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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
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
Thank you to @hachetteaudio for providing an ALC on NetGalley! I’m a sucker for second chance romances and a teal cover, so of course I had to grab this one!
Pub date: Sept 21
In one sentence: Preeti and Daniel never got over each other - will a shared temporary sublease bring them back together or tear them further apart?
This book was a bit of a miss for me. I did like the forced proximity plotline. I also loved the subplot of Preeti’s career as a doctor and her hard work to find a job post-residency.
A lot of this book felt very negative - Preeti was shamed by her Indian community for previously dating and having sex with Daniel, a Black man. In addition, Preeti has a deep touch aversion that negatively impacts her life. I’m glad the author raised these issues, as I want to see romcoms tackle the hard stuff, but I wish they had been better balanced with more positive content to keep me engaged.
I also didn’t love how Daniel “rescued” Preeti - it felt like the author was setting him up as the only one who could fix her. This kind of plot line feels very misleading - Preeti clearly needed therapy, not a new boyfriend. No one can fix another person, no matter how wonderful they are.
I really appreciated the diversity of this story, but it’s not on my romcom must reads list.
Review posted to Goodreads and Instagram on 9/13/21.
Pub date: Sept 21
In one sentence: Preeti and Daniel never got over each other - will a shared temporary sublease bring them back together or tear them further apart?
This book was a bit of a miss for me. I did like the forced proximity plotline. I also loved the subplot of Preeti’s career as a doctor and her hard work to find a job post-residency.
A lot of this book felt very negative - Preeti was shamed by her Indian community for previously dating and having sex with Daniel, a Black man. In addition, Preeti has a deep touch aversion that negatively impacts her life. I’m glad the author raised these issues, as I want to see romcoms tackle the hard stuff, but I wish they had been better balanced with more positive content to keep me engaged.
I also didn’t love how Daniel “rescued” Preeti - it felt like the author was setting him up as the only one who could fix her. This kind of plot line feels very misleading - Preeti clearly needed therapy, not a new boyfriend. No one can fix another person, no matter how wonderful they are.
I really appreciated the diversity of this story, but it’s not on my romcom must reads list.
Review posted to Goodreads and Instagram on 9/13/21.
emotional
hopeful
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
medium-paced
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I am a sucker for second chance romances and this book did not disappoint. Preeti and Daniel's relationship evolves and strengthens over time, with the both of them learning from their past mistakes that caused the end of their relationship and Preeti deciding to take a stand for herself because she is strong enough. She recognises that some events of the past were not her fault, but due to toxic family members and social circle, but she also recognises that she made mistakes and owns up to them, not letting herself fall into the same traps. Honestly, one of my favourite characters I love her so much!
Ok I feel like someone should say it but how sadistic does my boi Daniel have to be to build the dream house he designed with (or maybe even for) the love of his life even when his heart was broken by her literally 6 years ago!?! I genuinely can't imagine LIVING in a house I had envisioned with the love of my life without that person. IDK Daniel is another breed of yearning.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, Medical content
Minor: Sexual assault
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a sweet, yet slightly steamy, second-chance romance story. The characters were well developed and likeable and the story was entertaining. I appreciated that there was a discussion of anxiety and touch aversion in the book which helps to normalize this disorder. The discussion of the culture and family issues that often face the first generation born in a new country was interesting and reflective of what I’ve heard from others in this community.
What was most enjoyable about this book was the fierceness of Preeti’s love for Daniel. Six years after their breakup, and with much more life experience, Preeti now shows the confidence she needs to fight for her man. Who doesn’t love a strong female character?
I listened to the audiobook version of First Love Take Two which was narrated by Soneela Nankani. She provides an enthusiastic and authentic performance which was a pleasure to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book for those that appreciate this format.
What was most enjoyable about this book was the fierceness of Preeti’s love for Daniel. Six years after their breakup, and with much more life experience, Preeti now shows the confidence she needs to fight for her man. Who doesn’t love a strong female character?
I listened to the audiobook version of First Love Take Two which was narrated by Soneela Nankani. She provides an enthusiastic and authentic performance which was a pleasure to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book for those that appreciate this format.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Not a fan when 6 years are lost when someone can’t communicate. There were some meaningful bits about mental health and self-advocacy, but not worth it.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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