Reviews

Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni

radusreads's review

4.25

This was such an interesting book with the situations our fmcs were in. They are at a food conference showing their families foods that are both Armenian. One of them still is expected ft work output even on PTO. I'm getting PTSD lol.

Nazeli who is bi and just getting out of a hookup situation she thought was more but the guy was a dbag. And don't get me started on her boss. My work does not bother me when I'm on a trip; they don't even message me when I have cpe.
I loved the two families and the Romeo and Juliet feel but gender bent, forbidden romance, families fighting for decades etc. She meets Vanya and she's entranced but then it quickly becomes more difficult than she realized.

The competition segments were fun and I always love listening to anything about food. They were talking about the SF Bay Area which in this instance was Saratoga to SF, so pretty big area. I have lived in or have family in both of those areas so i love that I can picture it all. Though the competition takes place in Chicago which I've also been. So had a fun time traveling.

This was an insta attraction and dating situation since it was a week of them knowing each other even less really. But it helped for Nazeli to realize what she had before was severely lacking and her work situation was very toxic. Just because it's the “culture” doesn't mean it's ok. And mistakes were made so be ready for some drama cause it was like a televised show in a way.

Thank you @berkleyromance for this #gifted copy!

zagsreads's review

emotional funny lighthearted

4.5

librar_bee's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-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

4.25

4.25 stars. Manifesting that Taleen Voskuni will ultimately take down West Coast tech-bro culture with her writing.

I enjoyed Sorry, Bro and its blend of budding queer romance, self-acceptance, and cultural celebration. Nazeli's and Vanya's story follows in that vein - exploring the experiences of two women growing up in the Bay Area diaspora with families whose life's work is in traditional Armenian cuisine.

I loved the blossoming romance and found the MCs to be both well-developed and interesting characters. We only get Nazeli's perspective (a favorite writing style of mine, since IMO it only adds to the buildup and tension!), but the sparks are THERE. This isn't a book for those looking for spice, but honestly, I enjoyed the tension of the cooking competition, Nazeli's career projection, and the family rivalry enough to the point where I didn't mind that there was none.

As always, Voskuni tenderly blends Armenian culture, proverbs, wisdom, and history into her writing, something that I genuinely treasure about her work. I always feel as though I am learning something new and intriguing when I read Voskuni's novels, and it is evident in the joyous writing that cultural celebration and fun, queer romance seamlessly go together.

A fresh new trope, unforgettable MCs, and a captivating plot make this novel one I will remember. Not to mention the incredible descriptions of the cuisine!

tayllorde's review against another edition

hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

3.75

runawaytrain's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

It's a love triangle. The third love interest is Chicago. It's . . . a lot.

ajpeyton's review

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? It's complicated

3.25

misha_ali's review against another edition

funny hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

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

3.5

This was fun, light and sweet. I learned a lot about Armenian food, which was delightful, and hits home hard about the kind of silly inter-immigrant conflicts that can arise when people are in a different country, despite the fact that you clearly have much more in common than not. Nothing too challenging here, just a sweet story about some exasperated adult children of immigrant Armenian parents who are competing in a professional convention for an exciting marketing opportunity for their product.

afra77's review

funny lighthearted fast-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

3.75

natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-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

4.5

As Poignant as it was fun, Taleen Voskuni’s heartfelt, witty and utterly entertaining LGBTQ+ take on a Romeo and Juliet-style relationship was an absolute joy to read! 

Told from the POV of Nazeli ‘Ellie’ Gregorian, who after being dumped just before a big presentation, agrees to help her parents out with a food packaging conference in Chicago (the perfect distraction to get her life and work back on track.)

Her meet cute with the charismatic and chaotic whirlwind, Vanya (attempting to talk her way into a VIP business event) is even more of a motivator for Ellie and has her even more eager for the week’s events (if only for the chance to hang out with Vanya.) Until Ellie’s parents recognise Vanya as the daughter of their sworn enemies and long time business rivals, Nora and Toros Simonian. 

Now dragged into their parents heated, decades long rivalry, Ellie and Vanya must hide their growing feelings (and secret hookups) as both families compete against each other in the convention’s Superstars Award —a food branding competition that promises the winning brand a coveted spot in a Super Bowl commercial. 

I really enjoyed this! The descriptions were wonderfully detailed, and really captured the vibrancy and depth of Armenian culture (in such a loving way), especially when it came to the focus on the importance of family and community. The mouth watering food references were pretty amazing as well and had me craving Hera and Hagop’s food the entire time. 

But I must say the well written cast of characters, their love for their heritage and the complexity of their familial bonds (and sense of identity) were what really made this a standout read for me. It’s not often that I find it difficult to decide on a favourite character, but Ellie, Vanya and their parents were all really likeable and endearing— I honestly couldn’t choose who I loved more. 

The shenanigans and one-upmanship between Hagop and Toros were an especially entertaining highlight, with the added bonus of providing the perfect amount of comic relief between some of the more emotionally charged scenes.

Ellie’s flirtatious banter and chemistry with Vanya was surprisingly swoon-worthy, and the confidence (and sense of self) she inspires in Ellie was absolutely marvellous. I did think their relationship was a bit insta-lovey, but with a Romeo and Juliet-esque premise, that did work in its favour.

Overall, a fast paced and thoroughly engaging read that Rom-Com lovers are sure to enjoy. 

Also, a huge thank you to Chloe and Pan MacMillan for the finished copy.

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Genocide and Alcohol

avagambero's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

5.0