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addielivid's review
I knew exactly how the story was going to play out by the time i reached this point in the book. The characters explained exactly what they were going to do to each other instead of having the other point of view figure it out. Kinda sad.
graceygal49's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I loved how this book described the complexity of family relationships. I felt very seen reading a book that showed a broken mother-daughter relationship. It was like the author was describing my life through tiny details that were so deeply real.
freckleduck's review
3.0
I liked this better than the first and although the set up felt a bit much and the grand gesture was a tad over the top. I did love the ending and the relationship.
rangsi's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5
lost_in_novels's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Thank you Libro.fm for an ARC of Sugar, Spice, and can't Play Nice.
Sugar Spice and Can't play Nice is a "standalone" book that is part of a series of a group of South Asian friends living in New York.
If you like the arranged marriage trope this will be right in your alley! Payal is a clothes designer from a wealthy family that is trying to launch her brand. Work already takes a lot of her time and she mostly do one night-stands.
However, things change when her family calls her saying that she needs to enter in this arranged marriage with the son of another family because their company is not doing well financially and they need this merger, just to see that the guy in question was one of her last one-stands.
I really loved the diverse group of friends and how the author incorporate things of south asian culture into the story line. I was actually very excited to hear about the different clothes, foods etc while reading it.
Additionally, when I got this book, I imagined that it would be a forced-proximity /enemies-to-lovers type of a thing, but Payal is actually a nicer person than I am honestly haha, because she genuinely try her best to make things work with the guy. Honestly it was refreshing and I could see the effort they both did at some points (mostly her, tbh). However, I think the guy messed up quite a bit and it was hard for me to want her to end up with him.
What irked me a lot was the third act breakup in this book. It was SO DRAMATIC.. like guys.. calm down.. both of you were hiding things which could TOTALLY have been discussed during the engagement..
Also, her family coming and apologizing for her to use her as a collateral for their business dealings felt like crocodile tears to me. I understand that we sacrifice a lot for our families (I come from a latin family and, believe me, the guilt is real) but I don't think we need to absolve them of their bad behavior in order for the FMC to have her HEA.
Thank you Libro.fm for an ARC of Sugar, Spice, and can't Play Nice.
Sugar Spice and Can't play Nice is a "standalone" book that is part of a series of a group of South Asian friends living in New York.
If you like the arranged marriage trope this will be right in your alley! Payal is a clothes designer from a wealthy family that is trying to launch her brand. Work already takes a lot of her time and she mostly do one night-stands.
However, things change when her family calls her saying that she needs to enter in this arranged marriage with the son of another family because their company is not doing well financially and they need this merger, just to see that the guy in question was one of her last one-stands.
I really loved the diverse group of friends and how the author incorporate things of south asian culture into the story line. I was actually very excited to hear about the different clothes, foods etc while reading it.
Additionally, when I got this book, I imagined that it would be a forced-proximity /enemies-to-lovers type of a thing, but Payal is actually a nicer person than I am honestly haha, because she genuinely try her best to make things work with the guy. Honestly it was refreshing and I could see the effort they both did at some points (mostly her, tbh). However, I think the guy messed up quite a bit and it was hard for me to want her to end up with him.
What irked me a lot was the third act breakup in this book. It was SO DRAMATIC.. like guys.. calm down.. both of you were hiding things which could TOTALLY have been discussed during the engagement..
Also, her family coming and apologizing for her to use her as a collateral for their business dealings felt like crocodile tears to me. I understand that we sacrifice a lot for our families (I come from a latin family and, believe me, the guilt is real) but I don't think we need to absolve them of their bad behavior in order for the FMC to have her HEA.
samhdixon's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
amym84's review
4.0
Payal is finally realizing her dream of being a fashion designer. Moving away from the family business, she's ready to set out on her own. Then she gets summons from her family calling her back to London. Their business is not doing so well and they've worked out a deal to merge with another family-run company. And part of that deal is a marriage between Payal and that family's son Ayaan.
Neither Payal nor Ayaan are wanting to get married, but they understand the sacrifices one makes for family, and their willing to court one another. Especially since they'll both be getting something out of it. Payal will get some support for her growing fashion brand and Ayaan has been promised the role of CMO in his family's business. Both are secretly planning to end the engagement once they get what they want out of the merger. That is, until their feelings for one another start becoming real.
I loved the back and forth between Payal and Ayaan. So alike in their circumstances yet their approaches are often different and it's those points where they end up running up against one another. Both are invested in their families yet they want to be known for their own skills. They don't want to follow in the same path as their parents, but they find themselves on it anyway.
Just each time Payal and Ayan were together was magic. Sparks flew and I equally enjoyed the moments they challenged one another as I did the moments where they were totally in sync.
I felt like we got more time with the CMC this time around and I really enjoyed the further depth and understanding we get of their group dynamic. I cannot wait for Sonam and Akosh's stories.
If you haven't read the first book, you can totally pick this one up on its own. Although, once you do, you'll be compelled to go back to the beginning and fill in the blanks.
Neither Payal nor Ayaan are wanting to get married, but they understand the sacrifices one makes for family, and their willing to court one another. Especially since they'll both be getting something out of it. Payal will get some support for her growing fashion brand and Ayaan has been promised the role of CMO in his family's business. Both are secretly planning to end the engagement once they get what they want out of the merger. That is, until their feelings for one another start becoming real.
I loved the back and forth between Payal and Ayaan. So alike in their circumstances yet their approaches are often different and it's those points where they end up running up against one another. Both are invested in their families yet they want to be known for their own skills. They don't want to follow in the same path as their parents, but they find themselves on it anyway.
Just each time Payal and Ayan were together was magic. Sparks flew and I equally enjoyed the moments they challenged one another as I did the moments where they were totally in sync.
I felt like we got more time with the CMC this time around and I really enjoyed the further depth and understanding we get of their group dynamic. I cannot wait for Sonam and Akosh's stories.
If you haven't read the first book, you can totally pick this one up on its own. Although, once you do, you'll be compelled to go back to the beginning and fill in the blanks.
mckinlay's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
gmur8589's review
3.0
If you enjoy romance without a ton of smut but just a touch of conversational innuendo for flirty fun and pg intimacy scenes - this book is a good place to start. The author utilized a detailed writing style that made me feel like I was in the scenes with the characters; and there is South Asian representation throughout as well. I personally love a slow burn, however the middle felt a tad dragged out for me. The last quarter of the book however really picks up the drama factor. Just something to add as well- the miscommunication (of feelings) trope is not my cup of tea, however I can see how this factor of the book would appeal to others.
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
I am THOROUGHLY loving this series featuring a group of four South Asian college friends who find love and navigate the complexities of parental expectations. In this book we get to know more about fashion designer Payal who is asked by her parents to enter an arranged marriage to save the family business.
She and Ayaan have undeniable chemistry and neither is looking for real love so they agree to go along with the arrangement in order to make their families happy only to find themselves falling in love and believing they just might be able to make something real work.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Sonali Dev. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!
She and Ayaan have undeniable chemistry and neither is looking for real love so they agree to go along with the arrangement in order to make their families happy only to find themselves falling in love and believing they just might be able to make something real work.
Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Sonali Dev. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!