Not strictly a Rom-com, Mimi Deb's book is more contemporary fiction, looking at relationships between family, friends, and romantically.
Gia, the female MC, is on a work visa from India and is perilously close to losing the one job she has, which would keep her in the country due to some mishaps. One at the work Christmas party that she is convinced will be the final nail in her coffin. She has a close relationship with Ma, her mother, or MiMasa as she is entered in her phone, Probably more open than the average relationship between an Indian mother and daughter, but then, Ma isn't your average mother figure, either.
Gia writes a list of things she needs to do in the new year to make things better.
Somehow the list ends up travelling to her local Indian takeaway, of which she is a regular customer, and the list sparks the start of a note correspondence with someone who works at Namaste London - Ben.
Ben is the male MC, and he is struggling to find a place in the world that will fulfil his family's hopes, as well as his own.
They disapprove of his job at the takeaway, but given the struggles he has already faced in life, they don't say too much...
I enjoyed how the book was written, with the correspondences between the characters, as an end note to a chapter, or the beginning and the details of their lives, how they meet, and their lives intertwine as time progresses.
It is good to read of a heroine not cut from the same stereotypical cloth as many, with Gia being a woman of colour and not a lythe, tall, 'dusky' beauty, but someone with the beauty that shines from within.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for an ARC

I would classify this as more of a women’s fiction book than a romcom. A lot of drama for both main characters. I tend to go more for the romcom vibe, so it wasn’t really my cup of tea. Those of you who like more drama… give it a read!

The e-book itself had some formatting issues that I’m guessing will be fixed prior to publication.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Love on the Menu to come out April 13, 2023!

I am not sure how to review this book. It’s a love story , a forgiving your friend , an Indian mother who loves you dearly, making a career in London when you work colleagues are interesting and a boss who you don’t really understand . The male in the love story Ben has secrets and they meet through an Indian takeaway order.. I won’t spoil it. I love the orders in each chapter. A perfect ending . Read it is my advice