If you are a fan of rom-coms and the hate to love you trope this may be for you. Personally,I like romances that have less of a lusty, sexual feel to them but I can definitely picture myself recommending this to some friends that like their romance with more sex than I do. I thinks there is good charcacter development. I found myself getting so angry with some characters I wanted to yell at them. That's good right? It means you are invested in them. If I was to do a book talk on rom-coms to add to your TBR list for 20202 this title would be included on that list.

I loved the hook of this story! The family dynamics and the secrets between the main characters were wonderful. Also appreciated the cultural specificities around each character. This was such a wonderful, dynamic read that I needed right now!

I started out 2020 reading an explosion of books. And then this global pandemic hit and I simply stopped. I couldn't seem to pick up a book and when I did, I couldn't seem to focus on it. But then I started reading The Marriage Game by Sara Desai just a couple of short days ago and I'm already finished! That right there should tell you just how captivating this sweet (and spicy!) RomCom is. The premise of the book is Layla, the prodigal daughter returned home, to find love and marriage with the help of a dating app and profile her father put up for her. The process she goes through is hysterical, especially since it hits so close to the mark! The banter between Layla and all the characters is delightful and charming, especially with Sam, and had me laughing out loud often! And an added bonus for me was learning more about desi (Indian) culture, terms, food and more. This book was a true escape and I want to thank Berkeley Publishing for giving me and advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pub Date: 09 Jun 2020
#TheMarriageGame #NetGalley

I really liked the descriptions of food and the family dynamics in this book. Layla and Sam had some witty back-and-forth, and the dates with the suitors were funny as well (if a little over the top). I thought Sam and Layla had decent chemistry on the surface but not that much in the plot to back it up, and I found their lack of communication to be pretty frustrating at times. The ending was really cute, and it wrapped up the different threads of the book pretty nicely.

This is the first book that I have read by author Sara Desai and I loved it.

This book is HILARIOUS!! I was literally LOL-ing throughout the entirety of this novel. Desai gives many witty repartees and it’s just perfect. Layla is such an incredibly relatable character, because I mean honestly who doesn’t drown their sorrows and stress in food. Her chemistry with Sam was very well portrayed as well.

The biggest issue I had with the novel is just how it ended, it was very anticlimactic. It felt stilted and forced at the end. But overall it was a book that I enjoyed reading

I adored Layla and Sam. Their dynamic was so fresh and fun. Their interactions seemed authentic with each other and those around them. Reading The Marriage Game you felt like part of their world and included in all the family and food.

I enjoyed every one of Layla’s blind dates. Sam’s commentary while chaperoning these dates created genuine laugh out loud moments. The date with the “spy” was my favorite. Even the date in which Sam was just in her head was funny. As they begin to fall in love, these dates get more amusing and more sexually charged.

The premise of why they are thrown together and why they continue sharing their office seems valid and well thought through. Their past hurts, disappointments and guilt are relatable.

From what I can tell, this is a debut novel. It was impressive. I look forward to more from Sara Desai.


Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC

This is an absolutely amazing romance! I felt like they were being absolutely unnecessarily stubborn at times, and their love was passionate and sweet but, it works. I'm looking forward to adding this author to my list anticipated reads.

Good chemistry between the main characters, but the rest of the story didn't feel strong enough to support them. I didn't ever feel sympathetic towards each characters' conflicts and Sam's backstory seemed the weaker of the two. Nevertheless, it was interesting peek into the culture and the food descriptions were amazing: definitely get some cookbooks ordered from the library after this read.

What a READ this was. Quarantine really has ruined my motivation to do anything and this book pulled me right out of my reading rut.

Layla and Sam have an interesting set up going on after Layla's father falls ill suddenly, after promising both an office space without letting the other know they were no longer going to be renting the space out to them. While they learn to coexist, Layla's father also had a project up his sleeve in which he was going to find his daughter a suitable husband. When Sam senses the danger, he agrees to accompany her on these date/interviews, and thus begins the forming of a unique and exciting friendship... although they may not know it yet.

These two were funny and super entertaining. I was intrigued and delighted the entire time. I hope this book sees all the greatest things and does well because it is wonderful and deserves just as much.

At one point I was fine with this book. I wasn't in love but I was enjoying it, nonetheless. The bad suitors were really humorous to read about. Then the main guy, Sam, does something so cringe worthy, so head-desk worthy that any goodwill I had for him evaporated. How the main lady, Layla, even forgave him for that blunder, I don't know.

I have been having trouble reading lately, but as soon as I picked up The Marriage Game I flew through it. This book was so much fun, I loved it. Layla Patel is back home after having lost both her job and her boyfriend. Her father, worried about his daughter and wanting her to be happy, creates a profile for her on desilovematch.com to facilitate an arranged marriage. Layla, meanwhile, is busy trying to start her own company and fighting over office space with her father's new tenant Sam. I really liked Layla and Sam - they were both complicated people who don't always do the right thing (Sam, especially), but they were trying to redeem themselves for past mistakes. I especially liked that I wasn't sure how it would all work out for them - they had serious obstacles to overcome. At the same time, this book was hilarious. Layla's suitors, in particular, were really funny, as was her family. I'm really hoping this is the start to a series, as I'd love to join this world again. Highly recommended!

The Marriage Game would make a great romantic comedy film. It's got all the staples- love hate romance, steamy scenes, a young woman whose trying to go on dates with the 10 men her now hospital bound father tried to help her get into an arranged marriage with....Its really something. Like the "7 evil ex boyfriends", Layla's suitors are absolutely bonkers- from delusional CIA ehnthusiastics to gym rats and traditional Indian bachelors. Get ready for a goofy and strange trip.

This is Layla Patel's story about finding love.

And the story of her lovable restaurant owning family family.

This is also a story about Sam, the big shot with a heart of gold, who aids Layla on her quest to find a husband while also argue- flirting with her non stop.

And his wheelchair bound sister whose fate pushed Sam into rejecting his heritage.

The beautiful part about The Marriage Game is the deep love of Indian-American culture that is dropping in this story, and the way it's presented in a way that can be palatable to Desi folks and people with no understanding of what Indian culture is at all. Its the Big Fat Greek Wedding of it's kind. This was one of the aspects that engaged me so much. Whether it was a family cooking, Layla navigating the concept of arrange marriage, or characters chatting about their favorite Bollywood films, this book feels like a true love the author wrote to her culture.

Some issues I had were some of the tone/story shift, I often felt like there were too many storylines juggled in one, but none of them bored me.

I don't love romance, but I was absolutely charmed by The Marriage Game and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, quick read.

This contemporary romance/rom-com was so entertaining. I couldn’t get enough of Sam and Layla who start as adversaries but get to know each other as he chaperones dates with her and 10 potential husbands that her father has arranged for her. What could do wrong? Or in this case- what could go so very right?

WHAT I LOVED:

Strong, independent, fiesty & flawed characters to root for.

Fast moving and well written.

Sexy, funny banter. I chortled more than once.

A strong supporting cast including a loud, loving set of Aunties.

So.much.Indian food. But where are the recipes? I’m hungry here :)

It has some sizzle.

This book was an utter delight! I loved the characters, Layla's fabulous family, and the whole concept of the "game" between Layla and Sam. The food descriptions made me SO hungry, too. By far, my favorite scene was the one about shapewear. I laughed so hard. Too often while reading romance, I always think, "Isn't it convenient she's wearing cute underwear and never anything with tummy control, etc." And this book delivered both ratty, plain cotton undies AND shapewear, and the most fabulously accurate description of what's involved in taking it off.

These are just two examples of how hilarious this book is, and that it treats sex and romance in a way that is both fun and relatable, two things I love finding in a great romance. I absolutely adored this one and can't sing its praises enough. All the stars!

So fun and such a sexy read! I love the playfulness and dialogue between our two protagonists. Layla is a spitfire and such a gem to read. The book is perfectly funny, witty and clever in terms of its dialogue and the writing. I'm so excited to see more from this author in the future.

An amusing romance set with the usual characters - asshole friend, invasive family, spunky sidekick and levels of miscommunication. Enjoyable surface read to while away the social distancing episode in our lives.

Sara Desai’s The Marriage game is a fabulous diverse, sexy romcom full of sweet and sexy banter, drool-worthy food descriptions, quirky family members, and fun Bollywood references.

Layla is moving home after a disastrous breakup and subsequent firing. Her dad has said she can use the office above the family’s Indian restaurant for her new recruitment business. Unfortunately for her, her father has already rented the office. Falling ill. Her father hasn't had the chance to talk to Sam, the serious, corporate hatchet man who’s already signed the lease. The two can’t agree who gets the office space so they engage in a wager.

Layla will go on ten dates with men her father chose as potential husbands for her. If she accepts one of the proposed arranged marriages, Sam gets the office. If she doesn’t agree to a marriage, she keeps the office.

What follows is a steamy enemies to lovers romance. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

Wow. All the steam, comedy, and swoon-worthy romance. While I would leave liked the graphic sex scene to not be there, I loved this book. It was laugh-out-loud hilarious and full of wit. Some of the antics of the characters were so comedic and I didn’t want to stop reading. I highly recommend this book!!

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**

Title The Marriage Game

Author Sara Desai

Description from Amazon

After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office upstairs to start her new business and creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesn’t know he’s arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door…

As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he’s forced to share his space with the owner’s beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, and a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life.

As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm and sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam and Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game.

Release Date June 9, 2020

Initial Thoughts

I was really excited to read this book. I love enemies to lovers and being of Indian descent myself, I totally loved the setting above an Indian restaurant. This book sounded like it was going to be hilarious.

Some Things I Liked

Layla’s father. He was such a treasure. I wished we could have seen more of him during the actual story but I loved all the memories that Layla shared of her family and how she admired him so much.
Layla as a modern Indian-American woman. I loved this. She wasn’t traditional, she didn’t really cook or clean, and, most importantly, she wanted to be more than someone’s wife. I loved her as a character and I really connected with those ideas.
Laugh out loud funny. This book was hilarious. Not to brag, but I was totally right. I knew it would be funny and it totally was. I loved it.

Series Value

Layla and Sam’s story feels complete but I’d like to see a spin-off about Daisy. I feel like there is a lot more to her story and I’d like to read it.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed this story. The banter and comedy were perfect and I really connected with the characters. Some elements were a bit sad but I liked that this story had a spectrum of emotions. Overall, a solid five stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

Well Met by Jen DeLuca – if you like enemies to lovers and down-to-earth quirky characters, try this series by Jen DeLuca. The second book is coming out in September.
The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward – if you’re looking for an audio recommendation, look no further. Also, this one is holiday themed but who doesn’t love a good holiday book? Anyway, if you like that enemies to lovers vibe, try this one on Audible, it’s phenomenal and hilarious.
The Move by Whitney Dineen – if you liked the “starting over in a new town” vibes that The Marriage Game had, try this book by Whitney Dineen. There are three books so far in this series, but this book (the second), would be the closest.

OMG! OMG! My cheeks hurt! My tummy aches! My eyes filled in tears! I haven’t laughed so hard since my husband request me to cook a simple dish for him! I had great time!

Witty dialogues-CHECK

Amazing, hot, sizzling, earth shattering chemistry- CHECK

Creative, unique, awkward, humorous situations that the characters find themselves into-CHECK

Best of best supporting characters: Those aunties, their children and DAISY (she already earned her own book and I think we should see that hot firefighter and big hose for the next book!)- CHECK

Angst, drama, discovering your true self and awakening parts with lots of family dramas-CHECK!

Lots of references to Hollywood and Bollywood’s famous products (As a movie geek I watched all of them so I enjoyed the references so much more than a regular reader. Yes, even I watched Salman Khan’s Dabang! I cannot believe in myself either!)- CHECK

I have to warn you there are so many under belly and naughty jokes, especially Daisy has a real dirty mouth! And our heroine Layla has Fifty Shades of Brown slash Fatal Attraction fantasies take place in the elevator. So you gotta prepare yourself before starting this book.

Here’s our plot: Layla returns back to San Francisco to her family’s house, jobless, evicted, humiliated by social media with her viral video on youtube, being cheated by her scumbag boyfriend. And as soon as she tells her family about her job and house situation and her plans about opening a new business for her recruiting job and asks for using the office located upstairs of their family restaurant, his father gets excited way toooo much! Yes, he just collapses on the floor because he’s having heart attack and last thing he told his daughter, he made a lease agreement for the place but he would call and cancel it.

Yeap, father is in hospital, he didn’t make the call he mentioned and charming, sexy, over confident, narcissistic and partly douchebag Sam Mehta appears at the office as Layla starts to throw her entire office equipment to his face and scream!

Yes, our MCs meet and they start to feel the undeniable sexual chemistry as soon as they lay eyes on each other. Wow! Yes the room, the room, the room is on fire! (Normally it should be roof but you got what I meant.) You just patiently wait them tear each other’s clothes and wait for the genre’s changing into erotic romance.
There are so many hotness and naughtiness in this story but it is sooo much fun!
Sam says he has his contract and she gotta leave the place. Layla says he should show some respect! Her father is in coma at the hospital, she has nowhere else to go and family comes first.

Well, Sam’s family, especially his sister comes first, too. He still blames himself what has happened to her at the hospital (he also quits his residency and dreams of being doctor and starts working at downsizing business management, yes instead of saving lives now he is ending people’s career dreams but he has a reason: her sister got married with drunk and abuser scumbag/ a famous doctor in the hospital he works. The worst thing is: he was the one who introduced them and that human waste doctor might have hurt her sister and been the reason that she will never walk again!!!)

And when they continue to their shouting contest, a guy comes to their office asking for Layla and he tells her he is the one she is going to marry. WHAT? Yes, I didn’t mention the book starts with the letter, written by Layla’s father, added to the dating site, indicating that Layla looks for husband and the candidates will be evaluated by him.

As Layla enters his father’s email account she finds out he evaluated the guys and chose 10 special candidates and 10 blind dates for her daughter. Layla wants to cancel the meetings but then she realizes those blind dates can be her father’s last wish. And she makes an offer to Sam to join her dates with her. If she finds the ideal groom, she will leave the office for him. But if she cannot find, Sam will look another place. They shake hands and MARRIAGE GAMES begin.

But both of them know neither Layla nor Sam wants to find the perfect candidate because they’re head over heels in love with each other.
By the way my favorite candidate was CIA agent! When I’m reading his parts, I laughed too hard and fell down the couch. It was HILARIOUS!

I enjoyed this whirlwind and entertaining book so much but last parts and too much angst and Sam’s obnoxious attitudes made me so much pissed ( I even thought to lower my points) but OVERALL this is unique, hot, funny, vivid reading and I cannot deny how much fun I had so I’m giving 4.5 and rounding them up 5 stars!
But I still want to punch hero and I’m big fan of brave, sassy, smart, ball of fire, impulsive, witty, sexy Layla! Atta girl! Those stars come for you!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazingly funny ARC in exchange my honest review. I personally congratulate Sara Desai for her fantastic debut and I cannot wait to read her future works. ( P.S. Please right about Daisy and her adorable dog!)