Bollywood Wives

A sexy, dark and considered thriller set in the world of Bollywood films, brilliant characters and mega fun to read.

Definitely has a dark side and the resolution is beautifully unexpected. Plenty of social commentary wrapped up in a glamorous addictive plot that will keep you turning those pages. 

Recommended. Full review to follow for the official tour.

I had a feeling from the moment I first saw this book that I would love it, and having just finished reading it, wow that is one fabulous book.

I will admit to start with it was a bit of slow burner, but the payoff is worth it. Takes a while to get to grips will all the secondary characters, the main one Zara is key, but there are plenty of sub plots too, and other threads that once you have them straight in your mind are equally rewarding too.

Bollywood Wives is a book that contains everything, we have very early on clear death threats to Zara, there is action, drama, sex, mystery, intrigue, scandal, a Bollywood movie being made in London, a diverse cast of characters, insights into modern India, some unimaginable levels of luxury and that is just for starters.

That isn't even counting the more serious side of the book where we see how Zara, and few of the others have worked their way up from nothing to the stars they are, and their pasts are a real rags to riches story, with real struggles on the way.

It's the sort of book that will appeal to so many different people, those interested in films, Bollywood, India, plus those who tend to read books with suspense and sex, and relationships etc... It is definitely a blockbuster sort of book, which is why my only slight issue was that I didn't save it until I read it on holiday.

I love reading these sorts of books poolside, and its definitely one who wants to escape for a while should read. I was transported to a world far different to my own which was fascinating, and I was very keen to always find out what happened next.

I loved Alex Khan's writing, and its clear this is a world he knows a lot about, and I hope he will write future books that feature Bollywood, or India, as I love reading about characters so vastly different to myself.

That ending completely took me by surprise too, as did quite a few of the various reveals. Bollywood Wives kept me on my toes and I loved every moment of it, especially the second half of the book.

Thank you to Hera Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Took me a while to get into this book but what a blockbuster it turned out to be. Full of intrigue, mystery, sex and drama it has all the makings for a really good film. Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Bollywood Wives was a fun and exciting read. I might have seen a few bollywood movies in my time, but I know little about the industry but it fascinates me. Having seen that cover, I was more than intrigued about reading it and dipping my toe into this world. Cue the music, the scandals and the intrigue!

Although the book starts off in Mumbai, we move swiftly to London when the main star Zara and the rest of the cast and crew of a film go to film overseas. There was humour from the off as Zara takes it very badly when she doesn't exactly get the star treatment she expects from Heathrow. Once in the poshest hotel in London, she is clear that her staff should stay up the road. Zara is under pressure however, as she's received several threatening messages from an unknown person.

There's a lot to this novel - not just the juicy scandals, the lap of luxury and an insight into the whole Bollywood industry. Zara and women like her have worked hard to get where they are. Bollywood is no nicer or easier to get into than Hollywood it would seem. Women here are just as easily exploited and must be tougher than the men to succeed.

The writing and pace was fitting - the second half of the book was even more gripping than the first. Alex Kahn knows his stuff and makes it fun, accessible and eye-catching.

Get the music on and read to the rhythm!

I was really excited to get a copy of this book. The enticing cover cleverly combines the luxury and sensitivity of its star. Alex Khan’s writing is exceptional. Each delicious character stands out on their own and in particular Zara Das who is so much bigger than the words on the page. She’s a fire cracker, beautiful and extraordinarily intuitive. Although her path to stardom hasn’t been an easy one. As with some of the other stars, the sexist culture of the Bollywood industry is a tough pill to swallow. Exploited and passed around like a hot meal, she has emerged as a much sought after delicacy.

There’s nothing about this book I didn’t like. Hennaed hands, traditional ghagra choli outfits, you can 'see' the gold brocade and figure hugging clothes and you can 'smell' the perfume. Plenty of scandal to keep your motor running. It all makes the book so much more fascinating. With quotes such as ‘And trust me, darling, a Chanel handbag can’t buy you a brain. Or class’ - you get the distinct impression that Zara has not forgotten where she came from, even to the extent that her hard-hitting movies have become a way of getting back at those who have treated her badly. She's definitely met her match with Dan!

I have a special love for the culture so this book had it all for me. Alex Khan has clearly done extensive research to make this book the bestseller it will be. Thank you to the author, Hera Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read this.. Highly recommended!

Bonkbusters seem to have faded into obscurity in recent years with other Chick Lit trends making themselves known, but I am very, very, very pleased to report that independent publisher Hera Books is bringing the genre BACK. (So is Alex Khan.) One of their first releases Bollywood Wives is the bonkbuster you've been missing and I absolutely loved it.

I've never read a novel set in or around Bollywood before and so this was an incredibly fascinating experience. Zara Das is your typical love-to-hate heroine who thinks the ground she walks on is gold and everybody loves her (although she loves herself more) and finds herself surprised and shocked when they don't. Saying that, trying to kill someone is possibly taking it a bit far, but it wouldn't be a bonkbuster without some bad blood and casual murder.

I was chuffed to pieces to see this is the first novel in a Bollywood Wives series because I definitely need more of these novels in my life stat. They're fantastic reads for the summer and I love that this genre is making a very welcome comeback.

Bollywood Wives is so fresh and exciting. Alex Khan takes you into the glitz, the glamour and the dangerous world of Bollywood, as competing stars fight to work their way to the top, and there are some who will do just about anything to get there. Alex’s writing is utterly immersive as he begins to peel back the layers of this world and as he explores the lives of his characters which are fleshed out really well.

There is so much I want to say about this book. I absolutely loved Zara, who is the first person we are introduced to. Zara is a complex character; she comes from a poor background but has swiftly risen to become one of Bollywood’s brightest stars. But her career is always under threat, either from rivals who want to steal her crown or extremists who are plotting to kill her.

The beginning of the book opens up with one such threat when there is an attempt on Zara’s life. Zara is due to appear in a new film, and the production team swiftly relocate to London for her safety. I did find that my opinion of Zara kept changing the more I got to know her character. She could be quite a gentle person at times, and there were often times when I felt sorry for her, but she could also be incredibly selfish.

If you’re familiar with Alex’s previous work, you will be able to see that this is very different to what he has written before. It’s a book that will pull you into the lives of the characters and their devious ways. You get a real sense of the characters feelings towards each other in Alex’s writing, and there is a lot of spitefulness and rivalry going on which is what made it so exciting.

I was totally surprised by the ending of this book, and it took a direction that I didn’t see coming. I really enjoyed reading it, and I hope that Alex continues to write more books set in this world. If you enjoy books filled with drama and characters that will keep you entertained and gripped, then I highly recommend it.

I love stories like this and couldn’t wait to read it. Had it not been for the fact I had to sleep I would have read this in one sitting. Instead I picked it up again this morning and read until I was done.

I found myself not liking the character of Zara for the first part of the book, she came across as a proper bitch if I’m being honest. I soon found myself warming to her though as the book went on. I loved the characters of Sasha, Rani and Jackie as their stories began to be told. Every one of them had been affected in different ways by the world they lived in and were trying to get through life as best they could. But sometimes that isn’t enough and they each made decisions during the story that would change their lives forever. I was rooting for them all so much.

The male characters were so different throughout, but I loved reading about them as well for what they brought to the overall story.

I felt that the end of the story wasn’t the end of the characters’ story however. In particular I feel there is more to hear from Dan, I was gutted with the way things went. Mind you, I can’t blame him given what he discovered. What a shocker that was. I also feel that the part of the story detailing Zara’s brother deserves to be dealt with. That is only my personal thoughts of course, and should the author decide to bring us more I for one will be waiting with bated breath.

Many thanks to Hera and Netgalley for providing a copy.

This is a new direction for Alex Caan away from his police procedural series as he ventures out as Alex Khan and a rather sexy women’s fiction novel with a flair of mystery and murder as an added bonus. The focus though is on the relationships of the wives of the stars of the film industry along with the beautiful top billing leading lady, Zara Das.
Zara hadn’t travelled on a right of passage through privilege, to get to top billing status, she had done things that she wasn’t proud of and it could all be taken away in an instant. She had found herself on shaky ground lately but the opportunity to go to London and star in a new film was the opening that she needed, to get back in the good books of the fans. This is along with the sympathy gained from an attempt on her life recently too, where her driver was killed. Threats keep coming making everyone seem like a suspect at different times in the story.
The Bollywood wives could never see Zara as being good enough for them because of her background, though they all have secrets about their personal lives that they would prefer to be kept private. Putting a perfect couple front on for the press was paramount to them. Now a dangerous mix of cast members have been brought together, to star in the new film, that for a price have promised to play nice. This in itself is causing plenty behind the scenes tension.
There is plenty of gossip, lots of very steamy bedroom scenes and total queen bitch moments to keep any bonkbuster readers very happy. Throw in blackmail, murder and a rather sexy head of security bloke and it definitely has the ingredients for an all round must read novel. Really liked how this book all tied up at the end, very clever story lines.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.

As soon as I saw the cover of BOLLYWOOD WIVES by Alex Khan I had a feeling that it was going to be right up my street and I was right!!

​Mystery, danger, tension, lust, and so much more nestles amongst these pages, all set against a stunning backdrop where Bollywood fever has taken over for a new movie, remaking the wonderful Pride and Prejudice. The setting is wonderfully descriptive and as someone who knew next to nothing about Bollywood, this story really makes it come alive for the reader. There are a lot of characters to get to grips with at the beginning but they all provide a special element or subplot to the overall book and make the story richer in the process. The lifestyle of the super-rich will make your jaw drop at times and there is just so much drama throughout that you will never want to put this book down.

BOLLYWOOD WIVES by Alex Khan is a firecracker of a story with something for everyone, from romance to suspense, and this is a book that is vibrant and addictive in all of the right ways!

This book!!! I absolutely loved it!! But it made me realise just how much I miss all the lovely “bonkbusters” of the 1980s-the ones I had hidden in my school bag that I used to devour on the school bus every morning and afternoon. Ever since Shirley Conran asked “Which of you bitches is my mother?” in Lace and made me look at goldfish in a completely different light (you’ll know what I mean if you’re a woman of a certain age like me!!) I have loved to read books about groups of women who all have different personalities but who are forced together due to their circumstances. And the recent(ish) success of The Real Housewives franchise has also made me realise we need MORE of those female dynamics in our fiction so thank goodness Alex Khan has come along to throw some shapes with his Bollywood Housewives and what a fabulous job he does too.

I have read books by Alex before, in his alter ego author persona of Alex Caan, but they were crime thrillers so in a way it’s no surprise that Bollywood Wives also contains a mystery to be solved. This enigma twists its way through the lives of a group of women who are connected through a Bollywood remake of Pride and Prejudice by top director Raj Dillon. The star of his new film is Zara Das, a beautiful actress who knows that this role will cement her place as one of Bollywood’s finest. But behind every successful star is that tough rise to the top and Zara hasn’t had the best start in life. The scenes that looked into her background were poignant and deeply affecting at times so it was wonderful to see her success, even though she didn’t have the freedom she probably expected to have. Still, she gets to stay in 7 star hotels with personal butlers but when incidents start to occur that show Zara is in danger, she realises that it’s not easy to hide from your past as it’s secrets will always try to hunt you down.

This is a sultry, sexy and rather dark thriller that pulls out all the stops! Alex Khan creates beautifully crafted and stylish characters, all of whom brought out different emotions in me. There were some very steamy scenes and some rather unexpected twists as well. The ending in particular surprised me and I do love an unpredictable denouement! So I’m hoping that although this is the first steamy thriller from Alex Khan, it won’t be his last. A heady mix of glamour, power, greed and jealousy wrapped up in a scandalously addictive mystery.

Highly recommended by me!

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!

Zara Das, born Parineeta Grover, knows a thing or two about the sacrifices one must make to get to the top, and stay there. As a girl, she’s the ugly duckling: too dark-skinned, too fat, and female to top. It’s safe to say her parents don’t like her all that much, and much prefer her twin brother Dev, who’s thin and fair and will one day bring home a wife and her dowry, instead of costing his parents money, like little Pari will. When Dev disappears, the relationship between Pari and her parents sours even more, and determinedly, she finds herself a way from rags to riches, from unpopular, ugly Pari to famous, gorgeous Zara. That way, however, is quite the rocky road and Zara finds herself having to do things, and having things done to her, that are best left unspoken, things she’s not proud of and would rather forget if only she could. Zara’s chequered past is interwoven with the present-day events and instead of slowing down the story, it propels it forward and lifts it to a whole other dimension. These past events are crucial to understand present-day Zara and the choices she has made and is currently making, but also gives us an insight in Indian society. Fascinating stuff!

So present-day Zara is trying to come back from a mistake she made, a scandal she caused. There are threats on her life, and living in Mumbai, let alone shooting a movie in Mumbai, has become too dangerous. So when the opportunity to film in London comes along, and with it the chance to redeem herself in the eyes of her fanbase, she jumps at it. Being in London is not quite what she’d thought it would be, though. For one, the threat seems to have followed her to London. Then there’s Dan, head of her security detail, who she could definitely fall for, if she’d allow herself to (and why not, he’s perfect, if I wasn’t married and he were real, I’d know what to do!) There’s Minnie, the daughter of a Bollywood legend who would like nothing better than to upstage Zara (spoilt little brat that she is, if I were Zara, I would have strangled her!) And of course, there’s the Bollywood wives:
Jackie, wife of film director Raj. She’s an American, and not afraid to speak her mind. Living with Raj though, is not all people might think it is. Their marriage is in turmoil and being in London doesn’t seem to help. Jackie’s a bit of a smart-arse sometimes, but her heart’s in the right place.
Sasha, wife of actor Imran. Living with a man so popular and so very in the public eye is not always easy. Sasha has her own hopes and dreams, beyond being a mother, beyond being “the wife of” but does Imran love her enough to allow her to pursue her dreams, even when they don’t rhyme with his conservative opinions? I was rooting for Sasha every step of the way!
Rani, wife of actor and silver fox Ajay. Having got to her age, with children and grandchildren, she thinks she has her ducks in a row. But has she really? I loved Rani’s evolution throughout the story!

Beyond the glitter and glamour of Bollywood we find the stark truth of Indian society and Indian men stuck in their conservative ways and we follow a bunch of strong women going against the flow and trying to make their mark.

Bollywood Wives is a melting pot of thriller, crime, feminism, Real Housewives and Sex & the City, dressed in a sari, and yes, I realise how weird that sounds, but it works!

Wow – I don’t think I have ever read a book like this before! I will admit that I was a little bit unsure of the storyline at first as I couldn’t really work out where things were going, or whose life I should be paying attention to the most. Of course there was the main character, Zara, who we get to know very well throughout the book, but there were other women in the book with such strong personalities that they were all fighting for the main spotlight.

I would say that the book reminded me of ITVBe program, ‘The Only Way is Essex’, but that may be deemed a negative remark, and it isn’t. I think the concept of ‘how the other half live’ so to speak, was what reminded me of the outspoken TV program, yet it was very clear that there was no competition for who won the glamour and sassy stakes – the Bollywood Wives.

The storyline is very unique due to it containing high end, glamorous Indian lifestyles alongside dark and thrilling elements, enough to grab you by the collar and hold you hostage like a bit of BDSM (with your consent…obviously 😉 ). I will admit, again, that I wasn’t really taken by the main character, Zara, as she had more of an unlikable vibe than likeable. That said, Minnie was farrrr worse than she was! Alex Khan is brilliant at creating such colourful and highly complex characters which can both grate you one minute, and then have you feeling like their BFF the next. Rani was good at that!!

So, despite my earlier uncertainty, I ended up being pleasantly surprised by how the storyline all came together and I cannot wait to see what Alex Khan brings to the table next – more sass I hope!

A addictive, glamorous and intense read which left me wanting more.

Bollywood Wives by Alex Khan has been described as sexy, addictive and gripping ... well just so you know ... it is all three of those things and more.


It's not often you get a UK crime fiction novel with a cover like this, is it? And for me this is just the icing on a rather delectable cake. This story is refreshingly different from anything else out there and takes British crime fiction into new territory. It's also a damn good read.




Khan takes us into the world of Bollywood superstar Zara Das where it's not all glamour, make-up and designer clothes (although there is a fair amount of that too). Privy to the bitchiness, the tension, the malaise that lingers malevolently just beneath the surface and often breaks through, we are soon draw into a fragile world that looks set to implode.



The Blurb

Zara Das is Bollywood’s hottest property, her every move watched by the eyes of the press. Riding high from the success of a string of blockbusters, she has the world at her feet, but the scandal from her latest film threatens to dethrone her as Bollywood’s reigning queen.

So when superstar director Raj Dillon stages a lavish retelling of Pride and Prejudice, moving the shoot from Mumbai’s soundstages to London, Zara knows this is the role that could put her back on top. Coming with them are the Bollywood Wives - Jackie, Sasha, and Rani - bringing their own off-screen drama.

But behind the diamonds, designer clothes and seven-star hotels lies the truth of how Zara reached the top. And when a dead body is found in her hotel room, it seems that someone is determined to take Zara down - and will stop at nothing to expose her darkest secrets.

Zara has spent years running from her past. But now it’s caught up with her…


My Thoughts


Khan skillfully draws a well rounded flawed, yet charismatic character in Zara by drip feeding snippets of her backstory into the mix of up market rivalry and jealousy. Having narrowly escaped a murder attempt after acting in a controversial role in Bollywood, Zara flees to London to work opposite a sought after leading man in a remake of Pride and Prejudice.
Her life under threat, brooding bodyguard Dan heading a team that surrounds her and further attempts on her life leave Zara in need of friends - but all she has are the Bollywood Wives - the directors wife Jackie, Zara's on screen lover's wife Sasha and Rani, the wife of prominent elder statesman actor Ajay
This is a quick and enthusiastic read filled with high drama and over the top behavior tempered by death threats and underlying uncertainties. As a character Zara 's story is the real hook. Who doesn't love a rags to riches story? But like all good rags to riches stories there are always those who with to harm you.
Khan brings perception and humour to the glamorous world he has set his novel in - there were some real full on chortle moments as his characters let loose as only the wealthy and indulged can. The characters all carry secrets and it is these that bring a commonality between the reader and the novel. Strip away the glitz, glitter and glamour and many of these human issues could play out equally well on the set of Eastenders or Corrie. Khan shows us that human nature is the same the world over, but it is oh so refreshing to read about it as if the plot was one massive Bollywood, star studded extravaganza.
Oh.... I nearly forgot ... Sex!
Khan brings the sexy juiciness to the whole suburban (Indian) theme by not shying away from the sex scenes ... and how could he when sex and jealousy and how sex is used is one of the prevailing themes through the novel and is pivotal to the tense, narcissistic, atmosphere?

This is a great story told around the life of the Bollywood stars, how they have succeeded and what are they capable to do to maintain their popularity, maybe killing, lying and manipulating? Ready for a fast trip to the glamorous world?
I can not say that this is the type of books I read, but it intrigued me discovering a little bit of the Bollywood world and their backstage, their dreams and their hopes; it had been a surprising and tumultuous read, because not all the stars shine…
This is the story of Zara and all the crew that will accompany her to the new Bollywood movie; someone is trying to scare her and attempt on her life; but she is not ready to hide, she wants the world to accept her and maintain her diva status. The only problem is that she is starting to feel the pressure of being a cold diva so maybe it will be the moment to change and to start trusting other people…
The story is not only based on Zara’s life but all the other women surrounding her, their stories and problems. I don’t want to tell much about them, it’s more interesting if you read their story!
I was quite surprised how the author explains the Indian society, very classical and close minded, but all the characters on the book are females trying to break the chains their life had been keeping them.
This had been a feminist read, on how women are kept behind their husbands/fathers/men in their life, and how is it on our hands to change our path, where women are ready to follow their dreams instead of keeping quiet. I know lately this is a theme that is in everybody’s talks, but, I think that if we don’t talk about it there will never be a big change!
Ready to discover the dark and light side of Bollywood?

One of my reading guilty pleasures is Jackie Collins - when I was in my 20s, I absolutely devoured her books! I loved the strong women characters, the shocking behaviour of the characters and the strong female leads!
So when I was given the opportunity to read Bollywood Wives, I jumped at the chance. And it took me right back!
Set in the world of Bollywood movies we meet a huge cast of characters who are in London, filming a Bollywood version of Pride and Prejudice. The lead female role is hot property Zara Das who comes to London after death threats and who along with the rest of the cast, is staying in the luxurious Mirage hotel. Raj Dillon is the director and his wife Jackie who is a documentary maker, longs for a child and drinks a bit too much. Sasha is the wife of Imran Khan, Zara's male lead. She has dreams of becoming of making her own movie but her husband is very traditional and feels she should just play the part of dutiful wife and mother. Rani is the wife of legendary actor Ajay (whose ex wife Lani and daughter Minnie are also involved in the movie).
With attempts on Zara's life, backstabbing amongst all the main characters, sex and secrets aplenty, this is a real bonk buster of a novel. A great book for reading on a hot beach somewhere - and it certainly took me back to my Jackie Collins days!

A riveting tale packed with scandal, mystery, sizzle, and glamour!

This book was so fun bursting with glitz, glam, and drama! A compelling story that showcased the excessive wealth and luxury surrounding Bollywood. I was completely invested and captivated from the very first page, brought back memories of books of old, this book definitely had a bit of a Jackie Collins vibe to it.

Zara has kicked and clawed her way to the top and is now a BIG Bollywood star. Now she is in London starring in a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Zara has always felt judged and look down upon by the Bollywood wives, but these ladies have secrets of their own. BUT when a dead body is discovered in Zara‘s room will she lose everything that she has worked so hard for? Will her secrets be revealed? And what is behind the dead body?

A tantalizing tale Full of brilliant and colorful characters! Zara was such a fabulously drawn character, as were all the secondary characters in this book. SO much drama, gossip, and angst. SO much fun to read! The perfect escapist story, a book to lose yourself in.

If you like scandal, glitz, glam, and steam topped off with the perfect amount of drama, this one is for you! Recommend!

<h🎵🎵🎵 Song Running Through My Head
I have no idea what these lyrics mean so apologies if it’s anything offensive, but this song really just reminds me of Bollywood! And I really like this song makes me want to dance!

Jai ho, jai ho
Aaja, aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
Aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale
Jai ho, jai ho
Ratti, ratti sachi maine jaan gavayi hai
Nach, nach koylo pe raat bitayi hai
Akhiyon ki neend maine phoonko se uda di
Neele tare se maine ungli jalayi hai
Aaja, aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
Aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale
Chakh le, ha, chakh le ye raat shahad hai, chakh le
Rakh le, ha, dil hai dil aakhri had hai, rakh le
Kala, kala kajal tera koi kala jadoo hai na
Kala, kala kajal tera koi kala jadoo hai na
Aaja, aaja jind shamiyane ke tale
Aaja jariwale nile aasman ke tale
Jai ho,…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UxLSZoFK8EM

*** huge thank you too Hera Books for my copy of this book ***

OMG loved this book so much!! I've always been a bonkbuster fan - I love Jackie Collins, Jilly Cooper etc but I can't believe it's taken so long for someone to set a bonkbuster in Bollywood not Hollywood and this novel did not disappoint. Glamour, jetsetting, intrigue, sex (of course!), wealth - this book had the lot. In all honesty I did guess the twist but I so loved the novel and the larger than life characters, it didn't matter a bit. Definitely a fantastic holiday / beach read! Looking forward to the next one :)

An usual setting for a thriller. Bollywood actress flees India and comes to make a film in London.
Death threats, secrets, love and friendships are the base of this story and the storyline continues to make you think.

I absolutely LOVED this book!!

It is fabulous from the front cover right through to the ending – it is definitely a book I am going to be recommending and I am so glad that I grabbed a copy to review!

I thought that the plot was brilliant, the setting was great and I loved the characters – they were so well developed it made for an excellent read! My mum loves this type of book so will be making sure she gets a copy for Mother’s Day!

It is five stars from me for this one – a brilliant story, full of excitement that was completely addictive and really had me hooked – very highly recommended!! I loved it!!

As a young adult I used to devour Jackie Collins's novels and I never realised how much I missed that style of story....until now.

Bollywood Wives is a racy and glamorous tale of love, deceit and money. It was perfect for an indulgent getaway into a world I'll never be part of and once I started there was no stopping me until I'd finished.

Initially I found the character of Zara Das quite unlikeable but as her character developed it became clear why she put on an act and that she was a completely different person underneath the facade. She also provides a strong feminist voice throught the narrative.

The backdrop for this story is pure luxury and fantasy. But underneath all the glitter and glitz lies a darker side that the public don't see. Alex Khan delves into this aspect of fame and does a great job of highlighting some real life issues around exploitation and the media.

A sizzling and fast paced novel with plenty of surprises.