sschultz3's review
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
3.0
kittykolektor's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I loved this beautiful, sweet, funny book. I found myself yelling at Radha’s mom. Rooting for Jai to apply to college. And cheering on their Bollywood dance team. Throw in dishes that make my mouth water and you have a recipe for success.
thesempiternalreader's review
3.0
As I was reading Radha & Jai's recipe for romance, I couldn't help but drool over the recipes described in the book. This was such a fun read. The beginning was kind of rocky with some scenes being wrapped up too quickly for my taste. But the story progressed into a much better version. I liked reading about the aspirations and fears Radha and Jai had and how well it was handled. The character growth was very well written.
If you are a fan of Bollywood movies with whirlwind romance, random bursts of dances and a happily ever after, you should definitely pick this one up.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting this copy in exchange for an honest review
If you are a fan of Bollywood movies with whirlwind romance, random bursts of dances and a happily ever after, you should definitely pick this one up.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting this copy in exchange for an honest review
taulkstoomuch's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
3.75
beasleysbooks's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance contains multitudes.
The story, at its very basic, is a ya contemporary romance. However, it isn't just that. This novel has complex family dynamics, commentary on poverty and representation in media, dance competitions, recipes, and more. These characters felt real because I saw every part of them: their fears, their joys, their family relationships, their romantic relationships, their goals and aspirations, etc. So much was packed into this book that I was surprised it was under 300 pages. I felt like I went on a real journey with these characters and truly knew them by the end. The book also ended on a hopeful note, so I can imagine Radha and Jai out in the world, living out their dreams.
If you enjoy ya romances, you can't go wrong with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have with all of Nisha's books (Dating Dr. Dil and Tastes Like Shakkar are AMAZING). I think this has inspired me to read My So-Called Bollywood Life!
The story, at its very basic, is a ya contemporary romance. However, it isn't just that. This novel has complex family dynamics, commentary on poverty and representation in media, dance competitions, recipes, and more. These characters felt real because I saw every part of them: their fears, their joys, their family relationships, their romantic relationships, their goals and aspirations, etc. So much was packed into this book that I was surprised it was under 300 pages. I felt like I went on a real journey with these characters and truly knew them by the end. The book also ended on a hopeful note, so I can imagine Radha and Jai out in the world, living out their dreams.
If you enjoy ya romances, you can't go wrong with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have with all of Nisha's books (Dating Dr. Dil and Tastes Like Shakkar are AMAZING). I think this has inspired me to read My So-Called Bollywood Life!
dolancf's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.75
sunfalls's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
neelamreads's review
3.0
This book was cute, although at times felt a bit too high-school. That being said I think that is the demographic.
I loved how Nisha Sharma included some Gujarati and Punjabi words into the story without making it too Desi. The words were interspersed into the story with some natural explanation either directly or within the context of the chapter. Also dance and food! Love it :)
I loved how Nisha Sharma included some Gujarati and Punjabi words into the story without making it too Desi. The words were interspersed into the story with some natural explanation either directly or within the context of the chapter. Also dance and food! Love it :)
bookishdesi's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
LOVED the representation throughout this book. From the kathak dancing to the dal makhani recipes. It just warmed my heart to read a cute YA novel with elements of my culture in it. Didn’t mind the nod to the previous book as well in the series !