I had the privilege of reading this little gem when it was initially published in February this year. But today it’s out in PAPERBACK!!! So, congratulations to Alex Khan for PB #PublicationDay!! And I’m thrilled to be able to Re-Blog my review for another blog tour. Wishing you much success, may your books – with their gorgeous, eye-catching cover – fly off those shelves (with a Bollywood soundtrack playing in the background, and glitterballs twinkling above … naturally!!)
This book was so not what I expected! It started off more or less as what I thought it would be, but then took a turn and headed off in a completely different direction!
I loved the insider look into the world of Bollywood. It’s a whole different ballgame to Hollywood – in fact it’s on a different level entirely, and could probably teach Hollywood a thing or two!
The complex intricacies of the relationships between the Bollywood Wives, their husbands, children, leading ladies, and men is so layered and so convoluted, as can only be when many of them are from communities that are intertwined and interwoven over many years going back to the earliest days of the industry – some even pre-dating that. Throw in a few outsiders and jealousies and misunderstandings are sure to come into play.
Khan makes good use of all of this: the familiarity, together with the suspicion that is introduced when ‘others’ intrude and ‘old school’ are unwilling to get to know new ways and newcomers.
Zara Das is the Queen of Bollywood, but has made many enemies with some poor choices made in her most recent film. People are out to get her, and her past is threatening to catch up with her. Because Zara wasn’t born into Bollywood royalty. She’s risen up through the ranks the hard way, something that many don’t know. But someone thinks it’s time her fans are told the real story.
And now she’s in London with some of Bollywood’s biggest names, both on and off camera. The entire crew have come along to create what’s touted to be the biggest Bollywood blockbuster ever. And the wives have come too. But some are not just there to watch the action taking place on set. They all seem to have ulterior motives and private agenda’s.
The book is a little long … in fact it takes on rather epic proportions! But it’s Bollywood, right?! So it needs the stage to be set, the story to unfold, the action, the drama, the tragedy, and best of all … don’t forget … the love story (and some utterly toe-curling sex)! Khan dishes it all up in sequin-covered spades!
This is an engrossing read – don’t mistake it for a frothy chick-lit (how I hate that term) you might think it is. It is so, so much more than that. It shows a deep understanding of Indian culture (not just Bollywood), as well as what it takes for women to get ahead in a world that is male-dominated, and where dated notions of women’s roles are what drive male ego’s. It speaks up for strong female role-models, for breaking out of moulds that are set for them in so many areas of life, be it in the home or in the workforce. Khan has done an outstanding job in cleverly creating female characters who will look as if they comply to the norm, but who in actual fact are wily enough to know how to go out and achieve what they want, in a way that will show their strength. They have guts, daring, courage and tenacity. These aren’t wallflowers to be trifled with, or to be taken lightly. These women have looked adversity in the eye, challenged it and won.
4 stars for this powerhouse of a book!
Author Bio:
Alex Khan has spent his life dreaming of writing and starring in Bollywood movies while traveling the world visiting some of the most glamorous and exciting locations. Moonlighting as a crime writer he finally got the courage to pen the novel he wanted to write all his life-Bollywood Wives. Taking you into the glamorous sexy thrilling environment of the world’s biggest movie stars and the secrets they hide.
Alex also writes crime under the name Alex Caan.
Social Media Links:
https://twitter.com/alexkhanauthor
https://www.alexcaanauthor.com/
Thank you to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me along and allowing me to Re-Blog for this Blog Tour, and to Hera Books, for their wonderful work with bloggers!
Take a look at what other bloggers have to say about Bollywood Wives …
Jan's Book Buzz 
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