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Destiny #1
First and Only Destiny
First Love, First Kiss, Forever Love?
Do you believe in love at first sight?
What happens when a shy artist student meets the gregarious Bollywood gorgeous guy? Sparks fly and their families try to break them apart.
FIRST LOVE...
It’s love at first sketch for shy, sheltered art major Lia Abraham, when she meets the Bollywood-gorgeous Devraj Shah at a London university. But she refuses to show her undeniable attraction to the gregarious genius who is being groomed for his family business empire. Nothing can stand between her and her dreams of traveling and teaching art across Europe. No taking risks or detours for Lia!
FIRST KISS…
The last thing Lia needs is a handsome distraction from her true love: art. Although she protests, the charming Devraj, with his dimpled grin and sparkling eyes, convinces Lia to be “just friends”.
But inevitably—with one rain-soaked, sweet yet sizzling kiss—their unleashed desire becomes stronger than their cultural divides—a Hindu boy and a Jewish girl? Gods forbid!
As their friendship flares into an all-consuming passion, the growing pressure from both families changes the landscape of both their lives.
FOREVER LOVE?
Despite loving him to distraction, will Lia’s gratitude to her frail grandparents, who raised her, and her loyalty to her cultural ties, force her to forsake the forbidden fruit of her love for Devraj?
Or can she stand up for her first and only love and face their uncharted future head on?
A PORTION OF ALL GLORIA SILK BOOK PROCEEDS GO TO CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY.
Reviews:
"Gloria Silk is an amazing author that has provided a well-written and beautiful interracial romance." Annalei Chuchu
"... It's wonderfully written to tell a lovely story filled with lots of emotions and authentic characters. The author did a fantastic job! ... It's one of those must-have books that you've got to get in your collection!!! " J Summer, for Amazon.
PRAISE FOR SECOND DESTINY:
Second Destiny is the story of Lia and Devraj, two former sweethearts who were torn apart by duty and family obligations. Lia was expected to marry a nice Jewish man instead of the handsomely exotic Hindu named Devraj, and instead of fighting for their love she gave in to the wishes of her family. But decades later, Lia finds herself ending her marriage to the cheating “right man” when she finds out that her daughter is in love with a handsome Hindu man who happens to be the nephew of her jilted sweetheart Devraj. Gloria Silk does a wonderful job of presenting just how constrained Lia felt after putting aside her feelings and marrying someone whom her grandparents considered an acceptable choice, but never truly feeling happy or satisfied with her life. When Devraj shows up and is against the relationship, it is clear he fears his nephew’s heart will be broken just as his was nearly twenty years before.
Second Destiny is at its heart a romance, but it is so much more than that. The cultural differences that many of us take for granted are right at the forefront of this story. Both families have problems with their loved one marrying someone from another culture and at times it borders on full-on racism, which makes it easier to root for Danielle and Sanjay and even Lia and Devraj. Gloria Silk has written a wonderful tale about cultural differences, the need for love and freedom after a life of doing and being what is expected of you.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
What happens when a shy artist student meets the gregarious Bollywood gorgeous guy? Sparks fly and their families try to break them apart.
FIRST LOVE...
It’s love at first sketch for shy, sheltered art major Lia Abraham, when she meets the Bollywood-gorgeous Devraj Shah at a London university. But she refuses to show her undeniable attraction to the gregarious genius who is being groomed for his family business empire. Nothing can stand between her and her dreams of traveling and teaching art across Europe. No taking risks or detours for Lia!
FIRST KISS…
The last thing Lia needs is a handsome distraction from her true love: art. Although she protests, the charming Devraj, with his dimpled grin and sparkling eyes, convinces Lia to be “just friends”.
But inevitably—with one rain-soaked, sweet yet sizzling kiss—their unleashed desire becomes stronger than their cultural divides—a Hindu boy and a Jewish girl? Gods forbid!
As their friendship flares into an all-consuming passion, the growing pressure from both families changes the landscape of both their lives.
FOREVER LOVE?
Despite loving him to distraction, will Lia’s gratitude to her frail grandparents, who raised her, and her loyalty to her cultural ties, force her to forsake the forbidden fruit of her love for Devraj?
Or can she stand up for her first and only love and face their uncharted future head on?
A PORTION OF ALL GLORIA SILK BOOK PROCEEDS GO TO CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY.
Reviews:
"Gloria Silk is an amazing author that has provided a well-written and beautiful interracial romance." Annalei Chuchu
"... It's wonderfully written to tell a lovely story filled with lots of emotions and authentic characters. The author did a fantastic job! ... It's one of those must-have books that you've got to get in your collection!!! " J Summer, for Amazon.
PRAISE FOR SECOND DESTINY:
Second Destiny is the story of Lia and Devraj, two former sweethearts who were torn apart by duty and family obligations. Lia was expected to marry a nice Jewish man instead of the handsomely exotic Hindu named Devraj, and instead of fighting for their love she gave in to the wishes of her family. But decades later, Lia finds herself ending her marriage to the cheating “right man” when she finds out that her daughter is in love with a handsome Hindu man who happens to be the nephew of her jilted sweetheart Devraj. Gloria Silk does a wonderful job of presenting just how constrained Lia felt after putting aside her feelings and marrying someone whom her grandparents considered an acceptable choice, but never truly feeling happy or satisfied with her life. When Devraj shows up and is against the relationship, it is clear he fears his nephew’s heart will be broken just as his was nearly twenty years before.
Second Destiny is at its heart a romance, but it is so much more than that. The cultural differences that many of us take for granted are right at the forefront of this story. Both families have problems with their loved one marrying someone from another culture and at times it borders on full-on racism, which makes it easier to root for Danielle and Sanjay and even Lia and Devraj. Gloria Silk has written a wonderful tale about cultural differences, the need for love and freedom after a life of doing and being what is expected of you.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2014
11 people are currently reading
1493 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Silk
6 books226 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, Gloria Silk, writes empowering, sensuous international romance. Her books are filled with intense passion and swoon-worthy happy-ever-afters. The love stories concentrate on the many facets of romantic relationships and strong and complex family bonds.
Her debut novel 'First and Only Destiny' and 'Second Destiny' have been re-released in their second editions.
The long awaited 'Nobody's Baby But Mine is out on August 31, and 'Breaking the Chains' is out in the fall of 2017.
Gloria Silk was born in Russia and was brought up in England. She has lived in Europe and the Mediterranean and loves to travel. Her background in English literature, writing, and psychology help her create well-rounded, unique characters for her intercultural love stories. She's also an artist (using watercolors and acrylics) and a designer, and is published in non-fiction as Tanya Freedman.
Gloria now lives - and writes - in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with her own hero-husband, lovely daughter, and Cockapoo Princess Bella. Visit her website: http://www.GloriaSilk.com or email her: [email protected]
Her debut novel 'First and Only Destiny' and 'Second Destiny' have been re-released in their second editions.
The long awaited 'Nobody's Baby But Mine is out on August 31, and 'Breaking the Chains' is out in the fall of 2017.
Gloria Silk was born in Russia and was brought up in England. She has lived in Europe and the Mediterranean and loves to travel. Her background in English literature, writing, and psychology help her create well-rounded, unique characters for her intercultural love stories. She's also an artist (using watercolors and acrylics) and a designer, and is published in non-fiction as Tanya Freedman.
Gloria now lives - and writes - in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with her own hero-husband, lovely daughter, and Cockapoo Princess Bella. Visit her website: http://www.GloriaSilk.com or email her: [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 10, 2019
I got this a freebie e-book a long time ago, and only now have I been able to sit down and read it. I hoped this romance read would be cute and sweet. Sadly not. Following two College students from two different backgrounds, where their families don't approve of their relationship together. Has both Hindu and Jewish representation present. However, most of the characters were nasty and behaved very immaturely to one another. Too ranty for me to fully enjoy!
October 23, 2014
First and Only Destiny
Is the debut novel by Gloria Silk and I hope she writes
many more, as I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced story
of first love with all the sweetness and angst that
drives this coming of age experience.
What makes First and Only Love even more unique is the
added complications of those two very divisive
elements: culture and religion.
The young lovers, Lia, is a Jewish budding beauty and
art student who is instantly drawn to the divinely
handsome, exotic and dashing Devraj, an Indian prince
and captain of industry in the making.
Lia knows that the relationship is doomed to go nowhere
because her family will never accept anyone but a Jewish
husband for her.
She has seen how unrelentingly immoveable they are by
how difficult they have made her favourite aunt's life
because the man she is planning to marry is non-Jewish.
Devraj family is equally inflexible about their plans
to have him take an Indian wife, the difference is that
they are less direct with him and approaches Lia directly
to voice their rejection of her and the notion of Devraj
marry outside of his culture.
First and Only DestinyFirst and Only Love
is painfully and passionately sweet as only a first love
that is destined to be denied can be.
It is an old story, yet new and different because of its
timeliness and the skill and creativity with which Gloria
Silk tells it.
Put this book on your list and get to it as soon as you can!
Is the debut novel by Gloria Silk and I hope she writes
many more, as I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced story
of first love with all the sweetness and angst that
drives this coming of age experience.
What makes First and Only Love even more unique is the
added complications of those two very divisive
elements: culture and religion.
The young lovers, Lia, is a Jewish budding beauty and
art student who is instantly drawn to the divinely
handsome, exotic and dashing Devraj, an Indian prince
and captain of industry in the making.
Lia knows that the relationship is doomed to go nowhere
because her family will never accept anyone but a Jewish
husband for her.
She has seen how unrelentingly immoveable they are by
how difficult they have made her favourite aunt's life
because the man she is planning to marry is non-Jewish.
Devraj family is equally inflexible about their plans
to have him take an Indian wife, the difference is that
they are less direct with him and approaches Lia directly
to voice their rejection of her and the notion of Devraj
marry outside of his culture.
First and Only DestinyFirst and Only Love
is painfully and passionately sweet as only a first love
that is destined to be denied can be.
It is an old story, yet new and different because of its
timeliness and the skill and creativity with which Gloria
Silk tells it.
Put this book on your list and get to it as soon as you can!
October 21, 2014
First off let me start by saying that I love romance novels! I am a huge fan of romance books and I enjoy to read them very much. This book was amazing as well because it is an interracial romance novel. I'm in an interracial relationship myself, so this book hit home for me. Gloria Silk is an amazing author that has provided a well-written and beautiful romance book here. Lia is a shy art major who doesn't want anyone to come between her and her dreams. She meets Devraj and is shy around him. Lia is planning on going full force into her art career, but after one kiss from Devraj, she has been hooked. Lia is Jewish and Devraj is Hindu. It was really interesting to see them both come together and fall in love. Both of them are feeling pressure from their families, but they are truly falling in love. This book was so amazing, I read it in a few days. I'm truly a fan of interracial romance books and this one a great find. I would highly recommend it!
November 9, 2014
This is a tale of unrequited love that begins in College, and spans a short time where hearts torn apart by family obligations.
Devraj and Lia compare with Romeo and Juliette, with their families opposed to the love-match. Dev's father and grandparents prove their bigoted attitudes, as in an East Indian culture, they want him to honor an arranged marriage.
Lia's parents want her to marry Howard, but after the nuptials, he soon has women on the side. Lia strives for a divorce, hoping to share Devraj's love. The college romance fills hearts with joy and pain.
Ella and Jim are excellent friends, who back up the love of Dev and Lia. I loved the multi-cultural theme, sharing different cultures in this rich tale.
Gloria Silk is an author you want to read. She tells a wonderful tale that proves that love conquers all. I highly recommend this up and coming author.
Franny Armstrong
Devraj and Lia compare with Romeo and Juliette, with their families opposed to the love-match. Dev's father and grandparents prove their bigoted attitudes, as in an East Indian culture, they want him to honor an arranged marriage.
Lia's parents want her to marry Howard, but after the nuptials, he soon has women on the side. Lia strives for a divorce, hoping to share Devraj's love. The college romance fills hearts with joy and pain.
Ella and Jim are excellent friends, who back up the love of Dev and Lia. I loved the multi-cultural theme, sharing different cultures in this rich tale.
Gloria Silk is an author you want to read. She tells a wonderful tale that proves that love conquers all. I highly recommend this up and coming author.
Franny Armstrong
October 5, 2014
Believe me, this is one Romance book you don’t want to pass over! I loved it! I was hungry for a new romance novel when I came across “First and Only Destiny,” and can honestly say that it fed my appetite rather well. As a matter of fact, it met and surpassed my expectations! It’s wonderfully written to tell a lovely story filled with lots of emotions and authentic characters. The author did a fantastic job! I felt so close to Lia and Devraj while reading about their forbidden, but blossoming love. So close, that I found myself cheering for them! I couldn’t wait to find out if their love would pull through. As a true fan of this genre, I highly recommend this book. It’s one of those must-have books that you’ve got to get in your collection!!!
October 4, 2014
I was so in love with the storyline of this book! Gloria Silk did an amazing job of bringing together realistic characters who truly loved each other despite their cultural backgrounds. I found myself connecting deeply with Lia who was an artist and very shy. She falls in love with Devraj, even though she tries so hard to resist it. After a passionate kiss she knows that he's the one. The only problem is her family and her culture. She doesn't want to turn her back on them, but she doesn't want to miss out on true love. I loved this storyline and found it to be beautifully written! Read this one, you won't regret it!
October 28, 2016
I received this book for free through Good Reads.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
An easy to read romantic love story about Lia Abraham, a Jewish 18year old & Devrajh Shah (a 20 year old Hindu. They are both ruled by their Jewish & Hindu religious & this is about the problems they both face from their parents/grandparents views.
I look forward to reading the follow up book "The Second Destiny".
I really enjoyed reading this book.
An easy to read romantic love story about Lia Abraham, a Jewish 18year old & Devrajh Shah (a 20 year old Hindu. They are both ruled by their Jewish & Hindu religious & this is about the problems they both face from their parents/grandparents views.
I look forward to reading the follow up book "The Second Destiny".
January 14, 2015
I prefer to read shorter books, that's why I bought this one. It seemed an interesting and fresh story with a shy artist and a playboy type Indian guy. It's an amazing story that reminded me of Romeo and Juliet with a great ending, and also the movie the Graduate. What a surprising and satisfying end! Well done! Now I can't wait to read more of Gloria Silk's books.
April 28, 2015
I won "First and Only Destiny" through Goodreads Giveaways.
This is a great book, that captured my attention early in the first chapter! It's a great story filled with lots of emotions and authentic characters. Highly recommend.
This is a great book, that captured my attention early in the first chapter! It's a great story filled with lots of emotions and authentic characters. Highly recommend.
May 15, 2016
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I really enjoyed the story, although the ending was kind of a cliffhanger. I will have to get the next in the series so I can find out what happened!
May 17, 2017
I got this book from a Good Reads giveaway, and I wanted to like it but couldn't. The overall idea for the story itself was fine, but the execution wasn't good. The writing was too over the top with random descriptions, especially at the beginning. It got better as the book went on, or maybe I just didn't notice it as much. At times Devraj's behavior was bordering assault and not romantic at all. The ending was abrupt and unfulfilling. I was able to use my imagination and believed they were able to live happily ever after, but the synopsis of the second book shattered that illusion. The whole book tries to deal with the complexities of interracial couples with strong religious backgrounds, but the characters fail to accomplish anything worthwhile. Overall it just wasn't a good book.
February 7, 2021
In a way you could say "First and Only Destiny" is similar to Romeo and Juliet and that may be so to some degree. But most of all "First and Only Destiny" is a culture revaluation. Where true love finds a way around religion and expectations of others. It's a story of what's most important in life, love and happiness. If you have true and deep love it will over come all the obstacles in it's path. You just have to have the courage to reach out and grasp it. I love how this book ended. How true love won out over all else.
I received this book from the author and am giving my honest review of the book.
I received this book from the author and am giving my honest review of the book.
July 30, 2017
Gloria Silk wrote a touching star crossed lovers romance that bring the story of young lovers Lia and Devraj who come from two very different worlds and cultures. With so many obstacles in their way, Lia and Devraj try and fight for their love, but the odds at times seem to be against them. Forced to choose between family and once in a lifetime kind of love, their story delivers emotional and heart breaking moments. I read this book in one evening without putting it down, wanting to see what and how these two young lovers deal with the challenges facing them.
I loved it and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
I loved it and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
December 26, 2020
I loved this book! It was my first time reading something by this author and now I am hooked. This was a very well-written and beautiful story with realistic and endearing characters. Lia and Devraj's story was so heartfelt and filled with emotion, I was rooting for them the whole time and I couldn't stop turning the pages, anxious to see what would happen next. If you love any kind of romance, then this is definitely one you should have in your collection. A must read for sure!
I was gifted a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I was gifted a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 27, 2017
This is short love story that follows Lia and Devraj. There are many complications that makes it impossible for them to be together. They have decisions that an 18 and 20 year old should never have to make. Their family obligations do not make it easy for them either.
I thought this was a good story, there were a couple parts that had me scratching my head but I would still recommend it.
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
I thought this was a good story, there were a couple parts that had me scratching my head but I would still recommend it.
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
August 23, 2018
A story about melding two different strong cultures
The heartbreaking part is the family will exert pressure no matter what decision they make. The HEA is wonderful and makes one believe in love. The strength of their love is wonderful. A great love like this has a chance of surviving over time. For those who love romance and happy endings. I received this free and am voluntarily writing a review.
The heartbreaking part is the family will exert pressure no matter what decision they make. The HEA is wonderful and makes one believe in love. The strength of their love is wonderful. A great love like this has a chance of surviving over time. For those who love romance and happy endings. I received this free and am voluntarily writing a review.
November 20, 2018
Not a bad little romance read but it feels a little heavy.
Read
January 14, 2020loved this book
January 26, 2021
A really beautiful story. Well written and definitely a repeat read.
February 27, 2017
It was a well-written bittersweet romance. Although it was a short story with a few main characters, one thing led to another and it made me so excited.
The college students Lia and Dev love each other but struggle with their religious traditions. Lia's wishy-washy attitudes sometimes made me irritated but we're so realistic.
The romantic scenes made me remember some of my memories and my heart pounded while reading.
I'm so curious about what will happen next. I should read the next book soon!!
(I received this book for an honest review.)
The college students Lia and Dev love each other but struggle with their religious traditions. Lia's wishy-washy attitudes sometimes made me irritated but we're so realistic.
The romantic scenes made me remember some of my memories and my heart pounded while reading.
I'm so curious about what will happen next. I should read the next book soon!!
(I received this book for an honest review.)
February 10, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written love story, June 23, 2016
By Amazon Customer - Elizabeth Lennox
Verified Purchase
This review is from: First and Only Destiny: First Love, First Kiss, Forever Love?
Beautifully written love story. The prose in this book is extraordinary, the emotions heart-breaking and the author leaves you hanging on the edge right to the end of the story. I could feel the characters' happiness, confusion, pain and sadness. When it rained, I felt that rain on me, when the characters were laughing, I laughed - it was really that good! I can't wait to read the next story in this book and will add Ms. Silk to my "must-buy" authors. Love her writing! Ms. Silk fills the pages with emotion - hope, happiness, sadness, guilt, joy - you will run the gamut with this book.
By Amazon Customer - Elizabeth Lennox
Verified Purchase
This review is from: First and Only Destiny: First Love, First Kiss, Forever Love?
Beautifully written love story. The prose in this book is extraordinary, the emotions heart-breaking and the author leaves you hanging on the edge right to the end of the story. I could feel the characters' happiness, confusion, pain and sadness. When it rained, I felt that rain on me, when the characters were laughing, I laughed - it was really that good! I can't wait to read the next story in this book and will add Ms. Silk to my "must-buy" authors. Love her writing! Ms. Silk fills the pages with emotion - hope, happiness, sadness, guilt, joy - you will run the gamut with this book.
Read
June 24, 2018Awesome Story
I loved the story of Lia and Devraj. This was a great love story. This book made you cry, laugh and smile. As all of her books I cannot put them down!
I loved the story of Lia and Devraj. This was a great love story. This book made you cry, laugh and smile. As all of her books I cannot put them down!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews