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Love Not Required
Safiyyah's dream of launching her bioengineering career as a biracial Muslim woman is finally within reach, but her parents' move to London threatens to derail her plans. Determined to stay, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Aayan, her childhood friend and now a medical resident immersed in the demands of his career. Aayan, with his own work obstacles and past crush rekindling, agrees. After all, it’s just a practical arrangement...Right?
But as they navigate their new reality, lines begin to blur. What started as a straightforward plan becomes a messy, emotional journey. With personal and professional pressures mounting, Safiyyah and Aayan must confront their deepest fears: is it safer to cling to self-reliance, or is love worth the risk?
But as they navigate their new reality, lines begin to blur. What started as a straightforward plan becomes a messy, emotional journey. With personal and professional pressures mounting, Safiyyah and Aayan must confront their deepest fears: is it safer to cling to self-reliance, or is love worth the risk?
Paperback
Published October 3, 2025
3 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Talia Basma
3 books32 followersTalia Basma graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in both Creative Writing and Literature. She is an alumna of the 2020 Writer's Roadmap class led by Tomi Adeyemi. She has a self-publish poetry collection called *Being*. One of her posts, "Your COVID Ramadan," was featured in the anthology (*Her)oics: Women's Lived Experiences During the Coronavirus Pandemic* published in March 2021.
While she enjoys poetry and fantastical stories, her passion lies in writing contemporary romances with diverse, particularly Muslim, characters. When she's not writing, Talia indulges her homebody self with hobbies like reading, baking, and scrapbooking.
While she enjoys poetry and fantastical stories, her passion lies in writing contemporary romances with diverse, particularly Muslim, characters. When she's not writing, Talia indulges her homebody self with hobbies like reading, baking, and scrapbooking.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 15, 2025
When you're in a relationship, they see all of you, including the vulnerable parts, and in turn, you have to accommodate their own vulnerabilities.
I could have finished this book in one sitting, but chose to savor it! Many times, I found myself 'aww-ing' and wishing I had similar experiences.
Love Not Required is a Muslim take on the marriage-of-convenience trope, and the author did an amazing job writing it. There was care, detail, and thought put into the representation of Muslims and how women are treated in male-dominated fields.
There was an immediate connection to Saffiyah's family and group of friends, making me feel at home! For instance, Saffiyah's parents and her relationship with them reminded me of my relationship with my parents. The author effortlessly intertwined different cultures and showcased diverse types of Muslims (not all Muslims are at the same level of faith). She made her characters human and flawed, making them relatable. There was character development, not just from Saffiyah's POV but also Ayaan's. The side characters were a fun mix to the story, adding value to the overall plot.
I loved, loved, and loved the Muslim representation in this book. The concept of Mu'tah marriage was explained early on, which I appreciated, as this helps the reader understand why Saffiyah chose this route. As for the plot itself, it was well-written and flowed smoothly, without any plot holes.
Two things which I genuinely appreciated about Love Not Required were firstly how the author slowly developed the relationship between Saffiyah and Ayaan, how they both took an effort about learning about each other- what they liked/disliked, what they were comfortable with/not comfortable with, making it realistic. Secondly, she showed a side of Muslim parents which is rarely shown in books/media nowadays, usually it's that the parents are strict and controlling, but here the parents have a loving and understanding relationship with their kids.
All in all, I enjoyed it and fell in love with Saffiyah and Ayaan ! Can't wait to read more from the Love Not Required universe.
P.S. Talia Basma is the upcoming Ali Hazelwood of the 'women in STEM' genre!
Actual rating: 4.5/5
____________________________________________________________
Thank you, Talia, for sending the ARC in return for an honest review! I loved it and would be recommending this to all the romance readers
I could have finished this book in one sitting, but chose to savor it! Many times, I found myself 'aww-ing' and wishing I had similar experiences.
Love Not Required is a Muslim take on the marriage-of-convenience trope, and the author did an amazing job writing it. There was care, detail, and thought put into the representation of Muslims and how women are treated in male-dominated fields.
There was an immediate connection to Saffiyah's family and group of friends, making me feel at home! For instance, Saffiyah's parents and her relationship with them reminded me of my relationship with my parents. The author effortlessly intertwined different cultures and showcased diverse types of Muslims (not all Muslims are at the same level of faith). She made her characters human and flawed, making them relatable. There was character development, not just from Saffiyah's POV but also Ayaan's. The side characters were a fun mix to the story, adding value to the overall plot.
I loved, loved, and loved the Muslim representation in this book. The concept of Mu'tah marriage was explained early on, which I appreciated, as this helps the reader understand why Saffiyah chose this route. As for the plot itself, it was well-written and flowed smoothly, without any plot holes.
Two things which I genuinely appreciated about Love Not Required were firstly how the author slowly developed the relationship between Saffiyah and Ayaan, how they both took an effort about learning about each other- what they liked/disliked, what they were comfortable with/not comfortable with, making it realistic. Secondly, she showed a side of Muslim parents which is rarely shown in books/media nowadays, usually it's that the parents are strict and controlling, but here the parents have a loving and understanding relationship with their kids.
All in all, I enjoyed it and fell in love with Saffiyah and Ayaan ! Can't wait to read more from the Love Not Required universe.
P.S. Talia Basma is the upcoming Ali Hazelwood of the 'women in STEM' genre!
Actual rating: 4.5/5
____________________________________________________________
Thank you, Talia, for sending the ARC in return for an honest review! I loved it and would be recommending this to all the romance readers
April 6, 2025
Oh that was cute! Heartwarming and wholesome!
Safiyyah is a Muslim Bioengineer interning at a wonderful company in CA while finishing her PhD. Her work is her passion, so when her parents tell her she needs to move to London with them or, say, get married to stay, she decides the latter is preferable. She proposes a mu’tah to a childhood friend. Aayan, that childhood friend and perfect book boyfriend, is all in.
It’s a fun, unique take on a marriage of convenience. The idea of a mu’tah, a type of a temporary marriage, was new to me and absolutely perfect for this trope. Not being Muslim, I had a blast looking up words and learning about Shia Muslim traditions, rules, customs, and food. Though the book is character-focused, the world-building was great. I was properly immersed.
The STEM parts made me giggle (or get frustrated) since I can *totally* relate. Yay women in STEM! The pacing was mixed. What I thought was the relationship midpoint was later than expected, so, for me, the beginning was medium paced, middle was slower, and the ending was medium-fast.
All in all this is a happy palate cleanser. I hope Yara and Jihad are next! Their banter and tension is fantastic.
——
Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed it.
Safiyyah is a Muslim Bioengineer interning at a wonderful company in CA while finishing her PhD. Her work is her passion, so when her parents tell her she needs to move to London with them or, say, get married to stay, she decides the latter is preferable. She proposes a mu’tah to a childhood friend. Aayan, that childhood friend and perfect book boyfriend, is all in.
It’s a fun, unique take on a marriage of convenience. The idea of a mu’tah, a type of a temporary marriage, was new to me and absolutely perfect for this trope. Not being Muslim, I had a blast looking up words and learning about Shia Muslim traditions, rules, customs, and food. Though the book is character-focused, the world-building was great. I was properly immersed.
The STEM parts made me giggle (or get frustrated) since I can *totally* relate. Yay women in STEM! The pacing was mixed. What I thought was the relationship midpoint was later than expected, so, for me, the beginning was medium paced, middle was slower, and the ending was medium-fast.
All in all this is a happy palate cleanser. I hope Yara and Jihad are next! Their banter and tension is fantastic.
——
Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed it.
October 2, 2025
This was such a sweet book. I felt like my brain needed this reset. Low intensity but still has some drama and a romance that is so refreshing. I think this is the first book I read where the lead is a Muslim girl in a hijab. I loved Saffiyah and her brainy bioengineering mind that clearly struggles with everything else. She loves sweets and her career. She agrees to a very obscure Muslim temporary marriage agreement to stay in California and finish her PhD. Ayaan is a doctor who has had a crush on her forever and thinks being married would help his career. While this story heavily focuses on Saffiyah it was a really unique story with a voice that I bonded to. Saf loves sweets and was burned by a past boyfriend so it has ruined her a bit. She is sweet but she is also slightly immature and very innocent about life. I also think she is slightly neurodivergent with her obsessive tendencies and inability to manage social situations. (But then that’s me too..) There were a few points where I did want to scream at both of them but they pulled through. The story though kept me engaged and when it ended I wanted more of their story.
Read this if you are interested in a sweet romance story with diverse characters, fade to black romance, STEM representation, and supporting indie authors. Thanks to the author who sent me an ARC when I applied!
Read this if you are interested in a sweet romance story with diverse characters, fade to black romance, STEM representation, and supporting indie authors. Thanks to the author who sent me an ARC when I applied!
March 24, 2025
Firstly, I would like to thank the author for trusting me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
'Love Not Required' is beautifully written in two povs and this sets a wonderful dynamic because we get to see how their lives are together, apart and from the past. It's also a great representation of a family household. Let's face it, after a certain age, muslim family keeps pairing you up with someone!!! (Sadly, I am currently in this same position so I totally relate to the MCs lol!).
I quite enjoyed this slow-burn-yet-not-so-slow-burn romance and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to read a new romance novel that is a bit different than the traditional ones we can easily find in bookstores. I would also recommend my Muslim brothers and sisters who enjoy reading as much as I do to give this story a shot. It's really a wonderful read!
Lastly, I cannot wait for the cover to be revealed!
'Love Not Required' is beautifully written in two povs and this sets a wonderful dynamic because we get to see how their lives are together, apart and from the past. It's also a great representation of a family household. Let's face it, after a certain age, muslim family keeps pairing you up with someone!!! (Sadly, I am currently in this same position so I totally relate to the MCs lol!).
I quite enjoyed this slow-burn-yet-not-so-slow-burn romance and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to read a new romance novel that is a bit different than the traditional ones we can easily find in bookstores. I would also recommend my Muslim brothers and sisters who enjoy reading as much as I do to give this story a shot. It's really a wonderful read!
Lastly, I cannot wait for the cover to be revealed!
May 26, 2025
Review to come but this was so precious!
September 30, 2025
LNR was a delightful look at two people drawn to one another while trying not to make it weird.
Because this is a romance I'm going to start there. The slow burn between Safiyyah and Aayan was agonizing but in the way that a slow burn should be, lol- I'm over here yelling at them to do one thing but they're taking the time they need to develop attraction and a solid foundation within their relationship. Both characters are well developed and have their own goals and stakes outside of the relationship, which was a big plus in my book, but manage to lean into their mutual attraction in a believably adorable way. Nothing about them feels rushed or forced (aside from the very thing that forces them into the mut'ah) as it often can with these tropes.
Introduction of the friend groups, as well as the camaraderie within the groups and eventually the two as they merge due to Safiyyah and Aayan's relationship, is authentic and entertaining. It was fun pairing people off in my head for the coming installments and I look forward to yelling "called them!" or "did not see them coming!" as the series progresses.
One of the things I most enjoyed about this book was show much I learned as a non-Muslim without the book ever feeling like a lecture. The culture was woven so seamlessly throughout the storyline- almost as Safiyyah and Aayan were just people living their lives while honoring their beliefs. I found it to be a beautiful form of representation that has the potential to showcase hijabis as the everyday baddies they are and opening eyes to the fact that Muslims are literally just living their lives.
Basma is a voice needed in the romance genre and talent overlooked. It was an honor and a privilege to receive an ARC and I am vibrating with excitement at the world getting to experience such a lovely and engaging body of work.
--xoxo, isbf
Because this is a romance I'm going to start there. The slow burn between Safiyyah and Aayan was agonizing but in the way that a slow burn should be, lol- I'm over here yelling at them to do one thing but they're taking the time they need to develop attraction and a solid foundation within their relationship. Both characters are well developed and have their own goals and stakes outside of the relationship, which was a big plus in my book, but manage to lean into their mutual attraction in a believably adorable way. Nothing about them feels rushed or forced (aside from the very thing that forces them into the mut'ah) as it often can with these tropes.
Introduction of the friend groups, as well as the camaraderie within the groups and eventually the two as they merge due to Safiyyah and Aayan's relationship, is authentic and entertaining. It was fun pairing people off in my head for the coming installments and I look forward to yelling "called them!" or "did not see them coming!" as the series progresses.
One of the things I most enjoyed about this book was show much I learned as a non-Muslim without the book ever feeling like a lecture. The culture was woven so seamlessly throughout the storyline- almost as Safiyyah and Aayan were just people living their lives while honoring their beliefs. I found it to be a beautiful form of representation that has the potential to showcase hijabis as the everyday baddies they are and opening eyes to the fact that Muslims are literally just living their lives.
Basma is a voice needed in the romance genre and talent overlooked. It was an honor and a privilege to receive an ARC and I am vibrating with excitement at the world getting to experience such a lovely and engaging body of work.
--xoxo, isbf
December 21, 2025
I am glad that my first read of December is a halal romance.
So here's the blurb
Saffiya is an electrical engineer and is on the verge of completing her PhD and securing her dream job, until her father loses his job and asks the entire family to move from California to London. Aayan, a resident doctor, is a family friend of saffiya. She's in a predicament as she has a flourishing career in California and moving to London means losing everything. Then, comes Aayan to her rescue, who's a family friend of saffiya who offers her his hand in marriage and the only solution for saffiya's problem.
What follows is the process of understanding each other after marriage and this is definitely the slow burn romance that keeps the readers hooked. It's a lovely read that beautifully encapsulates familial bonds and the intimate relationship between partners sagaciously.
Characters of Aayan and saffiya are strong, fierce and level headed. I am glad that this book doesn't confuse the readers and stays to the plot. The title is the most apt one as not all marriages start with love, some are built on one as time progresses. I like the fact that both were very passionate about bringing an impact in their respective line of work. Their bonding over food is insanely cute 😍. Aayan being so considerate is all ❤️ , but saffiya was a bit impulsive with her feelings as I found her fickle minded but yeah everything was in place later.
Saffiya's friends Tam & Maya were funny and crazy and always had her back. Alina, the doting SIL to saffiya, was very supportive of her. I am glad that this book is not a typical family drama as it is very warm, light hearted ❤ ️, a perfect holiday read.
Honestly there's no unlikable character, which saves the reader of unnecessary drama and the in-laws are mentioned less than I can count but they were lovely people too who already had eyes on Saffiya as their DIL.
Also, it highlights the downside of being a minority in a western land and the repercussions one has to face especially if you are an immigrant. I also loved the fact that Talia herself was honest about her views on Mutah. I learned about this unorthodox concept through this book.
Hope I have given enough for y'all to pick your next read.
So here's the blurb
Saffiya is an electrical engineer and is on the verge of completing her PhD and securing her dream job, until her father loses his job and asks the entire family to move from California to London. Aayan, a resident doctor, is a family friend of saffiya. She's in a predicament as she has a flourishing career in California and moving to London means losing everything. Then, comes Aayan to her rescue, who's a family friend of saffiya who offers her his hand in marriage and the only solution for saffiya's problem.
What follows is the process of understanding each other after marriage and this is definitely the slow burn romance that keeps the readers hooked. It's a lovely read that beautifully encapsulates familial bonds and the intimate relationship between partners sagaciously.
Characters of Aayan and saffiya are strong, fierce and level headed. I am glad that this book doesn't confuse the readers and stays to the plot. The title is the most apt one as not all marriages start with love, some are built on one as time progresses. I like the fact that both were very passionate about bringing an impact in their respective line of work. Their bonding over food is insanely cute 😍. Aayan being so considerate is all ❤️ , but saffiya was a bit impulsive with her feelings as I found her fickle minded but yeah everything was in place later.
Saffiya's friends Tam & Maya were funny and crazy and always had her back. Alina, the doting SIL to saffiya, was very supportive of her. I am glad that this book is not a typical family drama as it is very warm, light hearted ❤ ️, a perfect holiday read.
Honestly there's no unlikable character, which saves the reader of unnecessary drama and the in-laws are mentioned less than I can count but they were lovely people too who already had eyes on Saffiya as their DIL.
Also, it highlights the downside of being a minority in a western land and the repercussions one has to face especially if you are an immigrant. I also loved the fact that Talia herself was honest about her views on Mutah. I learned about this unorthodox concept through this book.
Hope I have given enough for y'all to pick your next read.
January 20, 2026
Aayan and Safiyyah are cute together, but unfortunately it's not enough. The writing feels clunky with unnecessary details in a "and then she got up, and got a glass of water, and then walked back into the living room, and sat down"-kind of way. There is a lot of words that doesn't add anything or progress the story.
Their relationship is similarly stuck for most of the book. They instantly starts to daydream and cast longing glances at each other, but it's not until 70% into the book that anything happens. It's not a slow burn where things slowly build in a crescendo, they are instantly perfectly comfortable and inseparable, so we're just treading water waiting for them to actually have a conversation about their relationship.
Their relationship is similarly stuck for most of the book. They instantly starts to daydream and cast longing glances at each other, but it's not until 70% into the book that anything happens. It's not a slow burn where things slowly build in a crescendo, they are instantly perfectly comfortable and inseparable, so we're just treading water waiting for them to actually have a conversation about their relationship.
October 16, 2025
Romance was cute and was a good palate cleanser for someone who is in a bit of a reading slump. The pacing was not my favorite-the ending moved a little too fast, but it was a mercy considering the ending arc.
September 29, 2025
Basma delivers a delightful, faith-laced contemporary romance that threads friendship, family expectations, and real-life ambition. Safiyyah and Aayan’s career goals intersect with tradition in ways that feel real, and the writing brings genuine warmth to every beat of their relationship. The love story unfolds at a satisfying pace, enriched by engaging subplots about family dynamics and career aspirations. I especially loved Safiyyah’s clear-eyed pragmatism and Aayan’s quiet vulnerability. If you’re craving a heroine who’s determined, clever, and deeply grounded, make this your next read.
October 22, 2025
What a charming romantic read! Definitely a slow burn, this friends to lovers story has a little twist that means marriage comes before love. Thoroughly enjoyed this tale and am eagerly waiting this new author’s coming works. It was lovely to see positive Muslim representation in the form of this wholesome and cozy love story. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews