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btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I can see why a lot of people took issue with this book. I'm not Muslim, but I know what is haram and what isn't, and saying "technically" to skirt the rules doesn't mean you're not absolutely skirting them... The fact that a number of things were mentioned to be haram in the first place, but still done by the FMC baffled me. I understand why the author had that note at the beginning because I know that the way this story is put together would definitely be scandalous to a lot of Muslim people. I'm going to let other voices shine here, because I'm not own voice, but I will say the amount of touching and kissing in this book was a surprise to me.
I am also disappointed by the infidelity element of this story. Both characters had no regard for her engagement and it was frustrating. Beyond that, it felt entirely against type for anything to go so far with two character who are seemingly devoted to their religion and beliefs. It felt like a betrayal on multiple levels and made me respect both of them a lot less.
The two standouts were her therapy sessions - yay for positive POC therapy sessions - and the beautiful descriptions of their travel. Unfortunately, this book as a whole though was a miss for me.
TW: infidelity, vomit, robbery/kidnapping; mentions divorced parents, divorce.
Plot: 1/5
Characters: 2/5
World Building: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 2/5
ARC gifted by HCC Frenzy in exchange for an honest review.
I am also disappointed by the infidelity element of this story. Both characters had no regard for her engagement and it was frustrating. Beyond that, it felt entirely against type for anything to go so far with two character who are seemingly devoted to their religion and beliefs. It felt like a betrayal on multiple levels and made me respect both of them a lot less.
The two standouts were her therapy sessions - yay for positive POC therapy sessions - and the beautiful descriptions of their travel. Unfortunately, this book as a whole though was a miss for me.
TW: infidelity, vomit, robbery/kidnapping; mentions divorced parents, divorce.
Plot: 1/5
Characters: 2/5
World Building: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 2/5
ARC gifted by HCC Frenzy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Vomit
Moderate: Kidnapping
wanderlust_romance's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Maya’s Laws of Love was a fun and enjoyable read. It’s a whirlwind sort of travel romance where Maya, the FMC, is trying to get to Pakistan for her wedding. A series of unfortunate events gets this plot moving pretty quickly, and the hits don’t stop until the very end of this caper. Maya is also a bit of a disaster, which adds some light hearted humor when everything started to go bad. Sarfaraz, the MMC, is Maya’s sometimes unwilling and very uptight travel companion. He’s gruff. He’s grumpy. But he’s also got a secret nice guy spot underneath the hurt he feels from having gone through a messy divorce and being estranged from his family. And when these two finally make it to Karachi and are starting to feel those warm and fuzzy feelings…in comes the plot twist.
I was conflicted about Sarfaraz and his physical description. In the book, he is half-white and half-Pakistani and is described as having predominantly white features: light skin, green eyes, tall height, lighter brown hair. I found it interesting that in the authors note foreward that Khawaja states that she wrote this book because she wanted to see more characters like her in romance (brown, Muslim, South Asian). so while Sarfaraz is Muslim and speaks fluent Urdu, it made me wonder if his proximity to whiteness was to attract a broader audience of readers?
Tropes/book elements I liked:
I was conflicted about Sarfaraz and his physical description. In the book, he is half-white and half-Pakistani and is described as having predominantly white features: light skin, green eyes, tall height, lighter brown hair. I found it interesting that in the authors note foreward that Khawaja states that she wrote this book because she wanted to see more characters like her in romance (brown, Muslim, South Asian). so while Sarfaraz is Muslim and speaks fluent Urdu, it made me wonder if his proximity to whiteness was to attract a broader audience of readers?
Tropes/book elements I liked:
- Romantic settings outside the US
- K-drama fans will love this (especially Crash Landing on You fans)
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Very light cheating trope
- Insights into Pakistani culture
- Everything that can go wrong will go wrong
- Planes trains and automobiles oh my
- Mostly closed door. I counted 3 kissing scenes in the last 20%.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual content, Violence, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
finnygen's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Coming into this book blind and not being desi myself, I enjoyed having Canadian Pakistani representation and getting a peek into some of the cultural nuances. Setting in Pakistan and Switzerland was a breath of fresh air, though (as a non-viewer) I could have used fewer Crash Landing On You references.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I just never connected with Maya the FMC and had a tough time getting through the book. Almost DNF at 33%, then 57%, then decided to just speed skim through the rest.
Her behaviour was immature, judgemental, and grating at times and she made frequent questionable decisions (oyster pasta in a landlocked country… staying with a complete stranger…). As for Sarfaraz, he just came off as quite an ass with his hurtful words throughout. 🤷🏻♀️ Add on to that this story dips a toe into the cheating (yes it's an arranged marriage, but she's still engaged) which is not my thing.
As the author noted that this wasn't a 100% halal story, I didn't quite understand the point of specifically commenting about how certain things are forbidden then having her break all these rules. Overall, the writing could have used another edit as it was quite expository and clunky.
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, only one bed, road trip, pretending to be married
Edit: On second thought I've downgraded the 2 star to a 1 star. I just didn't enjoy it.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I just never connected with Maya the FMC and had a tough time getting through the book. Almost DNF at 33%, then 57%, then decided to just speed skim through the rest.
Her behaviour was immature, judgemental, and grating at times and she made frequent questionable decisions (oyster pasta in a landlocked country… staying with a complete stranger…). As for Sarfaraz, he just came off as quite an ass with his hurtful words throughout. 🤷🏻♀️ Add on to that this story dips a toe into the cheating (yes it's an arranged marriage, but she's still engaged) which is not my thing.
As the author noted that this wasn't a 100% halal story, I didn't quite understand the point of specifically commenting about how certain things are forbidden then having her break all these rules. Overall, the writing could have used another edit as it was quite expository and clunky.
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, only one bed, road trip, pretending to be married
Edit: On second thought I've downgraded the 2 star to a 1 star. I just didn't enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity
justcallmeemily's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
Thank you MIRA for sending me an ARC of this book.
From the very start I knew I was going to love this book. I don't know how Alina Khawaja did it but she may be the reason I start reading romance novels more often.
I loved every second of this book, from the humor to the immersion it gave me. I couldn't put this book down until I would get tired and then I would continue reading the very next day to do it again.
I also loved how it's not just about romance, but also family, culture, and personal growth. I aspire to grow as a person just like Maya does in this book. (And also find love like her, though hopefully not through being stranded in a completely different country)
From the very start I knew I was going to love this book. I don't know how Alina Khawaja did it but she may be the reason I start reading romance novels more often.
I loved every second of this book, from the humor to the immersion it gave me. I couldn't put this book down until I would get tired and then I would continue reading the very next day to do it again.
I also loved how it's not just about romance, but also family, culture, and personal growth. I aspire to grow as a person just like Maya does in this book. (And also find love like her, though hopefully not through being stranded in a completely different country)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit and Abandonment
Minor: Infidelity, Sexism, and Kidnapping
chelsea_shelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
If you’ve got a bit of wanderlust and are craving a book that feels like a hug, this book is probably for you.
This romance novel was so touching. The setting and travel from Canada to Switzerland and Pakistan was lovely and unique. I really enjoyed learning more about Pakistani and Muslim culture and traditions. The characters are strong and well developed.
The romance was sweet and the chemistry palpable. To me this felt like a nice balance in between enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers. It was tender and clever.
For a romantic comedy I would say this one leans more into the sentimental than humor. Not as snarky as some I’ve read. While I enjoyed that element I will say I think it was a bit heavy on inner monologue at times and felt a little long. The tone of the book is highly reflective and makes for strong character development. This is a story about finding your own voice as much as it is a romance. I adored it.
I am already looking forward to Khawaja’s next book publishing next year!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Publication day is March 26th!
[Spice Rating - PG, some steamy kissing]
This romance novel was so touching. The setting and travel from Canada to Switzerland and Pakistan was lovely and unique. I really enjoyed learning more about Pakistani and Muslim culture and traditions. The characters are strong and well developed.
The romance was sweet and the chemistry palpable. To me this felt like a nice balance in between enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers. It was tender and clever.
For a romantic comedy I would say this one leans more into the sentimental than humor. Not as snarky as some I’ve read. While I enjoyed that element I will say I think it was a bit heavy on inner monologue at times and felt a little long. The tone of the book is highly reflective and makes for strong character development. This is a story about finding your own voice as much as it is a romance. I adored it.
I am already looking forward to Khawaja’s next book publishing next year!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Publication day is March 26th!
[Spice Rating - PG, some steamy kissing]
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Infidelity
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