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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
didn't like either of the main characters, dialogue was very expository
I was so excited when I came across this book - the cover art is gorgeous and grabbed my eye and the premise really intrigued me. I’m always a fan of a romance read that can also allow me to experience/ learn about another culture. An arranged marriage, travel woes, and a love story? Yes please!
I loved that the story was one that involved a trip to Pakistan for a wedding. We got a glimpse into another culture via the parts of the story and it was great getting to see Maya representing a Canadian-Palestinian experience.
While I’m not generally a fan of a traditional love triangle - I am definitely a fan of the arranged marriage to meeting your true match trope. I loved was watching the relationship and interactions between Maya and Safaraz evolve as they went from annoyed seat mates to reluctant travel companions to more.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but needless to say this was just a really charming and sweet romance read. Definitely I’ll recommend to friends or fans of this type of read.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.
I loved that the story was one that involved a trip to Pakistan for a wedding. We got a glimpse into another culture via the parts of the story and it was great getting to see Maya representing a Canadian-Palestinian experience.
While I’m not generally a fan of a traditional love triangle - I am definitely a fan of the arranged marriage to meeting your true match trope. I loved was watching the relationship and interactions between Maya and Safaraz evolve as they went from annoyed seat mates to reluctant travel companions to more.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but needless to say this was just a really charming and sweet romance read. Definitely I’ll recommend to friends or fans of this type of read.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
Thank you so so SOOO much to @thealinakhawaja @hearourvoicestours & @harpercollins for providing me with this physical ARC❤️! And my sincere apologies for reviewing so late, I've been so busy this Ramadan, but I made it!
On to the review 👇
Our FMC, Maya, is getting married but seemingly for all the wrong reasons 🥲, and she also manages to get herself into some crazy unfortunate situations 😅. We follow along on her journey where the plots keep TWISTING 🤭😆.
Honestly, this was such a well written book, and I see so much potential in the author with this being a debut ❤️. The characters are fleshed out and were interesting. The plots are well thought out, so we're not left hanging - all will be answered 👀. Oh and when I said the plots were twisting, I was gasping!!! I'd have screamed too lol, but ya girl fasting and breathing is an effort😂. Anyway, yall have to read to find out what's up👀.
And of course, you guys know I could love a book for the setting alone, and this one gaaave 🥹😍. I feel like I've traveled to these places in person🥹. and despite being South Asian myself, I'm ashamed to admit that I had no idea just how large Pakistan is!
Speaking of, we get plenty of Pakistani and general South Asian rep, which I'm always very happy to see🥰. We do get some Islamic elements, too. I don't know if I'd say it's entirely Muslim rep... However, it did make me think about how all of us Muslims practice and grow at different levels, and so even if it's not something I could relate to personally, it could be someone else's experience.
It was an honor to read this book so make sure to check it out!
On to the review 👇
Our FMC, Maya, is getting married but seemingly for all the wrong reasons 🥲, and she also manages to get herself into some crazy unfortunate situations 😅. We follow along on her journey where the plots keep TWISTING 🤭😆.
Honestly, this was such a well written book, and I see so much potential in the author with this being a debut ❤️. The characters are fleshed out and were interesting. The plots are well thought out, so we're not left hanging - all will be answered 👀. Oh and when I said the plots were twisting, I was gasping!!! I'd have screamed too lol, but ya girl fasting and breathing is an effort😂. Anyway, yall have to read to find out what's up👀.
And of course, you guys know I could love a book for the setting alone, and this one gaaave 🥹😍. I feel like I've traveled to these places in person🥹. and despite being South Asian myself, I'm ashamed to admit that I had no idea just how large Pakistan is!
Speaking of, we get plenty of Pakistani and general South Asian rep, which I'm always very happy to see🥰. We do get some Islamic elements, too. I don't know if I'd say it's entirely Muslim rep... However, it did make me think about how all of us Muslims practice and grow at different levels, and so even if it's not something I could relate to personally, it could be someone else's experience.
It was an honor to read this book so make sure to check it out!
Not romantic, despite it being all about maya learning to love. Maya is also very callous, despite being a chronic “people pleaser”. I don’t believe these two get along and have a HEA. Also maya cheats on the man she’s engaged to.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Anyone that has been hurt or heartbroken knows that sometimes we create a set of rules or explanations for ourselves to ensure that the same thing doesn't happen again. As long as we follow these rules, we know we won't be hurt again and if we are, we know it was because we didn't listen to our rules.
Maya has the worst luck and although she attributes it to her curse, she still manages to keep a somewhat positive outlook on life. She believes in soulmates and love, but isn't sure if this is something that she will have the chance to have unless it's something that can be created over time with her engagement. When her travel plans to Pakistan for her arranged wedding keep hitting unexpected roadblocks, she finds herself suddenly with a travel partner that she least expected and suddenly discovers feelings she has never felt before.
Maya and Sarfaraz become unlikely travel companions while on their way to Pakistan. Maya is still uncertain about her arranged marriage and if it's truly what she wants. And Sarfaraz seems to be battling with his own demons about marriage and love, but after getting help from Maya he suddenly finds himself travelling with her and his mindsets slowly begin to change.
Although I'm not very familiar with Pakistani or Muslim culture or faith, I really enjoyed getting to learn more and find some similarities with my Filipino culture and upbringing. This book was a 5 star read for me and has made me interested in reading more romance books. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this heartwarming story.
Maya has the worst luck and although she attributes it to her curse, she still manages to keep a somewhat positive outlook on life. She believes in soulmates and love, but isn't sure if this is something that she will have the chance to have unless it's something that can be created over time with her engagement. When her travel plans to Pakistan for her arranged wedding keep hitting unexpected roadblocks, she finds herself suddenly with a travel partner that she least expected and suddenly discovers feelings she has never felt before.
Maya and Sarfaraz become unlikely travel companions while on their way to Pakistan. Maya is still uncertain about her arranged marriage and if it's truly what she wants. And Sarfaraz seems to be battling with his own demons about marriage and love, but after getting help from Maya he suddenly finds himself travelling with her and his mindsets slowly begin to change.
Although I'm not very familiar with Pakistani or Muslim culture or faith, I really enjoyed getting to learn more and find some similarities with my Filipino culture and upbringing. This book was a 5 star read for me and has made me interested in reading more romance books. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this heartwarming story.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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:
Yes
Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and MIRA for providing an eARC in exchange for a review
Maya Mirza is convinced she is cursed to have bad luck for the rest of her life, especially in love. She lives her life by a set of 'laws' that explain her bad luck.
She is about to be married and is on route to her destination wedding in Pakistan, but it is a disaster from the start. Her seatmate ends up being a grumpy lawyer, that as mishap after mishap happens ends up being her travel companion through a grounded flight, an unexpected stop in Switzerland, a bus breakdown, and more. They get very close over the tumultuous journey, and Maya starts to doubt who is the right guy for her.
I think this book was so well executed. I loved reading a book about a culture that is different to my own. The love story was so well paced, and you could feel as the characters fell in love over the length of the novel. The main characters grew over time and it all felt so organic. There was such a good balance of romance, serious topics, humour, culture, and growth.
Maya Mirza is convinced she is cursed to have bad luck for the rest of her life, especially in love. She lives her life by a set of 'laws' that explain her bad luck.
She is about to be married and is on route to her destination wedding in Pakistan, but it is a disaster from the start. Her seatmate ends up being a grumpy lawyer, that as mishap after mishap happens ends up being her travel companion through a grounded flight, an unexpected stop in Switzerland, a bus breakdown, and more. They get very close over the tumultuous journey, and Maya starts to doubt who is the right guy for her.
I think this book was so well executed. I loved reading a book about a culture that is different to my own. The love story was so well paced, and you could feel as the characters fell in love over the length of the novel. The main characters grew over time and it all felt so organic. There was such a good balance of romance, serious topics, humour, culture, and growth.
I started off liking it, but honestly I struggled through this arc. I did end up finishing and midway after the reveal at the end I was annoyed and no longer invested what seemed like a cute relatioship, I soon grew annoyed with after the reveal.
This was a cute story. It even had a meet cute. Well, not really cute at first but as time goes on (for them) it turns into a funny story. Anyways, this book was deeply cultural. It's not my place to say if it's a great representation for muslim or desi people since I'm neither, but I can attest that it painted their culture in a beautiful picture. The pacing of this book was a little oft for me. It felt a little all over the place, and I don't even mean the plot itself. I wished we could've seen more of Maya in a finally fulfilled, happy, and loving relationship. We only got a snippet of it in the epilogue. I want more of them.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review