A review by thevioletfoxbookshop
The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

 The Love Match is a fast-paced, light-hearted, YA romance about a young, Desi Muslim woman named Zahra who lives in a Bangladeshi diaspora community. There's fake dating, a love triangle, and the reminder that sometimes, love comes in the most unexpected ways. It's so much more than a romance though. It's an ode to Bangladeshi culture. It's a story about being true to yourself and having the courage to follow your dreams without losing sight of your roots. It's about finding balance between being independent and relying on your loved ones, living in a modern world with traditional values, and accepting the love that others have to give even when it doesn't come in the form you had hoped.

I loved being immersed in Bangladeshi culture. The author's descriptions of the tight-knit community, mouthwatering flavors, and colorful clothes,  make the perfect backdrop for a romance. The reader is also given a peek at the "Auntie network," daily prayers, holidays, and courtship traditions that may not be familiar to some western readers. As a "gringora," I did find myself Googling quite a bit and I'm so grateful this book gave me the opportunity to learn so much! It was a privilege to be allowed to venture into Zahra's world.

I also adored Zahra, who somehow finds a balance between being an independent, feminist pursuing her goals while simultaneously taking care of her family, upholding her culture's traditions, and staying true to those beliefs. She was witty, resourceful, smart, compassionate, and driven. The male leads and secondary characters shine just as brightly too! Priyanka Taslim's characters are all so well-written, so human, and so lovable. 

The Love Match was an absolute joy to read. I cried tears of joy, tears of anger, heartbreak, and then joy again. Absolutely heartwarming! The Love Match is a 5 star read. My only complaint is that it's over. I never wanted it to end. I hope to see more from Priyanka Taslim in the future! 
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