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Carpe Diem / کارپ ڈائم

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926 pages, ebook

15 people are currently reading
179 people want to read

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Rabia Khan

4 books24 followers

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5 stars
75 (34%)
4 stars
86 (39%)
3 stars
46 (20%)
2 stars
10 (4%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Nabtahil Laraib.
59 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2025
I wouldn't say I hated it, but I'm pretty sure I didn't like it either. It felt like reading something immature. Fine, the writer wanted to portray the characters as cute and childish, but it came across as more weird than cute. Why would a woman call someone "Guard Ji" and "Chief Uncle"? And why would a grandfather be so obsessively fixated on an actor? The way events were described and the backstories were presented also felt a bit off to me.
Profile Image for Izhar Hussain.
58 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2025
If you're looking for a grumpy x sunshine romance with bodyguard x actress vibes, Carpe Diem delivers just that—wrapped in drama, action, and a sprinkle of mystery. Selina and Yasir's chemistry is undeniably adorable, and their playful push-and-pull dynamic keeps the pages turning. From their flirty banter to the heart-melting mehndi scene, the book is packed with swoon-worthy moments that will make any romance lover giggle.

Yasir Alam? He’s the classic overprotective, brooding male lead done right. His "touch her and die" energy, combined with his gentlemanly nature, makes him an easy fan favorite. Selina, on the other hand, is bubbly and charming—though some may find her character a little too naive at times. But together? They just work.

That being said, the book isn't without its flaws. The big plot twist? Not the most logical. Some moments feel overly dramatic (Indian serial coded levels of dramatic). And the whole "faking her personality" arc? A little too unrealistic. The pacing also drags a bit, making the book feel longer than necessary.

But despite all that, Carpe Diem is an addictive read. It’s the kind of book that you breeze through, filled with cuteness overload, witty dialogues, and a touch of darkness that keeps things interesting. If you're in the mood for a fun, fast-paced romance with a little mystery and action, this one’s worth a shot!
Profile Image for Lubat.
108 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2024
Yasir and Celena have my whole heart.
Profile Image for بنتِ ذرّیں.
9 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2025
اس ناول کو پڑھتے ہوئے لگ رہا تھا کہ میں چینی ڈرامہ دیکھ رہی ہوں مگر پاکستانی کرداروں کے ساتھ۔بہت ہلکا پھلکا اور پر مزاح سا ناول تھا۔ایک رومینٹک کامیڈی کے لیے تو کافی اچھا ہے لیکن تھرلر کے لحاظ سے ذرا کمزور لگا مجھے۔کافی پہلے ہی پتا چل گیا تھا کہ کون ولن ہے۔سیلینہ والا راز اگرچہ غیر متوقع تھا مگر اتنا زیادہ حیران کن نہیں کہ اس سے کہانی کا زاویہ بدل جائے۔
کرداروں کی بات کروں تو ناول کے غیر سنجیدہ ہونے کی وجہ سے میں کسی بھی کردار سے اتنا ریلیٹ ہی نہیں کر سکی کہ وہ اچھے یا برے لگتے۔
مگر ایک بات جو مجھے بالکل بھی اچھی نہیں لگی وہ یہ کہ اس ناول میں ذہنی بیماریوں کا جس طرح ذکر کیا گیا ہے اس سے لگ نہیں رہا تھا کہ اس پر زیادہ تحقیق کی گئی ہے (میں ماہر نفسیات نہیں ہوں لیکن اگر کوئی ہے جس نے کارپ ڈائم پڑھا ہے تو میں ان کی رائے ضرور جاننا چاہوں گی) اس طرح کے حساس موضوع پر لکھنے سے پہلے ضروری ہے کہ گہری تحقیق کی جائے یا ذہنی امراض کے ماہرین سے رہنمائی لی جائے۔
خیر پڑھتے ہوئے ہنسی بہت آئی اور پھر یہ بچھڑے خاندان کا مل جانا اور پھر سب کا راضی خوشی ایک ساتھ رہنے والا جو ٹروپ ہے اسے پڑھ کر ہمیشہ خوشی محسوس ہوتی ہے
Profile Image for Fatima Ali.
513 reviews13 followers
December 8, 2024
Read it months ago, it wasn’t on goodreads at the time. Can not exactly review the entire thing. But I remember one thing well and good that- i DNFed it🤡 (and I think i was the only one who did it.) in my defence- i liked it enough for more than a while, but the entire kidnapping- murder attempt-meet cutes extra sugar sweetu sweetu scenes- repeat. became too much for me😭
(Spoiler- the thing that stuck out to me was- ladke(I don’t even remember his name anymore🤡) ki hypocrisy, the way he didn’t wanted to forgive his parents himself but the audacity to make it seem unimportant and childish about the entire blunder that her father did by saying that at the end of the day he’s her father and should be forgiven right after she found out about him. WHY DON’T YOU TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE HONEY!?)
1 review
December 16, 2024
This book will always be my favourite book. The character of selena is so me. Mai itni hi bewakoof aur samjhdar hoon aur usnein joh takleef jhelein hai i relate to it so much. If you tried to protray someone who's innocent, dumb and cheerful you did a great job author. I cried throughout the book whenever she felt she didn't belong anywhere but then yasir was there for her. It made me dream of having someone who loves me like yasir love selena. I dreamt of family too. This book is really my comfort book. (Coming from someone whose parents abondoned them) If you wanna feel like you belonged read this book. Mai selena jaisi hoon but mai uske jaise apna nahi saki mere parents ko it gets awkward for me but her getting along with her father really made me wish I had the courage to do the same. Mere bhi rishtedar itne hi zalim the throughout my life i longed for my parents love. Watching both the characters get it made me happy. Bohot shukriya apka appi. I related to this book so much and this book has a part in my heart. It gets me emotional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Arisha Reads.
29 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2024
Definitely better than Azazeel

I really enjoyed the book. Selina and Yasir are so cute together especially that mehndi wala scene. But yes the plot twist was ILLOGICAL i dont even wanna talk about that ew
But i liked reading the book. She is so cute with him and hez so soft with her aww🥹
BLEIGH part:
-Illogical plot twist
-that plot twist didnt make her a strong FL like comeon if she knew those girls were captivated and being tortured why the hell she didn't inform police
-Scene where he asked fellow guards to attack her uncle's family was so indian serial coded
-The whole faking her personality part seems UNREALISTIC
Profile Image for Meen.
32 reviews
March 22, 2025
such a KHOUBSURAT book 💌 loved every bit of it 🥺💗
Yasir x Selena - one of my mosssttt favieee favieeee couple <3
I already miss reading em'
Profile Image for Xee.
892 reviews58 followers
February 6, 2025
Someone needs to translate this into english. No shakar wakar, doctor dil etc nonsense coz this is wht we get in our urdu novels, who needs that performace...

Liberally sprinkled with inspirations from wattpad/english bodyguard romances this was still so very very squee worthy.

Selina and Yasir were so so darn cute and that cuteness overload at the end and his final reaction to that twist was just... my dil went mmm mmmmm mmmm

description

The love story, the cute push and pull, the mehndi, the wedding, the cuteness... it was just the palate cleanser I needed after the last few heavy/meh reads

Also, even given the page count, it had me so invested ,it flew by.
Profile Image for Ash Zayn.
113 reviews
January 13, 2026
I've read Carpe Diem by Rabia Khan, a Pakistani Urdu novel. A love story of Yasir Alam and Saleena Mazhar and a serial killer Sher Hassan.

Saleena Mazhar is an actress raised by single mother, who left one man for money and got married to a rich man, who died soon after and his family never accepted them both. Saleena took acting career to support her mother and herself but soon after she stops getting projects because of her affair with a politician son, who for the sake of his political career leaves her and marry a rich man's daughter. That scandal ruins her reputation and career, she one day comes back to the production house to meet her manager, where there is this Guard named Alam, who is also and actress son but hates his mother because she neglected her son and her husband (who died in a hospital in front of his young son, while her mother was abroad for a project and his grandparents were on umrah) because of her career.

He meets Saleena, Saleena's life is in threat so she begin to secretively guard her on order of chief (who later on turns out to be Saleena's father). He soon falls for her but never confess to her, one day a goon attacks her and he takes all the attacks for her, and in a deadly condition leaves her.

Later on it was found that, the kidnapper was no one else but Sher Hassan brother of Saleena's psychiatrist and was obsessed with the story of a king who married 7 beautiful women but he forgot the part that last and the most beautiful of his wife finds out his truth and reveals his true face to the world.

Saleena Mazhar also had a scandal that she takes drug although she was drugged that night by someone else when the news surfaced. She was intoxicated but still little conscious to hear Sher's conversation with another guy. So she from day 1 knew Sher was the guy behind other actresses kidnapping but she needed solid proof because Sher was a rich father's son and without a strong case against him he couldn't stay behind bars for long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Khan.
39 reviews
January 17, 2026
I picked up Carpe dieum because of a quote I came across online. It caught my attention and made me curious enough to start the book. And yes, choosing a book based on a quote, a reel, or a short excerpt is completely valid. That curiosity is often how readers discover new stories.

However, what I do not believe in is reading an entire book just for one scene I saw in a reel or a quote I found on YouTube or Goodreads. That does not feel fair to me as a reader. My time matters, and I would much rather invest it in a book I genuinely enjoy than push through hundreds of pages of something I cannot emotionally connect with, understand, or even comprehend the purpose of.

I tried to give Carpi dieum a fair chance. Even when the first few chapters did not work for me, I pushed through, hoping it would get better. Unfortunately, it did not. The writing felt immature and oddly childish. There are too many good books out there to force myself through something that does not resonate with me at all.
I have read my fair share of books. But I strongly believe that if you are not enjoying the first chapter, or if the story does not spark interest early on, then it simply is not for you. And that is okay. The healthiest thing a reader can do is stop and move on to the next book.

The much praised chemistry between the bodyguard and the actress might work wonderfully for other readers, and I can see why the premise appeals to many. But for me, the foundation was not laid well enough for me to care about the characters or their connection.

So, Carpi diem is a DNF for me.

Maybe in the future, if I come across it again, curiosity might push me to give it another try. But for now, I would rather move on to books that feel meaningful, engaging, and emotionally rewarding from the very beginning.
Profile Image for nk_bookworm_.
16 reviews
February 3, 2025
4.75⭐️

Do i have words? No.It was the best BODYGUARD X ACTRESS romance ever!and the way They served GRUMPY AND SUNSHINE!!!ufff..I was blushing the entire time. I finished it in under 24 hours and its a thick book! I was giggling and so much blushing the entire time. *still blushing*
The story was so good. It was still a romance but a very cute with drama. Ok some scenes were dramatic. Too non realistic but hey this is fictional and its not real. The whole murder thing and all the part was really good and didn’t make the novel boring for even one minute. I did predict the main plot or you can say main evil character but still i liked where story kept going.
And okay so salena mazhar, i know many find her character annoying but it wasn’t the case for me at all. Like i usually get pretty annoyed because of the sunshine characters but this? No at all.For me she isn’t 27. She is in her early 20s! Hehe
As for my main guy Yasir alim, okay the hottest guy ever. He was serving grumpy trope so well. And in the book he was protecting her Always. Which i loved!It was so beautiful to read.He was such a gentleman.He was so ‘touch her and die’ type😭And this line:

“Ma namaz parhta hun salena. Tum har dafa muj sa akar yun nahi lag sakti. Ma apni namazain zaya hota hoya nahi dekhna chahta.”AHHHH*screaming*
Like seriously? I love him so much!!!

In short words this novel was so cute,good,refreshing and beautiful. I was already in the mood of this kinda novel so i loved it. I know this is gonna stuck in my mind.for forever! And yes i know its a bit cheesy romance but hey i loved it. So if you wanna read some fast paced,cute,Grumpy and sunshine trope based novel. Just give it a try!!
Profile Image for Maniac Potato.
20 reviews
July 28, 2025
A solid infinity/5
Before starting, to whoever is reading this you might disagree with me but I love this book very much, it's very close to my heart.
Ahh I can talk about this book for hours. YASIR ALAM >>>MY MAN, MY CUTIE AHHH HE'S SO CUTE AND HANDSOME AND MY STANDARD😭♥️
Wallahi I just love selena too she's so cute and childish by on the other hand she's also strong.
Armaan, Sahir, chief sulaiman and hanifa, Saira and most especially DADAAA I loved all of them. Dada is such a cute, innocent and enttertaining character.
Moving towards the biggest red flag wajid omg bloody dumbass. Good riddance Saleena!
For some people some parts would feel unreal but it's such a cute bookand a literal fiction so it isn't a big deal, innit?!
The plot twist was good and kinda unexpected. It was a good read 100% recommended. Do give it a read guyss.
Profile Image for Kainat Ish.
76 reviews
August 18, 2025
Bohat arsay baad aisi kitab mili jise parhte hue rushed feel nahi hua. Carpe Diem ek cozy, comfort read lagti hai—woh type ki book jo apko sukoon ke sath engage rakhe, na ke sirf fast-paced plot ke liye jagaye rakhe. Celina aur Yasir ki chemistry mujhe bohot pasand aayi, especially because it features one of my favorite tropes: grumpy x sunshine.

Internet par kuch logon ne Celina ke character ko criticize kiya, lekin mere liye uska portrayal refreshing tha. Woh unn typical “innocent” characters ki tarah cringy nahi lagi. Aur dada ka character to mera bilkul favorite tha—woh kahani mein ek alag depth aur warmth le aaya.

Akhir mein, mere liye yeh ek proper feel-good read thi. The vibes were cozy, the fun was real, and overall, it left me with a smile.
Profile Image for Lurkingleo.
18 reviews
September 11, 2025
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal thoughts and feelings while reading the book. Others may have different perspectives and experiences.
---------

It was romantic comedy I was looking for these days. It had its fun moments and very unrealistic scenes too. The plot had loopholes, unrealistic logics but still I enjoyed reading it.

But when I was reading it, it felt like I was watching a drama i loved all over again. It was an Indian one which I used to love. It had no valuable plot but ML and FL were fun to watch.

Give it try If you want a light and fun romcom. Also, don't stop reading after the first few chapters, it gets better afer that.



--E
Profile Image for Auri Reads.
3 reviews
February 1, 2025
First of all "GIGGLES"..
Best *grumpy × sunshine*
This is the first book I read of 'Rabia Khan' and save to say I can blindly trust her books because this mook made me feel a zoo of butterflies the perfect romance.
Can we put some light of "YASIR ALAM" I am solely his fan now-

Why this is so underrated?

Will I reread it? Absolutely yes-

If you haven't read this you are missing out on the BIGGEST ROM book and the tint of mystery and thriller is cherry on cake ( top)..

The cute scenes were chef kiss.
Profile Image for Warda Adeel.
69 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2025
kitab khtm tk nhi hoi mujh si
Writer ki jo bhi fantasies thin sb hi ik hi kitab mi likh din or chlin fantasies si koi msla nhi mujhi kitabin unrealistic bhi hoti hain pr itna ziada non fiction type books agr haqeeqat si door hon to phir nhi pri jtin kitabin
bki concept acha tha
mera pasandida part kuch zehni bimarion ka ziqr tha pta to hona chaia ki hn yi bhi msli hoti hain logon ko
Or yi jo logo ko khishfehmi hai ki kisi shobi mi ap mahir ho to phor wo bimari to ap ko ho hi nhi skti sarasar ghlt hai
Fmc intihai immature itna bhi kon pagal hotai os dor mi?
51 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2024
A simple and refreshing story with cute chemistry between the leads. Saleena’s bubbly character was fun without feeling overdone, and the dialogues were great. The "pookie grandfather," Sardar, added a lot of humor throughout.

The plot also touched on the dark side of the showbiz industry, which was interesting. However, the story felt a bit too long for its simplicity. Overall, it’s a good and enjoyable read.

Rating: 7/10.
Profile Image for Roha Mumtaz.
71 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2025
Okay, the whole story was like, "Goood." The plot twist is kind of "off" or maybe can be better.
The way she put Shair all in this was good, but the involvement of Selena ( she plots everything) was not necessary, I think.
In the end, the story was like dragging itself to complete characters.
Overall, it was 3.5.
and yes, it was better than I expected it to be ...
14 reviews
August 25, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟

No matter what people say about it, it’s a really sweet story. You start with calling Selena stupid but can’t stop admiring her throughout. Plot twist was something unexpected after all the drama and Yasir, I suppose he is everyone’s favorite.
However, Wali Ahmed’s debut tops everything for me. 🤍

If you want a light hearted read that can become your comfort book, this is it!
Profile Image for Ayesha .
45 reviews
December 27, 2025
I was giggling and kicking my feet's 60% of the time while reading this book. Loveddd the interactions between yasir and selena. They were sooo cutee. Even though i feel like the plot twist at the end was unnecessary. But the overall story just makes it so worth it. Definitely one of the best reads I have had in a while.
Profile Image for Fatimamamia.
165 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2025
4.5
Bcz I still believe seleen is dumb and the ending was mid and sooo expectable like she fought so much for her career and for what just to leave all of it? I mean I get it why she did it but it felt like a rash decision?
Profile Image for ZAKIYAH.
4 reviews
January 6, 2026
Carpe Diem is a light and engaging romance with cute moments and good chemistry between the leads. The story is fast paced and easy to read, making it a perfect comfort book. Some parts felt a bit dramatic, but overall it was enjoyable and fun. A nice pick for a cozy romantic read🤍
Profile Image for zayneb.
17 reviews
December 27, 2024
"تم ان سے محبت کرتے ہو"
"تصحیح کرو ساحر۔۔۔ میں اس سے عشق کرتا ہوں
YASIR ALAM THE MAN YOU ARE!!!!!!
8 reviews
January 26, 2025
nice and mind relaxing story but I kept in mind this could happen in Turkey or other country not in pakistan as we don't find such educatd hero type guards here .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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