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Book 1: The Memory Bookshop by Song Yu-jeong (Author), Shanna Tan (Translator)

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‘The Off Limits Rule’ presents a sweet and engaging romantic comedy that ticks many of the genre’s boxes: chemistry, humor, and heartwarming moments. This story, revolving around the forbidden romance between Lucy and Cooper, has all the trappings of a classic rom-com but struggles with a few predictable elements and some underdeveloped plot points.

When Lucy finds herself at rock bottom and moves in with her older brother, Drew. Her situation seems precarious but manageable until she meets Cooper, Drew’s best friend. The sparks between Lucy and Cooper are undeniable, but Drew, being the overprotective older brother, has strong reservations about Lucy dating his best friend. This sets up a classic "forbidden romance" scenario, complete with all the tension and drama one might expect.

Lucy is a protagonist who is easy to root for. She’s relatable and likable, dealing with the challenges of moving back in with her brother while managing the responsibilities of a single mother. Her character is imbued with charm and humor, and her interactions with Cooper are often endearing. The author does a good job of making Lucy’s struggle feel genuine, and her evolution throughout the story is both believable and satisfying.

Cooper, on the other hand, is painted as the quintessential perfect guy: flirtatious, adventurous, and impossibly good-looking. His charm and generosity are meant to offset his playboy reputation to make him more human. However, he feels too good to be true - even in fiction. While these characteristics make him an appealing romantic lead, it also makes him less relatable to us mortals. His character development lacks the depth needed to fully justify his transition from a carefree playboy to a devoted partner.

The character of Levi, Lucy’s young son, adds a layer of warmth to the story. His presence brings out a softer side of both Lucy and Cooper, and his interactions with Cooper are particularly heartwarming. Levi’s character is a bright spot in the narrative and adds a touch of realism to Lucy’s life as a single mother.

One of the book’s strengths is its humor. Adams excels at infusing the narrative with witty dialogue and creating humorous situations. The banter between Lucy and Cooper is one of the highlights of the book. I often had a smile on my face while reading this book. But at the same time, the humour in the book also took away from the seriousness of the central conflict of the story. Drew’s disapproval of Lucy and Cooper’s relationship felt a bit inflated. The “brother issue” that the plot hinges on is never fully explored or justified. At times, it seems like the obstacles to their romance are more about miscommunication and overthinking rather than substantial issues. This makes the conflict feel less impactful and the resolution a bit too easy.

Also, the book’s predictability is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the familiar tropes and predictable storyline make it a comforting read for fans of the genre. On the other hand, it lacks the originality  - whether in the plot itself or the characters or the narrative - making it a bit too cliched. It does not offer any surprises or fresh takes.

‘The Off Limits Rule’ by Sarah Adams is a cozy and charming romantic comedy that did have me smiling at times. However, it isn’t a book I would go out of my way to recommend to someone.

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Abbey’s seemingly perfect world comes crashing down in the blink of an eye. First, her boyfriend reveals he’s found someone else when she was expecting a proposal followed up by her losing her job for someone else's mistakes. Devastated and feeling lost, Abbey decides to invest all her savings into an apartment she’s always dreamed of and revamps her wardrobe to match her new beginning, hoping to fake-it-till-she-makes-it. Just as Abbey begins to embrace her fresh start, she faces another dilemma: her parent’s vow renewal celebration. Her ex-boyfriend, who is also a close family friend, will be in attendance along with a new date, leaving Abbey feeling exposed and awkward. To save face and avoid any potential embarrassment, Abbey hatches a plan to enlist her hot new neighbor, Ted, as her fake date.

What follows is a wonderfully entertaining narrative of fake dating that gradually evolves into something much more genuine. Abbey and Ted, initially brought together by their shared heartache and the necessity of a facade, start to develop a real connection. Their journey from strained acquaintances to a believable couple is marked by plenty of humor, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry.

Abbey and Ted are both well-drawn characters who bring depth to the story. Abbey is relatable and grounded, dealing with the fallout of her failed relationship and job loss with a mix of resilience and vulnerability. Ted, while initially a bit of a mystery, quickly emerges as a charismatic and supportive figure. His own struggles with a cheating business partner add another layer of complexity to his character, making him more than just the “hot neighbor.” The back-and-forth banter between them is sharp and engaging, providing a lot of the humor and warmth that makes this book such a joy to read.

However, the novel does have a few drawbacks. While the story is enjoyable overall, the ending feels somewhat rushed. I feel like there was scope for the author to show more of their individual growth and emotional healing. I am not convinced completely that they were truly 'okay' and recovered from the betrayals and Abbey's ex-boss just drunk confessing felt like a 'quick-fix' of a loop that wasn't really satisfactory.

All in all, this book is a charming and entertaining romance that’s perfect for fans of light-hearted, clean romances with a slow burn. Despite a slightly rushed ending, the book’s engaging characters and delightful chemistry between Abbey and Ted make it a worthwhile read. This book is for anyone looking for a feel-good-story.

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The story starts off with an unexpected twist of fate: Annie, our endearing protagonist, finds herself sharing a room and a bed with a grumpy but undeniably attractive stranger at an airport hotel. The situation, though innocent, leads to an embarrassing encounter that Annie assumes will be a one-time event. However, the universe had other plans for her. When she starts her new job, the last person she expects to see is none other than her hot, grumpy airport acquaintance—now her new boss, Liam Donovan.

Annie’s character is well-developed and relatable. Her internal monologues, filled with self-deprecating humor, makes her loveable and an engaging protagonist. Liam, on the other hand, starts off as this grumpy and distant boss but gradually reveals a softer, more complex side that helps the readers to feel for him too. Bailey does an admirable job of balancing Liam’s surly exterior with glimpses of vulnerability, making his eventual transformation from the "grumpy boss" trope to a genuinely lovable romantic lead felt organic and satisfying. The book also has a few well-rounded secondary characters. Liam’s family, particularly his brother Luke and his niece, add depth to the story. The secondary characters not only contribute to the story’s humor but also provide a glimpse into Liam’s world beyond the office. The dynamics and the chemistry between the two protagonists is well done.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is Bailey’s ability to weave humor into the narrative. The comedic timing, particularly in the interactions between Annie and Liam, is spot-on. Their initial awkwardness and the subsequent attempts to ignore their past encounter provide a steady stream of laughs. The office mishaps and the tension between their professional and personal boundaries are both relatable and entertaining. Bailey’s writing shines in these moments, providing a constant source of amusement without overshadowing the developing romance.

While the humor and romantic tension are well-executed, the conflict introduced in the later chapters felt ‘not enough of a conflict’ and was resolved too easily. The tension that I expect from the conflict fell flat and in turn affected the overall growth of the characters in the story. Also, the occasional shift to Liam’s POV wasn’t very effective as it felt forced. It was quite clear that the narrative was brought in only as a tool to provide some information to the readers in order to keep the story moving.

All in all, ‘So That Happened’ is a heartwarming and humorous romantic comedy that delivers on its promise of a lighthearted read. Katie Bailey’s engaging writing, and endearing characters make this book a perfect as the first book series. I am certainly looking forward to meeting Luke again. It’s a great palate cleanser for those who’ve been reading heavier material or simply looking for a cozy, enjoyable escape. If you’re a fan of clean romances with a healthy dose of laughter, ‘So That Happened’ should at least be on your consideration list.

Review Copy received from Srishti Publishers

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‘How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss’ is a charming and engaging romantic story that blends warmth, humor, and a touch of emotional depth. This book, the second instalment of the Hawthorne Brothers series, captivates the readers with its well-loved grumpy sunshine trope and a compelling storyline about navigating new relationships while managing past hurts and present responsibilities. 

The story starts with Lila, a single mother taking on the role of a virtual assistant for Perry Hawthorne, a gruff and recently divorced farm owner. The initial premise is classic: Lila tries to keep her burgeoning feelings for her boss at bay while managing her responsibilities as a mother to her young son, Jack. Perry, known for his brooding demeanor, seems like the last person who would be interested in a committed relationship, especially with the complications of Lila's single parenthood.

Proctor does an excellent job of creating a romantic tension between Lila and Perry. The grumpy sunshine dynamic is a favorite trope among romance readers, and Proctor navigates it with both humor and sensitivity. Perry’s transformation from a gruff boss to a genuinely caring and supportive partner is well-executed, and the slow burn of their relationship feels natural and believable. The chemistry between Lila and Perry is palpable - the sharp banters, and the moments of vulnerability between the two characters add depth to their interactions.

Lila’s character is a standout in this narrative. She is portrayed as strong, capable, and deeply devoted to her son. Her struggles as a single mother, combined with her burgeoning feelings for Perry, make her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Her internal conflicts—balancing her own desires with what’s best for Jack—are handled with care, and her character development is both realistic and satisfying. The way she handles Perry’s initial gruffness and her own reservations about getting involved with him demonstrates her growth throughout the story.

Perry, while initially coming off as a typical grumpy hero, reveals different sides of himself as the story progresses. His past, marked by a difficult divorce, adds an element of realism to his reluctance to dive into a new relationship. His interactions with Jack are particularly heartwarming, showcasing his ability to connect with Lila’s son in a way that challenges his previously established persona.

Lila’s interactions with Perry’s family and her own network of friends add to the story. The depiction of Perry’s farm and its vibrant setting contributes to the book’s charm, making the small-town atmosphere feel inviting and integral to the narrative. The farm setting, with its seasonal charm, particularly in the fall, provides a picturesque backdrop that enhances the story’s appeal.

All in all. ‘How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss’ by Jenny Proctor is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that live unto the expectation set by ‘How to Kiss Your Best Friend’.

‘The Indian Cafe in London’ is a story of three people connected through their struggles, their emotions, their passion and food.

Akhil is a youngster who dreams of being a chef and while this story is mostly about his journey of not only discovering the perfect recipes, finding himself; this story would be incomplete without the other two characters. One is Puru, who has lived his life and can sometimes be cynical. The other is Jamila who is running from her past without any idea about where or who she is running to. As we follow these three characters, we are also taken on a gastronomical journey.

Of the three main characters, I like Jamila the least. I cannot tell you why and that is mostly because I felt that the other two characters had more complexities - even with her own backstory, Jamila just didn’t make that much of an impression. As for Puru, he did surprise me for a moment or two in the book. But it was Akhil, or rather his diary, that I enjoyed the most. The characters bring in a wide perspective of the world with very distinctive and different voices.

With a restauranteur, and two culinary students as the main characters there was bound to be a large portion about food… And I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them, especially the recipes from Akhil’s diary. I was for once glad of my habit of always getting snacks while reading because this book is surely going to make you crave certain food while reading it.

My only problem with the book is its pacing. While I was enjoying the read I still kept feeling as if the plot needed to move a bit faster at certain points. Other than that Veena Nagpal has spun a nice story with vivid descriptions and simple narrative style.

I am going to keep this book on my shelf, if for nothing then at least the recipes.

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