The publisher kindly sent me a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reena Manji doesn’t love her career, her single status, and most of all, her family inserting themselves into every detail of her life. But when caring for her precious sourdough starters, Reena can drown it all out. At least until her father moves his newest employee across the hall — with hopes that Reena will marry him.
But Nadim’s not like the other Muslim bachelors-du-jour that her parents have dug up. If the Captain America body and the British accent weren’t enough, the man appears to love eating her bread creations as much as she loves making them. She sure as hell would never marry a man who works for her father, but friendship with a neighbor is okay, right? And when Reena’s career takes a nosedive, Nadim happily agrees to fake an engagement so they can enter a couples video cooking contest to win the artisan bread course of her dreams.
As cooking at home together brings them closer, things turn physical, but Reena isn’t worried. She knows Nadim is keeping secrets, but it’s fine — secrets are always on the menu where her family is concerned. And her heart is protected … she’s not marrying the man. But even secrets kept for self preservation have a way of getting out, especially when meddling parents and gossiping families are involved.
Accidentally Engaged Review
Accidentally Engaged is my first Farah Heron novel and I really enjoyed it! I loved the writing, the Canadian setting and the overall story is so sweet.
Accidentally Engaged follows Reena, a 31-year old who loves baking. While she attempts to please her family, she’s also chasing her own baking dreams. After entering a couples cooking competition, she pretends to be engaged to her neighbour Nadim.
Reena is a really sweet main character. She tries really hard to please her family but struggles to achieve her dreams because of that. I think this makes her extremely relatable as a main character, and you can’t help but root for her.
Nadim is a fun romantic interest. He’s a bit guarded at times but I love his fun and silly attitude. He brings out a side of Reena that I think really shows her personality. While they have been set up to marry by their parents, I think their own decision to enter the couples cooking competition strengthens their bond.
The romance between Reena and Nadim is really wholesome. It’s not a super steamy romance which can be refreshing. I think their bond really grows throughout the book, and it’s fun to watch.
The overall plot is really sweet and charming. Plots with baking, cooking or any type of competition are a favourite of mine. I love how this type of storyline brings people together. While Nadim is supportive of the competition, I really love seeing how Reena’s friends rise to the occasion to help her win. It’s really sweet.
I also just love the Canadian setting. It’s so fun to read about places that are familiar to me. I really enjoyed finding another Canadian author to add to my list of favourites.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favourite Quote
She hadn’t anticipated the crushing low after coming down from the dazzling high.
About the Author
After a childhood raised on Bollywood, Monty Python, and Jane Austen, Farah Heron wove complicated story arcs and uplifting happily ever afters in her daydreams while pursuing careers in human resources and psychology. She started writing those stories down a few years ago, and never looked back. She writes romantic comedies and women’s fiction full of huge South Asian families, delectable food, and most importantly, brown people falling stupidly in love. Farah lives in Toronto with her husband, two children, and a rabbit named Strawberry. She recently adopted two cats, who are now in charge.
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[…] Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron: After reading a fantasy, I’m usually in the mood for something lighter. I really enjoyed Accidentally Engaged. It’s a sweet contemporary romance that will definitely leave you hungry! I also loved that it’s set in Toronto! You can read all my thoughts, here! […]