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Caste in the Stars: A Novel
For fans of Becka Mack and Lauren Asher comes a heart-stopping and utterly romantic story about two people from opposite worlds who dare to risk the odds to be together.
She did everything right—until her life fell apart.
The last place Priya Solanki wants to be is back at the funeral home her parents have run for decades—a place tied to a caste legacy the world says is long gone, but that her family carried from India to Canada and never let go of. Her traditional parents call it fate—proof that her path was written in the stars, just like the generations before her. But to Priya, it’s a life she never chose, and one she’s spent years trying to outrun. Her plan is regroup, reset, and finally break the cycle.
Then Ethan Knight reappears.
Once the reckless, motorcycle-riding boy next door, he’s now a full-blown Hollywood star—older, incredibly handsome, and impossible to avoid. Adored by millions and followed everywhere by flashing cameras, he’s renting out the funeral home to prepare for a role—and flipping every piece of Priya’s plan upside down.
And finally, the stars align.
Trapped in close quarters with the boy she once loved in silence, Priya can’t escape the heat, the history, or the ache she’s buried for years. But falling for Ethan doesn’t just mean risking her heart; it means stepping into a world that was never built for someone like her—and daring to believe she belongs in it anyway.
But even if she takes the risk, what happens when Ethan leaves? Because, inevitably, he will.
Loving him wouldn’t just destroy her—it would destroy everything she’s trying to rebuild.
She did everything right—until her life fell apart.
The last place Priya Solanki wants to be is back at the funeral home her parents have run for decades—a place tied to a caste legacy the world says is long gone, but that her family carried from India to Canada and never let go of. Her traditional parents call it fate—proof that her path was written in the stars, just like the generations before her. But to Priya, it’s a life she never chose, and one she’s spent years trying to outrun. Her plan is regroup, reset, and finally break the cycle.
Then Ethan Knight reappears.
Once the reckless, motorcycle-riding boy next door, he’s now a full-blown Hollywood star—older, incredibly handsome, and impossible to avoid. Adored by millions and followed everywhere by flashing cameras, he’s renting out the funeral home to prepare for a role—and flipping every piece of Priya’s plan upside down.
And finally, the stars align.
Trapped in close quarters with the boy she once loved in silence, Priya can’t escape the heat, the history, or the ache she’s buried for years. But falling for Ethan doesn’t just mean risking her heart; it means stepping into a world that was never built for someone like her—and daring to believe she belongs in it anyway.
But even if she takes the risk, what happens when Ethan leaves? Because, inevitably, he will.
Loving him wouldn’t just destroy her—it would destroy everything she’s trying to rebuild.
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Published December 16, 2025
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About the author
Leylah Attar
8 books2,717 followersLeylah Attar is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. A recipient of the Writer’s Digest Award and the Indie Reader Discovery Award, Leylah writes unique, emotionally compelling stories that range from rom-com to dark romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 26, 2025
I have to admit that I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy Leylah Attar's writing. She really has an undeniable gift for vividly portraying characters, their thoughts, struggles and cultural differences, which is especially evident in this story.
"Everyone loves to watch the stars shine, but no one sees how they're really burning from the inside."
Freshly divorced, Priya moves back to Toronto to stay with her parents while she figures out her next steps. Coming from a traditional Indian family, she’s quickly reminded of all the expectations they still have for her life. But Priya is smart, successful, and done letting anyone else define her happiness. That is, until her best friend shows up at her doorstep, with her brother Ethan in tow. The same Ethan who used to be her childhood crush… and is now a Hollywood celebrity.
What you can expect:
♡ multicultural romance
♡ childhood crush
♡ good girl x bad boy
♡ forced proximity
♡ best friend's brother
♡ famous MMC
Another masterpiece!
Priya’s journey toward finding herself really takes center stage over the love story. And honestly, how can you truly fall in love if you don’t know who you are yet?
I really felt for her; growing up in a family so tied to tradition, with parents who don’t understand her dreams and only want to marry her off, can’t be easy. I also loved Ethan’s return and their childhood connection. Their moments were adorable, funny, and full of cultural charm (and honestly, I wanted Priya’s mom to cook for me!)
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own and given freely.
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"Everyone loves to watch the stars shine, but no one sees how they're really burning from the inside."
Freshly divorced, Priya moves back to Toronto to stay with her parents while she figures out her next steps. Coming from a traditional Indian family, she’s quickly reminded of all the expectations they still have for her life. But Priya is smart, successful, and done letting anyone else define her happiness. That is, until her best friend shows up at her doorstep, with her brother Ethan in tow. The same Ethan who used to be her childhood crush… and is now a Hollywood celebrity.
What you can expect:
♡ multicultural romance
♡ childhood crush
♡ good girl x bad boy
♡ forced proximity
♡ best friend's brother
♡ famous MMC
Another masterpiece!
Priya’s journey toward finding herself really takes center stage over the love story. And honestly, how can you truly fall in love if you don’t know who you are yet?
I really felt for her; growing up in a family so tied to tradition, with parents who don’t understand her dreams and only want to marry her off, can’t be easy. I also loved Ethan’s return and their childhood connection. Their moments were adorable, funny, and full of cultural charm (and honestly, I wanted Priya’s mom to cook for me!)
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy. All opinions are my own and given freely.
____________________
Follow me ♡
November 26, 2025
Wow. Leylah Attar took my breath away with this story. Childhood friends to lovers but this story contains so much more. Cultural and social differences and Indian history combined with stunning romance.
Priya and Ethan have known each other since they were teenagers but also because Ethan’s sister Brooke is Priya’s best friend. The story also gives the reader some flashbacks that only added to the strong connection between the couple.
This story had depth and showed growth to the characters. The yearning and wooing was hitting all the right spots for me. Ethan and his wooing ways were amazing. His words, actions and the way he touched Priya gave me goosebumps. Behind his gorgeous smile was so much more. He surprised me.
Priya was a strong woman and I admired her growth. The responsibilities and demands her parents put on her were tough but when she finally put herself first was when she really shined.
Priya and Ethan love was all consuming. A single touch, look or kiss was written with so much emotion and yearning. Gahhh. So good. This story is a must read.
Leylah Attar nailed this one. Bravo.
*I received the ARC from Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions are my own*
Priya and Ethan have known each other since they were teenagers but also because Ethan’s sister Brooke is Priya’s best friend. The story also gives the reader some flashbacks that only added to the strong connection between the couple.
This story had depth and showed growth to the characters. The yearning and wooing was hitting all the right spots for me. Ethan and his wooing ways were amazing. His words, actions and the way he touched Priya gave me goosebumps. Behind his gorgeous smile was so much more. He surprised me.
Priya was a strong woman and I admired her growth. The responsibilities and demands her parents put on her were tough but when she finally put herself first was when she really shined.
Priya and Ethan love was all consuming. A single touch, look or kiss was written with so much emotion and yearning. Gahhh. So good. This story is a must read.
Leylah Attar nailed this one. Bravo.
*I received the ARC from Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions are my own*
December 15, 2025
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Caste in the Stars was such a fun, funny, and engaging read. The plot felt original and hooked me from the very beginning, and I flew through it with a huge smile on my face.
I am a huge fan of second-chance romances, and Leylah Attar did an amazing job with the trope. Watching Priya and Ethan find their way back to each other was deeply satisfying, and their chemistry felt effortless. I loved every interaction between them, and the development of their relationship felt both romantic and emotionally grounded.
The humor added so much charm to the story, balancing the heavier themes beautifully. I especially loved Ethan’s interactions with Priya’s parents, which were both entertaining and heartfelt. As the daughter of immigrant parents, I could relate to so many aspects of Priya’s experience, from family expectations to the tension between honoring tradition and choosing your own path. That personal connection made the story resonate even more for me.
Overall, this book delivered romance, laughter, and genuine emotional depth. It is a heartfelt second-chance love story that I would happily recommend.
Caste in the Stars was such a fun, funny, and engaging read. The plot felt original and hooked me from the very beginning, and I flew through it with a huge smile on my face.
I am a huge fan of second-chance romances, and Leylah Attar did an amazing job with the trope. Watching Priya and Ethan find their way back to each other was deeply satisfying, and their chemistry felt effortless. I loved every interaction between them, and the development of their relationship felt both romantic and emotionally grounded.
The humor added so much charm to the story, balancing the heavier themes beautifully. I especially loved Ethan’s interactions with Priya’s parents, which were both entertaining and heartfelt. As the daughter of immigrant parents, I could relate to so many aspects of Priya’s experience, from family expectations to the tension between honoring tradition and choosing your own path. That personal connection made the story resonate even more for me.
Overall, this book delivered romance, laughter, and genuine emotional depth. It is a heartfelt second-chance love story that I would happily recommend.
December 21, 2025
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend an influencer event with Penguin Random House Canada, where Caste in the Stars was one of the titles highlighted during the publisher presentation. From the moment it was introduced, I was intrigued I knew right then it would be a book I had to read.
"Do you think we're happy when we get what we want because we finally have it, or, because the wanting is over?"
This quote captures the emotional depth and quiet longing that pulses throughout Caste in the Stars. At its heart, it’s a story about reconnection, identity, and love told through the lens of two characters bound by an unspoken connection that's finally given the space to grow.
We follow Priya, a recently divorced tech whiz who returns to her hometown and moves back in with her parents. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself helping run the family business: a funeral home. While adjusting to this major life shift, Priya is reunited with Ethan Knight her childhood crush turned famous actor who's returned to town to prepare for an upcoming role.
In a twist of fate (and a perfect plot device), Ethan moves into the family’s coach house, putting him in close proximity to Priya. What follows is a simmering, slow-burn romance full of tension, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry. Ethan, too, is carrying unresolved feelings and the way these two navigate their past and present is both heartwarming and compelling.
But what truly sets this book apart is how it weaves in deeper social commentary, particularly around the Hindu caste system. Priya comes from a Dalit caste historically labeled the "untouchable" caste—and the book handles this topic with nuance and progressive insight. As someone who strongly disagrees with the caste system, I appreciated how the story gives Priya agency, dignity, and the courage to confront and shed the stigma imposed on her by outdated societal structures. Watching her step into her power was deeply moving.
There were so many lines and moments I highlighted while reading especially the exchanges between Ethan and Priya. Their chemistry is electric, but also emotionally grounded, and it’s been a while since I read a romance that struck such a fine balance between social commentary and swoon-worthy storytelling.
The cover art isn't the greatest (and authors can only do so much) but the rest is outstanding. The perfect gift for the holidays, please grab a copy (I know I will!).
My thanks to Penguin Random House & Double Day Canada for the digital arc.
"Do you think we're happy when we get what we want because we finally have it, or, because the wanting is over?"
This quote captures the emotional depth and quiet longing that pulses throughout Caste in the Stars. At its heart, it’s a story about reconnection, identity, and love told through the lens of two characters bound by an unspoken connection that's finally given the space to grow.
We follow Priya, a recently divorced tech whiz who returns to her hometown and moves back in with her parents. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself helping run the family business: a funeral home. While adjusting to this major life shift, Priya is reunited with Ethan Knight her childhood crush turned famous actor who's returned to town to prepare for an upcoming role.
In a twist of fate (and a perfect plot device), Ethan moves into the family’s coach house, putting him in close proximity to Priya. What follows is a simmering, slow-burn romance full of tension, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry. Ethan, too, is carrying unresolved feelings and the way these two navigate their past and present is both heartwarming and compelling.
But what truly sets this book apart is how it weaves in deeper social commentary, particularly around the Hindu caste system. Priya comes from a Dalit caste historically labeled the "untouchable" caste—and the book handles this topic with nuance and progressive insight. As someone who strongly disagrees with the caste system, I appreciated how the story gives Priya agency, dignity, and the courage to confront and shed the stigma imposed on her by outdated societal structures. Watching her step into her power was deeply moving.
There were so many lines and moments I highlighted while reading especially the exchanges between Ethan and Priya. Their chemistry is electric, but also emotionally grounded, and it’s been a while since I read a romance that struck such a fine balance between social commentary and swoon-worthy storytelling.
The cover art isn't the greatest (and authors can only do so much) but the rest is outstanding. The perfect gift for the holidays, please grab a copy (I know I will!).
My thanks to Penguin Random House & Double Day Canada for the digital arc.
December 17, 2025
‘The lead role’s been cast, and spoiler alert, it’s me.’
This book is an absolute banger! I loved it.
Priya Solanki returns to her parents home after her divorce. Her family are very traditional Indians. Although the caste system has been abolished, they still have the ethos and respect rooted in them. They run Moksha, a funeral home, but it’s struggling and needs investment to keep it going. Priya would really like shut of it, because she feels the pressure from her parents to take over from them.
‘You work so hard chasing after your dreams, but the second you reach them, there’s another one waiting. And then another. It’s an endless loop, and you never get to fully enjoy where you’re at because there’s always more to chase. Eventually, it wears you down, and all you want is to sit in silence, under a dark sky away from all the lights.’
As a teenager, Priya had a crush on her best friend, Brooke’s brother Ethan Knight. Ethan has become a hot movie star. I share her crush. That man is magnificent. He can act, he’s funny, he can do jumps on his motorbike.
Ethan returns to Toronto to research his next role, and wants to spend some time at Moksha to immerse himself in the funeral business. He can help save Moksha, but Priya doesn’t want his help.
I need to call out the food. Warning - do not read this book if you are hungry! I read it in Mexico and there was no Indian food to be had anywhere. I had to wait until I got home to England to indulge. I want all the samosas and dosas and dahl. Give me those spicy pakora and bhajis, soft naan bread and chapatis. I just love Indian food so much.
The depiction of the Indian family and especially Mumma and Puppa is absolutely spot on. It reminded me so much of one of my friends from school’s family. They were so respectful and gentle people - and also had great food.
I adored Priya and Ethan as a couple. Loved the story. Loved the characters. There’s laughs, there’s swoons and did I mention the food?
‘The night felt unreal, like something spun from stardust and magic.’
A magical book.
This book is an absolute banger! I loved it.
Priya Solanki returns to her parents home after her divorce. Her family are very traditional Indians. Although the caste system has been abolished, they still have the ethos and respect rooted in them. They run Moksha, a funeral home, but it’s struggling and needs investment to keep it going. Priya would really like shut of it, because she feels the pressure from her parents to take over from them.
‘You work so hard chasing after your dreams, but the second you reach them, there’s another one waiting. And then another. It’s an endless loop, and you never get to fully enjoy where you’re at because there’s always more to chase. Eventually, it wears you down, and all you want is to sit in silence, under a dark sky away from all the lights.’
As a teenager, Priya had a crush on her best friend, Brooke’s brother Ethan Knight. Ethan has become a hot movie star. I share her crush. That man is magnificent. He can act, he’s funny, he can do jumps on his motorbike.
Ethan returns to Toronto to research his next role, and wants to spend some time at Moksha to immerse himself in the funeral business. He can help save Moksha, but Priya doesn’t want his help.
I need to call out the food. Warning - do not read this book if you are hungry! I read it in Mexico and there was no Indian food to be had anywhere. I had to wait until I got home to England to indulge. I want all the samosas and dosas and dahl. Give me those spicy pakora and bhajis, soft naan bread and chapatis. I just love Indian food so much.
The depiction of the Indian family and especially Mumma and Puppa is absolutely spot on. It reminded me so much of one of my friends from school’s family. They were so respectful and gentle people - and also had great food.
I adored Priya and Ethan as a couple. Loved the story. Loved the characters. There’s laughs, there’s swoons and did I mention the food?
‘The night felt unreal, like something spun from stardust and magic.’
A magical book.
December 9, 2025
There are certain authors who will craft a story that will make you feel deeply, make you laugh loudly, make you cry real tears and most definitely make you not want to put the book down. Leylah Attar is one of those authors.
In Caste in the Stars we are introduced to Priya Solanki, an Indian woman recently divorced and forced to move back home with her overbearing parents. They mean well and they love her fiercely but they insist on meddling in her life, even though Priya is 28 years old. They run a funeral home and expect Priya to help out with the family business. Priya has other plans but struggles being upfront with her strict parents.
After arriving back home, she gets a visit from her best friend Brooke and her movie star brother Ethan Knight. Priya hasn’t seen Ethan in 12 years after he left for California without saying goodbye. Priya always had a crush on Ethan and besides being handsome and charming, he always had a special way of connecting with Priya.
Ethan is looking to do research for a new movie role and asks Priya’s parents if he could spend time at the funeral home. In a shocking turn of events, her parents invite Ethan to move into the carriage house on the property. Priya and Ethan will rekindle their lost friendship and in the process they discover similar struggles with pleasing their parents and wanting the freedom to live life under their own terms.
This book is a beautiful portrayal of how different cultures can share the same conflicts within their families. It’s full of emotion, humor, and heartfelt moments, all written with such grace and clarity. The insight into Priya’s cultural background is so interesting and eye opening. The writing is vibrant, emotional and full of humor and wit. This is a stunning story of diverse cultures, family, identity, standing on your own and learning to be brave by loving out loud. Leylah Attar is such a gifted storyteller and Priya and Ethan’s story is unforgettable.
“Everyone loves to watch the stars shine, but no one sees how they’re really burning from the inside…”
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
As a long time reader of Leylah Attar I’m always excited to read her new releases because they don’t come very often.
Priya is divorced from a loveless marriage and returns to her parents in Toronto until she gets her life back together. It just happens that her childhood crush and her best friend’s brother Ethan, now a Hollywood famous actor, need her parents’ business to prepare for his next movie. Which sets them in a very close proximity.
The story is filled with cultural background of an Indian family and the generational gap between parents who are still sticking with their old ways and first-gen children who are trying to be free of all the expectations and pressures. It was really interesting to see the growth of both and especially how Priya incorporated old with new and created something that’s all her.
While childhood crushes are probably my favorite to set the foundation for a second chance at love, the romance part of this story felt a bit lacking to me. My biggest issue was the chemistry that I didn’t feel. Even though it was presented as slow burn it felt fast progressing and then abruptly ended. Then that gap, even though it was filled with personal growth, felt irrelevant after how easy it was to get back together.
Maybe it was the Hollywood/celebrity thing , but some parts just felt unreal and was never a fan of big public gestures. Also the friendship between Priya and Ethan’s sister didn’t give me any depth, it felt more like convenience.
But what I did love was the humor woven into the story, cultural aspect and growth from both generations and encouragement to want more, dream big and that it’s never late to find your place in the world.
*Big thank you to the author for providing me with the ARC
December 2, 2025
Thanks to netgalley for the arc!!
This is the first I have read from this author and it was very good. I was a bit unsure about it at first because second chance romances tend to irritate me a little bit. I was a certified Ethan hater for a while because I just didn’t love a lot of things he’s done. He did end up growing on me.
I love the cultural aspect of the book and how it ties into navigating relationships. It was nice to see Priya stand up for herself eventually.. and take control of her own life. I’m glad that there was a lot of character development all around and everyone was willing to change.
‘If I kept my distance, it wasn’t because you didn’t matter. It was because you did’ This was hands down my favorite quote in this entire book. I’m glad he said this because it was mainly the reason I didn’t like him. 10/10 recommend for sure.
This is the first I have read from this author and it was very good. I was a bit unsure about it at first because second chance romances tend to irritate me a little bit. I was a certified Ethan hater for a while because I just didn’t love a lot of things he’s done. He did end up growing on me.
I love the cultural aspect of the book and how it ties into navigating relationships. It was nice to see Priya stand up for herself eventually.. and take control of her own life. I’m glad that there was a lot of character development all around and everyone was willing to change.
‘If I kept my distance, it wasn’t because you didn’t matter. It was because you did’ This was hands down my favorite quote in this entire book. I’m glad he said this because it was mainly the reason I didn’t like him. 10/10 recommend for sure.
September 21, 2025
Caste In The Stars, A Novel by Leylah Attar is soul searching and wonderful all at once.
Leylah has a way of building her characters, so that her reader feels like they are truly immersed in the storyline itself.
Family’s can be complicated, and so can life.
But through Priya and Ethan we see a hope for what can be.
It may not always be easy, and there may be hurdles to overcome, but at the end of it all, there can also be a costar and partner to share our lives with.
Definitely a must read!
You’ll get a kick out of Mumma and Puppa as well!
5 Stars
Leylah has a way of building her characters, so that her reader feels like they are truly immersed in the storyline itself.
Family’s can be complicated, and so can life.
But through Priya and Ethan we see a hope for what can be.
It may not always be easy, and there may be hurdles to overcome, but at the end of it all, there can also be a costar and partner to share our lives with.
Definitely a must read!
You’ll get a kick out of Mumma and Puppa as well!
5 Stars
December 15, 2025
Priya + Ethan
Priya is 28 and living back home with her parents in Toronto.
She was living a pretty content married life in Calgary until things happened and now she's back home.
And instead of concentrating of starting a new life and searching for a job she's supposed to save her parents' ailing funeral home?
Also back home for work is former boy next door and Priya's first crush/love Ethan. Yup. Hollywood superstar Ethan!
And he's not staying next door - nope (he hasn't spoken to his dad since he left for Hollywood!) - he's paying to stay at the funeral home to prepare for a movie!
═════════════════
That was so adorable.
And a bit sad and heartbreaking.
It must be hard to come from a family with so many rules and roots and beliefs. Pryia loves her parents but they just expect too much of her. They don't understand her job and and her dreams and they just want to marry her off to the next guy from the right caste.
And Ethan. He's been her secret dream guy since she was just 12 years old.
He was also fascinated by his sister's BFF - this girl from the funeral home. They had a connection back then. But he was older and he wanted out of there asap.
But now he's back.
And it was so adorable and funny and so Indian and I so want Priya's mom to come and cook me all the things!
CASTE IN THE STARS was a beautiful and funny and heartwarming Indian/Canadian second-chance-ish love story.
A dying Funeral Home. Hollywood. Outdated Indian customs. New hopes and dreams. Paparazzi. Best Friends and Cats. And so much more. Read it!
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December 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. It was easy to follow, very likable characters. Some were interesting with their culture and beliefs. The chemistry between the heroine and the hero was on point and had me glued to the pages till the very end.
I just was a bit upset with her parents and thought some of their beliefs were a little too extreme for my liking. But overall I enjoyed this story.
I just was a bit upset with her parents and thought some of their beliefs were a little too extreme for my liking. But overall I enjoyed this story.
January 7, 2026
First South Asian romance I've seen use the case system as a major part of the story. Well done
October 13, 2025
Leylah wrote it......I'm all in. Leylah is one of those authors that you don't need to read the synopsis you just know it's going to be amazing.
Leylah always evokes such feelings in her characters. I love the love they feel, the emotions that comes from them. Leylah makes these characters people I want to be friends with. People I want to know, people I'm invested in.
Caste in the Stars is a story of family, of love, of emotions, of chose me or chose what the world expects of me. I love the growth of characters, I love their love for each other, always wanting the best for them. I adore the family dynamic.
I also adore googling things I know nothing about during the story. Leylah broadens yours views, your knowledge, your understanding of things you were not born
Into. That is what makes a great writer.
This is a story of two people reunited who will have you rooting for them all the way through. Thier friendship is sweet, their relationship is hot and just what I was looking for.
At the end of the day all we want is our parents approval and all they want is for us to be happy. Trust and love yourself at the end of the day. It's really that simple.
All the feels, in this one. One of my favourites this year!
Leylah always evokes such feelings in her characters. I love the love they feel, the emotions that comes from them. Leylah makes these characters people I want to be friends with. People I want to know, people I'm invested in.
Caste in the Stars is a story of family, of love, of emotions, of chose me or chose what the world expects of me. I love the growth of characters, I love their love for each other, always wanting the best for them. I adore the family dynamic.
I also adore googling things I know nothing about during the story. Leylah broadens yours views, your knowledge, your understanding of things you were not born
Into. That is what makes a great writer.
This is a story of two people reunited who will have you rooting for them all the way through. Thier friendship is sweet, their relationship is hot and just what I was looking for.
At the end of the day all we want is our parents approval and all they want is for us to be happy. Trust and love yourself at the end of the day. It's really that simple.
All the feels, in this one. One of my favourites this year!
October 25, 2025
I’m so happy to have been blessed with an advance copy of Caste in the Stars. Leylah Attar is one of my favorite authors because of her incredible writing style and diverse characters. This story had me hooked from the first page.
November 16, 2025
Caste in the Stars is a love story filled with culture and expectations, food, childhood memories, second chances and trying to make a path for oneself while falling in love with the unexpected.
Priya is recently divorced and has moved back home to Toronto to stay with her parents while she gets back on her feet again. Coming from an Indian background, her parents have a strong belief in who she needs to be as a daughter and woman and take it upon themselves to insert their cultural norms into her life. But Priya is an intelligent and successful woman on her own and wants to prove to her parents that she doesn't need them, her parents' business or a man to make her happy. But what happens when her best friend welcomes her home with her brother Ethan in tow, who just so happens to be her childhood crush AND now is a Hollywood star?
Caste in the Stars is a sweet, forced proximity, celebrity/non celeb, multicultural romance set in Toronto that carefully focuses on culture and how it has evolved over the generations, but also how it has stayed the same. I loved how Attar wrote Priya's parents and how strongly they kept to their cultural beliefs while Priya was trying to break out and show her parents how things have changed. From acceptable work/careers, to arranged marriage/dating within a certain caste, to bringing unwanted attention to their family. All while dealing with her parents, Priya is also trying to get Ethan, her childhood crush, to leave her home until she realizes the connection that she thought was one-sided is very much reciprocated. And what follows is the complications that come from dating a celeb that she doesn't think she is ready for and may have to let go of for the sake of her and her family's future.
Overall, this story was cute, a little bit of a slow burn and fun with some good character growth all around. From the main characters to the supporting characters, you will fall in love with their stories and how far they've come. There is a third act breakup that brings an entertaining and hilarious "getting back together" moment that is unforgettable. While this wasn't exactly the kind of story I was expecting from Leylah Attar, who I've read many times before, it still combined a cozy sort of romance with wit, humor and culture in a very palpable way for our ever changing world.
Priya is recently divorced and has moved back home to Toronto to stay with her parents while she gets back on her feet again. Coming from an Indian background, her parents have a strong belief in who she needs to be as a daughter and woman and take it upon themselves to insert their cultural norms into her life. But Priya is an intelligent and successful woman on her own and wants to prove to her parents that she doesn't need them, her parents' business or a man to make her happy. But what happens when her best friend welcomes her home with her brother Ethan in tow, who just so happens to be her childhood crush AND now is a Hollywood star?
Caste in the Stars is a sweet, forced proximity, celebrity/non celeb, multicultural romance set in Toronto that carefully focuses on culture and how it has evolved over the generations, but also how it has stayed the same. I loved how Attar wrote Priya's parents and how strongly they kept to their cultural beliefs while Priya was trying to break out and show her parents how things have changed. From acceptable work/careers, to arranged marriage/dating within a certain caste, to bringing unwanted attention to their family. All while dealing with her parents, Priya is also trying to get Ethan, her childhood crush, to leave her home until she realizes the connection that she thought was one-sided is very much reciprocated. And what follows is the complications that come from dating a celeb that she doesn't think she is ready for and may have to let go of for the sake of her and her family's future.
Overall, this story was cute, a little bit of a slow burn and fun with some good character growth all around. From the main characters to the supporting characters, you will fall in love with their stories and how far they've come. There is a third act breakup that brings an entertaining and hilarious "getting back together" moment that is unforgettable. While this wasn't exactly the kind of story I was expecting from Leylah Attar, who I've read many times before, it still combined a cozy sort of romance with wit, humor and culture in a very palpable way for our ever changing world.
December 27, 2025
4★
After a divorce, Priya Solanki returns home to live with her parents and restart her life, but as familial obligations rise, so do her emotions when Priya’s first love, Ethan Knight, reappears in town.
Though Priya is a practical and logical woman who is loyal to her parents’ wishes, she is also confronted with deeply held emotions urging her to break free from constraints. Ethan Knight is the same person her heart knows despite the world seeing him as a movie star. To him, Priya is a like a beacon grounding him to what is real.
Family and connections are important components, and the cultural elements especially enriched the storyline and Priya’s journey. With the common thread of overcoming false expectations, these characters experience loss but also learn to recognize taking a chance is worth the risk.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
After a divorce, Priya Solanki returns home to live with her parents and restart her life, but as familial obligations rise, so do her emotions when Priya’s first love, Ethan Knight, reappears in town.
“It’s funny how our toughest challenges can unlock what we’re really capable of.”
Though Priya is a practical and logical woman who is loyal to her parents’ wishes, she is also confronted with deeply held emotions urging her to break free from constraints. Ethan Knight is the same person her heart knows despite the world seeing him as a movie star. To him, Priya is a like a beacon grounding him to what is real.
“If our destiny is truly cast in the stars, then the only way to break free is to become one.”
Family and connections are important components, and the cultural elements especially enriched the storyline and Priya’s journey. With the common thread of overcoming false expectations, these characters experience loss but also learn to recognize taking a chance is worth the risk.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 10, 2025
It's been a minute since I read a book by this author, but this was a good reminder of why I always find her books enjoyable.
Steeped in Indian culture, we have an adult child returning home to live with her parents after her divorce. Priya is a great example of a child living with Indian culture outside of India. Her parents are very traditional, still acknowledging the caste system, and are determined to keep Priya inline with their beliefs. Priya wants so much more beyond her caste, but finds herself bending to her parents expectations due to the shame she feels she has brought to their family with the divorce.
When Ethan Knight, the boy next door, turned movie star (and Priya's 1st crush) returns home to research a movie role, he and Priya are thrust together and finally acknowledge the elephant in the room. Priya is struggling so much with identity and knows her parents won't approve, plus Ethan is famous! Paparazzi and cameras and no privacy! Priya is left with some very tough decisions.
I'm not sure how this book is being marketed, but I personally feel like it's a bit more women's fiction than romance, as Priya's struggle to find her place in the world takes center stage over her romance with Ethan. How can you fall in love if you aren't sure of yourself? I enjoyed the narrative, even though Priya did come off childish to me at times. I think it was her situation and the way her parents treated her, causing those reactions. I was more sold on Priya's journey than her relationship with Ethan. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Steeped in Indian culture, we have an adult child returning home to live with her parents after her divorce. Priya is a great example of a child living with Indian culture outside of India. Her parents are very traditional, still acknowledging the caste system, and are determined to keep Priya inline with their beliefs. Priya wants so much more beyond her caste, but finds herself bending to her parents expectations due to the shame she feels she has brought to their family with the divorce.
When Ethan Knight, the boy next door, turned movie star (and Priya's 1st crush) returns home to research a movie role, he and Priya are thrust together and finally acknowledge the elephant in the room. Priya is struggling so much with identity and knows her parents won't approve, plus Ethan is famous! Paparazzi and cameras and no privacy! Priya is left with some very tough decisions.
I'm not sure how this book is being marketed, but I personally feel like it's a bit more women's fiction than romance, as Priya's struggle to find her place in the world takes center stage over her romance with Ethan. How can you fall in love if you aren't sure of yourself? I enjoyed the narrative, even though Priya did come off childish to me at times. I think it was her situation and the way her parents treated her, causing those reactions. I was more sold on Priya's journey than her relationship with Ethan. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy
"Caste in the Stars" by Leylah Attar is a richly layered romance that blends humor, tenderness, and cultural reflection with remarkable ease.
Priya Solanki is freshly divorced and in the process of unraveling her life to see what still fits. She is a Hindu woman from a Dalit family, and while the caste system may not be familiar to every reader, the feeling it creates certainly is: being born into expectations that shape your choices long before you are ready to make them. Her parents’ funeral home represents love, sacrifice, and family pride, alongside the unspoken assumption that Priya will one day carry it forward whether or not it is what she truly wants.
Then Ethan Knight reappears: childhood friend, former almost-something, and now an inconveniently charming movie star. He brings humor, ease, and the kind of banter that kept my heart beating through every page. Priya and Ethan’s chemistry feels lived-in and natural, the kind that makes you think, this was always meant to be.
What makes this book such a joy is how gracefully it balances weighty themes with genuine lightness. It explores cultural identity and self-worth without ever feeling heavy or preachy. There is laughter here. There is heart. And there is a quiet hope in watching someone realize that it is okay to want more than the “sensible” life laid out for them.
Readers who enjoy emotionally grounded romance with humor and heart will feel right at home. If you love authors who blend big life questions with warmth and wit like Jasmine Guillory, Sonali Dev, or Emily Henry - this story will absolutely be your vibe. It carries that same mix of introspection, banter, and deeply human storytelling that makes you laugh one moment and quietly reflect the next.
Priya Solanki is freshly divorced and in the process of unraveling her life to see what still fits. She is a Hindu woman from a Dalit family, and while the caste system may not be familiar to every reader, the feeling it creates certainly is: being born into expectations that shape your choices long before you are ready to make them. Her parents’ funeral home represents love, sacrifice, and family pride, alongside the unspoken assumption that Priya will one day carry it forward whether or not it is what she truly wants.
Then Ethan Knight reappears: childhood friend, former almost-something, and now an inconveniently charming movie star. He brings humor, ease, and the kind of banter that kept my heart beating through every page. Priya and Ethan’s chemistry feels lived-in and natural, the kind that makes you think, this was always meant to be.
What makes this book such a joy is how gracefully it balances weighty themes with genuine lightness. It explores cultural identity and self-worth without ever feeling heavy or preachy. There is laughter here. There is heart. And there is a quiet hope in watching someone realize that it is okay to want more than the “sensible” life laid out for them.
Readers who enjoy emotionally grounded romance with humor and heart will feel right at home. If you love authors who blend big life questions with warmth and wit like Jasmine Guillory, Sonali Dev, or Emily Henry - this story will absolutely be your vibe. It carries that same mix of introspection, banter, and deeply human storytelling that makes you laugh one moment and quietly reflect the next.
December 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this second chance, forbidden romance between childhood friends from different Castes who find themselves reunited when newly divorced Priya returns to help save her very traditional Indian Canadian family's funeral home only to find mega star Ethan Knight there too. Ethan is Priya's first love but instead of risking her family's wrath to see where a relationship with him might have gone, she allowed them to choose her husband for her and she never found happiness with him.
What follows are weeks where Priya tries to fight her feelings only for Ethan to win her over and their undeniable chemistry results in the most romantic time. Priya has to decide if she can put herself and Ethan first though or will making her parents happy continue to dictate her life. Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Uzma Jalaluddin or Sonya Lali. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
What follows are weeks where Priya tries to fight her feelings only for Ethan to win her over and their undeniable chemistry results in the most romantic time. Priya has to decide if she can put herself and Ethan first though or will making her parents happy continue to dictate her life. Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Uzma Jalaluddin or Sonya Lali. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
January 15, 2026
Heartwarming, hopeful, and sassy!
Caste in the Stars is a cute, romantic story that takes you into the life of the hardworking, dependable Priya Solanki as she navigates a recent divorce, an unwanted move back into her parents home, difficult conversations surrounding the financial stability of the family-owned funeral home, and an unexpected resurgence of feelings for a famous movie star, once her teenage crush, who is now briefly back in town.
The prose is smooth and light. The characters are fun-loving, supportive, and endearing. And the story is a heartfelt, witty mix of awkward situations, tender moments, self-discovery, fresh starts, friendship, family, culture, community, expectations, happiness, and love.
Overall, Caste in the Stars is a charming, flirty, feel-good read by Attar, with characters that are impossible not to root for and a swoon-worthy ending that left me smitten, satisfied, and eagerly anticipating whatever she whips up next.
Caste in the Stars is a cute, romantic story that takes you into the life of the hardworking, dependable Priya Solanki as she navigates a recent divorce, an unwanted move back into her parents home, difficult conversations surrounding the financial stability of the family-owned funeral home, and an unexpected resurgence of feelings for a famous movie star, once her teenage crush, who is now briefly back in town.
The prose is smooth and light. The characters are fun-loving, supportive, and endearing. And the story is a heartfelt, witty mix of awkward situations, tender moments, self-discovery, fresh starts, friendship, family, culture, community, expectations, happiness, and love.
Overall, Caste in the Stars is a charming, flirty, feel-good read by Attar, with characters that are impossible not to root for and a swoon-worthy ending that left me smitten, satisfied, and eagerly anticipating whatever she whips up next.
December 8, 2025
I was given this book prior to it bring published. What an enjoyable multicultural story between two characters who were never destined to be. The book cover is beautiful. That fact that the story was set in Toronto was an added bonus. Bravo, Leylah Attar, on your first traditional publishing debut!
October 27, 2025
I’m so happy to have been blessed with an advance copy of Caste in the Stars. Leylah Attar is one of my favorite authors because of her incredible writing style and diverse characters. This story had me hooked from the first page.
January 13, 2026
Super cute! Loved it.
October 25, 2025
Ultimate love story where a girl who dreams and a boy who soars and hearts collide like Starburst on horizon where heaven meets earth in this hearttouching story
With every book, Leylah spreads her fragrance in the book world and this particular one smelled like curry & spice, put on a slow burner and cooked to perfection
It’s got the perfect amount of ingredients to sizzle up the romance between Priya Solanki, a divorced daughter who returns home to her famiky home with a funeral parlour . And the childhood crush “Larger-Than-Life” Ethan Knight. A big Hollywood star now,to get in method mood for his upcoming movie.
Moksha or Salvation is used as a enter of all happenings is hypothetically to showcase as the ultimate destination, in this case their HEA that can be attained by going through the travails and twists of life.
The crispness of sentiments, sweetness of love and some all-spice of yearning is added to adorable story ,served piping hot on platter like fritters, samosa, dhokla and fafda.
Leylah writes from her heart and her deep seated cultural ties to India seep in to make this a delectable read.
“Don’t reach too high.
Don’t think too big.
Don’t dream beyond your station.”
The second chance they get is not a straight road but meanders through roadblocks of casteism, aspirations of girl-child, pressures of marriage, old established traditions and the stigma of - “Log Kya Kahenge” (what will people say). It’s a dilemma faced in every Indian family with parental guidelines clashing with modern mindset of transplanted kids. generational gap has never been showcased better, the divide between values back home and modification to settle in as immigrants is brilliantly captured in tiny details.
Every story of hers is to be savored slowly, laughter and joy spreading on every page. Caste of characters is colorful and varied. From well meaning, yet judgemental parents - Seema & Rajesh are caring, loving but a tad pushy. Typical Indian parents. Daughetsr Meghna and Deepa are the voices of reason...at times
Brooke is her effervescent bestie and Lady WhiskerBottom and Sir Puffington are the Adorbsicles factors.
Subtle and sensitive, the story lifts on its tiptoes and places a giant kiss on the heart.
“4.5 stars for exclusively With Knight OS”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
With every book, Leylah spreads her fragrance in the book world and this particular one smelled like curry & spice, put on a slow burner and cooked to perfection
It’s got the perfect amount of ingredients to sizzle up the romance between Priya Solanki, a divorced daughter who returns home to her famiky home with a funeral parlour . And the childhood crush “Larger-Than-Life” Ethan Knight. A big Hollywood star now,to get in method mood for his upcoming movie.
Moksha or Salvation is used as a enter of all happenings is hypothetically to showcase as the ultimate destination, in this case their HEA that can be attained by going through the travails and twists of life.
The crispness of sentiments, sweetness of love and some all-spice of yearning is added to adorable story ,served piping hot on platter like fritters, samosa, dhokla and fafda.
Leylah writes from her heart and her deep seated cultural ties to India seep in to make this a delectable read.
“Don’t reach too high.
Don’t think too big.
Don’t dream beyond your station.”
The second chance they get is not a straight road but meanders through roadblocks of casteism, aspirations of girl-child, pressures of marriage, old established traditions and the stigma of - “Log Kya Kahenge” (what will people say). It’s a dilemma faced in every Indian family with parental guidelines clashing with modern mindset of transplanted kids. generational gap has never been showcased better, the divide between values back home and modification to settle in as immigrants is brilliantly captured in tiny details.
Every story of hers is to be savored slowly, laughter and joy spreading on every page. Caste of characters is colorful and varied. From well meaning, yet judgemental parents - Seema & Rajesh are caring, loving but a tad pushy. Typical Indian parents. Daughetsr Meghna and Deepa are the voices of reason...at times
Brooke is her effervescent bestie and Lady WhiskerBottom and Sir Puffington are the Adorbsicles factors.
Subtle and sensitive, the story lifts on its tiptoes and places a giant kiss on the heart.
“4.5 stars for exclusively With Knight OS”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
December 27, 2025
She did it 🙏🏻
Caste in the Stars is not just any desi love story—it’s a distinctly Gujarati family saga, complete with tradition, expectation, emotional restraint, and the quiet intensity that simmers beneath polite smiles. Leylah Attar takes what could have been a simple second-chance romance and turns it into something far more cinematic: a silent love dragged, almost against its will, onto the red carpet.
When Hollywood and Bollywood collide—sprinkled with stardust—it becomes Mission: Irresistible.
At the heart of the story are two people with completely different “default designs” for life. Priya and Ethan come from worlds that should never overlap again, and yet… they do. Is it coincidence? Fate? Or something written in the stars long before either of them knew how to read them?
Their chemistry crackles like the unstable electricity at the funeral home run by Priya’s parents—an oddly perfect metaphor for a love that is very much alive in a place defined by endings.
Priya, the girl next door, has one rule when she unexpectedly runs into Ethan—now a full-blown celebrity and her long-buried crush:
"No overthinking. No attachments. No regrets."
Control is her survival strategy. Because Priya feels stuck—trapped between the neat, “perfect” life expected of a Gujarati daughter and the reality of everything that quietly went wrong. Growing up labeled as bad luck, she has learned to shoulder the blame for every misstep, every disappointment, every fracture in her family’s world. She is terrified not only of ruining her own life—but of ruining others’, too.
While her parents try to “fix” her future through tradition and careful planning, Priya is attempting something far more radical: fixing herself. Reordering her stars. Learning that sometimes, you don’t wait to be saved—you become your own guiding light.
Ethan, meanwhile, represents everything that feels both dangerous and inevitable. Fame hasn’t erased who he is, but it has reshaped the space he occupies in the world. When he and Priya meet again, the pull between them is undeniable—soft, restrained, electric. This is not a loud love story. It’s a slow burn, heavy with glances, history, and everything left unsaid.
And that’s where Leylah Attar shines.
Her writing is as lovable as ever—layered, warm, and quietly mischievous. There is always something happening between the lines. A naughty wink. A suggestion of more. An emotional double meaning that trusts the reader to feel rather than be told.
The moral of the story?
Love doesn’t care about caste, culture, or celebrity.
It doesn’t matter which constellation you were born under—if you find someone who, like you, finds comfort simply lying beside you and looking at the night sky.
Maybe there was more written in those stars than either of them knew.
A path already mapped. A destiny waiting patiently for them to catch up.
Caste in the Stars is tender, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant—a story about love, identity, fate, and the courage it takes to step outside what’s been prescribed and choose your own orbit.
Leylah Attar doesn’t just write romance.
She writes the quiet moments where hearts realign—and suddenly, the universe makes sense. 🌌🌠
Caste in the Stars is not just any desi love story—it’s a distinctly Gujarati family saga, complete with tradition, expectation, emotional restraint, and the quiet intensity that simmers beneath polite smiles. Leylah Attar takes what could have been a simple second-chance romance and turns it into something far more cinematic: a silent love dragged, almost against its will, onto the red carpet.
When Hollywood and Bollywood collide—sprinkled with stardust—it becomes Mission: Irresistible.
At the heart of the story are two people with completely different “default designs” for life. Priya and Ethan come from worlds that should never overlap again, and yet… they do. Is it coincidence? Fate? Or something written in the stars long before either of them knew how to read them?
Their chemistry crackles like the unstable electricity at the funeral home run by Priya’s parents—an oddly perfect metaphor for a love that is very much alive in a place defined by endings.
Priya, the girl next door, has one rule when she unexpectedly runs into Ethan—now a full-blown celebrity and her long-buried crush:
"No overthinking. No attachments. No regrets."
Control is her survival strategy. Because Priya feels stuck—trapped between the neat, “perfect” life expected of a Gujarati daughter and the reality of everything that quietly went wrong. Growing up labeled as bad luck, she has learned to shoulder the blame for every misstep, every disappointment, every fracture in her family’s world. She is terrified not only of ruining her own life—but of ruining others’, too.
While her parents try to “fix” her future through tradition and careful planning, Priya is attempting something far more radical: fixing herself. Reordering her stars. Learning that sometimes, you don’t wait to be saved—you become your own guiding light.
Ethan, meanwhile, represents everything that feels both dangerous and inevitable. Fame hasn’t erased who he is, but it has reshaped the space he occupies in the world. When he and Priya meet again, the pull between them is undeniable—soft, restrained, electric. This is not a loud love story. It’s a slow burn, heavy with glances, history, and everything left unsaid.
And that’s where Leylah Attar shines.
Her writing is as lovable as ever—layered, warm, and quietly mischievous. There is always something happening between the lines. A naughty wink. A suggestion of more. An emotional double meaning that trusts the reader to feel rather than be told.
The moral of the story?
Love doesn’t care about caste, culture, or celebrity.
It doesn’t matter which constellation you were born under—if you find someone who, like you, finds comfort simply lying beside you and looking at the night sky.
Maybe there was more written in those stars than either of them knew.
A path already mapped. A destiny waiting patiently for them to catch up.
Caste in the Stars is tender, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant—a story about love, identity, fate, and the courage it takes to step outside what’s been prescribed and choose your own orbit.
Leylah Attar doesn’t just write romance.
She writes the quiet moments where hearts realign—and suddenly, the universe makes sense. 🌌🌠
December 17, 2025
A swoony romance about love, legacy, and daring to want more.
4.5 stars
First, a huge thank you to Leylah Attar for trusting me with an ARC. I’ve been a fan of her writing for years, so discovering she had a new book coming felt like a gift. And yes — when the synopsis promises “an utterly romantic story”, it delivers. Fully. Gloriously. Swoon after swoon.
This is a romance that leans into feeling. Big moments. Quiet tenderness. Epic scenes that make your chest ache (and yes, Leylah, you know exactly which one I mean).
The story unfolds in two parts: before the third-act breakup… and after. And for once, I didn’t resent that structure — because what comes after sends the story into a whole new emotional stratosphere.
We meet Priya, newly divorced and back at her parents’ funeral home, licking her wounds and trying to regroup. You can feel how heavy that return is. Her parents still view the world through a caste system officially abolished decades ago, yet deeply ingrained in their choices, expectations, and fears. I loved how Leylah explored this — showing not just the weight of tradition, but also the pride, dignity, and sense of purpose that comes with it.
Priya is also the eldest daughter of immigrant parents — and if you know, you know. Carrying expectations. Being careful not to dream too loudly. Paving the way for siblings while quietly suffocating yourself. She’s torn between duty and freedom, between gratitude and resentment, between staying small and finally choosing herself.
Then Ethan Knight walks back into her life.
Best friend’s older brother. First crush. Now a massive Hollywood movie star. He needs to rent the funeral home to prepare for a role, and suddenly Priya’s carefully laid plans — including selling the place — are in jeopardy. The sparks are immediate, but what I loved most is how playful and tender their dynamic feels. Priya is clever, determined, and quietly hilarious. More than once, she made me smile out loud.
And about that third-act breakup — I usually hate them. But here? What follows is growth. Confidence. A woman stepping fully into herself. I was internally chanting “atta girl” more than once.
This book gave me:
- romance, romance, and more romance
- best friend’s brother + Hollywood star tropes done right
- Indian cultural representation that felt lived-in and loving
- so much food (you will be hungry, you have been warned)
- emotional healing across generations
- very hot scenes
- a drool-worthy love interest
- a heroine who glows by the end
- and one unforgettable, epic, swoony moment I wish I could scream about (but won’t — because I like you too much to spoil it)
If you’re craving a romance that isn’t overly angsty but still emotionally rich, culturally grounded, deeply romantic, and full of heart — Caste in the Stars might just be exactly what you need
4.5 stars
First, a huge thank you to Leylah Attar for trusting me with an ARC. I’ve been a fan of her writing for years, so discovering she had a new book coming felt like a gift. And yes — when the synopsis promises “an utterly romantic story”, it delivers. Fully. Gloriously. Swoon after swoon.
This is a romance that leans into feeling. Big moments. Quiet tenderness. Epic scenes that make your chest ache (and yes, Leylah, you know exactly which one I mean).
The story unfolds in two parts: before the third-act breakup… and after. And for once, I didn’t resent that structure — because what comes after sends the story into a whole new emotional stratosphere.
We meet Priya, newly divorced and back at her parents’ funeral home, licking her wounds and trying to regroup. You can feel how heavy that return is. Her parents still view the world through a caste system officially abolished decades ago, yet deeply ingrained in their choices, expectations, and fears. I loved how Leylah explored this — showing not just the weight of tradition, but also the pride, dignity, and sense of purpose that comes with it.
Priya is also the eldest daughter of immigrant parents — and if you know, you know. Carrying expectations. Being careful not to dream too loudly. Paving the way for siblings while quietly suffocating yourself. She’s torn between duty and freedom, between gratitude and resentment, between staying small and finally choosing herself.
Then Ethan Knight walks back into her life.
Best friend’s older brother. First crush. Now a massive Hollywood movie star. He needs to rent the funeral home to prepare for a role, and suddenly Priya’s carefully laid plans — including selling the place — are in jeopardy. The sparks are immediate, but what I loved most is how playful and tender their dynamic feels. Priya is clever, determined, and quietly hilarious. More than once, she made me smile out loud.
And about that third-act breakup — I usually hate them. But here? What follows is growth. Confidence. A woman stepping fully into herself. I was internally chanting “atta girl” more than once.
This book gave me:
- romance, romance, and more romance
- best friend’s brother + Hollywood star tropes done right
- Indian cultural representation that felt lived-in and loving
- so much food (you will be hungry, you have been warned)
- emotional healing across generations
- very hot scenes
- a drool-worthy love interest
- a heroine who glows by the end
- and one unforgettable, epic, swoony moment I wish I could scream about (but won’t — because I like you too much to spoil it)
If you’re craving a romance that isn’t overly angsty but still emotionally rich, culturally grounded, deeply romantic, and full of heart — Caste in the Stars might just be exactly what you need
December 3, 2025
Caste in the Stars is one of those rare books that doesn't just entertain you, it’s emotional, honest, and completely breathtaking. Leylah Attar has always been a writer who leads with emotion, but this story feels especially tender, personal, and full of truth.
Priya Solanki’s journey hit me in a way I wasn't expecting. She comes home to live with her parents after her divorce, carrying a lot of guilt, pressure, and the weight of a culture that loves her deeply but boxes her in just as tightly. Watching her move through shame, family expectations, and her own sense of "not enough" felt incredibly real. I saw pieces of myself in her, especially in how hard she tries to be everything her family wants, even when it’s to her own detriment.
Then we have the added complication of Ethan Knight’s return. Her best friend’s brother, the childhood crush, the boy who once saw her before she even knew how to see herself. Their connection isn't just romantic, it's healing,
(Inserting my PSA: a personal handheld fan, or a glass of crushed ice to cool the flames is advised) unlike their chemistry that is absolutely electrifying, it gave me goosebumps! But what really moved me most were the quiet moments, the ones where they finally let their guards down and allow themselves to be fully known. Ethan’s protectiveness, mixed with sweetness, and his own struggles made him feel wonderfully grounded, not some unreachable movie star. I love that he sees Priya for who she is, inside and out. Her fear of breaking from the conformity of cultural and societal binds is palpable but my “Heathen Knight” does his best to alleviate those fears.
Being a multicultural woman myself, I really love that this book is rich with humor, culture, & family. Priya’s parents are both exasperating and lovable in the most authentic way. And don’t even get me started on the food. Every description made me hungry in the best, most torturous way. The setting, the family dynamic, the small touches of language and tradition, it all feels lived in and deeply respected.
Yet underneath the romance and laughter is a powerful story about identity and breaking cycles that no longer serve you. Leylah handles the topic of caste with nuance and honesty, never shying away from its impact but always centering Priya’s strength and autonomy. Her growth is truly the shining heart of this story.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I was a whirlwind of emotions. Smiling, tearing up, and rooting for Priya and Ethan like they were real people I knew. And leave it to a kitten, to help align the stars once again.
In the end, this beauty of a story is about choosing yourself, choosing love, and choosing a life that finally feels like your own. Absolutely stunning!!
Priya Solanki’s journey hit me in a way I wasn't expecting. She comes home to live with her parents after her divorce, carrying a lot of guilt, pressure, and the weight of a culture that loves her deeply but boxes her in just as tightly. Watching her move through shame, family expectations, and her own sense of "not enough" felt incredibly real. I saw pieces of myself in her, especially in how hard she tries to be everything her family wants, even when it’s to her own detriment.
Then we have the added complication of Ethan Knight’s return. Her best friend’s brother, the childhood crush, the boy who once saw her before she even knew how to see herself. Their connection isn't just romantic, it's healing,
(Inserting my PSA: a personal handheld fan, or a glass of crushed ice to cool the flames is advised) unlike their chemistry that is absolutely electrifying, it gave me goosebumps! But what really moved me most were the quiet moments, the ones where they finally let their guards down and allow themselves to be fully known. Ethan’s protectiveness, mixed with sweetness, and his own struggles made him feel wonderfully grounded, not some unreachable movie star. I love that he sees Priya for who she is, inside and out. Her fear of breaking from the conformity of cultural and societal binds is palpable but my “Heathen Knight” does his best to alleviate those fears.
Being a multicultural woman myself, I really love that this book is rich with humor, culture, & family. Priya’s parents are both exasperating and lovable in the most authentic way. And don’t even get me started on the food. Every description made me hungry in the best, most torturous way. The setting, the family dynamic, the small touches of language and tradition, it all feels lived in and deeply respected.
Yet underneath the romance and laughter is a powerful story about identity and breaking cycles that no longer serve you. Leylah handles the topic of caste with nuance and honesty, never shying away from its impact but always centering Priya’s strength and autonomy. Her growth is truly the shining heart of this story.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I was a whirlwind of emotions. Smiling, tearing up, and rooting for Priya and Ethan like they were real people I knew. And leave it to a kitten, to help align the stars once again.
In the end, this beauty of a story is about choosing yourself, choosing love, and choosing a life that finally feels like your own. Absolutely stunning!!
January 14, 2026
📚Castle in the Stars
✍🏻Leylah Attar
Blurb:
For fans of Becka Mack and Ana Huang comes a heart-stopping and utterly romantic story about two people from opposite sides of the world who dare to risk the odds to be together.
She did everything right—until her life fell apart.
The last place Priya Solanki wants to be is back at the funeral home her parents have run for decades—a place tied to a caste legacy the world says is long gone, but that her family carried from India to Canada and never let go of. Her traditional parents call it fate—proof that her path was written in the stars, just like the generations before her. But to Priya, it’s a life she never chose, and one she’s spent years trying to outrun. Her plan is simple: regroup, reset, and finally break the cycle.
Then Ethan Knight reappears.
Once the reckless, motorcycle-riding boy next door, he’s now a full-blown Hollywood star—older, incredibly handsome, and impossible to avoid. Adored by millions and followed everywhere by flashing cameras, he’s renting out the funeral home to prepare for a role—and flipping every piece of Priya’s plan upside down.
And finally, the stars align.
Trapped in close quarters with the boy she once loved in silence, Priya can’t escape the heat, the history, or the ache she’s buried for years. But falling for Ethan doesn’t just mean risking her heart; it means stepping into a world that was never built for someone like her—and daring to believe she belongs in it anyway.
But even if she takes the risk, what happens when Ethan leaves? Because, inevitably, he will.
Loving him wouldn’t just destroy her—it would destroy everything she’s trying to rebuild.
My Thoughts:
Caste in the Stars took everything I thought I expected from a second-chance romance and dialed it into something richer, deeper, and breathtakingly human. Priya and Ethan’s story felt intimate in a way that only audiobooks can deliver like I was sitting beside Priya in the funeral home, feeling her torn between family expectations, cultural weight, and a love she never quite let go, The romance with Ethan, her childhood crush turned Hollywood star, is a beautiful, slow-burning romance filled with longing, heat, and quiet moments that mattered just as much as the big ones. Ethan Knight brings humor, ease, and the kind of banter that kept my heart beating through every page. Priya and Ethan’s chemistry feels lived-in and natural, the kind that makes you think, this was always meant to be. This was an absolute cute book. I truly enjoyed it.
Thanks NetGalley Doubleday Canada and Author Leylah Attar for the advanced copy of "Castle in the Stars" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DoubledayCanada
#CastleintheStars
#LeylahAttar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Leylah Attar
Blurb:
For fans of Becka Mack and Ana Huang comes a heart-stopping and utterly romantic story about two people from opposite sides of the world who dare to risk the odds to be together.
She did everything right—until her life fell apart.
The last place Priya Solanki wants to be is back at the funeral home her parents have run for decades—a place tied to a caste legacy the world says is long gone, but that her family carried from India to Canada and never let go of. Her traditional parents call it fate—proof that her path was written in the stars, just like the generations before her. But to Priya, it’s a life she never chose, and one she’s spent years trying to outrun. Her plan is simple: regroup, reset, and finally break the cycle.
Then Ethan Knight reappears.
Once the reckless, motorcycle-riding boy next door, he’s now a full-blown Hollywood star—older, incredibly handsome, and impossible to avoid. Adored by millions and followed everywhere by flashing cameras, he’s renting out the funeral home to prepare for a role—and flipping every piece of Priya’s plan upside down.
And finally, the stars align.
Trapped in close quarters with the boy she once loved in silence, Priya can’t escape the heat, the history, or the ache she’s buried for years. But falling for Ethan doesn’t just mean risking her heart; it means stepping into a world that was never built for someone like her—and daring to believe she belongs in it anyway.
But even if she takes the risk, what happens when Ethan leaves? Because, inevitably, he will.
Loving him wouldn’t just destroy her—it would destroy everything she’s trying to rebuild.
My Thoughts:
Caste in the Stars took everything I thought I expected from a second-chance romance and dialed it into something richer, deeper, and breathtakingly human. Priya and Ethan’s story felt intimate in a way that only audiobooks can deliver like I was sitting beside Priya in the funeral home, feeling her torn between family expectations, cultural weight, and a love she never quite let go, The romance with Ethan, her childhood crush turned Hollywood star, is a beautiful, slow-burning romance filled with longing, heat, and quiet moments that mattered just as much as the big ones. Ethan Knight brings humor, ease, and the kind of banter that kept my heart beating through every page. Priya and Ethan’s chemistry feels lived-in and natural, the kind that makes you think, this was always meant to be. This was an absolute cute book. I truly enjoyed it.
Thanks NetGalley Doubleday Canada and Author Leylah Attar for the advanced copy of "Castle in the Stars" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DoubledayCanada
#CastleintheStars
#LeylahAttar
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person
Rating:
After her life fell apart, Priya Solanki was forced to return to her hometown. What was meant to be a fresh start turned complicated as her family meddled in her affairs. Things got even messier when her childhood crush, Ethan Knight, now a heartthrob movie star, came back into her life.
Priya was caught between being a responsible daughter and standing up on her own. Her dilemma was both frustrating and amusing to witness. As a movie star, Ethan could only be himself around people closest to him, and I liked seeing his soft and vulnerable side. I liked both characters, though I wished their relationship had more intensity.
Having a romance book set at a funeral home was intriguing. Adding culture, traditions, and a sprinkling of glitz and glam made this book an enlightening and entertaining read.
Caste in the Stars is a story of acceptance and paving one’s own path. It would appeal to readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers, light contemporary romance.
⭐️🎥⭐️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ⭐️🎥⭐️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person
Rating:
After her life fell apart, Priya Solanki was forced to return to her hometown. What was meant to be a fresh start turned complicated as her family meddled in her affairs. Things got even messier when her childhood crush, Ethan Knight, now a heartthrob movie star, came back into her life.
Priya was caught between being a responsible daughter and standing up on her own. Her dilemma was both frustrating and amusing to witness. As a movie star, Ethan could only be himself around people closest to him, and I liked seeing his soft and vulnerable side. I liked both characters, though I wished their relationship had more intensity.
Being with Ethan had made her feel unstoppable, as if she could take on anything. Now she wasn’t so sure.
Having a romance book set at a funeral home was intriguing. Adding culture, traditions, and a sprinkling of glitz and glam made this book an enlightening and entertaining read.
Caste in the Stars is a story of acceptance and paving one’s own path. It would appeal to readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers, light contemporary romance.
⭐️🎥⭐️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . ⭐️🎥⭐️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
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