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kaitlinschof's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Eating disorder, and Body shaming
mairead_parade's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Even though it's eventually acknowledged in the book that the MCs are being a little ridiculous, the multiple layers of fake dating in this are a bit over the top. But it's a cute story and all the food sounds great - I loved that it included recipes!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, and Fatphobia
There is a ton of diet talk from the MC's sister that's only somewhat addressed - it's particularly jarring in a book that celebrates food as much as this one.qace90's review
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
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