NOTE: This is a revised edition of the book previously published as A PERFECT MISMATCH under Mills&Boon: Indian Author Collection (Harper Collins) in September 2014.

BLURB

Armaan Malhotra is a celebrity artist, with an aversion to commitment in relationships. Unlike his famous works of art that are filled with colours, he is careful to keep his personal life a blank canvas.

Zara is a spirited, independent young woman who has carved out a niche for herself professionally. Branded as ‘illegitimate’ since her childhood, she hopes to find happiness in a practical marriage some day. Her mother's indiscretion has haunted her all her life, teaching her pragmatism and independence the hard way.

Having known each other as children, Zara finds Armaan arrogant and insensitive in spite of a secret crush she had on him as a teenager. Armaan finds Zara stubborn and defiant even though he feels irresistibly drawn to her. Both detest the sight of each other.

Under pressure from Armaan's mother, Zara and Armaan agree on a short-term arranged marriage. Soon, the undercurrent of tension and fierce attraction blows up into a full-fledged battle on their honeymoon.

Thrown together in an unexpected situation, they are compelled to alter their prejudiced notions about each other as their marriage begins to take on a different hue from what they had wanted.

Could the true colours of love transform their antagonism into deep abiding faith?


***

Dear Reader

Like all die-hard romantics, I love happy endings. Even the most hardened cynics (they may never admit it!) harbour a tiny space in their hearts filled with the hope of happy endings. And that is the one reason we all love a good romance. It is the ‘feel good’ factor (the scientifically inclined would resolutely call it oxytocin) that envelops us when we read a great love story. However poignant, dark or even violent its contents, it is the firm assurance that things would turn out just fine, that makes us pick up a romance novel.

My story is about two people who have gone through a painful childhood, scarred and mistrustful, unable to let love into their hearts or learn to trust each other. Trust is an integral part of love that keeps it all going. Without trust there is no love. You may love someone deeply but it will eventually wither away if there is no trust mutually. And that forms the crux of every love story.

Every relationship is defined by the personalities of the people it encompasses. Armaan is talented, temperamental, stubborn, fiercely passionate, driven by his inner demons. Only someone equally strong, capable and fearless like Zara could handle an alpha male like him. They are antagonistic and passionate, downright silly at times and yet, vulnerable. The result is resounding fireworks and sizzling chemistry.

Would they accept their follies and learn to trust each other with deep abiding faith and immeasurable love? Read on to find out.

Hope you enjoy this revised edition of my debut book A Perfect Mismatch.

Love you all.

Leena Varghese