He’s so off-type that her attraction to him fuels an identity crisis. A steamy romance for fans of You, Again and Never Have I Ever.
"If big bisexual energy had an official book mascot, it most definitely would be this one . . . meditations on the meaning of queerness, grief, and the ever-evolving definition of identity make this a romance with genuine heart and intellect behind it." —Vogue
“People who've been ‘that woman crying on the subway just after moving to New York’ will feel so seen. (It's me. I'm people.) Comedic Timing is a raw depiction of romance and friendship, featuring all the complexity of navigating sex and love as a bi woman.” —Kate Goldbeck, author of You, Again
For Naina Rao, moving to NYC means a fresh She’s officially entered her mid-twenties, she’s landed a steady job, she’s broken up with her intensely passionate older girlfriend, and she’s committed to hustling her way into a creative career.
The city doesn’t exactly embrace Naina with open arms, though—not even her new boss or new roommate seems to know what to make of her. It isn’t until meeting David, an aspiring filmmaker, and his friends that she starts to feel at home.
But finding a connection with David makes Naina question everything she thought she knew about her place in the world. Does being open to a relationship with a man mean compromising her sexual identity and her sense of self?
“I’ve never read a story that so deftly captures the beauty and overwhelm of expansive attraction.” —Haley Jakobson, author of Old Enough, a NYT Editors’ Choice
“831 Stories facilitates literary meet-cutes and brings the finest smut to the thirsting masses.” —Vanity Fair
Upasna was born in Downers Grove, Illinois and lived in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. When she was 18 years old, she began writing for Rookie Mag publishing narrative essays on topics such as Indian identity, imposter syndrome, self-harm, and grief. She also had a video column with Rookie called Upasna Asks.
Her first work of fiction, "Comedic Timing," released in January 2025 with 831 Stories.
3.25⭐️ I LOVEDDD David so much. Just had a hard time with the conflicts and resolutions in this. The main character was very flawed (and I think it was handled decently), but it never truly felt like they were doing the work necessary to maintain their romantic relationship. But it’s a shorter book so I understand that deeper exploration of this suffered for the sake of moving the plot along. Overall, I enjoyed this!!!
Ok so much happened in less than 200 pages and felt so realistic to dating in your 20’s/30’s, figuring your life out, and growing with someone. Even the frustrations of each other.. loved exploring Naina’s identity crisis after her break up and her fluidity of sexuality.
David is perfect, no notes <3 <3 <3 YES, he def smells good and knows how to ask a woman questions and go after someone he likes. They don’t make men like this anymore (except in fiction)!
This book felt familiar in how it depicts the excitement and anxiety we cycle through during the early days of dating, and also novel (at least to me) in its exploration of sexuality and identity. I appreciated the author’s voice and how vulnerable her more emotionally intense scenes felt. I also liked the subtle humor throughout, especially when someone compared a vape to an adult pacifier or when Raina’s roommate kinda breaks the fourth wall by pointing out Raina’s budding friends-to-lovers situationship. Overall, this was a quick and introspective coming-of-age tale that I both related to and feel like I learned something from; if you liked the coming-of-age aspect of Maame and/or the messiness of Perfume & Pain, I recommend this read!
I have been loving the branding and messaging behind 831 Stories, bringing more adult modern romance to the lovers out there in novella sized fashion. The freedom from the cartoony covers alone in favour of the bright checkerboard is in itself a blessing. That being said, of the three 831 Stories out in the ether so far, Big Fan remains the only one that has truly rocked my world. I have already read it twice and know I will be reaching for it again in moments of need. It’s that good! Needless to say, yes I did catch the Mischief mention/Big Fan Easter egg in Comedic Timing. The problem with this though, is I found myself sad I wasn’t spending more time in that part of the 831 multiverse, and was instead in a considerably more effortful and clunky outing.
Don’t get me wrong, the central premise of Comedic Timing is great - I love the idea of a romantic lead wrestling with the notion of compulsive heteronormativity and getting introspective about her queer identity while developing feelings for a man. Unfortunately, a great idea does not a good novella make. I found the dialogue so awkward, like aliens learning to speak like human beings rather than real 20 or 30 somethings. *insert Steve Buscemi fellow kids meme here* Were multiple references to testing one’s drugs necessary? Why was “molly” capitalized? It was giving party safe PSA. The references to Euphoria, reality tv and that love bomber guy who went viral on TikTok last year also made this feel somewhat dated and sucked me out of the fantasy. Then there’s the development of the central relationship. The characters spend almost 3 weeks apart (with zero contact) in the span of the ~2 month period the story covers. What we’re left with, is the very beginning stages of a very complicated dynamic, rather than a story that feels particularly romantic. If this was advertised as a lit fic, I’d be all for it, but this is a romance and baby I was waiting for some sparks! I suspect that when this is officially released in January there will be a bonus chapter epilogue to dive into, but as readers we shouldn’t have to count on that! Cutting down a side character or two would have allowed more air time for the chemistry between Naina and David to unfold on the page.
All in all, there are some great ideas here, but the execution left me wanting. Many thanks to 831 Stories/Netgalley for the arc, I will continue to inhale everything you put out!
As someone in their mid to late twenties, this felt incredible relatable. I loved watching Naina's journey as she adjusted to her new life in New York.
This was the perfect length with a great amount of conflict, lovable characters, and communication. I LOVED that the two MCs were messy and unsure of their feelings but flowed through their emotions and communicated with one another.
We aren't perfect human beings and we make mistakes. This was the perfect example of that. I also really loved Naina's journey in her sexuality and discovering new aspects of herself and her life.
Thank you 831 Stories for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I think this has a lot of potential and I appreciate the overall ideas of this book, the main character felt so immature that it was hard to truly get invested in the romance. I did like the writing though so it wasn’t a complete miss for me.
Oof, a monumental let down. I was so prepared to love this - a bisexual FMC going through a break up moves to NYC for a new job and to find herself? Heck yeah! Up my alley in literally every aspect. The diverse representation in this book is also absolutely spot on - I love reading romcoms where the leading characters aren't just straight and white. I appreciate that the author has tried to bring "real" characters to the table with flaws that readers could potentially relate to, as well.
Unfortunately, that's the end of the list of positives about this book. Though admirable, Barath tries to take a concept that could have flourished across a 350-400 page book and condense it down into a novella style and as a result, it completely fell flat. The characters had no time to develop and thus end up reading incredibly immature and surface-level. The flaws that are supposed to be relatable end up grating and frustrating as a reader - there are so many times I wanted to scream at both of the main characters because they were acting so irrationally. While it's possible to create tension in a short novel, unfortunately the two main characters shared little to no chemistry - I simply didn't believe that either one of them were truly into the other.
While I could read what the intent is supposed to be - self-discovery, grappling with sexuality, and learning how to engage in a "grown up" relationship in your 20's - it ultimately played out in such an agonizing and disheartening way. Both of the characters exuded so much stress and anxiety about their supposed desire for each other that this book give off the fun, flirty vibes that I hope for when I crack open a romcom. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room when That honestly gave me the ick and, in combination with how both of the main characters played with each other, made me want to root against them (rough, when you're reading a romcom).
Also, some of the dialogue was just downright cringe: "The smell of him radiates off his armpit, deliciously human." and "Caring about my outfit has political undertones. I am not fully sure I can trust what I'm feeling." Both of these lines made me roll my eyes - the writing was really overwrought in places and made the read less enjoyable. There was so much therapy speak and they were almost too aware of their own (and each other's) flaws, constantly talking to each other in ways that that no two individuals who just met and are hoping to court each other would.
Incredibly disappointing because I think with more time, a better editor, and time to develop, this story could have been a really beautiful exploration of identity and love.
We love a bi queen! This book was so wild I loved it! Like all 831 titles don't be fooled by how short it looks there's so much going on! This book does a perfect job of showing how people make mistakes and how complicated life can be in your 20s. I wish David was real and that he would make me pasta :,(
Thank you so much to Netgalley and 831 Stories for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow wow wow wow incredible. Loved every minute, every character, every silly joke because it made sense and was relatable and didn't feel like weird disney channel humor that other romance books have. The millennial pause type humor, if U know what im trying to say. The "Annnnd That just happened!" kind of humor. anyways. this wasn't that. this was awesome and written well. Good job queen
Naina is fresh off a breakup, moves to NYC, and is basically just trying to figure her life out—career, identity, relationships, all of it. Upasna Barath really nails that mid-20s uncertainty: the impulsive choices, the loneliness, the constant fear of messing up. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to wait until we’ve got everything together to go after love or happiness. Honestly, even though I didn’t always like Naina, I could see pieces of myself in her struggle to accept change and lean into the unknown.
That said, I think the execution fell flat for me. The book tries to tackle a lot—breakups, queerness, creative ambition—but in just 170 pages, none of it really gets the depth it deserves. The romance with David had potential, but it didn’t always feel believable, especially with how reckless Naina can be compared to his chill, well-adjusted energy. Plus, for such a short book, it weirdly dragged in places. While Comedic Timing didn’t fully land for me, I respect what it’s going for. Life is messy, and this book leans all the way into that.
i think barath is a talented writer. there were sections of prose that really struck me. but this book is an aries moon & i, a libra moon. and baby, we’re squared up.
it felt like barath was trying to cram in what she wanted to say instead of letting it weave in naturally with the story. the story felt half-baked. there were too many themes and character brought up that weren’t explored thoroughly.
the ending felt rushed. there was so much anger, jealousy, hurt, and judgement brought to the table that never got eaten up, & the leftovers were just sitting there rotting while i read the acknowledgements.
naina was too immature & david was too “perfect.” having a “male savior” especially in the context of this story & in conversation with its publication sister, “hardly strangers,” is still giving me pause & much to think about.
Naina’s character is far from perfect, but very relatable. I appreciate a protagonist who acknowledges their shortcomings and is willing to face them in order to be better. It’s a weird feeling judging a character but knowing deep down you’re extremely similar. I think Barath did a great job in showcasing grief and trauma and how it affects us in forming relationships with people. Especially how we try our damndest to protect ourselves from getting hurt again.
I have received an ARC copy from NetGalley and 831 Stories in exchange for an honest review.
I have been OBSESSING over these 831 stories novellas!!
Comedic Timing was definitely not my favorite, but it was still a good and quick read. There was a lot jam packed in there and I disliked Naina lol She was whiny AF, but David was fine. I don’t think the two of them are meant to be together, but their little sexiii time was 🥵
Looking forward to Set Piece next!! Thank you 831 for my eARC.
3⭐️ I’ve been eating these 831 Stories novellas up like my very favorite candy (Reese’s, thanks for asking!). While COMEDIC TIMING might’ve been my least favorite in the bunch I still have so much respect and appreciation for the book and the characters and I think that it would be odd if I loved them all equally - each novella is incredibly unique (as well as written by different authors!)!
After a rough breakup Naina moves to New York City to pursue her dreams. Struggling to find her footing in a new place she eventually meets David, an aspiring filmmaker, and her feelings have her grappling with her identity as a bisexual woman.
The main thing I struggled with here was the writing style, but I’m not a strong enough writer myself to explain exactly what didn’t work for me so take my criticism with a grain of salt. It felt a bit choppy and there’s a lot going on in the plot despite this being such a short book.
The characters are flawed (aren’t we all) and reading about their messy lives felt very real and very honest. My 20s might not have looked anything like this and my problems are very different than the problems these characters have, but isn’t that exactly why we read?!
Only reading books about people like me would be such a snooze!
If you’re in the mood for a little more lit fic than romance and enjoy messy characters who are learning from their mistakes, I think you’ll enjoy this! At just shy of 200 pages it’s an incredibly unique story that you’ll finish in one day!
Thank you to 831 Stories for the early copy! All opinions are my own.
Thank you to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
The story thoughtfully explores how grief can shape us and influence the way we build relationships, particularly through the lens of a young woman navigating the journey to rediscover herself. While I appreciated this theme, I found the female protagonist's immaturity and excessive insecurity to be detracting factors that made it harder for me to fully connect with Naina or the story overall.
I liked this book. It was short, witty, relatable, and you can really get into the mind of Naina. I think it embodies the mid-20s jumble that is dating. The writing is good and I could picture every scene. I do think it falls short though with secondary character and plot development.
this one is weird to rate. i loved the premise of the story, the themes of sexuality and exploration of it (and identity). i loved how the author brought in trauma and showed how it affects our abilities to form relationships.
but it feels so incomplete. there’s so much that could have been fleshed out—the plot, the conflict, the characters (especially chloe and christian), even the romance aspect. so many missed opportunities.
there’s something that david said that made me think: “i want to see people,” he says. “and i want them to see me. i think that is life.”
i feel like this quote was the point of the book but like i said, the book should have been fleshed out more. it felt like an outline of a book that should have impacted me powerfully. i’m not mad about it, or even disappointed. this is actually one of the best 3 ⭐️ books i’ve ever read if im being honest. i’m definitely interested in reading the author’s next book and checking out the publisher.
2.75 rounded up. Comedic Timing is definitely an excellent portrayal of the messiness of dating in your 20/30s and working through society’s expectation of bisexuality.
While I personally wanted to smack Naina for her wishywashy behavior, I also get it. I’m not sure she and David are a couple who last beyond the happy for now ending, but isn’t that life? 831 stories is definitely breathing fresh air into the short romance genre. But I do think this story could been longer than 159 pages to not feel crammed in and rushed.
a very realistic read—especially for a woman in her mid-20s living in new york, fresh out of a breakup, and beginning to explore new facets of her identity and sexuality. the relatability is striking, sometimes almost too much so, to the point that it took a bit of the magic out of the reading experience.
i didn’t find myself fully rooting for naina and david, which is usually the heart of any great romantic fiction for me. but even without that emotional investment, the book remains a sharp, entertaining, and tightly written read—one you can easily devour in a single sitting. it’s honest, messy, and reflective in all the right ways.
(3.5) hit a little too close to home because i recently dated a filmmaker and i am also having an identity crisis (also any novel about a mid to late twentysomething in nyc will make me shudder)
but on a serious note, very cute! i am a big fan (pun intended) of 831 stories and while the brilliance of their shorter novels is that i can literally unhinge my jaw and swallow them whole although sometimes the length does come at the expense of deeper exploration of the story and the relationship, and out of the three 831 books i've read, that applies most here
my one other gripe is that at some points the writing has the tendency to overexplain at times...there's a specific quote i have in mind but i didn't underline it and i have too much a migraine rn to look for it so ur just gonna have to trust me lol
I met Upsana a few weeks back and she was so wonderful and funny, and I was excited to check out her wonderful debut. It did not disappoint! This book was charming and warm and created believable, wonderful characters and was a great coming of age and coming into identity read. Beautifully done! Sweet and easy reading!