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It's Just Business
For fans of Ali Hazelwood's STEMinist romances...
...a molecular biology PhD student has only one month to convince a VC from Dubai to fund her research institute but realizes their relationship may be more than just business...
Leaving the chilly labs of Massachusetts, molecular biologist Noor Saeed is heading home. She'll be in Dubai for Ramadan and to meet HighRise, a business incubator open to building Noor's state-of-the-art research facility.
Noor needs to do just one convince one of HighRise's partners, Khalid-a ridiculously handsome and whip-smart venture capitalist-that her lab will be able to pay back what it costs to build.
When she's given only a few days to make her case, Noor enlists her friends to trick Khalid into buying herself more time. But with meddling cousins and Khalid's kindness messing up her plans, Noor's Ramadan nights are slipping by fast...and maybe so is her heart.
...a molecular biology PhD student has only one month to convince a VC from Dubai to fund her research institute but realizes their relationship may be more than just business...
Leaving the chilly labs of Massachusetts, molecular biologist Noor Saeed is heading home. She'll be in Dubai for Ramadan and to meet HighRise, a business incubator open to building Noor's state-of-the-art research facility.
Noor needs to do just one convince one of HighRise's partners, Khalid-a ridiculously handsome and whip-smart venture capitalist-that her lab will be able to pay back what it costs to build.
When she's given only a few days to make her case, Noor enlists her friends to trick Khalid into buying herself more time. But with meddling cousins and Khalid's kindness messing up her plans, Noor's Ramadan nights are slipping by fast...and maybe so is her heart.
262 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Zainab Alhalwachi
1 book4 followersZainab Alhalwachi is a Dubai-born Bahraini with a penchant for reading in cozy cafes. When she’s not immersed in scientific research, Zainab writes contemporary Arab romance stories, and when she’s not writing at all, she’s either flying to new destinations or unwinding at home with her two demanding cats.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 17, 2025
2.5 stars! 🌟 Thanks to Zainab Alhalwachi, Shaherazad Shelves, and BookSirens for the ARC! 💌
Okay... I am HUGELY disappointed. 😭 I picked this up thinking it was a halal romance, and while the halal part was true, where was the romance?! There was zero chemistry, zero tension, zero connection. I get that the author wanted to keep it clean (which is great—I picked it up for that reason), but even halal romances can have romance. You know, stolen glances, lingering goodbyes, that deep yearning? Yeah, none of that. Nada.
And the writing… idk, it wasn’t bad, but it felt kinda… mechanical? Like I was reading a textbook instead of a novel. No spark, no engagement, just words on a page. 😩
Oh, and the text messages? SO. CONFUSING. Like, the book just tells you who they’re talking to and then boom—messages start. But there’s no indication of who says what because the spacing is the same for everyone. I kept rereading just to figure out who was talking. WHY would you do that to your readers?! 😭
I’ll be honest—if this had been marketed as women’s fiction instead of romance, I probably would’ve enjoyed it more. Noor’s relationship with her family was actually well done and engaging. But the "romance"? Yeah, it shouldn’t have been there at all. It added nothing and felt like an afterthought.
Overall, if you’re looking for a book about a woman navigating work, culture, and family expectations, this might work for you. But if you’re here for the romance? HARD PASS.
Okay... I am HUGELY disappointed. 😭 I picked this up thinking it was a halal romance, and while the halal part was true, where was the romance?! There was zero chemistry, zero tension, zero connection. I get that the author wanted to keep it clean (which is great—I picked it up for that reason), but even halal romances can have romance. You know, stolen glances, lingering goodbyes, that deep yearning? Yeah, none of that. Nada.
And the writing… idk, it wasn’t bad, but it felt kinda… mechanical? Like I was reading a textbook instead of a novel. No spark, no engagement, just words on a page. 😩
Oh, and the text messages? SO. CONFUSING. Like, the book just tells you who they’re talking to and then boom—messages start. But there’s no indication of who says what because the spacing is the same for everyone. I kept rereading just to figure out who was talking. WHY would you do that to your readers?! 😭
I’ll be honest—if this had been marketed as women’s fiction instead of romance, I probably would’ve enjoyed it more. Noor’s relationship with her family was actually well done and engaging. But the "romance"? Yeah, it shouldn’t have been there at all. It added nothing and felt like an afterthought.
Overall, if you’re looking for a book about a woman navigating work, culture, and family expectations, this might work for you. But if you’re here for the romance? HARD PASS.
April 8, 2025
“Zainab Alhalwachi is a Bahraini molecular scientist
who was born and raised in Dubai.
When she’s not writing Arab romance stories,
she’s immersed in scientific research, flying to new
destinations, or unwinding at home with her two
demanding cats
Ok so I am biased as the writer is my niece and I am so proud of her, she did a great job narrating the book, and intertwining a business start-up with a love story, which worked very well. I felt it was rushed a bit and too fast to be over, I thought that we needed more of the “Dubai story”, the “when the business was starting” story, the “love story”. But of course the suspense was great, I was on edge to know what happened.
A very good book which reminded me of a story of mine(not similar of course) when I applied to run for an entrepreneurial project with a company in Dubai, a 100 people participated, and over four days we had to compete! I got to the top 10, then the top three, but didn’t win as the company (I didn’t know that, and was not in the brief) was looking for online venture to be picked. Anyway I am digressing as always. The life in Dubai was clearly depicted along with the culture and the cafe lives. Too close to my heart. I missed it a lot.
Excerpts:
You have to travel the globe in search of adventure
to realize that the only place you want to travel to
is home.
who was born and raised in Dubai.
When she’s not writing Arab romance stories,
she’s immersed in scientific research, flying to new
destinations, or unwinding at home with her two
demanding cats
Ok so I am biased as the writer is my niece and I am so proud of her, she did a great job narrating the book, and intertwining a business start-up with a love story, which worked very well. I felt it was rushed a bit and too fast to be over, I thought that we needed more of the “Dubai story”, the “when the business was starting” story, the “love story”. But of course the suspense was great, I was on edge to know what happened.
A very good book which reminded me of a story of mine(not similar of course) when I applied to run for an entrepreneurial project with a company in Dubai, a 100 people participated, and over four days we had to compete! I got to the top 10, then the top three, but didn’t win as the company (I didn’t know that, and was not in the brief) was looking for online venture to be picked. Anyway I am digressing as always. The life in Dubai was clearly depicted along with the culture and the cafe lives. Too close to my heart. I missed it a lot.
Excerpts:
You have to travel the globe in search of adventure
to realize that the only place you want to travel to
is home.
January 26, 2025
Best ROM Com I’ve read in a while - such a cute plot twist and connection between characters
February 9, 2025
ARC REVIEW -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - I loved this book so much!
I loved the characters so much. I love the plot and how the two main characters were brought together! I had so much fun reading this book! The amount of times I laughed out loud made the people around me stop acknowledging me. The writing was so much fun and I just had such an overall good time. I loved leaning more about Ramadan and the Muslim culture!
Noor was such a fun main character, I loved hearing her inner monologue. Khalid was so west and gentlemanly.
I loved all the side characters and what made them their own characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - I loved this book so much!
I loved the characters so much. I love the plot and how the two main characters were brought together! I had so much fun reading this book! The amount of times I laughed out loud made the people around me stop acknowledging me. The writing was so much fun and I just had such an overall good time. I loved leaning more about Ramadan and the Muslim culture!
Noor was such a fun main character, I loved hearing her inner monologue. Khalid was so west and gentlemanly.
I loved all the side characters and what made them their own characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2025
ARC review: ⭐️: 4.5/5
I really enjoyed this book that I read it within 24 hours.
It was easy to relate to this book as it was set from a Muslim perspective with Muslim characters.
The book is so well written, flowed smoothly and it was hard not to fall in love with the characters. I especially loved the link to science!
I really enjoyed this book that I read it within 24 hours.
It was easy to relate to this book as it was set from a Muslim perspective with Muslim characters.
The book is so well written, flowed smoothly and it was hard not to fall in love with the characters. I especially loved the link to science!
February 28, 2025
I really enjoyed the pace of the book. It was such an easy and engaging read, I could not put the book down once I started reading! I loved the characters and the setting of the story - such a breath of fresh air compared to the cliche’s and repetitiveness of some contemporary romances nowadays
March 22, 2025
4.5/5 but rounding up to 5.
I was so happy to see a book that highlights halal romance so I just had to pick it up! Reading about a Muslim scientist trying to achieve her career goals while having a meddling family is literally so relatable. I'm not a contemporary romance reader but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it.
Thanks to the publisher for giving an ARC copy to me. I hope Alhalwachi continues to write and create a space for halal romances.
I was so happy to see a book that highlights halal romance so I just had to pick it up! Reading about a Muslim scientist trying to achieve her career goals while having a meddling family is literally so relatable. I'm not a contemporary romance reader but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it.
Thanks to the publisher for giving an ARC copy to me. I hope Alhalwachi continues to write and create a space for halal romances.
April 13, 2025
Okay this was so cute!!
is it just me or do you love reading books set in the country you live in, or your home country, or basically just any country or place you're familiar with, just because it makes the story seem a bit more close to your heart?
that has never been truer for me, this book was exciting to read because i knew mostly all the places mentioned, in Dubai!
'It's Just Business' is an adorable rom-com, featuring a really smart fmc, Noor, who's completing her molecular biology phD in Massachusetts, and she's about to set up a research institute in Dubai. She meets Khalid there, a venture-capitalist who helps her secure funds for it. They had such adorable chemistry together, and I adored them till the very last page of the book. Khalid's passion and determination to help Noor pull everything she needed for the institute was admirable. What a man!!🤭 Oh, not to mention, I loved Noor's chaotic friend group and the moments they shared. Her bustling family too, it was all such a joy. I especially adored the epilogue, so cute! An easy, cutesy little read 🌟
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC of this book, and I'm leaving my review voluntarily! 💙
is it just me or do you love reading books set in the country you live in, or your home country, or basically just any country or place you're familiar with, just because it makes the story seem a bit more close to your heart?
that has never been truer for me, this book was exciting to read because i knew mostly all the places mentioned, in Dubai!
'It's Just Business' is an adorable rom-com, featuring a really smart fmc, Noor, who's completing her molecular biology phD in Massachusetts, and she's about to set up a research institute in Dubai. She meets Khalid there, a venture-capitalist who helps her secure funds for it. They had such adorable chemistry together, and I adored them till the very last page of the book. Khalid's passion and determination to help Noor pull everything she needed for the institute was admirable. What a man!!🤭 Oh, not to mention, I loved Noor's chaotic friend group and the moments they shared. Her bustling family too, it was all such a joy. I especially adored the epilogue, so cute! An easy, cutesy little read 🌟
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC of this book, and I'm leaving my review voluntarily! 💙
April 7, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautiful, lighthearted read with great family and friendship dynamics.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading It’s Just Business by Zainab Alhalwachi as an ARC from BookSirens, and let me tell you; this book was like a breath of fresh air! I’m usually drawn to heavier, more emotionally intense Middle Eastern fiction, but this one? It was fun, lighthearted, and such an easy, engaging read.
One of the things I loved the most was the pacing. It never felt slow or dragged out; the story moved smoothly, keeping me invested in the characters and their relationships. The family dynamics were beautifully portrayed; realistic, warm, and sometimes hilariously frustrating in the best way possible. The friendships, too, were a highlight; adding so much charm and depth to the story.
That said, while the writing was enjoyable, I did notice a few small mistakes; phrases being repeated in close succession, for example. It wasn’t enough to take away from my enjoyment but it did stand out. Another thing I wish had been fleshed out more was the physical descriptions of the characters. I have no idea what Khalid or Noor look like and I found myself wishing for more visual details to fully imagine them in my head.
If you enjoyed Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea then you’ll definitely love this one. It’s refreshing, heartfelt, and a great change of pace from the usual tragedy-filled narratives of middle eastern literature. Plus, the book officially comes out on April 22nd—so mark your calendars!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a feel-good book with lovable characters and engaging relationships, It’s Just Business is a must-read.
A beautiful, lighthearted read with great family and friendship dynamics.
I had the absolute pleasure of reading It’s Just Business by Zainab Alhalwachi as an ARC from BookSirens, and let me tell you; this book was like a breath of fresh air! I’m usually drawn to heavier, more emotionally intense Middle Eastern fiction, but this one? It was fun, lighthearted, and such an easy, engaging read.
One of the things I loved the most was the pacing. It never felt slow or dragged out; the story moved smoothly, keeping me invested in the characters and their relationships. The family dynamics were beautifully portrayed; realistic, warm, and sometimes hilariously frustrating in the best way possible. The friendships, too, were a highlight; adding so much charm and depth to the story.
That said, while the writing was enjoyable, I did notice a few small mistakes; phrases being repeated in close succession, for example. It wasn’t enough to take away from my enjoyment but it did stand out. Another thing I wish had been fleshed out more was the physical descriptions of the characters. I have no idea what Khalid or Noor look like and I found myself wishing for more visual details to fully imagine them in my head.
If you enjoyed Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea then you’ll definitely love this one. It’s refreshing, heartfelt, and a great change of pace from the usual tragedy-filled narratives of middle eastern literature. Plus, the book officially comes out on April 22nd—so mark your calendars!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a feel-good book with lovable characters and engaging relationships, It’s Just Business is a must-read.
April 2, 2025
It was a really great read! I loved reading about Noor and Khalid and how they respond to the twists and turns their lives take them on.
April 23, 2025
Such a great book! Well-written, no details missed. From the character development to the plot and plot twists, it's such a light fun read that makes you feel happy! Very relatable, loved it
April 30, 2025
It was refreshing to read a book written by a Bahraini author and being able to relate to the family dynamics setting.
Loved that the story exposed the Muslim culture with mentions of Ramadan.
However, I was annoyed by main character’s ongoing positivity and was hoping to see some characters development.
All in all, it was an easy and light read.
Loved that the story exposed the Muslim culture with mentions of Ramadan.
However, I was annoyed by main character’s ongoing positivity and was hoping to see some characters development.
All in all, it was an easy and light read.
November 16, 2025
I loved how fast and fun this book was. Reading about Dubai—and the places I’m familiar with—made it feel extra special. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, fast-paced read, give this one a try! 🩷
3.75 ⭐️
3.75 ⭐️
April 24, 2025
❝I believe in your vision, Noor. So much so that I feel like it's become mine as well.❞
It's Just Business - Zainab Alhalwachi
★★★★☆
I came across this book and immediately intrigued by the idea of muslim female main character who pursues education and career in science. It's a lighthearted and enlightening read about halal romance, familyship, friendship, and never giving up your dream no matter how hard the path took you. I personaly love the religion and cultural aspect described in a simple yet educating with grace. We get to see tidbits of holy month of Ramadan and fasting and how it was celebrated in Dubai specifically with the traditional food we never had idea of which made this book a lot more authentic.
As for the romance, there's not much going on but the silent yearning behind Noor's and Khalid's professional business partner facade which for me is the beauty of this book and so much fun to follow. Lots of comedy fill in the gaps or i should say this is the type of romcom that romance is the side plot (in a good way). I only wish it would dive deeper through the romance, while it doesn't have to be blunt as we know from religion and culture perspective, but i want more of them other than the business matters.
Every page of this book feels so close to me and personaly this book hold special place in my heart. I truly enjoy the experince and definitely will recommend it to my fellow readers!
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's Just Business - Zainab Alhalwachi
★★★★☆
I came across this book and immediately intrigued by the idea of muslim female main character who pursues education and career in science. It's a lighthearted and enlightening read about halal romance, familyship, friendship, and never giving up your dream no matter how hard the path took you. I personaly love the religion and cultural aspect described in a simple yet educating with grace. We get to see tidbits of holy month of Ramadan and fasting and how it was celebrated in Dubai specifically with the traditional food we never had idea of which made this book a lot more authentic.
As for the romance, there's not much going on but the silent yearning behind Noor's and Khalid's professional business partner facade which for me is the beauty of this book and so much fun to follow. Lots of comedy fill in the gaps or i should say this is the type of romcom that romance is the side plot (in a good way). I only wish it would dive deeper through the romance, while it doesn't have to be blunt as we know from religion and culture perspective, but i want more of them other than the business matters.
Every page of this book feels so close to me and personaly this book hold special place in my heart. I truly enjoy the experince and definitely will recommend it to my fellow readers!
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2025
This light and clean read was a great choice for escape during a hectic week. I enjoyed following Noor on her mission to further her business idea with the kind-hearted Khalid while also finding her courage to face adversity. A few antics and plans gone awry and this story highlighted the beauty and importance of having a close support system of friends and family. I received an Advance Review Copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving my review and recommendation.
November 26, 2025
This book although a good one, had a LOT of potential. It could have been the best in terms of having correct muslim representation. The kind that is not easily found in book stores.
What I liked about it: Noor's friends and cousins banter. I appreciated the jokes and funny anecdotes. I appreciate Noor's character tbh. She knew what she wanted and had the courage to work on it.
However, it could have been more better if the characters had some development. There were no high stakes, no tension, no drama and although there was a point where it seemed like all is lost...it would have been better if Noor's struggle was carried on a little more so the end result would feel justified.
The halal romance part was missing greatly. Especially the yearning. The stolen glances. The burning desire 😭😭
I guess this book portrayed one thing accurately and that is Arab privilege. Noor and Khalid didn't have to "struggle" to get what they wanted because they had connections.
I would have been rooting for Noor more had she been able to find the solution to her problem herself rather than Khalid helping her out with his connections.
For the story to revolve around Ramadan, there was no talk or mention about the importance of it and why Muslims look forward to Ramadan or even how it makes us feel.
The prayers, the spiritual cleanse and just the feeling of being closer to God during this month. Everything was missed and the only thing mentioned all around was the food. Ramadan is not only about delicious food! 😭
I couldn't digest that for a book marketed as romance, Noor and Khalid had it very easy to be together. I mean a little suspense of whether they end up together despite the circumstances between them would have gone a long way.
Overall it's a light read.
What I liked about it: Noor's friends and cousins banter. I appreciated the jokes and funny anecdotes. I appreciate Noor's character tbh. She knew what she wanted and had the courage to work on it.
However, it could have been more better if the characters had some development. There were no high stakes, no tension, no drama and although there was a point where it seemed like all is lost...it would have been better if Noor's struggle was carried on a little more so the end result would feel justified.
The halal romance part was missing greatly. Especially the yearning. The stolen glances. The burning desire 😭😭
I guess this book portrayed one thing accurately and that is Arab privilege. Noor and Khalid didn't have to "struggle" to get what they wanted because they had connections.
I would have been rooting for Noor more had she been able to find the solution to her problem herself rather than Khalid helping her out with his connections.
For the story to revolve around Ramadan, there was no talk or mention about the importance of it and why Muslims look forward to Ramadan or even how it makes us feel.
The prayers, the spiritual cleanse and just the feeling of being closer to God during this month. Everything was missed and the only thing mentioned all around was the food. Ramadan is not only about delicious food! 😭
I couldn't digest that for a book marketed as romance, Noor and Khalid had it very easy to be together. I mean a little suspense of whether they end up together despite the circumstances between them would have gone a long way.
Overall it's a light read.
August 27, 2025
4.5! Love that this book is by a Bahraini Author who has been living in Dubai her whole life. So the descriptions of the places, the food, the family dynamics, and the culture is so refreshing as an Arab because I know that the author knows what she’s talking about. I loved the halal romance, so if you’re looking for a quick easy and clean book that will make you giggle at midnight, this is the one for you!
I especially want to thank the author for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I found out about her book through TikTok and really wanted to read it! That being said, there was one thing I didn’t like *spoiler ahead* I kind of wasn’t convinced about the contract being ready especially since Ghada didn’t know about Ibrahim’s role when he came. So this is why I only gave it 4.5 stars. But honestly the book is worth reading, especially if you’re Muslim or looking to learn about the real lives of Muslims (not what westerners keep telling you about us). Here are some quotes that resonated with me while reading it:
“Ever since I was young, I knew they expected me to succeed because they knew I was smart. They did it out of love, but that same encouragement sometimes made me feel like failing wasn’t an option.”
“I don’t know a thing about giving birth or being a mother. But there are things that I do know. I know that it rains in the desert. I know that mountains have roots to anchor them. And I know that you are capable of more than your fear dictates. Especially you”
“Watching your determination grow in the face of the constant let-downs has been an inspiration”
“No one will know you need help until you show them that you’re struggling”
I especially want to thank the author for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I found out about her book through TikTok and really wanted to read it! That being said, there was one thing I didn’t like *spoiler ahead* I kind of wasn’t convinced about the contract being ready especially since Ghada didn’t know about Ibrahim’s role when he came. So this is why I only gave it 4.5 stars. But honestly the book is worth reading, especially if you’re Muslim or looking to learn about the real lives of Muslims (not what westerners keep telling you about us). Here are some quotes that resonated with me while reading it:
“Ever since I was young, I knew they expected me to succeed because they knew I was smart. They did it out of love, but that same encouragement sometimes made me feel like failing wasn’t an option.”
“I don’t know a thing about giving birth or being a mother. But there are things that I do know. I know that it rains in the desert. I know that mountains have roots to anchor them. And I know that you are capable of more than your fear dictates. Especially you”
“Watching your determination grow in the face of the constant let-downs has been an inspiration”
“No one will know you need help until you show them that you’re struggling”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
Okay this was incredibly sweet!
I loved the elements of friendship, family, community. It was interesting reading about a different culture. I also really enjoyed it because I’m interested in stories about women in STEM, see how they navigate their careers and relationships.
I was super interested in how the romantic interest would develop. The story’s set during Ramadan, in an Arab country, so everyone had to be on their best behaviour for most of the time. I like that the focus wasn’t on physical attraction, even if mention was made of good looks, and there were subtle hints of how one character made the other feel. Still their feelings appeared to bloom organically, as the two main leads worked (and played) with together. Their conversations were natural and fun. (Same could be said about pretty much all the conversations in this book, tbh. Lots of humour all around!)
I really loved the flurry of emotions Noor experienced as she worked to make her dream a reality. The sense of struggle, and purpose, and resignation, and acceptance. It’s cool that the author didn’t make it a walk in the park for her, and that she did realize that she’d done her best anyway, and didn’t mope around with a ‘woe is me’ vibe. (Not that Khalid would let her 🥰.)
I really want to read more from this author, both for the STEM vibes and the absolutely modest yet believable romance. So yeah if you like squeaky clean, but realistic, cute romance with lots of cool banter and conversation, this one’s for you.
I received this ARC from BookSirens, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the elements of friendship, family, community. It was interesting reading about a different culture. I also really enjoyed it because I’m interested in stories about women in STEM, see how they navigate their careers and relationships.
I was super interested in how the romantic interest would develop. The story’s set during Ramadan, in an Arab country, so everyone had to be on their best behaviour for most of the time. I like that the focus wasn’t on physical attraction, even if mention was made of good looks, and there were subtle hints of how one character made the other feel. Still their feelings appeared to bloom organically, as the two main leads worked (and played) with together. Their conversations were natural and fun. (Same could be said about pretty much all the conversations in this book, tbh. Lots of humour all around!)
I really loved the flurry of emotions Noor experienced as she worked to make her dream a reality. The sense of struggle, and purpose, and resignation, and acceptance. It’s cool that the author didn’t make it a walk in the park for her, and that she did realize that she’d done her best anyway, and didn’t mope around with a ‘woe is me’ vibe. (Not that Khalid would let her 🥰.)
I really want to read more from this author, both for the STEM vibes and the absolutely modest yet believable romance. So yeah if you like squeaky clean, but realistic, cute romance with lots of cool banter and conversation, this one’s for you.
I received this ARC from BookSirens, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2025
'It’s Just Business' is a heartwarming romcom with a refreshing premise and a vibrant setting. Centered on Noor, a PhD student spending her holiday in Dubai, the story follows her dream of launching an accessible research institute—and the unexpected romance that blossoms along the way.
Noor first crosses paths with Khalid through a business pitch gone slightly sideways—but what starts as a strategic delay turns into an unexpected spark. Their connection isn’t over-the-top romantic, but it’s gently sweet, grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose. It’s just enough to keep you smiling without stealing the spotlight from Noor’s personal development.
The novel is enriched by Noor’s endearing circle of family and friends, who bring joy and dimension to the narrative! From start to finish, this is a quick and engaging read full of cultural charm, professional drive, and heartfelt connection. I recommend this to fans of contemporary women’s fiction and sweet romance, especially those curious about life in Dubai or rooting for an aspiring scientist with big dreams.
Special thanks to BookSirens for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Noor first crosses paths with Khalid through a business pitch gone slightly sideways—but what starts as a strategic delay turns into an unexpected spark. Their connection isn’t over-the-top romantic, but it’s gently sweet, grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose. It’s just enough to keep you smiling without stealing the spotlight from Noor’s personal development.
The novel is enriched by Noor’s endearing circle of family and friends, who bring joy and dimension to the narrative! From start to finish, this is a quick and engaging read full of cultural charm, professional drive, and heartfelt connection. I recommend this to fans of contemporary women’s fiction and sweet romance, especially those curious about life in Dubai or rooting for an aspiring scientist with big dreams.
Special thanks to BookSirens for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 3, 2025
This book is hard to rate. I feel like the first part wasn't as well-written as the last probably 40%. While I like Noor and Khalid's relationship in the later part of the novel, it didn't make sense in the beginning. I felt like it just came out of nowhere. I get why Noor likes Khalid; he's super nice, but I'm not sure why he started liking her. I'm guessing it's supposed to be because she's super smart and driven. I just never really sensed that connection.
While I like the plot of this story, there were a few things that felt off about this book. Mostly, it was timing issues. I did get an ARC, so maybe these were not included in the final version, but there were a few places where the dates felt off.
This is a clean novel. You will not find any swearing, sexual content, or violence. I don't know a lot about the Muslim religion or Ramadan, so it was interesting to get a little look at that, particularly in a highly Muslim region.
Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. The later part of the book was a lot better than the first part, so I am rounding up.
I got an ARC for free from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
While I like the plot of this story, there were a few things that felt off about this book. Mostly, it was timing issues. I did get an ARC, so maybe these were not included in the final version, but there were a few places where the dates felt off.
This is a clean novel. You will not find any swearing, sexual content, or violence. I don't know a lot about the Muslim religion or Ramadan, so it was interesting to get a little look at that, particularly in a highly Muslim region.
Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars. The later part of the book was a lot better than the first part, so I am rounding up.
I got an ARC for free from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
March 2, 2025
Thank you to Booksirens, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.
In my opinion, this was a really good women's fiction, but adding the love interest made it go off balance in the sense that the first half and quarter of this book were about our FMC and her family, and toward the ending was the introduction of the so-called romance interest. It would have been so much better if there was not a love interest at all 😐.
I didn't really vibe with Khalid and Noor's love story because it just felt kind of off, and there was no chemistry between them. I also thought the author wanted to make this book as "clean" as possible.
Overall this was a good read aside from the love interest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In my opinion, this was a really good women's fiction, but adding the love interest made it go off balance in the sense that the first half and quarter of this book were about our FMC and her family, and toward the ending was the introduction of the so-called romance interest. It would have been so much better if there was not a love interest at all 😐.
I didn't really vibe with Khalid and Noor's love story because it just felt kind of off, and there was no chemistry between them. I also thought the author wanted to make this book as "clean" as possible.
Overall this was a good read aside from the love interest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2025
Thanks to Shaherazadshelf for an Arc.
A short story.
Easy to get through.
Coherent in every aspect.
For a moment, it didn't get my full attention but it wasn't something that I didn't like the whole story. I found myself smiling in some parts.
The author has good ideas and a good way of keeping the story under control, she just needs to be careful with it.
A short story.
Easy to get through.
Coherent in every aspect.
For a moment, it didn't get my full attention but it wasn't something that I didn't like the whole story. I found myself smiling in some parts.
The author has good ideas and a good way of keeping the story under control, she just needs to be careful with it.
July 17, 2025
This was a cutesy book! I liked the blurb a lot and I'm glad the story followed what I had imagined going into the book. I do wish there was more of the romance though. I have also been wanting a contemporary book like this for a while so I was excited to come across it.
January 26, 2025
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
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