3 1/2 stars
When I first posted the release day blitz for Variables of Love, I was super intrigued and immediately one-clicked this baby. The premise was fabulous (I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of forbidden love) and there was DIVERSITY!!!! That alone was enough to make me happy dance all the way to Amazon. (I’m definitely tiring of the trope characters in new adult romance, let me just say.)
Then I started reading, and what I soon discovered was that Variables of Love was not just another love story. It was a story of tragedy and heartbreak, learning to find yourself when your a little broken. And yes, finding love during a time when you promised yourself that you couldn’t…and wouldn’t.
This is Meena and Ethan’s story. Two very different college seniors who just so happen to find each other when things weren’t exactly picturesque in their life. They are the calm for each other, although they have this electric chemistry that burns hot and wild. Unable to help themselves, they fall for each other…and they fall fast. Only they have a timeline on their love, because Meena is of Indian decent and her culture insists on arranged marriages. So what do these two crazy lovebirds do? They put a timeline on their relationship, and oh what a bad idea that is when love is involved.
I won’t be spoilery, it’s not my thing. But I will tell you the angst level in Variables of Love was high. A heartbreaking story that will make you look at your own life. Well, at least I did. :)
I didn’t fully connect with Meena like I wanted to. She had too many sides to her that I just couldn’t follow. One minute she’s a bit of a naive virgin and the next she’s skilled in all ways of life. (Sexual and Emotional) It was a tab bit unbelievable to me, but that really didn’t break away from the empathy I felt for her throughout the length. Because truly, I wasn’t her, or in her shoes.
Ethan was a good character, but his story was a little lacking compared to Meena’s. He didn’t necessarily have much of one, other than loving Meena, and trying to get her to be with him for forever. He was sweet, and definitely a man I enjoyed reading about.
So, the question is, would I recommend Variables of Love to others? Of course, especially to fans of New Adult. Like I said, it’s packed with diverse characters and loaded with angst and heart at the same time. I enjoyed the story, believe me, I just didn’t connect with it one hundred percent. But hey, what’s not for me could be for you! Just remember the subjectivity that is reading :)