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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
3.8★ Adiba Jaigirdar might be the only YA romance author who can actually make me root for the couple, like the plot, and find the characters well-written in one. After reading The Henna Wars, I decided to give Hani and Ishu a chance, and I'm so glad I did. Like the last book, I enjoyed the vibes and setting. I also appreciated that characters didn't change their ways to have a happy ending, and that there was one either way (Hani's friends, Nik and her parents, Ishu not having to come out).
I also think that Ishu researching nearby halal restaurants for Hani is Flávia-level adorable.
I also think that Ishu researching nearby halal restaurants for Hani is Flávia-level adorable.
emotional
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Racism, Xenophobia
hopeful
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:
Yes
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Islamophobia, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Gaslighting, Abandonment
inspiring
fast-paced
I loved the plot and the very important issues of Muslim characters who never get any representation in the lesbian romance teenage department but in my opinion the romance was lacking and as such a huge part of the book I just didn’t believe in the romance part but still a really interesting and enjoyable read.
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
challenging
emotional
reflective
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:
Complicated
I went into this expecting a lighthearted romcom and let's just say I was surprised! There were definitely parts that lived up to the cover art but there's also so much more depth and nuance to this book. I'd say this is less a romance book than a book about the struggles of the expectations of an immigrant family, living in an overwhelmingly white community when you're a POC, and dealing with the microaggressions from people who don't think they're racist, but they're definitely not NOT racist.
The exploration of Hani's toxic friendship with Dee and Aisling was definitely the most standout part of the book. It was so complex and honestly felt more like the focus of the book than the actual romance, even though the romance got more time. It was heartbreaking to see Hani get constantly subtly degraded and bulldozed over and pushed aside when she didn't fit into her friend's ideas of "normal" as a practicing Muslim. Them being teenagers added a layer to it but there was also such a relatable message of how people, of any age, are willing to make themselves smaller just to have somewhere to fit.
Ishu's story with her family was incredibly compelling too. Her parents refusing to see that all the sacrifices they made to give their children a better life is what's making their lives WORSE in the end with the endless expectation of success, as if it's something owed to them since they suffered to give their children more opportunities. Every conflict in this book was beautifully detailed and nuanced and I enjoyed them all so much.
The romance was also very sweet and tender. Seeing both Hani and Ishu grow as people while falling for each other was a real treat.
C.A.P.E Rating:
Characters - 4/5
Atmosphere - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
The exploration of Hani's toxic friendship with Dee and Aisling was definitely the most standout part of the book. It was so complex and honestly felt more like the focus of the book than the actual romance, even though the romance got more time. It was heartbreaking to see Hani get constantly subtly degraded and bulldozed over and pushed aside when she didn't fit into her friend's ideas of "normal" as a practicing Muslim. Them being teenagers added a layer to it but there was also such a relatable message of how people, of any age, are willing to make themselves smaller just to have somewhere to fit.
Ishu's story with her family was incredibly compelling too. Her parents refusing to see that all the sacrifices they made to give their children a better life is what's making their lives WORSE in the end with the endless expectation of success, as if it's something owed to them since they suffered to give their children more opportunities. Every conflict in this book was beautifully detailed and nuanced and I enjoyed them all so much.
The romance was also very sweet and tender. Seeing both Hani and Ishu grow as people while falling for each other was a real treat.
C.A.P.E Rating:
Characters - 4/5
Atmosphere - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Enjoyment - 4/5