Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating

Fantastic representation, and I found Ishu and Hani to be really believable teens. I was a bit bothered by just how villainous Hani's friends were, and it confused me why she cared so much about them. I was much more drawn to the family storylines because of that. However, I think it was an important focus of the book to underline the racism and xenophobia the characters would experience in that environment. Overall I enjoyed this romance and coming of age thoroughly.

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alexelli's review

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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kitty_may12's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

not only was this one of the cutest things I've ever read filled with an endearing romance brimming with optimism and hope that had me feeling all the feels. Hani and Ishu couldn't be more different yet, there's a kind of push-and-pull dynamic between them that's thoroughly enjoyable. The girls are wholly unique with their own distinct voice, flaws and motivations.

A thoughtful own-voices story that is dynamic and joyous. Embracing every aspect of both the Irish and Bengali cultures and weaves a confidently complex narrative that treats both with respect.

Razor sharp, taking a sledgehammer to archetypes and stereotypes with it's messages of hope that cannot be overlooked.

<also I hated Hani's fake-ass friends<

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charliecares's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I really enjoyed this book!! It definitely gave me war flashbacks to when I was in high school and horrible and lebiphobic + biphobic ppl are. especiallyyy with hani's friends and they homophobic things they are saying, it was like re-living hell. but the angst and romance was so great and its the first book I've read by adiba and it was so beautifully written I can't wait to read to the others I have on my shelf!

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lemonix_reads's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted relaxing tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

AMAZING! It has fake dating AND is Sapphic. What coud you want more?
This book filled me with so much queer joy. I recommend it to everyone who likes romance. This is such a cute story. The ending was perfect in my opinion.

I hate Aisling omg. Deirdre isn't much better :/ I'm so glad Hani stood up for herself. That was so brave.

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