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tors_tomes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Hate crime
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Racism, and Grief
rbash2391's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Incense and Sensibility takes the fake relationship trope and flips it on its head, according to author Sonali Dev. Instead of the main character's fake relationship being his actual love interest, or the developing love interest, he has always only been in love with one person and reconnects with her out of necessity.
Yash (pronounced like "rush") is running for Governor of California. His platform is progressive and based on principles that most readers will likely agree with if they are reading this book. He is purported to be in it to serve the public and not as a politician seeking power and advancement. At one of his campaign speaking events, he is shot by an audience member, narrowly avoiding death, while his bodyguard is severely injured and goes into a coma for most of the remainder of the book. This causes him to have anxiety attacks that prevent him from doing more public appearances campaigning. To help him, his cast of sisters, all very much attentive and concerned in an oppressive way to Yash, bring him to their friend India, a yoga instructor, counselor/therapist, and Reiki practitioner.
Turns out, Yash and India have known each other for ten years, although that is the last time they saw each other and had a heated, romantic moment. In the last ten years, however, Yash has been in a fake/PR relationship with a woman named Naina, who runs her own non-profit helping disadvantaged women around the globe. Yash and Naina are strictly "together" for the public's sake, but they have a hands-off, non-intimate relationship. Yash was drugged, sexually assaulted, and video footage was used to blackmail him in the past, so he has an aversion to physical intimacy to say the least.
Yash wants to call off his relationship with Naina but she resists him, insisting that their false relationship helps their public images independently and it would be too close to the election to have a public breakup or admit to their lie. Even though the book covers the span of a few months, the "too close to the election" argument is used throughout the book and eventually Yash does end their relationship and admit during a public presser to having lied to the public. Turns out, that only hurts his lead slightly and he does end up winning.
The book is mainly character driven. Not a lot happens after the first few chapters of action where Yash gets shot. The characters are likable. I think India had a hard time even admitting to herself the attraction and love she felt for Yash, so we didn't really see that through the narrative until the end when Yash admits his feelings publicly without revealing her identity. Both Yash and India feel safe only with each other, and the reader feels that too. India is like an emotional conduit for Yash; he's numb entirely until he can see her and then all of his feelings, good and bad, rush up. He's able to process them in her presence, however, and she's consented to helping him do that. We are always waiting intently for them to spend time together, and it's peaceful and relaxing when they do, even though the moment is actually tense in more ways than one. They have physical attraction but also this fraught history of not being honest with each other. Yash has other demons from his past to contend with that influence how he approaches his anxiety attacks during the campaign, and India is the one to help guide him through that. She does keep good boundaries as a professional, but she does this work for him because she cares about him and I liked that balance.
Yash's family seemed to annoy him the entire book, and said some things that were hurtful and dismissive of his experience. His father especially was only focused on him winning the election, and all of their behavior was excused as the ulterior motives of wanting Yash to be governor so he could make good changes in the world. After he confesses his love for India to his parents, they (especially his mother) realize that for him to do the things he wants to do for the public, he has to correct the private issues that are holding him back. I liked the way his sisters and mother helped plan and usher in Yash's public "come clean" and sat with India while she watched him give the presser live, or so she thought. Until she finds out the presser had been taped 30 minutes prior, and the sweet but stinky pug Chutney who loves Yash is barking at the window and she realizes Yash is standing outside waiting for her. That was super romantic and made up for the slow burn of the book for me.
Their announcement of their relationship, and Yash's lie, only did so much to hurt him in the polls and he ended up winning with a very close margin. The romantic stakes were very high throughout the book but that fizzled out once they chose each other. I think that is my main complaint, as I prefer a plot-driven story, rather than characters tugging back and forth until someone gives and then all the problems vanish once they do.
Overall this book is vibes. We have the contrast between India's world which is close-knit, plush, colorful, and peaceful, and Yash's family's estate that is massive and shows us that he is from a legacy family. Despite their varied upbringing and lives, the families have similar values and are supportive of Yash and India even if it means him possibly losing the election. As long as they are living in truth, it's better than lying to get what you want.
Turns out, Yash and India have known each other for ten years, although that is the last time they saw each other and had a heated, romantic moment. In the last ten years, however, Yash has been in a fake/PR relationship with a woman named Naina, who runs her own non-profit helping disadvantaged women around the globe. Yash and Naina are strictly "together" for the public's sake, but they have a hands-off, non-intimate relationship. Yash was drugged, sexually assaulted, and video footage was used to blackmail him in the past, so he has an aversion to physical intimacy to say the least.
Yash wants to call off his relationship with Naina but she resists him, insisting that their false relationship helps their public images independently and it would be too close to the election to have a public breakup or admit to their lie. Even though the book covers the span of a few months, the "too close to the election" argument is used throughout the book and eventually Yash does end their relationship and admit during a public presser to having lied to the public. Turns out, that only hurts his lead slightly and he does end up winning.
The book is mainly character driven. Not a lot happens after the first few chapters of action where Yash gets shot. The characters are likable. I think India had a hard time even admitting to herself the attraction and love she felt for Yash, so we didn't really see that through the narrative until the end when Yash admits his feelings publicly without revealing her identity. Both Yash and India feel safe only with each other, and the reader feels that too. India is like an emotional conduit for Yash; he's numb entirely until he can see her and then all of his feelings, good and bad, rush up. He's able to process them in her presence, however, and she's consented to helping him do that. We are always waiting intently for them to spend time together, and it's peaceful and relaxing when they do, even though the moment is actually tense in more ways than one. They have physical attraction but also this fraught history of not being honest with each other. Yash has other demons from his past to contend with that influence how he approaches his anxiety attacks during the campaign, and India is the one to help guide him through that. She does keep good boundaries as a professional, but she does this work for him because she cares about him and I liked that balance.
Yash's family seemed to annoy him the entire book, and said some things that were hurtful and dismissive of his experience. His father especially was only focused on him winning the election, and all of their behavior was excused as the ulterior motives of wanting Yash to be governor so he could make good changes in the world. After he confesses his love for India to his parents, they (especially his mother) realize that for him to do the things he wants to do for the public, he has to correct the private issues that are holding him back. I liked the way his sisters and mother helped plan and usher in Yash's public "come clean" and sat with India while she watched him give the presser live, or so she thought. Until she finds out the presser had been taped 30 minutes prior, and the sweet but stinky pug Chutney who loves Yash is barking at the window and she realizes Yash is standing outside waiting for her. That was super romantic and made up for the slow burn of the book for me.
Their announcement of their relationship, and Yash's lie, only did so much to hurt him in the polls and he ended up winning with a very close margin. The romantic stakes were very high throughout the book but that fizzled out once they chose each other. I think that is my main complaint, as I prefer a plot-driven story, rather than characters tugging back and forth until someone gives and then all the problems vanish once they do.
Overall this book is vibes. We have the contrast between India's world which is close-knit, plush, colorful, and peaceful, and Yash's family's estate that is massive and shows us that he is from a legacy family. Despite their varied upbringing and lives, the families have similar values and are supportive of Yash and India even if it means him possibly losing the election. As long as they are living in truth, it's better than lying to get what you want.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Chronic illness, Medical content, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Racism, Lesbophobia, Rape, Car accident, Xenophobia, Drug abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
the_wistful_word_witch's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-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
When I said this series just keeps getting better and better, I really meant it. In this third installment in the Raje Family series, we get a closer look at Yash, the family's scion and great political hope.
Yash is a constant thread running through the other books, so by the time I got to his story, I felt like I already knew him well. He's a relatively young political candidate with great ideas that could change US politics in wonderful, unbelievable ways. I wish our current government was filled with more women and men just like him. I can only imagine how much better it would be.
India is the kind of woman I wish I could be: poised, centered, so true to her self, almost always peaceful, and stunningly gorgeous. She's a great sister and daughter, working hard to keep her family's life's work, their yoga studio, afloat while worrying about her mother's illness and her sister's new, all-consuming romance, as well as counselling Yash after a major event (I can't say too much without spoiling it đ).
India and Yash had a night of metaphysical, existential passion, even though the physical part of that consisted of just one kiss, a decade ago, which complicates everything for both of them when he comes to her for help. Watching them resolve it was intense, and even though I knew there was only one possible outcome, I still questioned how it was going to work out. Talk about a nail-biter!
On to the next (but hopefully not the very last - because I need more of these two families!) book in the series!
Yash is a constant thread running through the other books, so by the time I got to his story, I felt like I already knew him well. He's a relatively young political candidate with great ideas that could change US politics in wonderful, unbelievable ways. I wish our current government was filled with more women and men just like him. I can only imagine how much better it would be.
India is the kind of woman I wish I could be: poised, centered, so true to her self, almost always peaceful, and stunningly gorgeous. She's a great sister and daughter, working hard to keep her family's life's work, their yoga studio, afloat while worrying about her mother's illness and her sister's new, all-consuming romance, as well as counselling Yash after a major event (I can't say too much without spoiling it đ).
India and Yash had a night of metaphysical, existential passion, even though the physical part of that consisted of just one kiss, a decade ago, which complicates everything for both of them when he comes to her for help. Watching them resolve it was intense, and even though I knew there was only one possible outcome, I still questioned how it was going to work out. Talk about a nail-biter!
On to the next (but hopefully not the very last - because I need more of these two families!) book in the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Xenophobia
hngisreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Gun violence, Hate crime, Medical content, Racism, Rape, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Car accident, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
izmc'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? It's complicated
5.0
I think this might be my favorite book in the whole series. I loved it so much, and I completely see myself rereading it again and again.
Two points of note:
1. I absolutely hated how a majority of the characters treated Yashâs rape. In fact, I donât think they actually used the word rape. I truly loathed how it was handled, I wish that there would have been a bit more insight into how the characterâs dismissal of the sexual assault truly impacted Yash.
2. This point also has to do with how the other characters dismissed the sexual assault. This quote left me reeling:
â"This is how you treat your friend? I've been here for you, Yash, always. I've taken care of you. Have you forgotten what happened when you trusted another woman? You ended up drugged and caught on tape
fucking an underage intern. Even then I was there for you. I didn't bat an eyelid. Through all your trust issues I was there making sure you were okay, working around it, tiptoeing around all your physical issues.â
This complete and utter dismissal of the trauma he went through was horrific. Whatâs worse is that it is never addressed again. That would be moderately okay if Nisha and her words were written in a more negative light. However, I just looked and she is going to be the heroine in the next book in the series. I honestly think that because of this quote I wonât be able to read the next book at all. I have loved this series so much, but I just donât think I can tolerate reading and attempting to root for a character like that.
Overall, I loved the book.
Two points of note:
2. This point also has to do with how the other characters dismissed the sexual assault. This quote left me reeling:
â"This is how you treat your friend? I've been here for you, Yash, always. I've taken care of you. Have you forgotten what happened when you trusted another woman? You ended up drugged and caught on tape
fucking an underage intern. Even then I was there for you. I didn't bat an eyelid. Through all your trust issues I was there making sure you were okay, working around it, tiptoeing around all your physical issues.â
This complete and utter dismissal of the trauma he went through was horrific. Whatâs worse is that it is never addressed again. That would be moderately okay if Nisha and her words were written in a more negative light. However, I just looked and she is going to be the heroine in the next book in the series. I honestly think that because of this quote I wonât be able to read the next book at all. I have loved this series so much, but I just donât think I can tolerate reading and attempting to root for a character like that.
Overall, I loved the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Gun violence
Moderate: Sexism, Xenophobia, Hate crime, Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
shybi93's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gun violence, Rape, Racism, and Xenophobia
unwise_samwise's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Gun violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, and Rape
Minor: Car accident, Xenophobia, and Acephobia/Arophobia
jentrythelibrarian's review
emotional
hopeful
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: Gun violence
Minor: Xenophobia
ehmannky's review
emotional
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
4.0
I felt this book had a kind of slow start and a really solid finish. India and Yash are so great together. I thought it would be hard to sell the whole "I can't be with you because I promised my childhood friend I'd be with her" in the modern day, but Dev really makes it work. `
I didn't love that Yash going through intense physical therapy after his accident is framed as "escaping his wheelchair." Like, it fits his character, but I wish someone had pushed back a little bit harder than India does that his life wouldn't have been over (she does point out that he was able to walk again mostly through luck and the good fortune of being born rich enough to have all of the required funds and time to work through this). I did like that we got into the PTSD Yash had over Julia's assault, and it felt like we finally named it as an assault rather than just a Bad Thing.
I didn't love that Yash going through intense physical therapy after his accident is framed as "escaping his wheelchair." Like, it fits his character, but I wish someone had pushed back a little bit harder than India does that his life wouldn't have been over (she does point out that he was able to walk again mostly through luck and the good fortune of being born rich enough to have all of the required funds and time to work through this). I did like that we got into the PTSD Yash had over Julia's assault, and it felt like we finally named it as an assault rather than just a Bad Thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Sexual assault, Rape, Racism, and Xenophobia
now_booking's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
It is hard to capture my adoration of this book in words except to say that it is currently my favourite book of any genre Iâve read this year out of the 113 Iâve read so far. It is not exactly shocking that I loved this book. Iâm a huge fan of this authors The Rajes series- the first book in this series of standalones, âPride, Prejudice and Other Flavours,â was my number 1 favourite read of 2019, and Book 2, âRecipe for Persuasion,â was a top 10 read of 2020 for me. This author for me, really knows how to tell a compelling, angsty absolutely gorgeous story that breaks your heart to pieces but puts you back together and delivers the most amazing characters.
In this 3rd book in the series, we get to know perfect older brother and politician side character from previous books, Yash Raje, better. Yash, is the perfect politician- suave, passionate about the issues, responsible and caring but also honest maybe to a fault, and his perfectly curated world is about to be shaken when after a tragic incident he needs the help of the only woman who has ever been able to destabilize him, yoga instructor and stress coach, India Dashwood. India has already been let down by Yash in the past but canât help caring about what happens to the aspiring California governor.
Iâve explained the book really drily. Take my word for it that from chapter 1 you will be sucked into a well of angst and emotion and you will fall in love with these characters. Thematically, this is a political love story about an Indian-American man seeking to be the first POC governor of California- itâs about running for office for the right reasons and the real meanings of public service. This novel explains lies and truth within the context of politics and public life in a way that really calls to mind narratives around truth and service that came into acceptance leading up to the 2020 US elections. But inasmuch as this is a political book since the themes of truth and selflessness canât help but bring to mind what truth because in US politics between 2016 and 2020 when the concept of truth and âalternate truthâ entered public discourse, this is not a political book in the sense of being partisan. It is not a book about any particular candidate or any particular party. It is also a story about family and friendship and resilience- a beautiful beautiful love story about understanding and a responsible sort of love that serves others more than self.
Jane Austenâs âSense and Sensibilityâ has never been my favourite of her books- I have too little patience with the characters. But after reading this book, after recognizing the Marianne and Elinor characters, I have infinitely more understanding and compassion for these sisters. Even the Willoughby character is less irredeemable villain and more âit be like dat sometimesâ f-boy (or f-girl in this case). If youâre familiar with the original story, you will recognize the major players and think of them differently as long as you remember this is an adaptation not a retelling. If youâve never read Austen and have no intention of doing so, it wonât signify because this book is MORE THAN ENOUGH on its own.
I have to flag content warnings of rape (male victim) and trauma related to that, anxiety, gun violence, familial pressure and loneliness. Perhaps a bit more time could have been spent dealing with theses traumas but for me, I loved how vulnerable this author allowed Yash to be and how much in sync he and India were. The secondary characters were absolutely delightful- most of them we already knew from previous books in the series. Tara Dashwood, Indiaâs mother and her gory stories, was a particular treat in this book providing some needed comic relief with her predictably gross yet compellingly delightful stories. If I have one minor niggle, it would be that perhaps India is perhaps too nice, but so was Elinor⌠perhaps she didnât have as much growth as Yash or change as him⌠but even then, I didnât feel like this book did her a disservice. She too had to also had to find herself and find how to live with her responsibilities in this book. And I adored her as much as I did Yash. Perhaps, I also craved more of a resolution for Yash and Naina, but then what more resolution could there have been? When all seemed lost like there was no solution, this author managed to create the most gorgeous conclusion to this amazingly beautiful, angsty book.
I am soooo blown away by this book. I could speak or write about it forever. I can absolutely not recommend this enough. It stands alone really well but thereâs a reward of feeling like part of the Raje family if you read the other books in order first. This author has done it again in this series!
I received an advanced copy of this book from William Morrow Books.
In this 3rd book in the series, we get to know perfect older brother and politician side character from previous books, Yash Raje, better. Yash, is the perfect politician- suave, passionate about the issues, responsible and caring but also honest maybe to a fault, and his perfectly curated world is about to be shaken when after a tragic incident he needs the help of the only woman who has ever been able to destabilize him, yoga instructor and stress coach, India Dashwood. India has already been let down by Yash in the past but canât help caring about what happens to the aspiring California governor.
Iâve explained the book really drily. Take my word for it that from chapter 1 you will be sucked into a well of angst and emotion and you will fall in love with these characters. Thematically, this is a political love story about an Indian-American man seeking to be the first POC governor of California- itâs about running for office for the right reasons and the real meanings of public service. This novel explains lies and truth within the context of politics and public life in a way that really calls to mind narratives around truth and service that came into acceptance leading up to the 2020 US elections. But inasmuch as this is a political book since the themes of truth and selflessness canât help but bring to mind what truth because in US politics between 2016 and 2020 when the concept of truth and âalternate truthâ entered public discourse, this is not a political book in the sense of being partisan. It is not a book about any particular candidate or any particular party. It is also a story about family and friendship and resilience- a beautiful beautiful love story about understanding and a responsible sort of love that serves others more than self.
Jane Austenâs âSense and Sensibilityâ has never been my favourite of her books- I have too little patience with the characters. But after reading this book, after recognizing the Marianne and Elinor characters, I have infinitely more understanding and compassion for these sisters. Even the Willoughby character is less irredeemable villain and more âit be like dat sometimesâ f-boy (or f-girl in this case). If youâre familiar with the original story, you will recognize the major players and think of them differently as long as you remember this is an adaptation not a retelling. If youâve never read Austen and have no intention of doing so, it wonât signify because this book is MORE THAN ENOUGH on its own.
I have to flag content warnings of rape (male victim) and trauma related to that, anxiety, gun violence, familial pressure and loneliness. Perhaps a bit more time could have been spent dealing with theses traumas but for me, I loved how vulnerable this author allowed Yash to be and how much in sync he and India were. The secondary characters were absolutely delightful- most of them we already knew from previous books in the series. Tara Dashwood, Indiaâs mother and her gory stories, was a particular treat in this book providing some needed comic relief with her predictably gross yet compellingly delightful stories. If I have one minor niggle, it would be that perhaps India is perhaps too nice, but so was Elinor⌠perhaps she didnât have as much growth as Yash or change as him⌠but even then, I didnât feel like this book did her a disservice. She too had to also had to find herself and find how to live with her responsibilities in this book. And I adored her as much as I did Yash. Perhaps, I also craved more of a resolution for Yash and Naina, but then what more resolution could there have been? When all seemed lost like there was no solution, this author managed to create the most gorgeous conclusion to this amazingly beautiful, angsty book.
I am soooo blown away by this book. I could speak or write about it forever. I can absolutely not recommend this enough. It stands alone really well but thereâs a reward of feeling like part of the Raje family if you read the other books in order first. This author has done it again in this series!
I received an advanced copy of this book from William Morrow Books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Medical content, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Abandonment, Ableism, and Racism
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