respected her body and made it a priority "
It was so diverse , discussed the relations between different cultures with different traditions , values , religions , sexuality , ideas and how love can bridge all the gapes.
This amazing book contained a lot of talk about FOOD , I mean who doesn't love a book that makes you hungry !!
As our hero is a chief , you will be reading about many brilliant dishes , with Attar lush and visual descriptions , believe me you are going to google every dish mentioned :P .
I liked the plot and all the characters so much , all of them were realistic , funny and great addition to the story .
And now let me talk about the sitting , ahhhh , this novel made me so eager to visit Greece someday, The descriptions were amazing , I felt like I was really there with the characters , viewing all of those beautiful places .
All of the above were entertaining , but Leylah Attar great writing style , poetic words , sassy phrases and beautiful descriptions , made the story a romantic masterpiece , I would reread it forever , and of course Attar is one of my new favorite authors , planning to read all of her works .
I won't spoil you by talking about the story more , but , read it , this book is ahhmazing , don't miss it . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
"IT feels like I'm trusting you with all of my weight . All of my insecurities . All of me ."
For More Reviews Visit : https://bibliomedico.wordpress.com/
Follow me :
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bibliomedic...
Twitter : https://twitter.com/bibliomedico
Facebook : https://web.facebook.com/bibliomedico...
May 24, 2020
Release Date: August 13, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Family Drama | Women’s Fiction | Romance
Moti on the Water fits into a plethora of genres. This book (in my opinion) is mainly a family drama , but also focuses on the growth of the story’s heroine, Moti. Much of the story surrounds her “finding herself” and finally loosening herself from her mother’s grip which makes it a good candidate for women’s fiction readers. Finally, there’s a splash of romance the blossoms between Moti and a man who is almost forbidden to her, which mainly takes place towards the end. Don’t get me wrong, the romance factor is THERE but this story doesn’t JUST fall within that category. The story doesn’t JUST focus on her romantic life, but more about HER finally becoming comfortable in her own skin. Therefore, this book can fit into a wide variety of genres and can be easily loved by many readers!
I’ve only read one of the authors previous novels (The Paper Swan) and remembered how much I loved that book back in 2015 so I decided to give this one a try. Not only did it sound like a fun story (which it is) but the gorgeous cover had me thinking summer, swimming, and enjoying the freedoms of the outdoors (all things that I love!). When I tucked into this novel last night, I literally got lost in the world. Moti is such a relatable character and seeing her slowly free herself from her family’s superstitions and traditions was a breath of fresh air. I don’t get to read many books like this so when I found it, I was overjoyed. Laylah did a wonderful job at bringing Moti to life, along with the gorgeous setting where I was temporarily vacationing right alongside her. The romance factor was beautiful, although it took a lot of time to get there. I don’t mind a slow burn romance but when a book only spans two weeks and it doesn’t truly develop until the two weeks is almost up, it can become frustrating. Us readers KNOW what Moti should do but having to patiently wait for her to make up her mind and understand her worth and what she deserves was a bit underwhelming. I say underwhelming because I expected FIREWORKS and it took SO LING to get there. I think that’s my only complaint about this novel.
Other than that, this is truly a gorgeous and uplifting story and I read it as fast as I could. I loved Moti and her family, I laughed out loud quite a few times (there is a lot of humor in this one), and I connected with these characters implicitly. I look forward to many more novels by Laylah because she writes gorgeous stories!
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Family Drama | Women’s Fiction | Romance
Moti on the Water fits into a plethora of genres. This book (in my opinion) is mainly a family drama , but also focuses on the growth of the story’s heroine, Moti. Much of the story surrounds her “finding herself” and finally loosening herself from her mother’s grip which makes it a good candidate for women’s fiction readers. Finally, there’s a splash of romance the blossoms between Moti and a man who is almost forbidden to her, which mainly takes place towards the end. Don’t get me wrong, the romance factor is THERE but this story doesn’t JUST fall within that category. The story doesn’t JUST focus on her romantic life, but more about HER finally becoming comfortable in her own skin. Therefore, this book can fit into a wide variety of genres and can be easily loved by many readers!
I’ve only read one of the authors previous novels (The Paper Swan) and remembered how much I loved that book back in 2015 so I decided to give this one a try. Not only did it sound like a fun story (which it is) but the gorgeous cover had me thinking summer, swimming, and enjoying the freedoms of the outdoors (all things that I love!). When I tucked into this novel last night, I literally got lost in the world. Moti is such a relatable character and seeing her slowly free herself from her family’s superstitions and traditions was a breath of fresh air. I don’t get to read many books like this so when I found it, I was overjoyed. Laylah did a wonderful job at bringing Moti to life, along with the gorgeous setting where I was temporarily vacationing right alongside her. The romance factor was beautiful, although it took a lot of time to get there. I don’t mind a slow burn romance but when a book only spans two weeks and it doesn’t truly develop until the two weeks is almost up, it can become frustrating. Us readers KNOW what Moti should do but having to patiently wait for her to make up her mind and understand her worth and what she deserves was a bit underwhelming. I say underwhelming because I expected FIREWORKS and it took SO LING to get there. I think that’s my only complaint about this novel.
Other than that, this is truly a gorgeous and uplifting story and I read it as fast as I could. I loved Moti and her family, I laughed out loud quite a few times (there is a lot of humor in this one), and I connected with these characters implicitly. I look forward to many more novels by Laylah because she writes gorgeous stories!
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