I received this copy through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity to explore a new genre.
I recommend this to anyone looking for an engaging, well-written, clean romance. I enjoyed reading “The Shape of Compatibility” and following Mira and Zyad’s budding relationship. The illustrations sprinkled throughout of main characters and key moments was an unexpected bonus. I form mental images while reading, and these ensured that I knew what the different types of clothing look like.
UPDATE: This isn’t your typical cute or clean romance, it resonates long after you finish the last sentence. While I enjoyed the plot and found myself invested in the characters, I keep thinking about how it connects to daily life, especially differences between societal/cultural norms and individual values.
I was impatiently waiting for this book to drop, and the moment it released yesterday I bought it right away and read it in one sitting!! And, it did not disappoint!
What stood out most to me was the uniqueness of their connection. I’ve never read a romance where the bond between the two felt so genuine and so mature at the same time. The pacing was incredibly realistic, not rushed or dragged out and it made me feel every moment. I honestly got nervous right alongside Mira every time she was unsure of how she felt, which is such a rare, beautiful thing for a book to pull off.
Some of my favorite parts:
I am so excited for the sequel because I desperately want to know what happens next between them. We’ve only gotten a tiny taste of their love and I need more!!!
"It was hard to believe that once upon a time, he was a turnoff for her. She judged hard but ended up falling harder. She didn’t even need to be near him. It was enough to know he existed in the same world, carrying confidence, a steady kindness and dignity"
Yep... This was one for the halal girlies for sure. The way each character was written and each scene described, fully immerses the reader into the luxurious Dubai love story that will linger with you until your next romance getaway. So sweetly and beautifully written, it had me swooning from chapter to chapter!
Mira is that it girl. Confident, modest, strong head on her shoulders. She knows what she wants and is a good judge of character when it comes to who is worth or not worth her time. I related to her so much with her inner thoughts. Sometimes falling for someone could be confusing... is this really what you want or is it just what makes sense?
I also love how unapologetically religious she is. It's such a breath of fresh air to see strong female characters that stay true to their faith, even though the chance to be with a billionaire hottie is on the line!
"What’s the point of having someone who's into reading but doesn’t fear God?”
Zayd is that billionaire player that just reeks of red flags from the very beginning. It almost seems impossible that such a pious girl like Mira could ever fall for such a celebrity billionaire with a secular lifestyle... or is it?
Let this man surprise you in ways you've always dreamed of. BELIEVE ME and thank me later.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I don't think I fully connected with it. This might be because the pacing of the plot is different than most books. I did like Mira and Zayd's connection and how it reflected their lives. I thought it was interesting to focus on compatibility over chemistry. The writing style was enjoyable, and I would love to read the sequel.