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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
The second book from Patel that I have read, and also her second NA romance book following two supporting characters from "The Trouble with Hating You", Preeti and Daniel. Preeti is the only daughter of two Indian immigrants in their Houston community, and while she has a bunch of fois (Guju for aunties), they are vapid and viscous, putting down their brother (her father) and mother, as well as Preeti, in part because she is not religious, does not live with her parents, and (in their eyes) because she dated and fell in love with a Black American man who is not Hindu or Gujju.
It has been six years since Preeti and Daniel dated, when Preeti abruptly broke things off with Daniel, and has avoided him ever since (though she has stayed in touch with his sister Brandy and his grandparents). However, with her friend married (from the first book) and the newlyweds looking forward to married life, Preeti needs to find a new place while she also secures the medical job that she is currently performing as resident (look, not that good with medical jargon) and so Liya tells her to take her old place while the lease is there - except that she also has to share the place with the other person that Liya promised the space to - you guessed it, Daniel.
Forced proximity, one bed, and lots of angst and evaluations of why they broke up - this book has all of that. But it also tackles questions of racism, classism, generational trauma, mental health, and finding your own self worth. Daniel is truly amazing character, in that he is a good foil for Preeti, and someone who you can't help but root for to work out with Preeti - and Preeti is a character that we all have been at some point, and someone who you want to succeed once she is able to channel her own voice.
I loved this book because it was not afraid to tackle the serious questions, and I also hope that Patel continues this series (I need the Sana book to be next please!)
It has been six years since Preeti and Daniel dated, when Preeti abruptly broke things off with Daniel, and has avoided him ever since (though she has stayed in touch with his sister Brandy and his grandparents). However, with her friend married (from the first book) and the newlyweds looking forward to married life, Preeti needs to find a new place while she also secures the medical job that she is currently performing as resident (look, not that good with medical jargon) and so Liya tells her to take her old place while the lease is there - except that she also has to share the place with the other person that Liya promised the space to - you guessed it, Daniel.
Forced proximity, one bed, and lots of angst and evaluations of why they broke up - this book has all of that. But it also tackles questions of racism, classism, generational trauma, mental health, and finding your own self worth. Daniel is truly amazing character, in that he is a good foil for Preeti, and someone who you can't help but root for to work out with Preeti - and Preeti is a character that we all have been at some point, and someone who you want to succeed once she is able to channel her own voice.
I loved this book because it was not afraid to tackle the serious questions, and I also hope that Patel continues this series (I need the Sana book to be next please!)
The writing felt juvenile, and I didn’t love the idea that Daniel was saving her from her difficulties. At the same time, this is a cute, easy read. Really loved the representation in this.
Miscommunication is not my jam. Not at all. However, in cases like this one where the misunderstanding is due to cultural and societal differences, I completely understand and do not mind it. Not even a little bit. Let this book be an opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions. The author did not hold back in letting us in on problematic South Asian views. The touch aversion and mental illness rep was much appreciated. There was so much I could relate to such as juggling respectability culture while struggling to have a voice. Being seen as an adult is situational. The connection between the two characters was sooooo gooood!!! I didn’t mind the slow burn.
It was sweet, sad, funny, and heartwarming. It was a touch of this and a touch of that. It’s a conversation starter. It was cute. 4.5
It was sweet, sad, funny, and heartwarming. It was a touch of this and a touch of that. It’s a conversation starter. It was cute. 4.5
First Love, Take Two is a contemporary romance that is a stand alone but loosely connected to The Trouble With Hating You (a different book that I recently read and enjoyed)! First Love, Take Two is a second chance romance about a female doctor and her high school ex-- truly the one that got away. When these two are both facing a gap in housing they are forced to share a friend’s small apartment. With unresolved issues, lots of sexual tension, and a whole lot of forced proximity you can imagine how hard it is for these two to stay away. Similar to The Trouble With Hating You, this book is full of beautiful descriptions of India culture and mouth-watering foods. I also enjoyed Patel’s descriptions of how difficult interracial relationships can be while pointing out the flaws in antiquated traditions. I really enjoyed this book and I hope you will too!
okay so… i was expecting it to be better
i read this first book of sajni patel and i absolutely loved it but this book it was alright i mean i really like daniel thompson and preeti but i don’t think it was enough to give this book a high rating.the last 76 pages i was just speed reading it honestly not bothered at this point
i read this first book of sajni patel and i absolutely loved it but this book it was alright i mean i really like daniel thompson and preeti but i don’t think it was enough to give this book a high rating.the last 76 pages i was just speed reading it honestly not bothered at this point
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:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
FMC was really annoying and didn't learn from her mistakes while simultaneousl saying she can't make the same mistake twice. The last 1/4 of the book was just me rolling my eyes.
And I hate when characters are so oblivious, saying things like "He can't possibly love me" while the other person is bending over backwards showing their love.
And I hate when characters are so oblivious, saying things like "He can't possibly love me" while the other person is bending over backwards showing their love.
4.5 stars: love this second chance romance, and honestly the last half of the book made me tear up a few times.
SO GOOD, I LITERALLY CANNOT FORM WORDS. Preeti is kinda living the life I want to live. I love how she’s a doctor and works so hard. I love how she tries to shield her friends from her problems. I love how she got a second chance to her first love thanks to her friends. Its literally the cutest romance book ever. And the fact that it tackles serious issues, like i cried several times because of what Preeti and Daniel were going through. Not to mention Daniel is rich and didnt tell Preeti is what made me love him. Ugh I wish I could read this book again for the first time. I finished it in four hours, and would recommend and defend this book foreverr.