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brilovesbooks22's review
funny
informative
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
5.0
Thank you Net Galley for this audio e arc. Faridah Ábiké - Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar have made believe in love again. The story involves two teens one a future lawyer and the other a future artist (or maybe not lol) who are trying to survive the summer after losing a beloved librarian, inheriting a cat and trying to save their Muslim temple. Oh did I mention they were besties turned enemies turned lovers. This book is truly beautiful and great palette cleanser for the summer. It also touches on religion, relationships and racism within religion. Truly this book can do no wrong in my eyes.
daniellereadslikealot_'s review
funny
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? Yes
4.0
I love both of these authors so them writing a book together was incredibly exciting! I really enjoyed this one. I loved the look at the town’s Muslim community and how they all look out and support each other. I thought Said and Tiwa were such great characters and I was very invested in seeing where their relationship would go. I will say overall, this book was a hit for me, but there were a few things that missed. It was incredibly unclear for most of the book why Tiwa and Said stopped being friends and once it was finally revealed what had happened, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense and they both let it go waaaay too quickly in my opinion. Also, I felt like I got to know Said extremely well in his chapters, but Tiwa not so much. I did enjoy the chapters of Eids past, but I did find the timeline a bit confusing. However, the story itself was really well done and I’m so happy I read it.
CW: death, child death, racism, fire, religious bigotry, Islamophobia, grief
Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
tyrakristinaa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
nitrojenn'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? No
3.5
Ok, I did enjoy this but not as much as I could have. The description states "let's get one thing straight: this is a love story." So I expected the focus to be on the LOVE part of the story. But really the focus through much of the story is their friendship and falling out. In fact at the half way point, I think there was just one or two moments where there was a hint that either of them ever felt anything more than friendship. Basically, I think I could have loved this but the description screwed up my expectations. I'd say this is a story of two friends finding their way back to each other, with a splash of romance.
Also, I didn't like the reveal for why their friendship fell apart. It seemed a bit far-fetched and one aspect of it really got under my skin. I would love to elaborate on that but don't want to have any spoilers in my review.
All that said, there were elements I really liked. I thought the narration was solid. I enjoyed Said and Tiwa's progression from kind of enemies to begrudging allies to friends. And I liked the inclusion of both of their families and how family and community played such a large part in the story. The parts of this book that shine are the friendship, family, and community. The romance is a bonus.
Thanks to MacMillan Audio for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
annawilson's review against another edition
reflective
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
3.0
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Mishti, misunderstandings and a moving sense of community abound in this richly heartfelt and swoon worthy (second chance, enemies to lovers) romance from best selling authors Adiba Jaigirdar and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
I’m a sucker for all things enemies to lovers so when I heard the premise: two former friends turned enemies, who reconnect at a funeral and find themselves working together to save their town’s Islamic Centre from demolition. I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. And it definitely didn’t disappoint!
I do admit I was hesitant to start this at first having recently lost my Nan. But despite a funeral initially setting the scene; the romantic tension, comedic banter and tender focus on family and community soon proved a soothing balm for my fears as I was thoroughly swept up in Tiwa and Said’s efforts, and growing feelings (both platonic and romantic) for one another.
It’s told through the dual POVs of Said and Tiwa as they navigate the monumental changes in that have shaped their lives and reexamine the rift that ended their childhood friendship.
I loved getting to delve into both Said and Tiwa’s innermost thoughts and feelings, and adored their rivalry that showcased their opposing and competitive (yet thoroughly complimentary) personalities to perfection.
If you’re familiar with the Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing, Said and Tiwa reminded me a little of Beatrice and Benedict in their witty exchanges. I especially loved the flashbacks of Eids past (and THAT cake incident) which allow us to glimpse the carefree, happier moments they shared together.
I can’t not mention the supporting cast who were throughly entertaining too (especially Said’s slightly meddling sister Safiyah, Pokémon obsessed school friend Julian and Ladoo-the mischievous, sweet toothed cat that Said and Tiwa share custody of.) Even main antagonist Mayor Williams (a toothy villain straight out of a hallmark movie) was really interesting to watch, in a love to hate and cheer when they fail kind of way.
Overall a fun and enjoyable read that YA contemporary lovers or fans of Jaigirdar and Àbíké-Íyímídé’s other works should definitely consider checking out.
Also, a huge thanks to Fritha at Usborne for the proof
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, and Racism
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Cursing
Minor: Car accident and Fire/Fire injury
justinekorson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
I've read books by both Farisah and Adiba and so I was really excited to hear that they were co-writing a book together! I don't know anything really about Eid or the Muslim faith so it was very interesting to read about it in this book. Watching how Said and Tiwa practice their religion (both in different ways) was really cool. In a lot of ways I felt like Said in the story when he talked about not really feeling connected to his religion until he goes back home from boarding school.
The characters were really fun too! I think Said was my favorite. He was really funny and sarcastic and had a really great relationship with his sister Safiya. He was also a creative spirit (with his art) which I can relate too as well. Tiwa was very stubborn (relatable) and I loved how she was so passionate about saving the Islamic Center .I almost wish there was more Julian in the book too because he was really funny! You could tell how much he cared about Said and I enjoyed how he ALWAYS seemed to be talking about Pokemon (same Julian, same).
If you don't enjoy the miscommunication trope (who does enjoy it though) you might not like parts of this book. Basically all of Tiwa and Said's relationship in this story is one BIG misunderstanding. (I was actually a little pissed when I read what Safiya did and I didn't really care for her explanation either). The miscommunication here isn't as bad as it is in other books I've read though. If you can get past the fact that they're constantly snarky at one another i think you'll really enjoy this story!
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
I've read books by both Farisah and Adiba and so I was really excited to hear that they were co-writing a book together! I don't know anything really about Eid or the Muslim faith so it was very interesting to read about it in this book. Watching how Said and Tiwa practice their religion (both in different ways) was really cool. In a lot of ways I felt like Said in the story when he talked about not really feeling connected to his religion until he goes back home from boarding school.
The characters were really fun too! I think Said was my favorite. He was really funny and sarcastic and had a really great relationship with his sister Safiya. He was also a creative spirit (with his art) which I can relate too as well. Tiwa was very stubborn (relatable) and I loved how she was so passionate about saving the Islamic Center .I almost wish there was more Julian in the book too because he was really funny! You could tell how much he cared about Said and I enjoyed how he ALWAYS seemed to be talking about Pokemon (same Julian, same).
If you don't enjoy the miscommunication trope (who does enjoy it though) you might not like parts of this book. Basically all of Tiwa and Said's relationship in this story is one BIG misunderstanding. (I was actually a little pissed when I read what Safiya did and I didn't really care for her explanation either). The miscommunication here isn't as bad as it is in other books I've read though. If you can get past the fact that they're constantly snarky at one another i think you'll really enjoy this story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Car accident, Child death, Death, and Cursing
tayllorde's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25