⚠️ HAVE BREAD HANDY!

Loved this book! Such a feel good story packed with humor, friendship, family, and calories! I seriously defy you to read this and not crave bread! Reena does not like her job, isn’t thrilled with her love life, and most of all is tired of her meddling family. Her parents have really outdone themselves this time they have moved her latest potential husband into the apartment right across the hall from her. There is no way Reena is going to date this man much less marry him. Even if he looks like an Indian Captain America, has a sexy British accent, and shares her love for everything food. Then one drunken night Reena and Nadim accidentally enter a cooking contest meant for couples. And so it begins! Reena and Nadim pretending to be a happy loving couple on television and trying to resist one another in real life.

This book was such a treat! Reena and Nadim were both great characters with such lovely personalities. The Romance was sweet and steamy both in and out of the kitchen. They both had some pretty complicated family dynamics and expectations and I liked getting a peek into the Muslim culture. The secondary characters were spectacular, colorful and caring. A fantastic book that I cannot recommend highly enough.

This book in emojis 🍞 📹 🍞 🐐 🍞 🦶🏽 🍞 🥚

*** Big thank you to Forever for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

Aww this was just so good and so sweet. I loved the characters and reading the book just made me happy. I smiled a lot while reading this.

Reena meets Nadim and they instantly hit it off until they realize that their parents were actually planning to set them up.
Once Reena learns this, she feels like she can’t possibly like Nadim. She’s not trying to argue with her parents just for the sake of arguing, she just thinks she’d always question Nadim’s real feelings and motives.

But they keep getting drawn together and they do really enjoy each other’s company. Reena loves baking bread in her free time and Nadim keeps showing up right as it’s coming out of the oven.

After deciding to be friends, they wind up entering a cooking competition together. The prize is a dream for Reena but they have to pretend to be a couple.

As they pretend for the cameras, they start to fall for real. But with all the pretending going on, it’s hard to figure out what’s real.

I loved these two together. I loved the side characters. I loved seeing Reena and her sister trying to fix their own relationship, her sister wasn’t in this book just to add drama.
I noticed there’s a previous book written about Reena’s best friend Amira and now I have to get that one too :)

I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad to have found it. I read an early ebook edition from NetGalley, thanks!

Thanks to some insomnia and pregnancy related discomfort, I was in bed A LOT in the last day and started and finished this gem! Thank you @readforeverpub for my ARC.

Accidentally Engaged is a sweet fake relationship rom-com, centering around a Muslim couple of Tanzanian-Indian descent living in Toronto. Reena spoke to me in so many ways, mostly through her love of food (specifically bread) and culture, and former tendency to make less than great decisions (girl same), and Nadim’s charm totally won me over. Didn’t hurt that his height, hair, and scruff had me picturing Rahul Kohli 😍I love a dive bar and really enjoyed their moment at one, but I definitely could have done with a little less talk about feet. I am so glad they banded together and got their happily ever after.

I definitely recommend you check this out, EVEN THOUGH the sexy scenes are glossed over! I’m growing, people.

I'll start this review off by talking about the Muslim rep (it's probably what I'm known for at this point). This book is #OwnVoices and it becomes pretty clear early on that both main characters and their families are secular Muslims. It set my expectations so I knew what I was getting into, and some of it was still relatable. It was really easy to feel Reena's frustration at being set up with another man by her father, and the secret keeping that went on in both the Manji and Remtulla families felt very same old, same old.

I thought Reena was a very interesting character. At the beginning, we follow her as she deals with suddenly losing her job by drinking away her sorrows. She's carrying around a lot of baggage and is dealing with bouts of depression. One of those bouts led her to start baking, and I have to say, all the food descriptions in this book were fantastic. The parts where they were cooking or baking were absolutely my favourite parts, and I would definitely watch their videos for the cooking contests because they sounded like a blast. That aside, at some point, after suffering another blow, she suddenly stops drinking, and we never really dive into why. And it wasn't just with Reena--I was missing a connection to the characters in general. Nadim was cheerful and friendly and hiding a few issues of his own, but while I can give Reena credit for taking control of her life and facing her problems, we never really see Nadim do that. Maybe it's because the entire book is written from Reena's POV.

I enjoyed the book and it was a nice enough romance, but because I couldn't really connect to the characters, I'm not sure I'll remember much about it after a few months.

Holy Moly, have your local Indian restaurant on speed dial while reading this book! I devoured Accidentally Engaged and was somehow still famished when I finished reading this book. Farah Heron can write some foodie romance. Between the indian food and the bread baking, I was totally salivating. I loved how Farah brought me into Indian culture through her writing. I loved seeing Reena and Nadim navigate their relationship -- and their families together. And their meet cute was so perfect. This book definitely kept me turning pages, I finished in just one day. I will be recommending this one to everyone!!!

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When it comes to bread, Reena Manji knows exactly what she's doing. She treats her sourdough starters like (somewhat unruly) children. But when it comes to Reena's actual family -- and their constant meddling in her life-well, that recipe always ends in disaster.

Now Reena's parents have found her yet another potential Good Muslim Husband. This one has the body of Captain America, a delicious British accent, and lives right across the hall. He's the perfect, mouthwatering temptation . . . and completely ruined by the unwelcome side dish of parental interference.

Reena refuses to marry anyone who works for her father. She won't be attracted to Nadim's sweet charm or gorgeous lopsided smile. That is, until the baking opportunity of a lifetime presents itself: a couples' cooking competition with the prize of her dreams. Reena will do anything to win -- even asking Nadim to pretend they're engaged. But when it comes to love, baking your bread doesn't always mean you get to eat it too.

Well. This was everything.

I love love loved Reena and Nadim. She’s more focused and determined than she knows. They’re both struggling a little and find comfort and friendship in each other. I loooooooved reading their banter and the fun they had together. I also enjoyed Reena’s sister and BFF.

Plot wise, it so good. I enjoyed the organic progression of their relationship and even though I wanted a little more truthful conversations, I loved the light angst and quick resolution. The family dynamic is layered and well meaning and meddling. Oh, and the last couple of chapters are just perfection.

Overall, this was exactly as delightful as the other reviews say and definitely one of my top books of the year.

**Huge thanks to Forever for providing the arc free of charge**

All I want is delicious artisan bread (all kinds). This author must be an amazing baker because she describes cooking and making bread so well, I’ve spent the entire book drooling over the food descriptions. I’m also seriously contemplating getting my own sourdough bread starter and I can’t even have anything with gluten.... for now I’ll settle for this yummy gluten free cupcake that this book made me buy. 🤣

This epic romcom is a love letter to fans of good food, fresh bread and of course sweet romance. Also it’s had me laughing out loud a LOT. Highly recommend you all run out and buy it when it comes out on Tuesday (March 2, 2021). Thanks #NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.

Accidentally Engaged is a fast-paced, tightly written romcom, with a solid set-up and a romantic couple who have definite chemistry. The premise really isn't as complicated as it sounds - honestly, whomst among us hasn't fallen for the guy we're faking an engagement to for the sake of a cooking competition, while strenuously refusing to ever get engaged as our parents have arranged, except now we're actually in love but we're definitely still not getting married? And all of it accompanied by exponential amounts of sourdough?

While there were a few moments that didn't really land for me, overall I found Accidentally Engaged to be a charming and breezy read that made me long for a fresh-baked loaf or two of my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the advance review copy!

It was hard for me to imagine loving a book that was based around a potentially arranged marriage, but ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED is amazing.

Reena is a 32 year old single woman whose parents are constantly trying to direct her life, her career, and her relationships. When Reena meets her new hot neighbor, Nadim, she is intrigued...until she realizes he is the man her father has planned for her to marry. Suddenly Nadim is the enemy that she can't stand, but needs help from to make her dreams a reality...as long as she can remind him daily that she will NOT be marrying him.

Reena and Nadim are so absolutely swoony! I just adored each of them. Reena with her sometimes cranky attitude and Nadim's good-natured charm. Reena is a self-taught baker and the food descriptions in this book will have you drooling! I had to stop reading a few times in order to make and consume some sourdough toast with fresh butter.

I loved that this book tackled really difficult family relationships. Farah Heron managed to incorporate cultural complexities within those family relationships with universal complexities that every reader has likely experienced. And those relationships improve as family secrets come out and as the members of Reena's family try and change the patterns they have fallen into. The author has managed to keep these changes authentic and true. I especially appreciated the story including Mental Illness and Therapy for more than one character.

The steam is this book is hot even without going into descriptive detail of the sexual encounters. This book is a PG-13 read and still feels incredibly steamy.

I loved this look into a culture different than my own, into family relationships, family secrets, beginning to heal, and learning to let go of the expectations that are forced onto us. All of this happens while a beautiful love story is unfolding that will have you swooning and cheering for a happily ever after. This is such a great book!

A delightful closed-door romance full of sexy banter, delicious food descriptions and a whole lot of culture!

I felt a strong connection to Reena and her way of being “fine”, even when she isn’t fine at all. I loved how she opened up as the story progressed, how her relationship with Saira unfolded and literally every single thing about Nadim. Even his foot fetish. 🤣

This was such a delightful read. This book has everything I love - amazingly described food (love Indian food), the thing I wish I could eat everyday (bread), complicated and real characters and a man with a British accent! I am here for all of that.

Reena Manji's life is far from perfect and nothing seems to be going her way, stuck in a job she hates and then laid off from, a meddling family and heaps of family drama. When her parents' latest attempt of a set up moves in across the hall then of course complications are a given. Lovely complications 😄.

The Fake dating trope is one of my fav and this story did not disappoint. The author perfectly balanced the romance, the family drama that a lot of us can relate to and the friendships between the secondary characters. The chemistry was great with not too much steam.

I really loved the fact that this story was set in the Greater Toronto Area and showcased the diversity of the GTA in the characters and friendships. As a member of the immigrant community I appreciated that mental health and sexual identity were highlighted in this story in a way that doesn't trivialize the issues.

Give this one a read! This is great for those who love a romance that is not too steamy.

Wow. This book will make you insanely hungry!

I loved this fake dating romcom with all its witty banter. Reena is a wonderful lead character, though she has some flaws I enjoyed watching her grow as a character - exploring her baking, learning to stand up to her parents, and settling sibling rivalry. This is a wonderful book that also gives insight to Indian culture.

My only negative is that I wish this had been a dual POV, I always love seeing the male character’s side of things.

I highly recommend this if you love the fake dating trope, delicious food, and want some cultural insight!

I enjoyed the friends to lovers aspect of this book- two friends whose families want them to marry. I also loved the the cooking show aspect. In the end I lost interest in the many different storylines (the situation with her sister, the job search, the show)- there were too many balls in the air for me and I DNF. but it started off strong!

Accidentally Engaged was hilarious while also being very real about family life and struggles. Reena is struggling to do what she really wants to do while balancing the pressures of her family and pressures from herself. It just so happens Nadim moves in next door and changes her whole world.

First of all, I loved loved Nadim. The way he worked hard to make Reena feel self-fulfilled and happy sealed the deal for me. All of the other characters play their part and do it well throughout the book (there is a number of side queer characters). As a reader, you'll enjoy seeing Reena's growth as she realizes that life unhappy is not a life worth living. Personally, I am a huge fan of family drama and healing; all of which played a part in Accidentally Engaged. The healing of relationships and opening of secrets was wonderfully done. The ending was beautiful and I was so happy because of it. I breezed through Accidentally Engaged because of the readability of it. Being able to see a different culture than my own in books is always beautiful and keeps me engaged in reading; Indian traditions, nosy and noisy family, and yummy food had me hooked from beginning to end.

Loved the South Asian/East African narratives! They exist but you never seen them. This was a brilliant romcom, I just wished the love scenes had been open door. They were already normalizing haram behavior! What would have been the difference! Overall, awesome for brown book boyfriends!

Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron was everything I ever wanted and more.
Cute, funny and entertaining. It was an absolute delight to read about a desi wedding, family and traditions.
Reena and Nadim we fun to read and the way their relationship progressed was so pleasing to read.
I can not wait to read more of Heron’s future works.

Homemade bread! Indian food! Romance! Family conflicts! What’s not to love about this book? Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron hits all the above topics and more with her new book. The story focuses on a community of Muslims in Toronto, Canada, of Indian and East African heritage. The younger generation is not as traditional as the previous generation and that sets up some conflicts. In addition to the main characters, Reena and Nadim, Heron provides us with a very interesting cast of secondary characters: Reena’s family members, neighbors and friends. Her best friend, Amira, is the focus of Heron’s earlier book, The Chai Factor, where apparently Reena is a side character. (I learned this in a Zoom book launch event tonight! So now I am going to seek out that book.) The themes of this book - other than the main romance - include the importance of food, family and culture, mental health, alcohol abuse, self-esteem, unemployment. The food descriptions alone are worth reading the book for! Like so many people, I’ve been baking bread during this pandemic and I could almost smell Reena’s baking projects. Also, I can totally relate to food and culture being incredibly important.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I missed Farah Heron's debut, The Chai Factor, when it came out, but thought this one looked cute. I am a sucker for anything resembling a "marriage of convenience" and the "fake dating" trope is close enough. Reena's parents have thrown a bunch of prospective grooms at her, but she is adamant that she doesn't want to marry just anyone. When Nadim moves next door, she's immediately attracted by his British accent and his apparent love of her baking. Too bad he's another one of the prospects from her parents! Of course, it helps that he wants to help her win a cooking contest, which brings them closer. This book was so much fun! I loved the banter between Reena and Nadim, the many descriptions of the food they were making. I wish I had read The Chai Factor first though. Although it's a stand alone, there were references to the previous book that would have been deeper for me if I knew that story. I will be reading it soon!

This is a story about falling in love during a period of your life when it seems that the pressure of the world is closing in on you. Reena tries to compartmentalize her life to maintain her sanity. Her parents are always trying to match her up with someone, and when they're not doing that, they're pressuring her to climb the corporate ladder in a career she cares little for. It seems like the universe is smiling down on her when she meets her new neighbor, Nadim who lives across the way. It's a pretty awesome meet-cute. Then the universe laughs at her because it turns out that Nadim's her father's newest employee AND he's supposedly her prospective husband. Can a girl catch a break?

When Reena learns of this she's determined to draw strict boundary lines. She has no interest in obliging her parents or any of their machinations. She and Nadim will simply be acquaintances and neighbors. Obviously none of it goes to plan. One thing leads to another and suddenly they're pretending to be a couple on a reality cooking show so that Reena can win the big prize of going to culinary school. This is her ultimate dream and signals the kind of career freedom she desires. The unexpected revelation is that she and Nadim have this off the charts chemistry on screen that cannot be ignored.

There were several things I enjoyed about Accidentally Engaged. I liked how Reena and Nadim first met because that automatically made things interesting. And then finding out that he’s in the country to work for her dad and also possibly to marry her? Awkward! And also a buzzkill when the guy is a dreamboat with a British accent and you're determined to do the exact opposite of what your parents expect. Reena’s joy of baking and cooking is contagious. She hates her career but baking on her own time centers her and brings her peace. Saira, her younger sister is a hoot! At first you’re not sure what to think of her because through Reena’s perspective she comes off as manipulative and inconsiderate. But Saira grows on you and the strange, unexpected and roundabout way she and Reena repair their relationship is one of my favorite things in this story. Saira is kind of the diamond in the rough here. She comes up with all these wild things and she brings some comic relief when needed. Honestly, she’s my favorite person in this book. The cooking show contest is fun and with a broader, more inclusive concept, it allows for lots of creativity from its contestants. Meaning there were lots of delicious meals happening.

Heron showcases so well how children of immigrants adapt and assimilate. Reena embraces all her cultural heritages - her South Asian/East African and her Canadian side. It echoed my own upbringing of melding cultures. There's a different worldview that comes with it and like Reena, I found a balance that worked for me, that is me.

At the other end there are several simultaneous subplots which made it feel as if the walls were closing in around Reena, and by extension, me. There's arranged marriage, meddlesome parents, several family secrets, competitive siblings, job layoffs, job hunting, mental health concerns, scandals, gossip, business deal disasters, a reality show competition, fetishes... it was overwhelming. My preference would've been to pare down the number of subplots.

I did enjoy Accidentally Engaged quite a bit. I think Reena's relationship with her parents is probably the hardest part of the story because they're so disconnected from each other. Reena wanting to live her own life versus her parents constantly measuring her success and insistence on what's best for her -- it's a tangible struggle in many South Asian families. But Reena and her parents come to an understanding eventually. On a personal note - I do love that Reena has natural curly hair and that it's such a highlighted feature of hers. I didn’t learn to appreciate my own curly hair until I was much older so I like reading characters who have that feature and are so proud if it. I also liked the recipes included at the end because how fun is that to try some of the mouthwatering dishes mentioned in the story?

Accidentally Engaged is a great read if you're looking for a story that takes a different path to romance, or you're wanting a bit of cultural immersion.

~ Bel

I flew through this book in one night not only because it was entertaining and I really wanted to know how things would wrap up - but also it was just a bright light in my day.

The characters were charming and beautifully developed ...and the bread...yes, like every other review you might read, bread is a big part of this plotline which added such an entertaining and unique element. 
Reena is an East African Indian Muslim woman who one day bumps into her hot new neighbor in her apartment building...who just happens to be now working for her dad...aaaaand who her father thinks would make the perfect Muslim husband. Reena is 100% against an arranged marriage especially one set up by her parents (even though he has a killer British accent and biceps for days) but she agrees to be friends. Until she realizes she actually needs him as her fiance to help win a couple's cooking contest...which means a lot of one-on-one time together. 

This book has it all....a cast of supportive, funny and slightly crazy family members, lots of secrets, lots of drama, cooking, flirting, losing a job, mental illness, lies, betrayal and a super sweet fake engagement that starts to feel a little too real. Their friendship/romance is sweet and genuine and their connection is steamy (but closed door).
This book just put me in a good mood and I loved reading it. I enjoyed the plot, the characters were all so likable and even though there were a lot of little storylines and movement- it all worked!  

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing/ Forever for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.