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em_catherine's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Car accident
sroycereads's review against another edition
medium-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? Yes
3.0
jenber23's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
laryuwuwuw's review against another edition
funny
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
3.0
jadehusdanhicks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
An interesting and diverse book, sam and laylas romance was a whirlwind. The enemies to lovers while fighting their feelings was a fun ride but I got in a slump nonetheless.
Though certainly perfect for one another, the toxicity of the surrounding bachelor and business drama just put a grey cloud over the book for me. Neeshas DV experience I feel was handled well though. Overall, it seemed like a great representation of the diversity of Indian culture but as I’m not part of the culture myself it’s an opinion to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Though certainly perfect for one another, the toxicity of the surrounding bachelor and business drama just put a grey cloud over the book for me. Neeshas DV experience I feel was handled well though. Overall, it seemed like a great representation of the diversity of Indian culture but as I’m not part of the culture myself it’s an opinion to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Violence, Domestic abuse, Body shaming, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Blood, Misogyny, and Medical content
kaztinynaval'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
4.0
mochipooja's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.5
First of all, I had a lot of fun reading this. The family aspect is probably the best part with all the fussy aunties, and Layla’s parents being so funny and adorable together. This is 100% a grumpy guy/sunshine girl romantic comedy which is what really pulled me in. Layla, our female lead, is an interesting character that has her insecurities and moments of failure but she’s also confident in who she is and what she looks like.
However!! Layla’s character can flip-flop a lot in terms of how she addresses things or view certain situations. The male lead, Sam, is a major annoyance and I really tried to like his character as the grumpy guy but he just kept getting worse. His whole vendetta against his sister’s ex and making it all about himself, and constantly messing up big time so many times while Layla just casually goes “it’s ok, I forgive you”?? It drove me NUTS.
Also, the blind date interviews in this book were so bizarre and outlandish. Like they’re funny but I cannot imagine them playing out in real life or even in a romcom movie.
It’s not a horrible read but let’s just say I have no interest in reading the rest of the series. It’s fun at times, but frankly, I’d rather read a book centered around Layla’s endearing parents.
However!! Layla’s character can flip-flop a lot in terms of how she addresses things or view certain situations. The male lead, Sam, is a major annoyance and I really tried to like his character as the grumpy guy but he just kept getting worse. His whole vendetta against his sister’s ex and making it all about himself, and constantly messing up big time so many times while Layla just casually goes “it’s ok, I forgive you”?? It drove me NUTS.
Also, the blind date interviews in this book were so bizarre and outlandish. Like they’re funny but I cannot imagine them playing out in real life or even in a romcom movie.
It’s not a horrible read but let’s just say I have no interest in reading the rest of the series. It’s fun at times, but frankly, I’d rather read a book centered around Layla’s endearing parents.
amypotiphar's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
romanthiccreader's review
4.0
There is a lot going on here. I have 22 highlights in this book. Like that is quite a lot of thoughts to feel strongly enough about and make note of. It was very compelling, the chemistry between Layla and Sam. But individually, phew, they had a lot of growing to do!
Layla moves back to San Francisco feeling like she's hit rock bottom. When she finds out that her father is searching for a husband for her, things get even more dire. Especially because she's in an all out war with Sam Mehta, the CEO of the new company that has moved into her family's office. The very office that her father promised to her to help her kick her new business off on the right foot.
Sam has his own demons he's fighting though. One of them being the culture of arranged marriages, and he has one of the biggest hero complexes ever, rivaled only by his own guilt complex. So when one of Layla's husband prospects comes into the office, he just can't stand by while she gets to know him. What if he took advantage of her in the board room, 10 feet away from him and her cousin, and one floor away from her family's restaurant?! He couldn't possibly stand by while that happens!
So the game. They go on Layla's dates with the marriage prospects together, and if Layla finds a husband, Sam gets the office to himself. If Layla doesn't get married, she gets the office. Hilarity ensues. Truly, they are so ridiculous.
But the growth was really good. I actually had to put this book down right before the third act breakup because it was so well written that it was making me physically uncomfortable. It's been awhile since I didn't want to zoom through a third act breakup to get to the good part! So huge ups for that!