Reviews

Say You'll Be Mine by Naina Kumar

chrissys_library's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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? N/A

5.0

Say You'll Be Mine by Naina Kumar is a delightful romance that perfectly captures the charm of the "fake engagement" trope. The story follows Meghna and Karthik, two individuals navigating conflicting parental expectations and their own personal desires. Kumar's skillful storytelling and relatable characters make this book a heartwarming and enjoyable read.

jeanettesreadingcorner's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Say You’ll Be Mine is so cute! I really enjoyed the characters and the details of Indian culture & cuisine. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Sexual content

vickie0326's review

emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

ltimberlake's review against another edition

funny 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? No

3.75

litwithlani_'s review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

samara18's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

unareads11's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.5

 I have Steamy Lit to thank for pushing me to read as many contemporary romances as I have in the past month. I usually keep a wide berth between me and desi contemporary romances because they always follow the same TIRED tropes of arranged marriage, “I’m such a disappointment to my parents,” “I’m a doctor and engineer and lawyer,” etc etc and honestly that’s just not accessible to me as a first Gen Indian who is in the humanities/social work.

I’m happy so report I was SO impressed with Say You’ll Be Mine because yes, it did have some of the above tropes, but the FMC was a teacher and I really dug being able to connect with her character as an educator myself. The MMC was still and engineer but some things aren’t escapable I guess 😂

There were points when I wanted to smack Meghna for being so…naive? Gullible? People pleasing? But then I realized that was because she was displaying a lot of the traits I hate about myself lol. I really loved Meghna and Karthik’s chemistry and thought the fake dating trope was so well done and didn’t feel redundant at all.

I highly recommend Say You’ll Be Mine to anyone who enjoys fake dating/fake engagements, opposites attract, and a little self-discovery. I wish I’d gotten the alternative title, Say You’ll Be My Jaan, because that is my favorite term of endearment! 

safs_reads's review against another edition

1.0

The main characters lacked chemistry, the dialogue was just.....off, and so too was the pacing. I only made it to the end because I was waiting to see the substantial transformation of the characters, especially MMC, that some reviews led me to expect but which, unfortunately, did not materialise.

georgiacarin's review against another edition

funny hopeful 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

4.0

katylizg's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0