A review by smiley7245
Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron

emotional funny 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? It's complicated

3.5

This is a stand alone book, but it also has characters from the previous story. But, I didn't know that until I was about halfway through this one. I LOVE fake dating. It is one of my favorite tropes. But I HATE secret keeping; it's one of my least favorite tropes. Unfortunately, this book had both and the secret keeping is what kept this from a higher rating.

Reena is so relatable. Wanting to stand on her own and be a good daughter so she keeps things from her overbearing parents, while also comparing herself to her successful siblings. Nadim is great, but also frustrating because he is so clearly into Reena, but also doesn't want to tell her about himself or his past. And that catches up to them and temporarily breaks them up. Which sucks because they are pretending to be engaged for a cooking competition. It's almost too late when Reena starts communicating; first with her sister, then her parents, and finally Nadim. The eloping was so cute. Using their reception to film their final entry for the competition. And the little epilogue showing they won and that she and her sister are going into business together.

This book was charming and funny. I will definitely be reading more from this author!