(3.5 stars, rounded up to 4)

In "Incense and Sensibility" Sonali Dev paints a vibrant picture of cultural intricacies and familial ties. Dev's writing style is undeniably rich and vivid, and her prose dances with sensory detail, immersing readers in this modern, Indian-American retelling of the Jane Austen classic.

The relationships depicted in the novel are complex and layered, reflecting the nuances of real-life connections. Dev explores friendship dynamics and romantic entanglements with depth and authenticity. However, at times, the abundance of characters and their interwoven relationships can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to fully invest in each individual arc. The central romance is passionate and tumultuous, brimming with longing and desire. Dev deftly navigates the intricacies of love, loss, and second chances, crafting a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. Yet, while the chemistry between the main characters is palpable, some readers may find the romantic conflict predictable or clichéd.

Plot direction in "Incense and Sensibility" takes unexpected turns, keeping readers on their toes as they navigate the story. Dev skillfully intertwines themes of tradition and modernity, duty and desire, weaving a tapestry of cultural commentary that adds depth to the narrative. However, pacing issues arise as the plot meanders at times, losing momentum and dragging in certain sections.

Overall, "Incense and Sensibility" is an enjoyable read that offers a tantalizing glimpse into the complexities of life and love. While its writing style is lush and evocative, and its relationships are intricately drawn, the predictable romance and uneven pacing prevent it from reaching its full potential. It's a satisfying escape for fans of multicultural romance books, but falls short of being a standout in the genre.

Yash Raje is an Indian gubernatorial candidate who starts having panic attacks after an incident on the campaign trail. In an effort to keep his condition a secret he has to see India Dashwood, his sister's best friend and a world renowned yoga teacher. Can these two get over what happened years ago and help each other out?

Another great read by Sonali Dev. These characters are so likeable and I love learning about Indian culture through her descriptions.

I’m a huge Jane Austen fan and the Rajes series by Sonali Dev was recommended to me and I was excited to dive in. Her writing style is fantastic and will make me definitely search out her future books but the storyline in this one wasn’t my favorite. I wasn’t a fan of the insta-love and felt there was a lack of romance in the story.

This was the first book that I've read in the series and I'm not too sure if this series is for me. I really enjoyed the writing, but I want invested in the relationship. Just ok from me.

*Thank you @williammorrowbooks for the copy in exchange for an honest review. Review not posted to Amazon/Goodreads because less than 4 stars or DNF.*

I requested this novel because I enjoyed the second chance romance in Sonali's Devs series previous to this one. I love the premise of remaking classics with characters of other backgrounds.

This is such a beautifully written story. It’s a take on Sense and Sensibility. Sonali Dev writes in such a beautiful heartfelt manner. Yash Rahe is injured and must get help from his sisters best friend India with whom he had a brief passionate interlude 10 years earlier. Yash must work through his repressed feelings and also decide if a relationship is worth possibly harming his candidacy for the governor. Both India and Yosh must work through their families feelings, as well as their own in order to actually have a real relationship. I felt like my heart was ripped out at one point, but Sonali Dave sold it back together magnificently I highly recommend this emotional and heartfelt romance.

Overall it was enjoyable but I wasn’t as swept up in the story as I had hoped to be. I think I wanted more of the main characters building their connection because it seemed forced.

What is it that I love next book in The Rajes series more than the previous one? I so wanted to read Yash's story and India was a delightful character in the mix. The chemistry between Yash and India was gorgeous, the slow-burn..ahh! The different themes in the book - family, power, friendship, and love - all are implemented beautifully. INdia and Yash are so kind hearted. Once again, I loved reading about the bonding between Raje's siblings.

As a huge Jane Austen fan, I was really excited to read this retelling. I have also read the first book in this series, so I was ready to dive back in with Dev and see where this series was.

Yash is running for governor of California and is getting ready to speak when the unspeakable happens. A hate crime rips through and puts himself and his beloved bodyguard in the hospital. Post injury, Yash feels lost and isn't sure if he wants to go back on campaign. His sister suggests he gets assistance from India Dashwood, a stress management coach. Little does Yash's sister know that ten years ago, a passionate night happened between Yash and India that neither has forgotten. With much on the line, Yash knows he needs India's assistance, but can they work together and get past Yash's demons unharmed, with sensibility? Or will the passion of ten years ago rear its head when India realizes Yash's romance with his childhood friend is just a farce?

Firstly, I want to tip my metaphorical hat to Dev for giving us the multiple perspective of the 'Edward' and 'Elinor' characters in this retelling. I LOVED getting to see things from both Yash and India's perspective. There's so much in the original with Edward that you just don't know entirely because he doesn't get the opportunity to say it. There are looks and actions where he tries to relay what he's feeling or his intentions, but Austen cuts him off frequently. So to get into Yash's head at the get-go was such a treat. Plus, it also brings an authencitiy to their romance that I feel is needed. You know they both feel a passion for each other. But there's this level of hesitation for a moment. Like we can't have what we want, can we? They both suffer from that. So the meeting of minds on both sides is so much sweeter.

I also really enjoyed India's role in this novel. I felt like having her give care and healing to Yash at such a vulnerable time in his life was such a labor of love. I'm sure she had done that for so many other people in the past of course, but it's different with them. She gets to know Yash on this intimate level, where she knows things about him, how he's reacting, etc., that other people don't. I just loved that. I think it really lent well to growth of their relationship.

I think the only thing that kind of bothered me is the Lucy/Edward dynamic. Apologies, I should remember his childhood friend's name, but I am having some brain fog. I never got the feeling that she actually loved him. I always felt like she just wanted to possess him. So someone else laying claim is what infuriated her. I think that mostly came through here, but I also felt like there were still underlying feelings. I didn't believe that so much.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. I look forward to the next! Thank you for the ARC!

This might be my favorite of the Raje stories so far. I loved the anguish and longing. Plus could relate to Yash’s anxiety and stress. I adore India. She was so centered and I loved her gifts. This book made me happy and I think that’s all you can ask for from a book.

This was a very fan retelling of Sense and Sensibility! I love the Rajes! They feel like a real family! The story is very heartfelt and funny! This is the perfect romantic comedy! This novel is a must read for any Austen fan!

This was a DNF for me.I got a third of the way through the book and gave up-did not care for the characters or the story.

Yash Raje is California's first Indian gubernatorial candidate. When a hate-motivated incident at a rally critically injures his friend and bodyguard, Yash loses his focus. He spends time with with his sister's best friend, India Dashwood, a stress management coach. She's helped so many clients but when Yash shows up at her door, she can't help but remember the chemistry they've always had. Secrets from their past and his political career create a barrier between them, but is it something they can overcome?

This is the third book in Dev's Raje series. I was able to read it as a standalone but may have enjoyed the context previous books would have provided. This book gives an inside look to the pressure that political candidates face in answering questions about both their professional and personal lives, and how much effort goes into the image that they portray. I also enjoyed India's wholesome character, and the chemistry that the two shared. Yash and India, though both a bit troubled, were quite likeable characters.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the eGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This retelling of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" was an absolute delight, which I read in a single sitting. I loved the modern twist on this classic story. The story opens with a dramatic incident at a political rally for Yash Raje, California's first serious Indian gubernatorial candidate. The incident shakes Yash to his core, inducing panic attacks at later events. To keep his condition quiet, the campaign reaches out to his sister's best friend, India Dashwood, a yoga instructor who specializes in stress management. Yash and India shared a magical night ten years prior, but went their separate ways. As might be imagined, old feelings resurface for both when they reconnect, but will Yash's political ambitions dash them once again?

All of the characters were relatable and human to me, and I enjoyed spending time with all of them. The reimagined tale felt authentic to both the spirit of the original novel and also to the modern day setting in which this version took place. I found the pacing excellent and liked how the story unfolded over the course of the novel. This is the third installment in the Rajes series, and I will definitely seek out other titles in this series based on this excellent introduction to it.

Many thanks to the Book Club Girl Early Read program and William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishing for a chance to read this entertaining novel!

This is the first book in this series I have read, but I am not sure it is the series for me.

The good -
I liked the writing style.
I LOVED India's relationship and storyline with her mom and sister. I wanted more of that.
I LOVED India's sister!!!!! I want a book from her POV and with her getting together with the friend w/the daughter (whose name I cannot remember at the moment, sorry!)

The not so good -
I didn't really ever get invested with India and Yash's relationship. I needed some more passion from them. I found myself getting really bored with them.
I don't think retellings are my thing. :(

I probably won't be picking up more in this series, unless India's sister gets a book! :)

Was not able to read the entirety of the book and cannot give an accurate or overall rating/review . As a librarian for a big library system, we most likely have a copy of this item. I will look forward to reading it in future since I am sure I will.

What an interesting modern day take on a classic Austen novel. Highly recommend this book and the author.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eGalley. All opinions are my own.

I love Sonali Dev’s takes on modern day Austen stories! Incense and Sensibility did not fail to keep me entertained and wanting to know more about the characters. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!

With every book I think I can't love any character in this family more than the last, and every time I am wrong! The ways in which Sonali Dev expresses emotional trauma and openly discusses feelings so many of us have experienced keeps me turning the pages.

Based off my favorite Austen novel, so I knew I had to read this one. I love how this series takes such beloved and retold stories and wows readers with fresh, modern takes that still speak to the sister relationships and near-miss lovers that made me love the original novel.