I didn't have high expectations for Flirting with Disaster. I like second-chance romances and I like supporting Asian authors, so I picked up Naina Kumar's sophomore novel hoping for a sweet, light read. 

Instead, I ended up with a stormy, soft romance that perfectly matched the weather and my mood and now I need MORE. 

We need to talk about second-chance romances. They don't get enough love (or maybe I'm just hanging out in the wrong corners of the online book community,) but there's something about watching two people getting a second-chance at love and finally getting things right that's just so romantic and redemptive. You get the intimacy of a shared history, the tension of mutual pining, and the sheer rightness of soulmates finding their way to each other, and no one, in my humble and unsolicited opinion, does it better than Jane Austen. 

Seriously, people need to stop obsessing over Mr. Hand Flex™ Darcy for a hot second and start giving Captain Wentworth some love. (As a P&P fan who thoroughly enjoys reading about the master of Pemberly, I fully give you permission to return to your fangirling once you stop sleeping on "half-hope, half-agony.") All this to say, no one does second-chance romance like Jane Austen because no one really gets that the best part of second-chance romance is the combination of, well, half-hope, half-agony. 

But Naina Kumar does. (Again, if I'm hanging out on the wrong part of bookstagram, PLEASE drop your recs below.) 

I remember reading Persuasion on a rainy day and absolutely falling in love with it. I mean, the tension, the forced proximity, the yearning! It's everything a girl can want in a second-chance romance, and as someone who loves tragical romances with a HEA, I've had a hard time finding books that capture the kind of angsty mutual pining and slow-burn ever since, but Naina Kumar totally delivered in her sophomore novel. 
In Flirting with Disaster, Sweet Home Alabama and the snowed-in trope get a big Texan twist and a whole lot more angst (you know, 'cause everything's bigger in Texas.) If you think getting snowed-in provides great fodder for romantic tension of the forced proximity variety, just think about what happens if you throw in a whole hurricane. The storm provides the perfect backdrop for a tension-filled second-chance romance full of heartbreak and healing, and it's kind of the best.  

The romance in Flirting with Disaster is just so tender and sweet. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, and while I'm normally a big proponent of any kind of antagonists-to-lovers romance, this is just so wholesome and lovely in spite of--not because of--some initial antagonism on Meena's part.

I love that the romance isn't purely about physical attraction. I mean, yeah, Meena and Nikhil are older and hotter--which, by the way, can we romanticize growing old together more??--but the heart of the romance is the fact that they see each other and know each other and, well, despite all that, love each other. 

This is a romance that's all about the details--the clench of a hand, the tick of the jaw muscle, the flash of pain, longing, yearning in the eyes, and it's just. so. good. It's a soft, quiet kind of a love story, but the slow-burn just makes the eventual payoff that much more satisfying and, honestly, even more romantic. Like thank goodness there's a hurricane going on outside because if the strongest fires are the ones that start from smoldering embers, this slow-burn is going to burn the entire Houston region.  

But what I love about this story is that there's just so much emotional depth to the romance. Even though the story opens with Meena and Nikhil waking up in Vegas and all that the cliche implies, their relationship is ultimately built on the fact that they support each other and genuinely care about each other. Young love is fun and sweet, but let's be real, young love can be dumb love a lot of the time. But growing and changing and loving the other person the same--or even more so--in spite of that? That's romantic. 

Kumar highlights an aspect of romance that's often overlooked, and that's the constancy of love. Despite the six-year separation, Meena and Nikhil have seen each other through tough times; they've--pardon the pun--weathered storms together and still choose to love each other despite that. This is a story that captures the bittersweet realization that the love of your life is both familiar and foreign, when you mourn the losses even as you relish in the rediscovery of things that've stayed constant, and it's a love story in which the romance happens softly, deftly, slowly. I just feel like it's so hard to find a good slow-burn these days. Like, they really don't write them like this anymore

Except they do because Naina Kumar is out here writing exactly that. There's just something about Flirting with Disaster that feels honest and true, and I think that's what I love about it. The miscommunication trope is one of my biggest pet peeves, but this is miscommunication done right. Kumar does a good job of giving Meena and Nikhil layered motivations, so the miscommunication feels more nuanced and believable. Their insecurities from the past and the subsequent baggage they have in the present are honest and human and, honestly? completely believable. I like the fact that they gradually work through these issues instead of doing the whole kiss and make up and let True Love solve all our problems because real life isn't like that. I can see these being actual issues that an actual couple works through, and there's just something so incredibly sweet about that. Don't get me wrong, the book still offers a great fictional escape--I for one would love to be trapped in a house that I own with my hot, estranged husband--but I think resonates with you so much more because it offers a bit of realism. 

No review would be complete without talking about Nikhil, who is a walking green flag. He not only tends to Meena when she's sick/injured--twice!--but he still has enough insecurities and flaws that make him wonderfully, believably human. He's sweet, he's thoughtful, he's nurturing. I mean, a supportive man who's caring and handy?? Um, can you ask the manager if there's another one in the back because green really is my color. 

I do have to point out a few minor missteps because that's what I do. There aren't really any glaring offenses, so, just a heads up, this section will just be a hodgepodge of things that I didn't love or thought could be better. 

The storm subplot alternated between plausible and straight up ridiculous. Look, as a California girl, I know absolutely nothing about being in or surviving a hurricane, but everything that happens on Meena and Nikhil's little rescue adventure seems a little far-fetched. I'm also a little disappointed we didn't get to see more interactions with the other neighbors. The neighborhood gives off a quirky found family vibe that I really wish we got to see more of. The interactions we saw with them were pretty limited with the whole "stormed in" part of the story, and I get that it's kind of hard to highlight side characters when a big chunk of your premise hinges on the fact that two characters are trapped in a house together, but if you can create a little neighborhood watch crew that will go out into the storm to rescue someone, you can develop the cast a little more. 
Speaking of development, I think the backstory with Meena's parents could be developed much more. It doesn't really come into the play until the very end, but it plays a pretty central role in the overall conflict. I feel like if Kumar lays the groundwork for it earlier--and I don't think it'd take much--it'd make the story that much stronger. I also think the period between the climax and third-act-break-up feels kind of rushed. There's just a little too much going on, and some of the plot points feel a little forced because of it.
 
In general, Flirting with Disaster is well-written, and Meena has a strong voice that comes across the page. There are a couple of really specific turns-of-phrase that are repeated too often. They only pop up a couple of times, but because they're so distinct, it feels a little redundant. I also think some of the metaphors are a little forced or too on-the-nose and that the flashbacks are integrated a bit awkwardly in the beginning. 
In terms of content, there's a little too much political grandstanding. I mean, it makes sense that there'd be some talk of politics since Meena is a lawyer on Capitol Hill, and I will say that it's not overly heavy-handed, but it still is just past the point where it's relevant to the plot and starts to become a little preachy. Like it could be worse, but it also could be better. 

Flirting with Disaster will put you through the emotional ringer (in the best way possible) and is perfect for fans of the tending to a wound trope and heartfelt second-chance romances.

This book was so sweet and emotional and beautiful. Read it all in a day and couldn’t put it down! I’m not usually a second chance romance person, but I truly enjoyed this!! Excited to read more from this author :) I’m a sucker for a sweet forced proximity story, and this one was just so sweet and cute! I felt for Meena and was so deeply invested in the two main characters.

I love a second chance romance. Plus this put a little spin on the trope of forced proximity.
Book was well written and characters were *chefs kiss*
I am very thankful to have received this eARC. I hope to read more by this author in the future.

I really liked Kumar's 'Say You'll Be Mine' and was excited to read 'Flirting with Disaster', especially since it's set in Houston and includes going through a hurricane, which is relatable for me. I also appreciated all the topics mentioned about things in Texas that need to change.

This story mainly takes place within those few days of the hurricane and the aftermath, but it's enough time for the second chance lovers to try to reconnect and see how their lives could've been...and how they could meld going forward. Readers get to see the little gestures of love and the slow unraveling of their past and misbeliefs until the characters complete their arcs.

I ADORED the 'Sweet Home Alabama' reimagined and Nikhil is an absolute sweetheart.

Seven years ago, Meena and Nikhil spontaneously (AKA drunkenly) got married on a trip to Las Vegas, and while it was a bit of a shock to them both, they decided to give this marriage thing a go anyway. But now, Meena lives in DC, Nikhil lives in Houston, and it's been six years since they've spoken when Meena travels to Texas to make Nikhil sign the divorce papers she sent him. See, she has political ambitions, as well as a guy who wants to marry her, in DC, and all that's standing in the way is a signature. But just hours after she arrives in Houston, so does a hurricane that traps her with her estranged husband through the storm and subsequent flooding, and the forced proximity also forces some latent feelings back to the surface.

I'm always up for a good second-chance romance trope, but something about this one just didn't work for me. I don't know if it's the fact that Meena (a very capable and intelligent woman) was completely unaware of the hurricane that was heading toward Houston until well after she got there (wouldn't it have been on the news or talked about in the political circles she's part of, at least in passing?) or the fact that the whole problem could've been resolved if Meena and Nikhil had a single conversation at some point over the course of those 6 years apart or the fact that somehow Meena kept her marriage a secret from EVERYONE for that long... maybe it was all three. There are better romances out there.

I love a second chance romance with a side of forced proximity, and Flirting with Disaster understood the assignment! An Indian, Houston-set retelling of Sweet Home Alabama, sign me up, I’m here for it! DC attorney/lobbiest returns to Houston to finally get her first husband to sign the divorce papers so she can remarry, only to land in a hurricane with no way to get back out. Forced to shelter with her husband in the house they used to live in together, they’re forced to confront the attraction and chemistry they used to have as well as all the ways that they were driven apart.

"Flirting With Disaster" by Naina Kumar is a compelling second-chance romance that intertwines emotional depth with the unpredictability of nature. Set against the backdrop of an impending hurricane in Texas, the novel explores themes of love, ambition, and cultural identity.​
The story centers on Meena, a high-powered lawyer on Capitol Hill, who returns to her home state to finalize her divorce from Nikhil, her estranged husband. Their spontaneous Las Vegas wedding years earlier had been a source of true happiness, but their paths diverged as Meena pursued her career ambitions. Unexpectedly, a hurricane forces them to seek shelter together in their former home, reigniting memories and unresolved feelings. As they confront their shared past amidst the storm's chaos, Meena is torn between her current, sensible relationship with Shake and the lingering connection with Nikhil.​
Kumar masterfully portrays the complexities of rekindled love, set against the challenges posed by cultural expectations and personal aspirations. The novel has been praised for its heartwarming and sometimes angsty examination of how love can be rekindled when least expected.
Readers have noted the novel's engaging narrative and the relatable struggles of its characters. One reviewer mentioned, "Flirting with Disaster is a fantastic second-chance romance book set in Houston, Texas." Another highlighted the book's ability to balance humor and heartfelt moments, stating it as "the most amazing rollercoaster of big feels and humor and heart." ​
Overall, "Flirting With Disaster" offers a modern romance that delves into the intricacies of relationships, personal growth, and the enduring power of love amidst life's unforeseen challenges.​ This is something that I would read again, it was a fantastic read and recommendations have been placed highly!

If you loved the movie Sweet Home Alabama, you should definitely check this book out!

In this book, our two main characters are married, but have been estranged for years. Meena thinks she is ready to move on with her life, so she decides to go to Houston to get her husband to sign divorce papers.

While in Houston, she learns a hurricane is on the way and she has no choice but to stay in the home she used to share with her husband Nikhil. There is a lot of tension as they prepare for the hurricane and they experience several disasters while they wait for the storm to pass.

Their time together reminds Meena why she fell for Nikhil in the first place and she starts to question if the divorce is really what she wants.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend you check it out!

Thank you Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

I really loved this one! What a sweet take on the Sweet Home Alabama movie storyline. I adored Nikhil all throughout, and came to really like Meena as well. I’ve five starred both of Naina Kumar’s books now so it’s safe to say she’s an author I have to read!

I loved Kumar’s first book so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this follow-up. While this was a solid romance, I just didn’t have the same enjoyment in this one. The way the time periods shifted always seemed to keep me on my back foot with respect to my complete comprehension of the story. This one also didn’t have the laughs I recall from the first one. The characters were likeable enough and the underlying moral about not placing too much emphasis on financial factors was well-received, but this story didn’t have much pizazz for me. Solid - 3 stars ⭐️. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy for review.

I enjoyed this, although it didn't blow me away. I had a nice time reading it and I always love second chance romances, but I also got approved for the ARC almost 5 months ago and then it took me…almost 3 months to finish a book that I definitely could’ve read in a couple of hours at most, so I feel like that says everything lol. I liked the setting/set up of the story and the ending did make me tear up though.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the digital ARC, all opinions are my own.

Oh, this Sweet Home Alabama-inspired romance hit so good!!!

I love that this book touches on the power of community and family relationships (and commiserates on the nightmare that is Texas wildlife), while also delivering the most swoon-worthy romance. Only one (shelter in place) closet, Gilmore Girls rep, and a MMC who is so down bad. I mean, he makes flashcards for her! He watches C-SPAN for glimpses of her! He's "warm red brick!" He is Team Logan, but w/e, I can excuse that, I suppose. The "reckoning" of this couple is so romantic and I loved their journey.

I also really felt seen in this book when Meena laments that a low ponytail makes her look like a Founding Father. Girl, same.

A great sophomore novel by Naina Kumar! Enjoyed this one so much.

Thank you to Dell and Netgalley for the e-book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. FLIRTING WITH DISASTER is out now!

This book was delightful. The too busy Meena is trying to wrap up her previous life with secret husband Nikhil so she can move on but when a hurricane arrives during her short trip back to get papers signed, she rediscovers the man with whom she once fell in love! The book shows the struggle between lost love and career goals and demonstrates how choices can change your life.

Okay, so we've got your second chance romance, your forced proximity, your... not even REALLY misunderstanding trope because the misunderstanding happened years ago SO! This is the chance, in such forced proximity (second chance perhaps) to work out that years-long misunderstanding! In the middle of a hurricane in Houston, and in the middle of Meena, our main character, on the cusp of maybe wanting something both personally and career-wise until what she's had and lost is maybe a possibility again.

There's more to it-- a family whose love is conditional, the expectations of self and others, how hard it is to ask for help... also snakes and ants and so much rain and dreams that maybe can become reality when we are better versions (hopefully) of ourselves, six years more mature.

I enjoyed it well enough even if it didn't set my brain on fire personally, and the spice scenes were open door and a release of the pent-up chemistry as far back as chapter one, and people who are sort of growing despite the roadblocks they've put in their own way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the eARC in exchange for review!

I really liked Say You’ll Be Mine and was eager to get my hands on Flirting with Disaster and it did not disappoint. This was a second chance/ forced proximity romance channeling the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Weirdly it also gave me Haley and Nathan in One Tree Hill vibes a a little too at parts. I eat up a second chance romance, love of the yearning and the tension. I will say that the miscommunications or inability to communicate between these two did drive me a touch nuts at times and Shake was certainly no Andrew Hennings (Patrick Dempsey in Sweet Home Alabama).

I would absolutely recommend checking this one out for all the second chance romance fans out there! 💘 Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing / Dell for the ARC!

(3.75 star rating)
Flirting With Disaster is the perfect novel for lovers of the forced proximity trope and second chance romance! This book also had elements of small town charm which I loved! Meena and Nikhil's reunion is both messy and perfect. The tension created by the storm forces their chemistry to reignite. I was tuned in! Specifically with Meena, I loved how she took the chance to follow her heart despite the pressures from the outside world. It allowed her to listen to Nikhil's wants and needs, ultimately leading to Nikhil to do the same. As someone who finds it hard to ask for help, I could relate to how Nikhil felt he had to carry the world on his shoulders to support his loved ones. I did feel the conversations between them were going around in circles, leaving room for miscommunication, which I was not a fan of. But self-discovery isn't perfect, so I appreciated their communication's imperfect elements.

OMG, this was such a fantastic book!
I was initially intrigued because I love the movie Sweet home Alabama and this book does a great job with a similar set up but it had its own unique strengths.
In Flirting with disaster we get Meena, a successful attorney that is flying back to Houston to get her husband to sign the divorce papers. However, what she initially thought would only take a couple of hours takes much longer as a hurricane is coming and she needs to hunker down with Nikhil. While being forced to be together they get to unravel and talk it out what happened before and discover that they are not as over as they think.
Loved the tenderness, the forced proximity and the chemistry between the two main characters. Highly recommend doing the audio.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Flirting with Disaster is a second chance, slow burn romance being compared to Sweet Home Alabama and I definitely got those vibes. She needs a divorce from her husband that she’s been separated from for many years, but when she goes back home to Houston, Texas to get him to finalize the divorce. Due o a hurricane, they shelter in place until it passes, reminiscing the past and the good, bad, and ugly memories to pass the time.

I thought, although predictable, it was a cute and easy read/listen. I loved all the references to Gilmore Girls. I am not a fan of the miscommunication trope, and neither character was too likable to begin with, but as their past story was revealed the more you'll be rooting for their second chance. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had a dual POV and not just one side of the story.

I was fortunate to have both an eARC and ALC to read in tandem. I really enjoyed listening to the narrator. She did a great job with pacing, tone, and bringing the story to life.

Meena and Nikhil had a drunken Vegas wedding seven years ago, and have been separated for the last six - her as a lawyer in DC, while he’s in construction back home in Texas. She has decided it’s time to sever their ties completely and comes back to Texas to get him to sign their divorce papers, but she lands just as a hurricane hits - and so they’re stuck together to ride it out.

I really enjoyed this second chance, forced proximity romance in the spirit of Sweet Home Alabama. Meena and Nikhil being forced to confront the issues that tore them apart was done very well, and I found the compromise of the conclusion to be realistic, if not completely what I’d expected.