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jsilfen924's review against another edition
3.0
Jai has dreams of being a matchmaker, so she decides to put her dream into a reality but setting up her best friend.
What I loved most was the Mumbai setting! It was so easy to see the author’s love for this city in her descriptions of the bustling streets, of the Indian food and of their culture. Along with that, the matchmaking angle was unique, especially with the story being set in a place where this can be a feasible career. Despite the books many strengths, I found the pacing slow and the FMC a bit immature. While I always appreciate a slow burn, the will they or won’t lasted too long, and when Jia decided she wanted more it came out of no where. The audiobook made for a quick listen!
Read if you like:
-Desi romances
-Will they or won’t they
-Childhood friends to lovers
-Matchmaking
-Closed door (no spice)
-Found family
Thank you Dell and PRH audio for the gifted copies.
What I loved most was the Mumbai setting! It was so easy to see the author’s love for this city in her descriptions of the bustling streets, of the Indian food and of their culture. Along with that, the matchmaking angle was unique, especially with the story being set in a place where this can be a feasible career. Despite the books many strengths, I found the pacing slow and the FMC a bit immature. While I always appreciate a slow burn, the will they or won’t lasted too long, and when Jia decided she wanted more it came out of no where. The audiobook made for a quick listen!
Read if you like:
-Desi romances
-Will they or won’t they
-Childhood friends to lovers
-Matchmaking
-Closed door (no spice)
-Found family
Thank you Dell and PRH audio for the gifted copies.
sheela110's review against another edition
1.0
Jia is just so annoying in this. When I can’t get behind the main character and their actions, it’s hard for me to get past anything else. She reminds me of some rich Mumbai socialite, out of touch with reality when in actual reality, the author wanted us to believe she’s some kind hearted, generous person.
dheereads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
5.0
helen_moore_reads's review against another edition
Just not that interesting right now
caitlinj714's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so delightful! It took me a few chapters to realize this was a reimagining of Emma, which is a fave of mine so that made me excited to keep reading.
Jia and Jaiman were wonderful. I really could see this as a movie and kept picturing different Indian actors as them. I liked that we got so much of Jaiman’s POV and his struggles throughout the book.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
Jia and Jaiman were wonderful. I really could see this as a movie and kept picturing different Indian actors as them. I liked that we got so much of Jaiman’s POV and his struggles throughout the book.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
chaturbox's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely fantastic read. This author has a fantastic fresh take on Jane Austen’s Emma. This book is a m perfect read for those who love the friends to lovers trope, sweet romance, and who enjoy getting to know a fully fleshed cast of side characters. Jaiman and Jia are two relatable leads and watching them work their way to their happy ending is wholeheartedly satisfying. Truly one of my favourite reads of the year. Thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
bluepoohreads22's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.0
This is the author’s debut novel. Set in the backdrop of the bustling city of Mumbai, Jia Deshpande, a fashion writer and secret love blogger, needs to prove her matchmaking skills for a new column while ignoring her deepening feelings for her childhood friend, Jaiman Patil. Jaiman, a pub owner and honorary family member, struggles with his own feelings for Jia and his pub's troubles. When Jia's matchmaking efforts go wrong, risking friendships and her bond with Jaiman, she must reconsider her ideas about love, realizing it's more complex than she thought.
I enjoyed reading this novel. It was light-hearted and easy to follow. Jia, our main character, is strong-willed and independent, believing she doesn't need anyone—but that's just on the surface. Deep down, she longs for a meaningful and romantic connection, something many of us can relate to. Her journey of self-discovery and vulnerability is compelling, even if she can be a bit frustrating at times. Although I found her slightly annoying occasionally, she ultimately redeems herself with her growth and resilience, which earns her a bonus point in my book.
Jaiman, on the other hand, is the epitome of a "golden retriever boy"—loyal, affectionate, and eager to please. He harbors deep feelings for his childhood best friend, Jia, but struggles with vulnerability unless he has a bit of liquid courage. His desire to prove his worth and his bouts of jealousy add layers to his character, making him both endearing and flawed. His internal conflict about expressing his feelings is relatable and adds depth to his character.
The novel also features several notable side characters who contribute to the story's lively and enthusiastic atmosphere. These characters enrich the narrative, providing additional perspectives and adding to the overall charm of the book.
However, one aspect I didn't enjoy was the constant back-and-forth between Jia and Jaiman. Their repeated misunderstandings and miscommunications were annoying, detracting from the story's flow. While this push-and-pull dynamic is central to the plot, it sometimes felt excessive and frustrating.
Overall, if you're into themes like childhood friends turning into lovers, the concept of found family, slow-burn romance, and clean, cute vibes, this book won't disappoint you. It delivers a heartwarming story with relatable characters and charming relationships.
My ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
Some of my favourite lines:
💐 ‘Love didn't happen by chance, after all it took effort. And marriage? That warranted serious hard work.’
💐 ‘Maybe falling in love wasn't a choice, but working on nurturing that love within a relationship absolutely was.’
💐 ‘Loving someone means putting hope above fear.’
Thank you to Times Reads and Miss Putri Fariza for this arc.
I enjoyed reading this novel. It was light-hearted and easy to follow. Jia, our main character, is strong-willed and independent, believing she doesn't need anyone—but that's just on the surface. Deep down, she longs for a meaningful and romantic connection, something many of us can relate to. Her journey of self-discovery and vulnerability is compelling, even if she can be a bit frustrating at times. Although I found her slightly annoying occasionally, she ultimately redeems herself with her growth and resilience, which earns her a bonus point in my book.
Jaiman, on the other hand, is the epitome of a "golden retriever boy"—loyal, affectionate, and eager to please. He harbors deep feelings for his childhood best friend, Jia, but struggles with vulnerability unless he has a bit of liquid courage. His desire to prove his worth and his bouts of jealousy add layers to his character, making him both endearing and flawed. His internal conflict about expressing his feelings is relatable and adds depth to his character.
The novel also features several notable side characters who contribute to the story's lively and enthusiastic atmosphere. These characters enrich the narrative, providing additional perspectives and adding to the overall charm of the book.
However, one aspect I didn't enjoy was the constant back-and-forth between Jia and Jaiman. Their repeated misunderstandings and miscommunications were annoying, detracting from the story's flow. While this push-and-pull dynamic is central to the plot, it sometimes felt excessive and frustrating.
Overall, if you're into themes like childhood friends turning into lovers, the concept of found family, slow-burn romance, and clean, cute vibes, this book won't disappoint you. It delivers a heartwarming story with relatable characters and charming relationships.
My ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
Some of my favourite lines:
💐 ‘Love didn't happen by chance, after all it took effort. And marriage? That warranted serious hard work.’
💐 ‘Maybe falling in love wasn't a choice, but working on nurturing that love within a relationship absolutely was.’
💐 ‘Loving someone means putting hope above fear.’
Thank you to Times Reads and Miss Putri Fariza for this arc.
ashleys_novel_idea's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC.
This debut novel is a charming romcom with well-written prose. The Indian culture and family themes add depth, and the clean romance is a refreshing change. However, the slow burn lacked payoff, and the pacing tested my patience. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with the characters, and the lack of communication frustrated me.
That being said if you like the following, you may enjoy this book.
This debut novel is a charming romcom with well-written prose. The Indian culture and family themes add depth, and the clean romance is a refreshing change. However, the slow burn lacked payoff, and the pacing tested my patience. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with the characters, and the lack of communication frustrated me.
That being said if you like the following, you may enjoy this book.
mssarahmorgan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
saloniporwal's review against another edition
4.0
I've gotten used to reading books about Indian Americans, many of which are great, but this was the first full-fledged Indian book I've come across on NetGalley in my 3 years on here. So, this one's completely set in Mumbai- the financial capital of India and a city in Maharashtra (I'm from the same state though not the same city).
I'll start with the fact that the characters, so authentic and somehow relatable to me in small ways, insignificant as they may feel. Jia and Jaiman had my heart from the start, and I'll always love couples whose love and affection stems from deep friendship. (As long as they don't rush things and get married the next second. That's not what happens in this book, don't worry). The MCs knew each other well, so you can imagine how heart-warming some of the scenes were. They aren't opposites but do have differing opinions which I just loved. They're paring has chemistry and it's just plain cute.
The representation wasn't necessarily bad, but it could've been better considering how much more of our culture can be projected. I could see some of it was very similar to the western storylines and depictions, but I liked how the dressing style and festivals had a place in the book.
Swati Hegde has an immersive writing style, clear in every word, from the banter to the anonymous blog posts, in just loved it and I'll be sure to read more of her books as they come.
I'll start with the fact that the characters, so authentic and somehow relatable to me in small ways, insignificant as they may feel. Jia and Jaiman had my heart from the start, and I'll always love couples whose love and affection stems from deep friendship. (As long as they don't rush things and get married the next second. That's not what happens in this book, don't worry). The MCs knew each other well, so you can imagine how heart-warming some of the scenes were. They aren't opposites but do have differing opinions which I just loved. They're paring has chemistry and it's just plain cute.
The representation wasn't necessarily bad, but it could've been better considering how much more of our culture can be projected. I could see some of it was very similar to the western storylines and depictions, but I liked how the dressing style and festivals had a place in the book.
Swati Hegde has an immersive writing style, clear in every word, from the banter to the anonymous blog posts, in just loved it and I'll be sure to read more of her books as they come.