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Love at Second Sight
I thought the worst that could happen on stage was that I would trip. I thought the worst that could happen was I would start speaking about topics completely unrelated to the book. I thought the worst that could happen was I would stutter and trip over my words to the point where it was hard to understand what I was trying to say. But no. The worst that could happen was the man of my dreams would be sitting in the crowd like Aaliyah mentioned last week. The worst that could happen was he, the man who was the inspiration to my book, would be watching and listening to me recall all of our memories together.
No. It's not him. It can't be.
With Huma and Elias' past, they both learn their feelings for each other, changing the way they view their relationship. However, doubts and regrets start surfacing for Huma as she tries to differentiate between the good and the bad. If what she was doing was betraying her own morals and whether or not this was the right thing to do.
But even as they agree to work together for her book, the attraction slowly starts to spark again. The issue? The book is about him. And Huma's convinced herself he doesn't know...I mean, how could he? She was just a piece of his past after all. Cluelessly, she starts to get closer despite knowing it's wrong, both spiritually and emotionally.
Elias knows, too. He knows he shouldn't get close. This was strictly a business relationship and nothing else...but there's a sense of comfort he finds in her that no one has ever given him. She stayed with him through the toughest of times and now he can't help but see that Huma is struggling. His attachment is only growing stronger and he knows if he turns his back on her, he'll lose her again. And if this wasn't a second chance, what was it?
No. It's not him. It can't be.
With Huma and Elias' past, they both learn their feelings for each other, changing the way they view their relationship. However, doubts and regrets start surfacing for Huma as she tries to differentiate between the good and the bad. If what she was doing was betraying her own morals and whether or not this was the right thing to do.
But even as they agree to work together for her book, the attraction slowly starts to spark again. The issue? The book is about him. And Huma's convinced herself he doesn't know...I mean, how could he? She was just a piece of his past after all. Cluelessly, she starts to get closer despite knowing it's wrong, both spiritually and emotionally.
Elias knows, too. He knows he shouldn't get close. This was strictly a business relationship and nothing else...but there's a sense of comfort he finds in her that no one has ever given him. She stayed with him through the toughest of times and now he can't help but see that Huma is struggling. His attachment is only growing stronger and he knows if he turns his back on her, he'll lose her again. And if this wasn't a second chance, what was it?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2024
6 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 10, 2024
My ult favourite book
I've been in a reading slump but i still managed to read this book with such love. It's so wholesome and a real refreshing read. You will fall in love with EVERY character. It has all the tropes you need for a clean love story that deals with difficult topics in the most loving way
Want to read
May 3, 2024Impatiently waiting for this to be on my shelves!!
Excited tbh
Excited tbh
April 18, 2024
I read the book and really tried to give it a chance. I applaud the author for all her efforts because it’s really not easy curating a good YA novel that also has Muslim representation. The book itself was more of a lazy read type book, where you could kinda know where it’s going and not have to worry about thinking too hard and I’d definitely recommend this for a beach read or something like that.
However, I give it a one star because this is like every other Muslim wattpad book. It’s refined in some ways in terms of editing, but everything is the same. The tropes, cliches, plot line, etc. Therefore I wouldn’t say that this book is worth purchasing.
However, I give it a one star because this is like every other Muslim wattpad book. It’s refined in some ways in terms of editing, but everything is the same. The tropes, cliches, plot line, etc. Therefore I wouldn’t say that this book is worth purchasing.
May 15, 2024
Definitely worth reading!
All the Muslim representatives were absolutely on point and I just love all those cute moments they have together and it’s definitely worth the money! Like if you start it once, you wouldn’t want to stop!
And, Oh my God! The nicknames they have for each other and their little conversations are absolutely adorable too and Elias and Huma are absolute cutiess!! 💗
All the Muslim representatives were absolutely on point and I just love all those cute moments they have together and it’s definitely worth the money! Like if you start it once, you wouldn’t want to stop!
And, Oh my God! The nicknames they have for each other and their little conversations are absolutely adorable too and Elias and Huma are absolute cutiess!! 💗
December 15, 2025
I've got a lot to say, and I do hope laiba reads this review because I would genuinely want her to improve.
I'm a writer myself, and I know it feels bad to have your writing criticized, but I need to say this.
2.5 stars
around the first half of this book, I was really disappointed. I used to follow laiba's instagram back when the book hadn't been released, and I remembered reading a post about keeping your story halal. So I placed my trust in her, thinking that whatever it is, whether he's a celebrity or whatever, she's gonna keep things halal.
So here are some things I didn't like:
→Lack of clarity around sinning
(there is so much to say about this alone😭)
She did mention in her posts that the characters fall into sin, which is totally normal. However, if I would recommend this book to someone who is muslim but only practices selectively, they might think these things are okay. Be it joking with a non mahram (which she did even after repenting from being best friends with him), or speaking unnecessarily with him—there wasn't enough warning saying: “wait, this is haram” or showing her repentance (like actually saying ya Allah forgive me I fell into sin and clarifying what the sin was). It is important to know how to handle the sins if we choose how to write them, being careful not to normalise them.
there are multiple instances of such sins (The vogue photoshoot. why is this guy even in a loveseat and her agreeing to the photoshoot? mixed with all the haram looks and talking; the persistent lying normalisation, some things he said feel like he's flirting, lack of modesty with the make-up and not covering her chest when she wore the hoodies, etc.)
Whatever the author's views are regarding the permissibility of makeup in Islam, she should still be careful around this. As a reader who expected a halal framework, as far as I know, it is undisputed that wearing makeup in front of a non mahram is haram. because it defeats the purpose of the hijab by beautifying us more.
The problem isn't the sin itself because we all sin, the problem is the lack of caution around it.
and Aaliyah cheering on without reminding Huma like a friend should, made me dislike her.
If this is a halal romance, an islamic book, I should feel as if I'm getting closer to Allah (swt) through it, not farther.
and I was unsure if some of his romantic behavior toward a non-mahram would align with Islamic guidelines–for him to be acting all romantic with a non mahram for the movie, although he didn't do it because it was Huma who was casted in the movie, but well, did he not intend to?
and did we not get any closure or something about the movie? did i miss something?
also Elias was being excessive for ordering the whole breakfast menu—I said it.
→The writing
the writing isn't bad, and I don't hate it, but I believe it needed a lot more editing. also it was easy to spot several typos.
→Repetition
some parts felt repetitive, esp the ones after their marriage. I do like reading about characters' life after marriage, but it felt too dragged on.
I know laiba is a very sweet person from the time I've followed her, and reading her book confirmed this too, I do not wish to hurt her or shame her, but this is my take on the book.
so here's what I liked:
→Most characters
→Elias and Huma's relationship after marriage
I love how it's not one sided care, it's not only Elias protecting and supporting her but also Huma. that's what a relationship needs. She is equally comforting and supportive to him.
Basically I started liking the book once he proposed. at least things were being halal then.
oh and I liked how comforting Elias was especially when she had anxiety (in the car) I love that scene 🤭
I really miss the characters and I like this book enough to want to reread it, although the sinning normalisation really stuck with me.
I hope I don't come off as too harsh, that's not my intention 😭
With prayers for laiba's success in this life and the next 💗
I'm a writer myself, and I know it feels bad to have your writing criticized, but I need to say this.
2.5 stars
around the first half of this book, I was really disappointed. I used to follow laiba's instagram back when the book hadn't been released, and I remembered reading a post about keeping your story halal. So I placed my trust in her, thinking that whatever it is, whether he's a celebrity or whatever, she's gonna keep things halal.
So here are some things I didn't like:
→Lack of clarity around sinning
(there is so much to say about this alone😭)
She did mention in her posts that the characters fall into sin, which is totally normal. However, if I would recommend this book to someone who is muslim but only practices selectively, they might think these things are okay. Be it joking with a non mahram (which she did even after repenting from being best friends with him), or speaking unnecessarily with him—there wasn't enough warning saying: “wait, this is haram” or showing her repentance (like actually saying ya Allah forgive me I fell into sin and clarifying what the sin was). It is important to know how to handle the sins if we choose how to write them, being careful not to normalise them.
there are multiple instances of such sins (The vogue photoshoot. why is this guy even in a loveseat and her agreeing to the photoshoot? mixed with all the haram looks and talking; the persistent lying normalisation, some things he said feel like he's flirting, lack of modesty with the make-up and not covering her chest when she wore the hoodies, etc.)
Whatever the author's views are regarding the permissibility of makeup in Islam, she should still be careful around this. As a reader who expected a halal framework, as far as I know, it is undisputed that wearing makeup in front of a non mahram is haram. because it defeats the purpose of the hijab by beautifying us more.
The problem isn't the sin itself because we all sin, the problem is the lack of caution around it.
and Aaliyah cheering on without reminding Huma like a friend should, made me dislike her.
If this is a halal romance, an islamic book, I should feel as if I'm getting closer to Allah (swt) through it, not farther.
and I was unsure if some of his romantic behavior toward a non-mahram would align with Islamic guidelines–for him to be acting all romantic with a non mahram for the movie, although he didn't do it because it was Huma who was casted in the movie, but well, did he not intend to?
and did we not get any closure or something about the movie? did i miss something?
also Elias was being excessive for ordering the whole breakfast menu—I said it.
→The writing
the writing isn't bad, and I don't hate it, but I believe it needed a lot more editing. also it was easy to spot several typos.
→Repetition
some parts felt repetitive, esp the ones after their marriage. I do like reading about characters' life after marriage, but it felt too dragged on.
I know laiba is a very sweet person from the time I've followed her, and reading her book confirmed this too, I do not wish to hurt her or shame her, but this is my take on the book.
so here's what I liked:
→Most characters
→Elias and Huma's relationship after marriage
I love how it's not one sided care, it's not only Elias protecting and supporting her but also Huma. that's what a relationship needs. She is equally comforting and supportive to him.
Basically I started liking the book once he proposed. at least things were being halal then.
oh and I liked how comforting Elias was especially when she had anxiety (in the car) I love that scene 🤭
I really miss the characters and I like this book enough to want to reread it, although the sinning normalisation really stuck with me.
I hope I don't come off as too harsh, that's not my intention 😭
With prayers for laiba's success in this life and the next 💗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I remember patiently waiting for this book to be published. I had so many expectations and it totally lived up to them! When I read it I remember binge reading it after I got back from school and reading it in class when I should have been doing my work. I absolutely fell in love with the book and made my friend read it too! Although they said I was overreacting and definitely obsessed this was one of the best halal romance books I’ve read! I cried and swooned and cringed. I would definitely recommend this to more people if I got the chance and would say it’s worth reading!
I did however get frequently mad at Huma for all the things she did and the book felt unrealistic. Me and my friend found Huma’s character quite annoying and I wish that I could have loved her character more. Also wish we had gotten to read more about her best friend. The marriage felt rushed between Huma and Elias even though I loved how it went down lol. I could definitely list more cons but knowing the author was still in Highschool when writing this I understand why I didn’t like those parts of the book.
I loved Elias’ back story and it was definitely one of the parts of the story that made me love it more. When reading the acknowledgments I could definitely tell this was a story of inspired of a certain someone and the main character was a self-insert. It made me laugh quite a bit but made the book feel more nostalgic for me after knowing it was a little bit of a story of delusion. Genuinely even with all the things I didn’t like about this book I found it so comforting and warm, and it’s definitely my new comfort book now! Good job Laiba!
I remember patiently waiting for this book to be published. I had so many expectations and it totally lived up to them! When I read it I remember binge reading it after I got back from school and reading it in class when I should have been doing my work. I absolutely fell in love with the book and made my friend read it too! Although they said I was overreacting and definitely obsessed this was one of the best halal romance books I’ve read! I cried and swooned and cringed. I would definitely recommend this to more people if I got the chance and would say it’s worth reading!
I did however get frequently mad at Huma for all the things she did and the book felt unrealistic. Me and my friend found Huma’s character quite annoying and I wish that I could have loved her character more. Also wish we had gotten to read more about her best friend. The marriage felt rushed between Huma and Elias even though I loved how it went down lol. I could definitely list more cons but knowing the author was still in Highschool when writing this I understand why I didn’t like those parts of the book.
I loved Elias’ back story and it was definitely one of the parts of the story that made me love it more. When reading the acknowledgments I could definitely tell this was a story of inspired of a certain someone and the main character was a self-insert. It made me laugh quite a bit but made the book feel more nostalgic for me after knowing it was a little bit of a story of delusion. Genuinely even with all the things I didn’t like about this book I found it so comforting and warm, and it’s definitely my new comfort book now! Good job Laiba!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2024
Hi there, I never thought I'd come across such a book which will make me go pacing all over my house out of heart fluttering and amazement. At first I wasn't sure if I would like it since it had pain and regret in it. But as soon as the book conference OUFF I WAS HOOKED. I laughed out so loud when 2 emerald green and black outfit holder started to interact more. Really the whole journey of theirs from getting hurt and confused to being each other's arms had my heart pumping faster non stop. The story placing, characters ohh especially ELIAS LEE OMG!!! Everything was amazing. This made me retrust Allah's plan again. It made me realise home is not always a place but a person with his acts of services and big house 🤭 I have finished this book in 2 days staying in Bangladesh. I hope that those who want halal romance can find this book at the right time just like I have. Thank you so much.
PS: This book needs much more appreciation 😭👌🏼
PS: This book needs much more appreciation 😭👌🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews