About the Author
Venuka Goyal is an IITian, an alumnus of The Ohio State University, and a professionally trained scientist, currently embracing the role of being a full-time mom and part-time everything else.
A teacher by day and an author by night, Venuka is a multi-faceted talent who balances her love for storytelling with her many other passions. She enjoys travelling, reading books, and watching movies.
Venuka writes sweet and wholesome contemporary romance, focusing on the nature of relationships and marriage in modern India. Through her heartfelt stories, she brings to life the nuances of Indian culture, love, and family dynamics in a changing world.
You can connect with Venuka on:
📸 Instagram: @venuka.goyal
🐦 Twitter: @venukagoyal
📖 Blurb of the Book
The Unexpected Gulab Jamun is a light, contemporary romance set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai.
The story revolves around Kavita, a career-driven, independent young woman with strong emotional ties to her family. Kavita is not someone chasing after love — until fate reconnects her with Amit, an old college acquaintance.
As their friendship blossoms into something deeper, life throws a twist when Amit receives an opportunity in the USA. Kavita now faces the dilemma of choosing between her familiar world or taking a leap of faith for love.
As the title suggests, the story is sprinkled with moments of sweetness, much like the unexpected appearance of a gulab jamun in a savory meal.
⭐ Star Rating: 3.5/5
📝 Verdict
A sweet, easy, and heartwarming romance that resonates with modern Indian readers. Perfect for those who love light romantic reads with cultural flavor.
🌸 Review
The cover of The Unexpected Gulab Jamun instantly caught my eye — it has a fairy tale romance vibe, and the title truly spoke to my foodie heart (I absolutely love gulab jamuns!). In fact, while reading this book, I often felt like enjoying a warm gulab jamun with ice cream — my favorite combination! 🍨🍮
The story is simple yet emotionally engaging. Kavita’s character is well crafted — a relatable blend of ambition, independence, and vulnerability. Her internal conflicts and emotional journey feel real.
Amit’s character was particularly refreshing — a supportive, kind, and emotionally mature man who complements Kavita’s personality perfectly. Their relationship unfolds in a very organic way, not overly dramatic, but realistic and heartwarming.
The writing style is easy and flows smoothly. Venuka Goyal doesn’t rely on complex language or elaborate twists; instead, she delivers a warm, simple story that tugs at the heartstrings. The pacing is steady, making this book a great pick for a cozy weekend read.
One of the book’s biggest charms is how it weaves Indian cultural elements and emotional dynamics into a modern love story. The references to food, family traditions, and city life add a relatable layer to the narrative.
⚖️ Drawback
While the story is sweet, it is also predictable at times. Experienced romance readers might find it lacking in unexpected plot turns or deeper conflict.
Additionally, some moments could have been explored with more depth to add layers to the characters’ emotional journeys. If you’re looking for a highly intense or complex romance, this may feel a bit light.
✨ Final Words
Overall, The Unexpected Gulab Jamun is a feel-good romance with an Indian flavor. It celebrates love, family, and life’s simple joys.
If you’re in the mood for an easy, comforting read — one that pairs perfectly with a cup of chai (and maybe a gulab jamun or two!) — this book will leave you smiling.
Highly recommended for fans of light contemporary romance and readers who enjoy stories about modern Indian women navigating life and love.
✨ Reviewed by Himani Goyal for Soul Cosmic
📚 “Because sometimes, all you need is love… and a gulab jamun.”
Amazon Link: https://amzn.in/d/dU8P3X6
Soul Cosmic by Himani 
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