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mycatmycatandme's review against another edition
- 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
I liked it, but please don’t go in expecting a lighthearted romcom.
Graphic: Rape, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Suicide, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Minor: Islamophobia, Abortion, and Vomit
frantically's review against another edition
- 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
2.5
We start with the typical rom-com elements, second-chance romance, meet-cutes, all the good stuff. When we get introduced to Shobi, I immediately think "Damn, I wish this book was about her." I spoke too early because in some way it did — and thus the rom-com was over.
This is such a heavy (and such a slowww) book. The different plots (Ashna & Rico and Ashna & Shobi and Shobi's past) didn't feel like they fit into the same book, which made the whole thing feel all over the place.
Espically Ashna and Rico's story just didn't make me feel anything (which is bad in a supposed romance book). Most of the time I even thought there was a better love interest for Rico. We didn't have nearly enough development for their relationship.
I loved the first book in the series but after this one, I don't think I'll be continuing — too many surprises for me. I'll leave this at 2.5⭐
Graphic: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Infidelity, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abortion
the_wistful_word_witch's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
You don't see a ton of Ashna in the first book, so I was glad to get this deeper look at her life as a Raje cousin determined to save her father's failing restaurant while avoiding her estranged mother. So determined in fact that she makes the wild decision to participate in a reality TV show about cooking.
Which is where her old flame, Rico, comes into play. He's still not over Ashna, and it's clear she's still not over him. But life red-carded them. And they were both so young and so scared to share their secrets that they let those fears rip them apart and send them down completely unexpected paths. But now, he's stepping off the pitch and back into Ashna's life.
I also loved getting peeks into Ashna's and her mother Shoban's pasts, despite how tragic it all was. There are more secrets there, which just reinforces the message about open, honest, clear communication from the first book. Their estrangement really tugged on my heart strings as I am going though something similar, although for vastly different reasons. It helped me connect with Ashna even more.
Of course, my heart melted at the happily-ever-after ending, my tears of sorrow turning to tears of joy. This series just keeps getting better and better...
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Addiction, Gun violence, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Rape, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
shaipanda's review
- 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
Literally read it in just over 24 hours lol so so so good but definitely be aware of content warnings because this book may be a romance but it’s really dark and has a lot of heavy topics
Edit: switched it from 5 to 4.75 though bc I just remember like nothing about it lol and I can’t keep something rated 5 stars if i don’t remember anything about it
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Gun violence, Abandonment, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Suicide, Body horror, Rape, and Sexism
Moderate: Classism and Islamophobia
Minor: Abortion
allisonwonderlandreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This take on Persuasion has all the heart-wrenching second chance material you could ask for. The trope is handled so well, providing well-timed flashbacks to give us a sense of Ashna and Rico's teenage relationship and why it could haunt them twelve years later. Following the precedent set in the first book, family relationships are just as important to the story. Loyalty and unconditional love continue to be cornerstones of the Raje family, but this book also dives into some of the more twisted, uglier relationships. Flashbacks to Ashna's semi-estranged mother explain the tension in their relationship in 360°, inviting readers to dive deep into the complexity and understand why both characters are hurting. It makes seeing their journey that much more satisfying.
My only complaint has to do with pacing. The majority of the book is very fraught with minimal emotional progress as Ashna refuses overtures from both Rico and her mother to let go of the guilt and misery that define her existence. The pacing fit the gravity of the situation, and I respected the tone although the absurdities of the reality cooking show felt out of place to me in contrast (a personal first; I live for that shit). After all the pushback and struggle, I was surprised how quickly everything then resolved itself at the end and in totality. While I was certainly ready for things to progress, it was a bit of a shock to my system after the journey so far.
The Rajes hold a special place in my heart, and I love returning to this series. Second chance is not my favorite, but I think this take on Persuasion managed the characters' and my emotions beautifully. This is a weighty story, and I appreciate its unflinching look at important issues. I can't wait to read the next book.
Graphic: Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Rape
Minor: Cancer, Pregnancy, Car accident, Classism, Sexual content, and Vomit
thosemedalingkids's review against another edition
2.0
Moderate: Addiction, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Classism, Misogyny, Abandonment, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Rape, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
amibo's review
- 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
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Abortion, Blood, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Misogyny