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A review by thebooknookgroup
Say You'll Be Mine by Naina Kumar
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.0
Synopsis:
Meghna and Karthik could not be more different, except that both of their parents set them up on a blind date in the hopes it would lead to an arranged marriage. Karthik agreed to please his mother and dissuade any more uncomfortable marriage conversations. Meghna agreed because she’s tried everything else. She wants a love like her parents have - one that weaves together life, love, affection, adoration, support, and partnership.
Their first meeting is awkward at best and both intend to never see each other again. Except Karthik has an idea. Can he get out of these incessant blind dates by faking an engagement? Play the part, break it off, and his mother would be too sympathetic to resume her persuasions for a while. He dials Meghna and pitches her the plan. She surprisingly agrees because she needs a date to her best friend’s wedding who she’s the Best Man for and also secretly in love with.
Meghna and Karthik start down a path of mutually beneficial agreement and end up somewhere else…
—
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a great debut novel from Naina Kumar! So cute and heartwarming with meaningful and sincere commentary on family dynamics and Indian marriage culture! I loved every bit of it.
I found the plot to be unique, as I’ve never read a romcom involving a fake engagement within the Indian arranged marriage culture. I loved learning about it! The families were so genuine and sweet, yet realistically flawed (as we all are).
I loved how realistic the romance is here. Each character has their own individual issues to work through as they try to be better people and potential partners. I appreciated there being minimal lust/physical scenes, with more time being spent on Meghna and Karthik’s personal introspection and character growth. The dual POV was definitely the right choice here and the transitions were perfect.
All around really enjoyed this novel! Will definitely pick up another novel from Kumar in the future.
Meghna and Karthik could not be more different, except that both of their parents set them up on a blind date in the hopes it would lead to an arranged marriage. Karthik agreed to please his mother and dissuade any more uncomfortable marriage conversations. Meghna agreed because she’s tried everything else. She wants a love like her parents have - one that weaves together life, love, affection, adoration, support, and partnership.
Their first meeting is awkward at best and both intend to never see each other again. Except Karthik has an idea. Can he get out of these incessant blind dates by faking an engagement? Play the part, break it off, and his mother would be too sympathetic to resume her persuasions for a while. He dials Meghna and pitches her the plan. She surprisingly agrees because she needs a date to her best friend’s wedding who she’s the Best Man for and also secretly in love with.
Meghna and Karthik start down a path of mutually beneficial agreement and end up somewhere else…
—
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a great debut novel from Naina Kumar! So cute and heartwarming with meaningful and sincere commentary on family dynamics and Indian marriage culture! I loved every bit of it.
I found the plot to be unique, as I’ve never read a romcom involving a fake engagement within the Indian arranged marriage culture. I loved learning about it! The families were so genuine and sweet, yet realistically flawed (as we all are).
I loved how realistic the romance is here. Each character has their own individual issues to work through as they try to be better people and potential partners. I appreciated there being minimal lust/physical scenes, with more time being spent on Meghna and Karthik’s personal introspection and character growth. The dual POV was definitely the right choice here and the transitions were perfect.
All around really enjoyed this novel! Will definitely pick up another novel from Kumar in the future.