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marissasbooks's review against another edition
funny
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Mental illness
booksandprosecco's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Eating disorder
emfass's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I liked all the attention paid to food in this book, although I would've gladly traded some of the time spent on the page for getting to know the hero better, or exploring the heroine's mental health in more depth. I did appreciate the representation of being so wrapped up in family dynamics and trying to keep everyone happy, and the paradox of simultaneously trying to lead a life of your own.
There were some things I did like about this book, but ultimately I struggled with a lot of it. There was a moment 75% of the way through where Reena, the heroine, is having a reckoning with herself about needing to face her issues. She's taking stock of her life and the things she's dealt with. As her issues were being listed, I noticed that most of these things had taken place off page, or before the book had started, which made me feel a bit...left behind? I found I didn't care as much as I wished I did in this moment of her story. I think this connects into my main struggle with the book: there was a lot of pulling into Reena's mind in the middle of a scene or conversation so that we as the reader could get context/background for what was going on, but it led to me feeling detached from the scene we were currently in, especially when it would go on for a couple paragraphs or pages. Additionally, my number one complaint that arises when a book doesn't really grab me applies here: too much telling, not enough showing.
I was incredibly wary when we met Nadim, especially because of how much he was flirting with Reena after she'd made it clear (I thought) that she wasn't interested, or certainly before she was showing him any mutual interest. With that said, I thought consent representation was pretty great when it came up throughout the rest of the book.
I didn't love the myriad subplots, though I mostly found them hard to track in the moment of revelation when they all came together at the end. In trying to follow the reveals, my brain got tired, and in emerging from the other side, I'm not sure how well they served the story as opposed to just diffusing focus.
Lastly, I am always bummed by fade-to-black steamy scenes. I'm happy for them to exist that way for those readers that want them, but I want to be present for all the moments of the main characters getting to know each other and building intimacy.
There were some things I did like about this book, but ultimately I struggled with a lot of it. There was a moment 75% of the way through where Reena, the heroine, is having a reckoning with herself about needing to face her issues. She's taking stock of her life and the things she's dealt with. As her issues were being listed, I noticed that most of these things had taken place off page, or before the book had started, which made me feel a bit...left behind? I found I didn't care as much as I wished I did in this moment of her story. I think this connects into my main struggle with the book: there was a lot of pulling into Reena's mind in the middle of a scene or conversation so that we as the reader could get context/background for what was going on, but it led to me feeling detached from the scene we were currently in, especially when it would go on for a couple paragraphs or pages. Additionally, my number one complaint that arises when a book doesn't really grab me applies here: too much telling, not enough showing.
I was incredibly wary when we met Nadim, especially because of how much he was flirting with Reena after she'd made it clear (I thought) that she wasn't interested, or certainly before she was showing him any mutual interest. With that said, I thought consent representation was pretty great when it came up throughout the rest of the book.
I didn't love the myriad subplots, though I mostly found them hard to track in the moment of revelation when they all came together at the end. In trying to follow the reveals, my brain got tired, and in emerging from the other side, I'm not sure how well they served the story as opposed to just diffusing focus.
Lastly, I am always bummed by fade-to-black steamy scenes. I'm happy for them to exist that way for those readers that want them, but I want to be present for all the moments of the main characters getting to know each other and building intimacy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content
jenkneebee's review against another edition
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Mental illness
_skyler's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Eating disorder
amandamagdic's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
This book was my book club book of the month and it did not disappoint. I loved everything about it. I love the chemistry and relationship between Reena and Nadim. How the fact that they may come from similar ethnic back grounds they have had completely different life experiences. Reena's family is large and intrusive and she's been unlucky in the job market, now currently unemployed. Nadim is an only child to a single father who had grown up in the business world his father inhabits. While originally they were supposed to come together due to their parents meddling, its their mutual love of bread and food that really light the initial fire. After a drunken night blowing off steam and bad days, Reena and Nadim end up entering a couples cooking contest, with the grand prize being a scholarship to Reena's dream culinary school. As the contest progressing so does their feelings for each other.
This story by a Canadian author has everything you could want. It was an easy read with a great pace, fun relatable characters, delicious food (have snacks on hand for reading) and diversity. While the majority of the book was light hearted, I really appreciated the tackling of some life issues like, depression, eating disorder and the need to keep and dangers of secrets. 5 stars and lots of fun :)
This story by a Canadian author has everything you could want. It was an easy read with a great pace, fun relatable characters, delicious food (have snacks on hand for reading) and diversity. While the majority of the book was light hearted, I really appreciated the tackling of some life issues like, depression, eating disorder and the need to keep and dangers of secrets. 5 stars and lots of fun :)
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder and Mental illness
now_booking's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
This was an easy 5 stars for me! Within the first 10 minutes of picking this up, I already knew this was going to be fabulous- my first impressions of this being breezily relatable, relevant and absolutely delicious were spot on. It has all the ingredients I like- an introspective slightly neurotic heroine, complex family dynamics, female friendships, an instantly emotionally-available hero, and the most delectable breads (my favourite) and food. This book is absolute rom-com gold to me.
The premise of this book is that Reena is an aspiring baker and all round cooking/bread making savant stuck in a financial job she doesn’t really care about and trying to keep her head above water when it comes to her meddling family. When said meddling family hooks her up with recently arrived to Canada, Nadim, she instantly rejects him so as not to reward their meddling even though she’s super attracted to him. When the worst of days leads to Reena and Nadim inadvertently entering entering a tv cooking competition for families, the two find themselves accidentally engaged.
Everything about this book is absolutely adorable. Indeed now I’m gagging to read this author’s debut, The Chai Factor, which I believe stars Reena’s best friend in this book, Amira. I need more of this author’s engaging, eminently-readable humour and wit, as well as her understanding of family and people and society. But have no fear, you CAN start with this book. It is completely standalone and makes absolute sense even if you haven’t read Amira’s book- I’m a stickler for reading in order and though the vague references to Amira’s story intrigued me, I was never lost in the story.
What’s great about this is that it follows traditional rom-com plotting in terms of the way the story is told, but the FOOD!!!! The culture!!!! The family!!! All of that adds colour and life and vibrancy to what is a standard rom-com plot trajectory. There’s as much intrigue and tension in this as there is emotion and vulnerability. There’s humour and there’s brokenness. There’s relationships being healed and truths being told, but also the recognition that some relationships are beyond healing. I love the amount of growth in both protagonists as characters. The amount of learning to go beyond past toxic acceptance of situations and relationships with themselves and others that no longer serve them. I adored the complexity of the family dynamics from Reena’s fraught relationship with her parents, and with her sister Saira. Nadim was an absolute delight- imperfect but adorable and likable with his kinks and closed off openness. He was a perfect match to Reena who was more reserved and self-protective.
Heat-wise, this felt immensely spicy even though it’s more a closed door romance or at least, one with the door ajar. It’s not explicit but there’s so much chemistry and banter foreplay and food foreplay that it feels hotter than it probably is in truth. The characters in this are Ismaili (Muslim) but it’s not a book in which religion is a significant theme. To me, and social norms are more significant in this novel than religion is, but I’d love to read some own voices reviews about how this read to people who share a cultural background with the characters. Personally, I felt like I got new insights into East African Indian food and diaspora culture and it was a joy to experience. I HIGHLY recommend this to any fans of food-based romances or rom-coms. This book is gentle but also dramatic and a perfect read if you’re looking to be consumed by your next read.
I got a complimentary copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book is that Reena is an aspiring baker and all round cooking/bread making savant stuck in a financial job she doesn’t really care about and trying to keep her head above water when it comes to her meddling family. When said meddling family hooks her up with recently arrived to Canada, Nadim, she instantly rejects him so as not to reward their meddling even though she’s super attracted to him. When the worst of days leads to Reena and Nadim inadvertently entering entering a tv cooking competition for families, the two find themselves accidentally engaged.
Everything about this book is absolutely adorable. Indeed now I’m gagging to read this author’s debut, The Chai Factor, which I believe stars Reena’s best friend in this book, Amira. I need more of this author’s engaging, eminently-readable humour and wit, as well as her understanding of family and people and society. But have no fear, you CAN start with this book. It is completely standalone and makes absolute sense even if you haven’t read Amira’s book- I’m a stickler for reading in order and though the vague references to Amira’s story intrigued me, I was never lost in the story.
What’s great about this is that it follows traditional rom-com plotting in terms of the way the story is told, but the FOOD!!!! The culture!!!! The family!!! All of that adds colour and life and vibrancy to what is a standard rom-com plot trajectory. There’s as much intrigue and tension in this as there is emotion and vulnerability. There’s humour and there’s brokenness. There’s relationships being healed and truths being told, but also the recognition that some relationships are beyond healing. I love the amount of growth in both protagonists as characters. The amount of learning to go beyond past toxic acceptance of situations and relationships with themselves and others that no longer serve them. I adored the complexity of the family dynamics from Reena’s fraught relationship with her parents, and with her sister Saira. Nadim was an absolute delight- imperfect but adorable and likable with his kinks and closed off openness. He was a perfect match to Reena who was more reserved and self-protective.
Heat-wise, this felt immensely spicy even though it’s more a closed door romance or at least, one with the door ajar. It’s not explicit but there’s so much chemistry and banter foreplay and food foreplay that it feels hotter than it probably is in truth. The characters in this are Ismaili (Muslim) but it’s not a book in which religion is a significant theme. To me, and social norms are more significant in this novel than religion is, but I’d love to read some own voices reviews about how this read to people who share a cultural background with the characters. Personally, I felt like I got new insights into East African Indian food and diaspora culture and it was a joy to experience. I HIGHLY recommend this to any fans of food-based romances or rom-coms. This book is gentle but also dramatic and a perfect read if you’re looking to be consumed by your next read.
I got a complimentary copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
megmcreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Accidentally Engaged was a delightful read! It was also a delicious read!
I adored Reena and Nadim both together and apart and all the side characters add the perfect balance of sweet and salty. This book was literary umami! Did I mention food is also a major character? It's basically Reena, Nadim and food!
What I adore most about the way Farah writes is that she exposes the reader to a segment of a culture they may be unfamiliar with without it feeling like a powerpoint presentation. The world is so much bigger than we tend to acknowledge and getting tidbits, and recipes even, from places we weren't expecting was such a great surprise.
I loved the competition (and now feel the need to write a letter to FoodNetwork Canada to insist they look into doing one) and the deeper issues touched upon. I also love how Farah writes about a place I know well. A place so often replaced by more, well American, cities to "appeal to the American audience." I feel like Farah has proven that books can take place in Canada and be unapologetically Canadian. The balance of culture and home and traditions is absolute perfection.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review!
I adored Reena and Nadim both together and apart and all the side characters add the perfect balance of sweet and salty. This book was literary umami! Did I mention food is also a major character? It's basically Reena, Nadim and food!
What I adore most about the way Farah writes is that she exposes the reader to a segment of a culture they may be unfamiliar with without it feeling like a powerpoint presentation. The world is so much bigger than we tend to acknowledge and getting tidbits, and recipes even, from places we weren't expecting was such a great surprise.
I loved the competition (and now feel the need to write a letter to FoodNetwork Canada to insist they look into doing one) and the deeper issues touched upon. I also love how Farah writes about a place I know well. A place so often replaced by more, well American, cities to "appeal to the American audience." I feel like Farah has proven that books can take place in Canada and be unapologetically Canadian. The balance of culture and home and traditions is absolute perfection.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Eating disorder
decklededgess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
trigger warnings: job loss, depression, alcohol abuse, sex and nudity mention, biphobia mention, cheating mention, incest mention, eating disorder mention, islamophobia mention
bro this book was wild lmao. a wild foot fetish appears. i loved it either way though it was pretty funny and the romance was super adorable.
bro this book was wild lmao. a wild foot fetish appears. i loved it either way though it was pretty funny and the romance was super adorable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual content, Islamophobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Biphobia, Body shaming, Incest, Mental illness, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
qace90's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
4.75
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
This is a great blending of family and friendship and romance, as well as finding your own path and finding love along the way. Really enjoyed this! Full review closer to release.
Full review:
This book is so wonderful!
Reena is unhappy at her finance job and finds her family to be overly meddling, especially when she learns her father has arranged her engagement with Nadim as part of a business agreement. But when she happens to meet him as her new neighbor, and he’s already smitten with the fresh-baked bread smells always coming from her apartment, she’s unwillingly attracted to him. When she loses her job and runs into Nadim at the local bar, they drunkenly submit a video to a cooking contest and find themselves faking their engagement in order to win prestigious baking course.
This was really fun and sweet, full of wonderful friendship and complicated familial relationships. I loved seeing the development between Reena and Saira, her younger sister, especially and how even a tense sibling bond can change with effort and time. I also loved how central food was and how much love was included in the meals Reena and Nadim made. I appreciated how they wanted to stay true to their roots as East African-Indian Muslims and refused to dilute or colonize their food.
I will admit I almost set this book aside because I was feeling bored and there’s more fatmisia than I’m wholly comfortable with, but I’m glad I stuck it out because the ending especially was super sweet. This has such a sweet romance and I think it played wonderfully with the fake dating trope. Definitely recommend if you’re interested in a romance where friendship and food are central, and family is complicated but still loving in their imperfect ways.
This is a great blending of family and friendship and romance, as well as finding your own path and finding love along the way. Really enjoyed this! Full review closer to release.
Full review:
This book is so wonderful!
Reena is unhappy at her finance job and finds her family to be overly meddling, especially when she learns her father has arranged her engagement with Nadim as part of a business agreement. But when she happens to meet him as her new neighbor, and he’s already smitten with the fresh-baked bread smells always coming from her apartment, she’s unwillingly attracted to him. When she loses her job and runs into Nadim at the local bar, they drunkenly submit a video to a cooking contest and find themselves faking their engagement in order to win prestigious baking course.
This was really fun and sweet, full of wonderful friendship and complicated familial relationships. I loved seeing the development between Reena and Saira, her younger sister, especially and how even a tense sibling bond can change with effort and time. I also loved how central food was and how much love was included in the meals Reena and Nadim made. I appreciated how they wanted to stay true to their roots as East African-Indian Muslims and refused to dilute or colonize their food.
I will admit I almost set this book aside because I was feeling bored and there’s more fatmisia than I’m wholly comfortable with, but I’m glad I stuck it out because the ending especially was super sweet. This has such a sweet romance and I think it played wonderfully with the fake dating trope. Definitely recommend if you’re interested in a romance where friendship and food are central, and family is complicated but still loving in their imperfect ways.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder and Mental illness
Minor: Ableism, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Sexual content