Quick Reviews: The Romance Edition

The Marriage Game by Sara Desai (2020)

After personal and professional disappointments, Layla returns home to San Francisco, where she discovers her father has set up several blind dates to find her a husband.  She also finds herself sharing an office with entrepreneur Sam, and sparks fly despite their differences.  This was a fun story full of love, family, and Indian culture.  It was interesting to see Layla, deciding that an arranged marriage is the best option for her, and Sam, distancing himself from his culture after his sister's disastrous arranged marriage, fall for each other, as much as they try to deny it.  Layla is surrounded by a huge, boisterous family and they provided a lot of colorful commentary.  I thought some of the dialogue got a bit silly at times, and Sam's character was sometimes inconsistent, but overall this was a quick, enjoyable read.  3.5 stars 

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle (2020)

Naomi and Nick are months away their wedding, but neither wants to go through with it anymore - however, whoever calls it off will be on the hook for all the expenses.  Each is now trying to force the other to cancel the wedding, but could they maybe find the love they used to share?  Although there was some humor and light moments in this book, I was struck by how real and deep this romance got at times.  The beginning of the book was almost hard to get through, because Naomi is so deeply unhappy and the issues they're facing (intrusive family, jobs) felt uncomfortably realistic.  Watching Naomi and Nick find their way back to each other was so sweet, as they started to put their relationship first and figure out all the things they could do to make it better.  I was really rooting for them!  I think the only thing that could have made this book better would be to have some chapters from Nick's POV.  We're in Naomi's head the whole time, and I'd like to know his take on some of the situations in the story!  4 stars

 

Carpentry and Cocktails (Green Valley Library #5) by Nora Everly (2020)

Willa has come home to Green Valley after a tough few years, but will problems from her past derail her potential relationship with Everett, her landlord, before it even starts?  I feel like we should all move to Green Valley, because it is completely inhabited by gorgeous and big-hearted men.  Everett's feelings towards Willa are so swoon-worthy; I loved how protective he is of her.  I also loved how Willa wanted to take time to figure out her stuff before getting into a serious relationship with Everett.  The issues with her ex-husband added layers to the story, and I really enjoyed the way Willa's family and friends rallied around her.  Her younger sister Gracie was a great addition to the story; she's so mature and low-key hilarious.  Overall, a sweet romance and a quick read - what more could you want?  4 stars