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monarchsandmyths's review
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, I genuinely loved this book and I am not kidding when I say that I could not put it down. Second chance romances are not easy but Sajni Patel so masterfully wrote this that I don’t think I could ask for anything better. Even though I can’t personally relate to Preeti’s life, I was so deeply drawn into her story. This book is beautiful and intimate and raw and tender and at the end of the day just plain good. If you have ever liked romance, then you absolutely need to read this book.
FIRST LOVE, TAKE TWO is the story of Preeti Patel, Chief Resident at her clinic and steadily heading toward a fulltime position. But with roommate situations up in the air, she ends up sharing an apartment with her ex, Daniel, who she’s been avoiding for the past six years after breaking up with him. But there’s much more to the situation with that, and despite the fact Preeti thinks they both should have moved on, it’s clear they haven’t.
This book was a breath of fresh air and I am so happy that I got the chance to read it. I have so many good things I want to say about it, but I want to quickly get my minor issues out of the way. There were occasional moments where the chapters seemed to end at a weird time for me, like I turned the page and expected more. Secondly, there were a few moments with more modern slang that felt just a little bit forced. But frankly, I can’t think of much more to say that I disliked because this book is just that good.
Let’s start with the characters, and our main girl (woman) Preeti. Preeti is an absolutely incredible character and the thing I love about her most is that she is so incredibly human. A huge facet of this story is her dealing with her own anxiety and depression, and it was so well written and portrayed. Yes, it is a detriment to her but not to her character, in fact it only makes the character as a whole stronger. Even further, it’s not ever seen as something to be cured or changed, but instead some of the best moments in the entire book were Daniel helping Preeti with her anxiety, being that person for her that could make an overwhelming moment more bearable. Preeti is vulnerable but she’s also incredibly strong, and the book only furthers that arc of self growth and confidence. Throughout this book we see Preeti grow, most importantly, within herself, not because she needs to change for a relationship but in being better for herself.
And like any good book, Preeti is not the only amazing character in the book. I have to give an immense amount of love to Daniel who is possibly everything that could be wanted in a love interest because not only is he an amazing person, his character has so much depth and nuance that can speak for itself. But like Preeti, he’s not a perfect person, and once again it makes him all the more better. Preeti’s circle of friends and family is also incredible (obviously some are much more expanded upon in the first book in the series THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU), but Sajni Patel doesn’t even come close to slacking off as if the characters are already established. Everyone, from Grandma and Grandpa Thompson, Liya, Reema, Sana, Brandy, Preeti’s parents (Mummie and Papa) are so nuanced and complex and just absolutely delightful to read. I genuinely wouldn’t be mad to get a short story about each and every individual one of them because they’re just that good.
For the more plot driven, this book still fails to disappoint. It’s at heart, a romance, but it’s so much more than that. This book is watching characters learn and grow, watching relationships, romantic, platonic, familial, and more flourish under communication and care. This book is inherently character driven, but it’s also a journey. Preeti’s journey in becoming a doctor, the undertone of issues related to her relationship with Daniel, and most importantly to me her work on her own mental health provide important plot points that just further enrich the story. Sajni Patel didn’t hold back on any part and I’m so grateful for that fact.
Most of all, I think one of my absolute favourite things about this book was the relationships. Preeti and Daniel’s relationship is painful at times but so worth it. The very essence of second chance romance is captured as the two fall easily into old intimacy and slowly learn again how to truly talk to one another. It’s a second chance on the actual label, not on the love that never really dissipated. It’s hard to explain just how clearly perfect these two are for each other, in the way that they’re a safe place for one another no matter what, that intimacy isn’t just physical closeness but knowing the ins and outs of someone’s internal life. But the good relationships don’t stop there. The presence of Preeti’s girl group is exhilarating, not only to just see a group of women love each other so fiercely, but also to see the way they all work together in a balance. A group of well developed characters making an equally well developed friendship, what more could you ask for?
There are so many other good ones but I really need to talk about Preeti’s relationship with her parents. From the start, it’s clear that Preeti would do anything for them and this is a recurring theme throughout the book. Her love is clear and permanent. And that love is absolutely returned. Their relationship isn’t perfect and it’s clear that a part of the book is about how her relationship changes as she changes and grows. I can’t speak for the specifics of being within Preeti’s community, but what I can say is that the story of parents loving and supporting their child despite what others say is so near and dear to my heart, and once again, Patel writes it so well.
I could continue to talk about this book forever, about all the little nuances and details that made it such a good and satisfying read. It can be summed up this way, FIRST LOVE, TAKE TWO has beautiful characters, a beautiful romance, and doesn’t shy away from hard issues because they’re still intertwined with the previous two points. It’s amazing and I applaud Sajni Patel for this absolute work of art.
First and foremost, I genuinely loved this book and I am not kidding when I say that I could not put it down. Second chance romances are not easy but Sajni Patel so masterfully wrote this that I don’t think I could ask for anything better. Even though I can’t personally relate to Preeti’s life, I was so deeply drawn into her story. This book is beautiful and intimate and raw and tender and at the end of the day just plain good. If you have ever liked romance, then you absolutely need to read this book.
FIRST LOVE, TAKE TWO is the story of Preeti Patel, Chief Resident at her clinic and steadily heading toward a fulltime position. But with roommate situations up in the air, she ends up sharing an apartment with her ex, Daniel, who she’s been avoiding for the past six years after breaking up with him. But there’s much more to the situation with that, and despite the fact Preeti thinks they both should have moved on, it’s clear they haven’t.
This book was a breath of fresh air and I am so happy that I got the chance to read it. I have so many good things I want to say about it, but I want to quickly get my minor issues out of the way. There were occasional moments where the chapters seemed to end at a weird time for me, like I turned the page and expected more. Secondly, there were a few moments with more modern slang that felt just a little bit forced. But frankly, I can’t think of much more to say that I disliked because this book is just that good.
Let’s start with the characters, and our main girl (woman) Preeti. Preeti is an absolutely incredible character and the thing I love about her most is that she is so incredibly human. A huge facet of this story is her dealing with her own anxiety and depression, and it was so well written and portrayed. Yes, it is a detriment to her but not to her character, in fact it only makes the character as a whole stronger. Even further, it’s not ever seen as something to be cured or changed, but instead some of the best moments in the entire book were Daniel helping Preeti with her anxiety, being that person for her that could make an overwhelming moment more bearable. Preeti is vulnerable but she’s also incredibly strong, and the book only furthers that arc of self growth and confidence. Throughout this book we see Preeti grow, most importantly, within herself, not because she needs to change for a relationship but in being better for herself.
And like any good book, Preeti is not the only amazing character in the book. I have to give an immense amount of love to Daniel who is possibly everything that could be wanted in a love interest because not only is he an amazing person, his character has so much depth and nuance that can speak for itself. But like Preeti, he’s not a perfect person, and once again it makes him all the more better. Preeti’s circle of friends and family is also incredible (obviously some are much more expanded upon in the first book in the series THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU), but Sajni Patel doesn’t even come close to slacking off as if the characters are already established. Everyone, from Grandma and Grandpa Thompson, Liya, Reema, Sana, Brandy, Preeti’s parents (Mummie and Papa) are so nuanced and complex and just absolutely delightful to read. I genuinely wouldn’t be mad to get a short story about each and every individual one of them because they’re just that good.
For the more plot driven, this book still fails to disappoint. It’s at heart, a romance, but it’s so much more than that. This book is watching characters learn and grow, watching relationships, romantic, platonic, familial, and more flourish under communication and care. This book is inherently character driven, but it’s also a journey. Preeti’s journey in becoming a doctor, the undertone of issues related to her relationship with Daniel, and most importantly to me her work on her own mental health provide important plot points that just further enrich the story. Sajni Patel didn’t hold back on any part and I’m so grateful for that fact.
Most of all, I think one of my absolute favourite things about this book was the relationships. Preeti and Daniel’s relationship is painful at times but so worth it. The very essence of second chance romance is captured as the two fall easily into old intimacy and slowly learn again how to truly talk to one another. It’s a second chance on the actual label, not on the love that never really dissipated. It’s hard to explain just how clearly perfect these two are for each other, in the way that they’re a safe place for one another no matter what, that intimacy isn’t just physical closeness but knowing the ins and outs of someone’s internal life. But the good relationships don’t stop there. The presence of Preeti’s girl group is exhilarating, not only to just see a group of women love each other so fiercely, but also to see the way they all work together in a balance. A group of well developed characters making an equally well developed friendship, what more could you ask for?
There are so many other good ones but I really need to talk about Preeti’s relationship with her parents. From the start, it’s clear that Preeti would do anything for them and this is a recurring theme throughout the book. Her love is clear and permanent. And that love is absolutely returned. Their relationship isn’t perfect and it’s clear that a part of the book is about how her relationship changes as she changes and grows. I can’t speak for the specifics of being within Preeti’s community, but what I can say is that the story of parents loving and supporting their child despite what others say is so near and dear to my heart, and once again, Patel writes it so well.
I could continue to talk about this book forever, about all the little nuances and details that made it such a good and satisfying read. It can be summed up this way, FIRST LOVE, TAKE TWO has beautiful characters, a beautiful romance, and doesn’t shy away from hard issues because they’re still intertwined with the previous two points. It’s amazing and I applaud Sajni Patel for this absolute work of art.
sahmreadss's review
3.0
I have to admit it I liked this story a lot more than the first one. The love story of Preeti and Daniel has some of the best tropes; second chance romance and forced proximity.
I loved their dynamic and the underlying tension even though the readers don’t get to see the first time they’re a romantic couple. As much as I would’ve loved to see their romance the first time around, it wasn’t hard to feel their spark as their interaction was so special compared to everyone around them. But the forced proximity trope wasn’t done just as good in my opinion.
I easily related to Preeti’s opinion about her community and the pressure of making sure that your own actions don’t lead to the downfall of your parents. Any brown kid will understand the feeling. Once again it was nice to see that the book wasn’t catered to a white audience!
I loved their dynamic and the underlying tension even though the readers don’t get to see the first time they’re a romantic couple. As much as I would’ve loved to see their romance the first time around, it wasn’t hard to feel their spark as their interaction was so special compared to everyone around them. But the forced proximity trope wasn’t done just as good in my opinion.
I easily related to Preeti’s opinion about her community and the pressure of making sure that your own actions don’t lead to the downfall of your parents. Any brown kid will understand the feeling. Once again it was nice to see that the book wasn’t catered to a white audience!
tagoreketabkhane31's review
5.0
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!)
frajan's review
3.5
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.
alysses's review
5.0
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
practicingshelfcare's review
4.0
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!
gjzw_7's review
3.0
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
shona_lynne's review
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
3.75
jjhina's review
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
2.75
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.
milstekle's review
4.0
4.5 stars: love this second chance romance, and honestly the last half of the book made me tear up a few times.