Books Like...

When Tara Met Farah is a new adult romance novel that follows the story of Tara, a nineteen-year-old YouTuber, and Farah, a twentysomething math genius. The book delves into themes of grief, family dynamics, and self-discovery as the two protagonists navigate their relationship. Tara struggles with academic pressure and the expectations placed on her, while Farah is processing the loss of her mother. The narrative alternates between Tara and Farah's perspectives, showcasing their individual growth and the intimacy that develops between them. The writing style combines elements of romance, family drama, and self-realization, creating a heartfelt and engaging storyline.

Sajni Patel's debut novel, 'The Trouble with Hating You', follows the story of Liya and Jay, two South Asian leads with a hate-to-love dynamic set in India. The book explores themes of cultural expectations, arranged marriages, past trauma, and strong female friendships. The writing style is praised for its authentic portrayal of Hindu immigrant life, nuanced discussion of tradition, and conscious approach to building a serious relationship between the main characters.

Rebel Hard by Nalini Singh is a contemporary romance that follows the story of Nayna Sharma and Raj Sen, two individuals from traditional Indian families with conflicting desires for their future. Nayna, a dutiful daughter, agrees to an arranged marriage to keep her family happy, but her encounter with Raj at a party ignites a passionate connection that challenges their individual dreams. The book explores themes of family expectations, cultural traditions, personal growth, and the struggle to find a balance between following tradition and pursuing personal happiness. The writing style is nuanced, emotional, and engaging, focusing on the complexities of the characters and their relationships rather than dramatic events.

Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron is a delightful romance novel set in Toronto, following Reena Manji as she navigates a fake engagement with her neighbor Nadim in order to enter a reality television cooking show. The book is praised for its engaging storyline of a fake relationship turning into something more, laced with humor, steamy moments, and a strong focus on family and friendship dynamics. Readers appreciate the cultural references, especially to Gujarati heritage and food, adding a unique touch to the story.

'The Chai Factor' by Farah Heron is a contemporary romance novel set in Toronto, Canada, exploring themes of family, culture, and romance. The story follows Amira, a Muslim engineer dealing with issues like workplace sexism and racial profiling, who finds herself sharing living space with Duncan, a red-headed musician. Despite their initial animosity, their relationship evolves into a captivating romance as they navigate societal expectations, family prejudices, and personal growth. The book delves into complex topics such as racism, homophobia, and cultural differences, offering a heartfelt and humorous portrayal of love and identity.

In this novel, Farah Heron skillfully weaves together a narrative that delves into the intersection of love, family, faith, and culture. Through Amira and Duncan's journey, readers are taken on a captivating exploration of relationships, self-discovery, and the complexities of navigating societal norms. The book's writing style combines humor, heart, and depth, creating a compelling story that resonates with themes of acceptance, growth, and the power of love to overcome obstacles.

The Marriage Clock by Zara Raheem follows the journey of Leila Abid, a 26-year-old Indian American woman who is under pressure from her parents to get married before reaching her marriage deadline. The book explores themes of cultural expectations, self-discovery, and the complexities of modern relationships. Through a blend of tradition and unconventionality, the author navigates Leila's experiences in the dating world, her interactions with family and friends, and her internal struggles with societal norms.

Raheem's writing style brings light-hearted humor, relatable characters, and a touch of ethnic flair to Leila's story of navigating love, marriage, and self-realization. The novel delves into the challenges faced by Leila as she grapples with the balance between familial expectations and personal desires, all while offering insights into the cultural and religious aspects that shape her journey towards finding happiness and fulfillment on her own terms.

Variables of Love by M.K. Schiller is a new adult romance novel that explores the complexities of love between Meena, an Indian American 1st generation torn between her cultural expectations and her desires, and Ethan, a white American with a non-traditional upbringing. The story delves into their forbidden love, the challenges they face due to their vastly different backgrounds, and the struggle to be together despite societal expectations. The writing style is described as starting off stiff but gradually flowing better, with alternating first-person POVs of Meena and Ethan as they navigate their last year at Stanford and the complexities of their relationship.

Variables of Love is praised for its diverse characters, touching on themes of love between different cultures, beliefs, and family values. The book is highlighted for its high level of angst, heartbreak, and emotional depth, as it explores themes of tragedy, self-discovery, and finding love against all odds. The plot revolves around Meena and Ethan's intense and fast-paced relationship, which is hindered by the cultural expectations placed on Meena, leading to a bittersweet journey of love and self-realization.

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin is a modern Muslim retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice set in the Toronto area, focusing on the lives of Ayesha, a teacher with a passion for poetry, and Khalid, a conservative Muslim who believes in arranged marriages. The story follows their initial animosity towards each other, misunderstandings, and eventual attraction as they navigate family expectations, cultural traditions, and societal biases. The plot is filled with comedic moments, heartwarming interactions, and a delightful exploration of Muslim community dynamics in a contemporary setting.

The writing style of Ayesha at Last is praised for its unique blend of humor, romance, and cultural elements. Readers appreciate the modern-day setting, diverse characters, and the way the author intertwines elements of Pride and Prejudice with Muslim traditions, family dynamics, and societal issues. The story is described as engaging, entertaining, and relatable, with a focus on character development, realistic conflicts, and a fresh perspective on classic themes of love, marriage, and identity.

The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan is a light-hearted romantic novel set in India, revolving around the protagonist Zoya who becomes the lucky mascot for the Indian cricket team. Born at the moment India won the 1983 World Cup, Zoya's journey takes her to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand where she is believed to bring luck to the team. The book combines elements of romance, cricket, and Indian superstitions, portraying a fun and engaging storyline. The writing style is described as casual, funny, and filled with Hindi slang, making it relatable to readers familiar with Indian culture and beliefs.

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev is a contemporary romance novel set partly in Mumbai and featuring South Asian characters. The story follows Mili, who has been married since the age of four and is seeking an annulment, and Samir, a Bollywood director who is sent to convince Mili to sign the divorce papers. The book is described as having elements of family drama, cultural traditions, and a slow-burning romance. The plot involves misunderstandings, deceptions, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of Indian culture and traditions.