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

I really liked this!
I loved that Hani and Ishu, in their own way, are so close to my personality.
I loved the sisterly dynamic between Nik and Ishu because of the maturity of Nik and Parent-pleaser Ishu.

I kind of thought I would hate Nik in the first half but she is the best side character.

I
Hani is just the sweetest girl, I was/am kind of like her because of her not setting boundaries with her friends.
It is kind of slow-burn ?

I thought there wouldn't be any kiss because there wasn't any until the end of the 3rd act conflict. Not that it would have been catastrophic since it is YA

I learned a lot about Desi people and liked it wayyy more than when I read Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma.
I'm just a bit sad that Ishu couldn't come out to her parents. But it is pleasing to know that a lot of queer teenagers felt seen reading about it since it is a harsh reality.
It did not get a higher rating because we didn't really know any character outside of Nik and Aisling. (And don't tell there's Dee we only know she's a doormat)

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lailajm's review

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lighthearted relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.0

An easy read and a very enjoyable one! I’m not a huge fan of romance novels but this one was lovely!

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jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

Adiba Jaidirdar tackles first love, toxic friendship, messy family dynamics, and so much more in Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating. The Bengali and Muslim culture throughout the book was so good! I adore the fact that Hani's parents were completely supportive of her queerness and Nikhita was ready to go to bat for Ishu. Hani is further proof that queerness and religion are not a dichotomy, and I'm always so excited to find new books that explore the relationship between the two.

The romance between Hani and Ishu was the best kind of slow burn, because we got to see them become each other's person and struggle with what it means to fall in love with someone. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this is a new favorite addition to the list. Do you love sapphic romance? Fake dating? Teens being teens? Pick this one up.

Hani's friends are going to get what's coming to them for all their crimes. We ride at dawn people.

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cats33's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

5.0

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yasidiaz's review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

4.75

I have only read one other book from Adiba Jaigirdar and I have already come to love the way can bring overall lighthearted and funny stories while still touching serious topics. It gives more to relate to with the characters and understand queer BIPOC people.

When I read the Dos and Donuts of Love I noted how the romance didn't do much for me until the end, however, that didn't happen with this one. Not only did I love Ishu and Hani from the start, but I also loved them together. The more they got to know each other and became protective of each other while trying to deny their feelings was chef's kiss to me.

My only complaint and the only reason this is not 5 starts, it's that I wish I would have loved to see more pining and more funny hijinks between them and their arrangement.

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moondaisyy's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted sad slow-paced

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

4.0

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