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A review by thebooknerdscorner
The Eid Gift: An Adam and Zayneb Story by S.K. Ali
3.0
A short festive story based on "The Gift of the Magi" that reunites Adam and Zayneb four years after their initial meeting in which they are given the best present of all—each other.
This story isn't terribly deep, but it is a pretty cute short story that can be read rather quickly. It mainly focuses on Adam and Zayneb preparing to move in with one another after their nikah, which is the Muslim way of sealing their marriage after their engagement. Adam and Zayneb are both preparing gifts for one another, but they don't end up working out as well as they want them to, which is where "The Gift of the Magi" comes in. It is so sweet to see them go out of their ways to please each other, only to have their misguided gifts bring them closer together in the end.
If this story wouldn't have had me thinking so much about Muslim culture and the ways different people show affection for one another, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much. This story really has me grateful that I have the choice to get as physical as I want to with those I date as soon as I want, but it also gives me mad respect for those that are willing to patiently wait to give themselves to their partners. I mean, Adam and Zayneb waited four entire years before they even got to hold each other's hands! I love me a slow burn romance on paper and in real life, but even I don't think I could show that much restraint. It really does make for a magical moment when they do get to touch each other for the first time though. Let's just say, I don't exactly blame Adam for how horny he is during this entire short story. *awkward laugh*
Overall, "The Eid Gift" is a quick read that has me excited to read book two in this series. I don't think I would have enjoyed this one as much if it didn't have me pondering things such as nikah, attraction, love languages, sex, patience, and the balance that is necessary in healthy relationships. Anyway, I'm feeling touch deprived after this one. I'm definitely giving my boyfriend a giant hug as soon as possible.
This story isn't terribly deep, but it is a pretty cute short story that can be read rather quickly. It mainly focuses on Adam and Zayneb preparing to move in with one another after their nikah, which is the Muslim way of sealing their marriage after their engagement. Adam and Zayneb are both preparing gifts for one another, but they don't end up working out as well as they want them to, which is where "The Gift of the Magi" comes in. It is so sweet to see them go out of their ways to please each other, only to have their misguided gifts bring them closer together in the end.
If this story wouldn't have had me thinking so much about Muslim culture and the ways different people show affection for one another, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much. This story really has me grateful that I have the choice to get as physical as I want to with those I date as soon as I want, but it also gives me mad respect for those that are willing to patiently wait to give themselves to their partners. I mean, Adam and Zayneb waited four entire years before they even got to hold each other's hands! I love me a slow burn romance on paper and in real life, but even I don't think I could show that much restraint. It really does make for a magical moment when they do get to touch each other for the first time though. Let's just say, I don't exactly blame Adam for how horny he is during this entire short story. *awkward laugh*
Overall, "The Eid Gift" is a quick read that has me excited to read book two in this series. I don't think I would have enjoyed this one as much if it didn't have me pondering things such as nikah, attraction, love languages, sex, patience, and the balance that is necessary in healthy relationships. Anyway, I'm feeling touch deprived after this one. I'm definitely giving my boyfriend a giant hug as soon as possible.