Malfunctioned: Love

by Samama Reza

Zainab’s heart is in pieces. She feels like she’s losing her mind bit by bit; she just wants her Fawad back but it's impossible because they killed him. Despite the pain in her heart, she forces herself to smile every day even if it slowly kills her, because if she falls apart again she will not only ruin her life but the lives of her loved ones too. Sara left Murad, breaking his heart without an explanation, and is now back in her hometown. Her heart burns in anguish at every passing moment as she misses Murad and wishes for just a second with him to explain herself and confess her love to him. With dramas finding her at every corner and her grandma wanting to get her married off to a stranger, she needs to find a way back to the man her heart belongs to. How will she ever escape? Malfunctioned: Love is for the ones who fell in love and the ones who want to, a story for the people grieving and the ones who can’t stop missing the person they loved.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2024

Reviews

[Mehvish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leaving the readers on a cliffhanger in her last book, Malfuntioned: Love will answer all of your (well most of) questions regarding Zainab, Fawad, Sara, and Murad.

Being so invested in Zainab and Fawads story I had to pick this one up! Let's just say things did not go as I had predicted... The authors' sentiments regarding grief and loss came from the right place but were not executed very well. I felt that the over-dramatic tone of the book did not sit well and overshadowed the sadness that was supposed to be portrayed; it was like watching an Ekta Kapoor serial (if you're brown you'll understand). Although, the first book had a more mature tone and writing style (especially in Zainab & Fawads story- by far my favorite), the tone and language throughout Malfuntioned: Love do not do justice to the emotions trying to be depicted. One aspect that I did enjoy while reading was about the Bangladeshi culture and customs- especially when Nazia and Sara tried on sarees!

Coming to the characters, there was no substantial growth in any of the main characters except for maybe Zainab since she became more responsible, understanding, and smart due to her circumstances. I had a difficult time empathizing with Sara as she had unlikeable characteristics that I would not want in my friends- I still cannot understand why Murad chose her.

Throughout the whole book, I was trying to understand whether the genre was YA magical realism or a YA romance. To date, I have not understood the point of the magical ring, the story would have been fine without it.

All in all, the story would have been more interesting, gripping, and emotional if the author focused on one character's plotline rather than balancing the two, as she could have developed it further.

There is promise in this author as she had written Zainab and Fawad's story so beautifully!
Actual rating: 1.5/5 🌟

[Shamim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering how the first book ended, I couldn’t wait to see what this one had in store for us. Despite everything (no spoilers here) I’m glad how things worked out for Zainab and this just makes the story feel authentic.
When it comes to Sara, it’s the perfect ending for all of us, some of us might not be expecting it but that makes the book much better as we dive further into her story.
I liked how the chapters were short and precise!

[What Othoi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malfunctioned: Love is a beautifully written, emotionally raw story that tugs at the heartstrings. Samama Reza has a way of making every emotion feel personal—grief, love, longing, and the ache of unspoken words. Zainab’s journey through loss is deeply moving, and Sara’s struggle with love feels so achingly real that I couldn’t help but root for her.

The writing is effortless, the emotions are heavy, and the cultural depth adds so much richness to the story. It’s one of those books that makes you pause, reflect, and feel every single word. A masterpiece of love, loss, and resilience.

[Yana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malfunctioned Love is the sequel to Anti Romantic by Samama Reza and it finally (thankfully) let's us on a journey of healing, self discovery, introspection and gratitude.
This book is not a standalone and you must read Part 1 first.

The sequel starts off from the cliffhanger of Anti Romantic.

Zainab:
Her world crumbled as soon as she built it with the love of her life and she must now battle grief, letting go and healing. Every chapter with Zainab broke me. Her emotions range from being so numb from grief to being agitated at being coerced into moving on. She has a support system but her broken heart repels everything and everyone for a while. Upon learning about a family crisis, Zainab finally breaks out of her anguished state of being and starts a healing journey. She may not feel whole ever again, but she learns to navigate her new normal with grace and dignity.

Sara:
Sara was whisked away to her native country by her father and she spends months there. She's laden with guilt, the emotional awakening that she's in love with Murad but Sara being the fighter she is, makes the most of her time in Dhaka and takes her own time healing so she can deal with the turmoil inside her head.

The book seamlessly shifts into past and present narrative and as a reader I enjoyed it a lot because it's like watching a movie. As a native of southern Asian sub continent, I enjoyed the quirks, the bustle and the interactions between these characters.
There's also a very beautiful, much awaited surprise at the end that the readers from book 1 are gonna relish.

The writing style of this book is very good. Simple, impactful and paints a vivid tapestry of rich emotions on paper.

I enjoyed the flashback scenes and present scenes with Murad and Sara a lot.
I laughed out loud at Sara being Sara and letting people know she won't be bullied into submission.
I sobbed at Zainab's sorrow.
I felt overwhelmed and sentimental at Sara and Zainab's friendship and how Sara never left her side. ❤️

Read this book if you enjoy :
🌸 Friends to lovers/One True Love
🌸 Angst
🌸Found family
🌸South Asian families and their quirks
🌸 Dealing with death of S/o, healing from it and becoming your own person.
🌸Discovering your goals

[Iffat Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly waiting for the second one as the first one ended in such a cliffhanger....I hoped for something different in this part if I'm being honest here...I really wanted something different and wanted a happy ending for Fawad & Zainab...But how things worked for Zainab gave me closure at least.... Though my poor & emotional heart could not bear the pain...Every word, every emotion written here was like a stab in my heart...It felt so real that for once I forgot I was even reading...It felt like everything was happening in front of me and even if I wanted to stop it, I couldn't...Because that's life....And life is never fair...
Zainab's story is definitely a perfect love story that can only exist in novels or movies...But reading the books, we definitely have to change our mind about perfect love only existing in books...Zainab taught so many things through her life narrations that every woman should get inspired from her...She made every decision of her life and never ever regretted it for once...She was not always strong which is normal for a human being but she also taught us how to smile even if her heart was in pieces just for her living loved ones ...She taught us to be brave and embrace life in a way that no one can...But reading about her life, I came to the conclusion that life is unfair and we cannot complain about it...There are so many people out there like her maybe who even suffered more than her...There might be so many untold stories like Zainab & Fawad which the world still doesn't know...So, I feel lucky to get to learn about Zainab & Fawad, who will be alive forever in my heart as I will proudly carry them & their love....I will always pray for them and ask you guys to do the same....Maybe only this way, their love will remain in this world forever, something that they both deserved in this life...

About Sara & Murad.... Murad was left completely heartbroken here while Sara had to leave for Bangladesh in such a condition that she couldn't even let him know....Murad went through such a phase that he didn't even deserve...He was waiting every day for his love to come back and open that door for him once...Sara was miles away from him and yet she missed him so much that she couldn't bear it...She wanted to be with him more than anything else...She wanted to confess to him about how much she loved him...She didn't want to lose him again...But will Murad accept Sara even after 5 long months of separation?? Will he be able to forgive her for what she did to him?? Will he be able to forget how she broke his heart into pieces???



I had so many things to say about this book but I am really out of words...I cannot explain everything about how the book impacted me in real life... I'm left here completely broken and shattered for the rest of my life...Every time I think about Zainab & Fawad, a tear drops from my eyes and my heart feels like it's breaking again....They both left a deep imprint on my heart which maybe no other couple can ever replace...❤️💖 I love them from the depth of my heart and I love the author from writing her life down like this so that it can reach to thousand people like us💖

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with a grief journey Zainab goes through, a separation journey Sara goes through. This book beautifully transitions from past to present and present to past. Zainab is living through her grief without acknowledging anything other than her pain and loss. She misses Fawad so much that she could sometimes sense him around herself. She became the shell of a person after the love of her life left her behind him. She is heartbroken and haunted by the recurring nightmares, she could never be the same as she was with him. It is like life has been sucked out of her. Sara on the other hand had to live for 6 months without seeing or talking to Murad. As time passes she realises that she has always been in love with him, she was confused and a coward to not accept it. It's soul wrenching to read such a story which also happens to be inspired by the true events. My heart cried for Zainab and Fawad. My heart cried for Zainab for what she endured. My heart cried for Murad and Sara for the anguish and torment they suffered. My heart cried for the lost time and love.

But my heart also felt the warmth of friendship Sara and Zainab had, for Love Murad had for Sara and the way he waited for her even though he was devastated. My heart felt the warmth when Zainab actually came out of her shell and decided to give life a second chance.

It is also a healing journey for Zainab now that she has found her peace, she knows what Fawad had actually wanted for her to do, that is to live, laugh and be merry. Now she could do all these things keeping Fawad safe in her heart always. Sara and Murad will find each other. And Zainab will live for both of them.

The book also represents South Asian culture, so it's always nice to read about the culture and family dynamics which you're also a part of.

It's a beautiful duet and I highly recommend. If you haven't read it yet, please do.

[YuBi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of the best books I have read in a while.
The book made me feel every single emotion on the spectrum. I think while emotions in general are difficult to portray, the author's portrayal of grief is so beautiful; I could almost step into the character's shoes. The sketch of love, loss, anxiety, fear was so real, so relatable, it made my heart hurt at the thought of the characters' destiny. I am glad I happened to read the book! Such a representative piece of literature, such a good read!
Lots of love to Samama and Zainab! Looking forward to more in the future <3

[Raeesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

the sequel of Anti Romantic was very heart🥹❤️🦋 touching, made me emotional, it touching me, the story of those characters, told their emotional and their feelings, my favorite book with very beautiful writing, I want to tell the writer, I am a big fan of yours, amazing, thank you for writing this beautiful book and inspiring with your beautiful stories of your writing.Malfunctioned: Love 💕🌷

[Sarah Madani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samama Reza you have ruined generic American YA novels for me.

I can never drive by Sharjah without thinking of Zainab's tragic story, or think of the Ajman winter carnival without imagining Sara and Murad sneaking away like rash teenagers to have fun.

It is so ineffably endearing to have a novel set in the place you call home. Before you know it, picking up a novel set in a quaint American town no one's heard about becomes quite literally unbearable. We want to read about the reality we see around us, especially in coming-of-age novels that gives us stories of the people like us, living lives like us, sharing values like us (and more specifically, strict traditional parents like us *wink*)

Malfunctioned: Love is an excellent climax to Anti-Romantic. All the angst is laid to rest, the incomplete blanks filled, the friendships repaired and the heart enriched.

Reading Zainab's transformation, and how she held her ground despite everything, was so inspiring. To think that the real Zainab powered through such a difficult time is incomprehensible. Samama has beautifully portrayed her story leaving a lasting legacy and inspiration for anyone who picks up the book.

Sara is a feisty gal with a heart of gold. I love the effort she puts in to help her friend Nazia. Not many YA books talk about this, but dealing with people suffering from mental health issues isn't easy. Sara stoically sets a precedent, batting away Nazia's insults like a seasoned cricketer and instead turning the situation into humour wrenching out cackles from the reader. I had a lot of fun reading Sara's parts, especially with her conversations with Nazia. An honourable mention goes to the family drama that Sara faces with her grandmother and uncle (girlll, tell me about it!)

That leaves us with lover boy, Murad, who I applaud for not giving up on Sara despite everything (and for looking after Sara's car while she was away *heart eyes*). Truly, if Murad existed in real life, the world would be a lovelier place. Sara too. Although I know I earlier said that I was ambivalent to the way she treats Murad, I was happy with how their story turned out. I guess it sometimes takes you a life-changing goodbye to make you realize your priorities.

Malfunctioned: Love made me giggle and laugh out loud, it made me want to cry and give the book a hug. After feeling a roller-coaster of emotions, I can safely say that if you haven't read this book, you are missing out on something beautiful. Don't deprive yourself and go get a copy as soon as you can!

[Fathima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malfunctioned Love" by Samama Reza is a captivating masterpiece that intricately weaves together the lives of Sara and Zainab, two best friends bound by friendship and entangled in the complexities of love and loss. In this riveting romance novel, The Author deftly navigates through the poignant narratives of Sara, portrayed as a beacon of wit, intelligence, and unwavering innocence, and Zainab, whose resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy sets a powerful example of strength and determination for todays generation.
The novel's narrative unfolds with gripping suspense as Zainab grapples with the aftermath of losing her beloved husband, Fawad, under harrowing circumstances. Despite the darkness that engulfs her, Zainab becomes a ray of hope, showcasing the spirit that propels her forward. Meanwhile, Sara's journey of self-discovery and altruism, well you’ve to read to find that out cause i am trying my best not to give any kind of spoiler!!
The Authors masterful storytelling extends beyond mere plot development; it delves deep into the intertwining themes of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. The seamless transitions between past and present offer readers a panoramic view of Zainab's emotional landscape, enriching the narrative with layers of complexity and emotional resonance.
The impeccable pacing and fluidity of the narrative ensure that i was spellbound from the first page to the last, eagerly turning each page to unravel the characters' destinies. "Malfunctioned Love"
For an enchanting journey through the tapestry of love, loss, and redemption, "Malfunctioned Love" stands as a testament to Samama Reza's literary prowess and serves as a must-read for aficionados of the romance genre. Embark on this emotional odyssey and witness the transformative power of love in the face of life's greatest adversities.

[Rifah Tasfia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to Anti Romantic which I loved so much and couldn't wait to read because Anti Romantic ended on a cliffhanger. So when the author announced the sequel was coming, I was so excited and I couldn't resist myself from reading it that I started reading it during my exams. I took a lot of time to finish it because of exams but it's all worth it. I loved this one too.

The second book is all about the characters finding their identity and figuring out themselves and what they want. I loved how each character developed themselves here. The main characters were two friends Sara and Zainab. Zainab was dealing with her grief and Sara was brought back to Bangladesh by her father for his work purpose. But this trip was meaningful for Sara. She made a new friend Nazia, who was dealing with depression and with the help of Sara she learnt to overcome it. I loved how Sara, Nazia and Zainab found new ways to live their life l, they found the meaning. Sara found out her aim and realised how much she loves Murad. Each character grew on me. As this book is based on the culture of South asians, I could relate a lot to it. Just like Sara's grandmother is the typical one who wants Sara to get married asap and there was a representation of our typical Bangladeshi people and their toxic behaviour.
I loved Sara's father, the way he stands beside his daughter is amazing. And lastly comes Murad, the way he stood out for himself is what I loved the most. He made sure nobody has the authority over him to take him for granted and make him feel worthless. Overall I loved the book so much. Here everyone realised what matters the most in their life and joined all the pieces together. That's all matters, life is too short to waste. The author said, I lived the book when we were discussing the book and I guess it's pretty true.

[Megha Anil Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last week, the long-awaited sequel finally hit the shelves, and I must say, I'm utterly captivated by its cover. I'll admit, I kept a box of tissues close at hand for my own emotional safety, and yes, tears were shed. The first book left us hanging on a cliff's edge, the anxiety of not knowing what happened to Sara and Zainab was almost unbearable.

Zainab's pain is incomprehensible; she's lost her soul and merely exists for her family's sake. If she crumbles, her family might not endure, so she silently carries her anguish and despair. Will she embrace her destiny and move forward, or retreat back into her shell?

Meanwhile, Sara has been Zainab's unwavering support, but her own life has veered off course. Returning to her homeland without informing Murad brought forth too much pain. Despite this, she's embarked on a journey to aid others and fulfill her ambition of becoming a boss lady. Yet, her heart aches at the thought of Murad, realizing she cannot live without him.

Murad's journey has been really hard as he missed Sara like anything, marked by hallucinations and moments of profound realization. The question of whether he will remain a "green flag" or choose to move on, potentially causing further heartache for Sara, adds a layer of suspense and emotional tension to the story.

This book offers a compelling exploration of human connections and the enduring bonds that shape our lives. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the author for releasing the sequel, skillfully weaving together a beautifully story using simple yet profound language.

[next chapter plz · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book I skimmed through the second book in one night, it’s such a sweet and short ending, please please sit with tissues you will need it especially in the first half, I loved the change I was hoping for Zianab and dr Ali’s connection but the ending was a sweet tone and the interview at the end added a special touch and place in my heart. I’m giving one less star only cause again how the ring helped the plot - like the way the ring was brought and explained in the first book I though it would have been used more heavily in the plot also I wanted more of Sara and Murad expecially her dads reaction to all this but well I’ll wait for the third book😉 honestly it’s a really nice self discovery book that helps us better understand people and their feelings and you can see how much the writer improved from her first book…. Keep growing and waiting for more of Sara and Murad💕

[Megha Anil · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGGGGGG, the sequel is once again an emotional rollercoaster. It opens with Zainab's worst nightmare coming true, and she doesn't know how to go on without the love of her life. This makes us question how the world can be so cruel to innocent souls. Zainab's chapters are heart-wrenching, but amidst the pain, there seems to be a glimmer of hope as she strives to make her family happy.

The ring Sara used in the first book resurfaces in Zainab's life, adding an unexpected twist. Sara, though needing to be strong, finds it painful to be separated from Murad, realizing the depth of her love for him. Amidst the drama, there are many humorous moments in the book, providing a welcome relief from the tears I shed.

Sending all my love to Sara, Zainab, Fawad, and Murad; they deserve the world and more!

[NawalReads&#x1f4da; · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin? I felt Zainab's sorrow, felt Sara's longing while she was away from Murad, and shared Nazia's heartbreak when her engagement was called off. This book truly has it all! I can’t express enough how much I loved it, nor how many tears I shed. The pain was overwhelming, and I can’t even begin to describe how much I longed for Murad and Sara to be together. But Samama (the author) gave me the perfect ending—a happy one! I was so relieved and thrilled that they ended up together. My review doesn't do justice to how incredible this book duo is! I look forward to the next book samama writes 🥺♥️

[Aiza Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got to read the next part. The beginning took me by surprise because honestly, I didn't expect it to start like that. But it was amazing. Touched all my emotional corners. Zainab, Fawad, Sara, Murad, Nazia, Dadi. All the characters were written so well. A whole ride of emotions. Zainab's development was done so well! I enjoyed this so much that i read it whole in just few hours😝.

[Mariam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE ZAINAB.

The entire book I felt such a deep connection with Zainab because of the reality.

I love Sara and Nazia’s friendship in this book however i did not enjoy the ring part and her ending with Murad as it was too unrealistic for me

I love the easy writing style of this book and i adore the love Zainab has for Fawad