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Call it Coincidence
Not yet published
Expected 2 Dec 25‘Naina, Naina, Naina, I hear Vatsal’s voice calling out to me,
you’re falling in love with me, aren’t you?’
Meet a twenty-five-year-old with big dreams and a sceptical heart, searching for love that lasts and a job that doesn’t make her dread mornings.
Enter a charming, unpredictable twenty-eight-year-old lawyer-to-be, interning in Delhi before jetting off to London for his master’s degree.
Their worlds collide unexpectedly, leading to a whirlwind first date. Naina feels an instant connection, like fate brought them together. In days, they go from strangers to friends, best friends and then something more. Everyone thinks it’s just a matter of a few days until they make it official, call it love. How could they not, when it feels this right?
But then comes the Diwali party—the best and worst day of Naina’s life. A devastating event shatters their bond, and they don’t speak. For three whole years.
As fate would have it, Naina and Vatsal meet again. This time, Naina is cautious; Vatsal overfamiliar. Everything feels just as intense as it once did—but can Naina handle the pain that took her years to overcome, if at all? And can Vatsal fight his fears and stay to watch Naina overcome it?
you’re falling in love with me, aren’t you?’
Meet a twenty-five-year-old with big dreams and a sceptical heart, searching for love that lasts and a job that doesn’t make her dread mornings.
Enter a charming, unpredictable twenty-eight-year-old lawyer-to-be, interning in Delhi before jetting off to London for his master’s degree.
Their worlds collide unexpectedly, leading to a whirlwind first date. Naina feels an instant connection, like fate brought them together. In days, they go from strangers to friends, best friends and then something more. Everyone thinks it’s just a matter of a few days until they make it official, call it love. How could they not, when it feels this right?
But then comes the Diwali party—the best and worst day of Naina’s life. A devastating event shatters their bond, and they don’t speak. For three whole years.
As fate would have it, Naina and Vatsal meet again. This time, Naina is cautious; Vatsal overfamiliar. Everything feels just as intense as it once did—but can Naina handle the pain that took her years to overcome, if at all? And can Vatsal fight his fears and stay to watch Naina overcome it?
280 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 2, 2025
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 11, 2025
What if you were promised the world, and someone gave you a printed map off a stock website?
Call it Coincidence may be a labour of love, but whatever it stands for, is just a cardboard cutout of the real thing, whatever the real thing, is supposed to be.
Both main characters are unlikable, or are ‘written’ in a very unlikable manner. I can’t take anything Naina says seriously, because:
1. In the very beginning, she is waiting for her date to turn up, is angry at him, but when he arrives and apologises, she’s suddenly okay with it because he’s hot?
2. She works in marketing, and her idea of sustainable brands are that they are boring.
3. Every conversation with her best friend involves her denying her feelings for Vatsal, then going ahead and acting on those feelings which are ‘supposed to be’ non existent. Girl is living in denial for all of the book?!!
4. She is about to quit her job, but then they fire her first, so now she’s feeling rejected??
5. She holds a grudge for her mother almost the entire book, refusing to mature beyond childhood, and loves her boss who is a ‘bosswoman’, who is unapologetic and does not take no for an answer. So basically, she resents her mother’s career because it didn’t allow her to be there for her, but admires the same in a different woman?
5. There is a point in the story when Naina takes Vatsal to sleep in her room. Willingly. Knowing there is a spare bedroom for him to sleep in. Still, she wants him in HER room. And then when things go where they are not supposed to go, that is, when he clearly asks her let’s talk about what happened, she says no??? She turns her back on him and sleeps, avoiding the conversation, and then later in the morning, she wants to know from his best friend how he feels about her?? But not from his own mouth?? Make it make sense.
6. Both characters do not show any growth or self awareness. By the end of the book, Naina has not learnt a single thing— neither about herself, nor about Vatsal.
7. The build up is not nearly enough, despite all the pages and pages of inconsequential writing. The whole story might as well have been condensed in a single Instagram post, it is that much lacking in depth.
8. Must the dialogues be this atrocious? To make it relatable is one thing. But for the sake of literature and all the future generations who will study the language or will aspire to be writers, these dialogues don’t work. Just, no!
*It needs to be mentioned that yes, human beings are messy, they make questionable choices, and have questionable world-views. But, liking someone’s Instagram post from 3 years ago, even if it was my crush, is not my worldview or my idea of a ‘catastrophe’. Maybe it would be for others. Likewise for everything listed above, which just says I’m not the intended target audience for this book, because I cannot relate to anything here.
I AM a creative, however, and I felt underwhelmed by this work.
I have no more thoughts, for legal reasons or otherwise.
Call it Coincidence may be a labour of love, but whatever it stands for, is just a cardboard cutout of the real thing, whatever the real thing, is supposed to be.
Both main characters are unlikable, or are ‘written’ in a very unlikable manner. I can’t take anything Naina says seriously, because:
1. In the very beginning, she is waiting for her date to turn up, is angry at him, but when he arrives and apologises, she’s suddenly okay with it because he’s hot?
2. She works in marketing, and her idea of sustainable brands are that they are boring.
3. Every conversation with her best friend involves her denying her feelings for Vatsal, then going ahead and acting on those feelings which are ‘supposed to be’ non existent. Girl is living in denial for all of the book?!!
4. She is about to quit her job, but then they fire her first, so now she’s feeling rejected??
5. She holds a grudge for her mother almost the entire book, refusing to mature beyond childhood, and loves her boss who is a ‘bosswoman’, who is unapologetic and does not take no for an answer. So basically, she resents her mother’s career because it didn’t allow her to be there for her, but admires the same in a different woman?
5. There is a point in the story when Naina takes Vatsal to sleep in her room. Willingly. Knowing there is a spare bedroom for him to sleep in. Still, she wants him in HER room. And then when things go where they are not supposed to go, that is, when he clearly asks her let’s talk about what happened, she says no??? She turns her back on him and sleeps, avoiding the conversation, and then later in the morning, she wants to know from his best friend how he feels about her?? But not from his own mouth?? Make it make sense.
6. Both characters do not show any growth or self awareness. By the end of the book, Naina has not learnt a single thing— neither about herself, nor about Vatsal.
7. The build up is not nearly enough, despite all the pages and pages of inconsequential writing. The whole story might as well have been condensed in a single Instagram post, it is that much lacking in depth.
8. Must the dialogues be this atrocious? To make it relatable is one thing. But for the sake of literature and all the future generations who will study the language or will aspire to be writers, these dialogues don’t work. Just, no!
*It needs to be mentioned that yes, human beings are messy, they make questionable choices, and have questionable world-views. But, liking someone’s Instagram post from 3 years ago, even if it was my crush, is not my worldview or my idea of a ‘catastrophe’. Maybe it would be for others. Likewise for everything listed above, which just says I’m not the intended target audience for this book, because I cannot relate to anything here.
I AM a creative, however, and I felt underwhelmed by this work.
I have no more thoughts, for legal reasons or otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2025
Also, this is a purely subjective review, a collection of my thoughts as soon as I put the book down, raw, unfiltered. This reflects how I felt, which I think, is more important to document rather than the literary flaws of a book because a lot of people who are better at doing it, have already done it.
This book made me feel a lot of things, heartbreak, rage, rage of a heartbreak (if that makes sense) but most importantly, it made me feel seen through Naina, something I didn't know how desperately I needed.
We're humans, humans are messy, they claim they have no feelings then they go and act on them, they want to let go but want the other one to hold on, they want to be angry and not scare the other person so much that they run away, they want to be fully angry, angry without any inhibitions, they want to be angry and feel safe while expressing it.
They can make a move, kiss someone, miss someone and regret it, they can resist it and still do it, they can be well aware of things they're not supposed to do or say but do it regardless.
They can know the right decision to make, yet choose the wrong one.
And Naina is a human too, she isn't supposed to be perfect, she's supposed to hug readers like me and make them feel seen when they feel they're so obviously dumb to be feeling and doing all of this.
I am not shitting when I say this book found me at the perfect time, idk what coincidence it was but I'm so glad I devoured this book.
Naina goes through a complex situation with equally complex emotions and god do i feel so seen, finally.
I don't think books, especially fiction, are supposed to be the holy grail, know-it-all. They don't have to present the right, likable sort of characters who have it all figured out, or the perfect story, or the perfect ending. Most of the times, they're just supposed to be a slice of life for people who are starving. Like I was. And this book sat me down and fed me until I was full to the brim.
There are a LOT of messy things that Naina goes through, conflicting emotions, bad decisions, bad outcomes and what not. I needed to read a story that felt like a section of my heart is laid out on paper and makes it look not so insane. Safe to say, I forgave myself through Naina.
There was a review (iykyk) that listed the things they didn't like which also happens to be the reasons why I felt seen.
Yes, I think she can be angry at her mother for being a career woman and admire Nancy for the same. Yes, she can make a bad decision even after knowing what the outcome would be (lord knows the number of times I've done that because I have lost the count).
Let the woman breathe, man.
Did I wish the ending was a bit different though? Yes. But that is because of my feelings from a similar (but worse) situation spilling out while I read this book.
Am I disappointed? No
Did I enjoy every bit of word put down in this book? A 100% yes.
We need more books like these, written by people who feel things, I need more books like these. I feel so seen that imma cry. Idk if this review made any sense but this is how it will go out into the world, full of emotions, all over the place and messy.
Safe to say, I loved the book, if it wasn't clear already.
Plus, I really love the acknowledgement section of Nona's books.
This book made me feel a lot of things, heartbreak, rage, rage of a heartbreak (if that makes sense) but most importantly, it made me feel seen through Naina, something I didn't know how desperately I needed.
We're humans, humans are messy, they claim they have no feelings then they go and act on them, they want to let go but want the other one to hold on, they want to be angry and not scare the other person so much that they run away, they want to be fully angry, angry without any inhibitions, they want to be angry and feel safe while expressing it.
They can make a move, kiss someone, miss someone and regret it, they can resist it and still do it, they can be well aware of things they're not supposed to do or say but do it regardless.
They can know the right decision to make, yet choose the wrong one.
And Naina is a human too, she isn't supposed to be perfect, she's supposed to hug readers like me and make them feel seen when they feel they're so obviously dumb to be feeling and doing all of this.
I am not shitting when I say this book found me at the perfect time, idk what coincidence it was but I'm so glad I devoured this book.
Naina goes through a complex situation with equally complex emotions and god do i feel so seen, finally.
I don't think books, especially fiction, are supposed to be the holy grail, know-it-all. They don't have to present the right, likable sort of characters who have it all figured out, or the perfect story, or the perfect ending. Most of the times, they're just supposed to be a slice of life for people who are starving. Like I was. And this book sat me down and fed me until I was full to the brim.
There are a LOT of messy things that Naina goes through, conflicting emotions, bad decisions, bad outcomes and what not. I needed to read a story that felt like a section of my heart is laid out on paper and makes it look not so insane. Safe to say, I forgave myself through Naina.
There was a review (iykyk) that listed the things they didn't like which also happens to be the reasons why I felt seen.
Yes, I think she can be angry at her mother for being a career woman and admire Nancy for the same. Yes, she can make a bad decision even after knowing what the outcome would be (lord knows the number of times I've done that because I have lost the count).
Let the woman breathe, man.
Did I wish the ending was a bit different though? Yes. But that is because of my feelings from a similar (but worse) situation spilling out while I read this book.
Am I disappointed? No
Did I enjoy every bit of word put down in this book? A 100% yes.
We need more books like these, written by people who feel things, I need more books like these. I feel so seen that imma cry. Idk if this review made any sense but this is how it will go out into the world, full of emotions, all over the place and messy.
Safe to say, I loved the book, if it wasn't clear already.
Plus, I really love the acknowledgement section of Nona's books.
October 27, 2025
My favourite thing about this book was the bookmark that came along with it.
My second favourite thing about this book was the depiction of corporate India.
Nancy, I want to be you when I grow up too.
My second favourite thing about this book was the depiction of corporate India.
Nancy, I want to be you when I grow up too.
November 18, 2025
I didn't think I would ever rate a book 0.5 stars but here it is. I'm extremely curious to know why Penguin India is publishing garbage at this point. I don't say this lightly where I feel Karan Johar can probably write a better script than whatever this was. I can’t believe her debut novel was mildly better than this novel.
Also does Penguin not have a budget for editors? Rather, good editors? Because I saw words like 'iron clad', 'shit thing', 'thump-thump-thumps' and I'm flabbergasted by how badly stories can be written. I'm truly worried for the future of Indian literature.
Now a few specifics about the storyline -
1. The female main character (FMC) is supposedly 25/28 through the book but talks and acts like a 14 year old child and it's borderline triggering. Like grow up! And one of the authors' posts said that this book started off as autobiographical and if that's the case, considering the level of immaturity the FMC is at it's mildly concerning. No, it's extremely concerning.
2. There are unnecessarily long paragraphs in the scenes where the FMC's dressing up starting with her Kurta brand or some eye make up. While it's fine once or twice it's alarming how shallow it comes off sometimes. And I've seen people on the gram annotate her book, so I'm curious were they taking shopping suggestions or make up ones? Or were they truly highlighting other grammatical errors.
3. We're given no other details of the FMC and MMC other than their love life and work life. No personality whatsoever, no hobbies, no friends outside their bubble, nothing they ever do. The author went above and beyond to establish the FMC's work ethic in this day and age but was supremely sloppy in coming up with brand names.
4. There was a weak attempt at a whole sexism / feminism debate. Ofcourse, why wouldn't there be?
5. It felt like the author binged Dear Zindagi (for the FMC 's problem with her parents, a set up in Goa) and YJHD (to borrow all the supporting characters) and she made a cocktail out of all of it. Borrowed brain cells, clearly.
6. Throughout the story if she wanted to introduce and delve into conflict, there wasn't any. It was very 'nibba-nibbi' as the millennials call it. There was 0 depth in the story, characters.
7. The author was brave enough to introduce characters from her first book here. Brave considering how equally bad her debut novel was. No, wait this book is 10x worse. I like to say Nona-verse? More like Nona-averse.
8. The overuse of certain words like faux pas made me gag. And the endless em dashes, my god. Someone please give them a grammar class.
Final thoughts, I think Nona, Stuti Changle, Saksham Garg, Prajakta Kohli, Ravinder Singh, Preeti Shenoy, Durjoy Dutta can definitely consider taking a master class on how to write badly. And then collectively should be banned from publishing anything in India (because no other sane country would publish their work, duh!?)
While I do respect the author's overall choice of books and movies on Instagram and her overall social media persona, it's a bad idea to feed bad books. Penguin, do better!
Also does Penguin not have a budget for editors? Rather, good editors? Because I saw words like 'iron clad', 'shit thing', 'thump-thump-thumps' and I'm flabbergasted by how badly stories can be written. I'm truly worried for the future of Indian literature.
Now a few specifics about the storyline -
1. The female main character (FMC) is supposedly 25/28 through the book but talks and acts like a 14 year old child and it's borderline triggering. Like grow up! And one of the authors' posts said that this book started off as autobiographical and if that's the case, considering the level of immaturity the FMC is at it's mildly concerning. No, it's extremely concerning.
2. There are unnecessarily long paragraphs in the scenes where the FMC's dressing up starting with her Kurta brand or some eye make up. While it's fine once or twice it's alarming how shallow it comes off sometimes. And I've seen people on the gram annotate her book, so I'm curious were they taking shopping suggestions or make up ones? Or were they truly highlighting other grammatical errors.
3. We're given no other details of the FMC and MMC other than their love life and work life. No personality whatsoever, no hobbies, no friends outside their bubble, nothing they ever do. The author went above and beyond to establish the FMC's work ethic in this day and age but was supremely sloppy in coming up with brand names.
4. There was a weak attempt at a whole sexism / feminism debate. Ofcourse, why wouldn't there be?
5. It felt like the author binged Dear Zindagi (for the FMC 's problem with her parents, a set up in Goa) and YJHD (to borrow all the supporting characters) and she made a cocktail out of all of it. Borrowed brain cells, clearly.
6. Throughout the story if she wanted to introduce and delve into conflict, there wasn't any. It was very 'nibba-nibbi' as the millennials call it. There was 0 depth in the story, characters.
7. The author was brave enough to introduce characters from her first book here. Brave considering how equally bad her debut novel was. No, wait this book is 10x worse. I like to say Nona-verse? More like Nona-averse.
8. The overuse of certain words like faux pas made me gag. And the endless em dashes, my god. Someone please give them a grammar class.
Final thoughts, I think Nona, Stuti Changle, Saksham Garg, Prajakta Kohli, Ravinder Singh, Preeti Shenoy, Durjoy Dutta can definitely consider taking a master class on how to write badly. And then collectively should be banned from publishing anything in India (because no other sane country would publish their work, duh!?)
While I do respect the author's overall choice of books and movies on Instagram and her overall social media persona, it's a bad idea to feed bad books. Penguin, do better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
'Call it Coincidence' by Nona Uppal is your book to experience young-age vulnerabilities, firm friendships, and one giant coincidence.
The story follows Naina, a 25-year-old dreamer longing for meaningful love and a career she doesn’t dread, and Vatsal, a 28-year-old aspiring lawyer preparing to leave for London. They meet unexpectedly and fall into an intense, effortless bond that moves swiftly from strangers to friends to something that everyone around them calls love. Their rising connection is shattered on a Diwali night that becomes both magical and disastrous, leaving behind a wound so deep that they cut all contact and remain estranged for three years. When fate pulls them back into each other’s orbit, the reunion is charged—Naina brings a protective shield around her, carrying the scars of what happened, while Vatsal tries to bridge the familiar closeness they once had. As they navigate the unresolved differences between them, the story examines whether their reconnection is destiny or just a coincidence, and whether healing, forgiveness, and rekindled affection can overcome the string that tore them apart.
Nona's writing is lyrical and engaging, it's something as fun to read as watching a feel-good movie. Naina and Vatsal are crafted with flaws, messiness, and hope. Somewhere down the line, both these individuals are similar in sharing a familiar weight of their vulnerabilities. On one hand, Naina preserves her sanity, not letting her heartbreak for another time, and Vatsal, on the other hand, is determined to make things right, rehearsing whatever's still left to confess. 'Call it Coincidence' explores not just romance but how past trauma shapes people’s present and future. The three-year gap after the Diwali incident creates a strong emotional tension: when they meet again, things are intense, but there’s also vulnerability, regret, and fear. This book is firmly based on second-chance tropes, and the distinctive difference is so well presented in the book. You could see the characters' development, their personalities change. I loved how Nona balances love and friendship in each of her books. Sarina and Naina's bonding and understanding will give you 'Aditi and Naina' vibes from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani vibes.
Taking a few bits and pieces from the GenZ culture in relationships, it does become a voice trying to navigate emotions and individuality in today's time full of choices and makes us believe that truly Pyar Deewana Hota Hai.
Nona Uppal has crafted a romance that feels very “of its time.” Its strength lies in making readers believe in second chances, but not in an idealised, fairy-tale way. The emotional realism is a big plus: heartbreak is not glossed over, and reconciliation is not magically easy.
However, the style is very contemporary and dialogue-heavy, the emotionally weighted themes of Fate-Coincidences, Healing and Forgiveness and fractured childhood come to life.
The story follows Naina, a 25-year-old dreamer longing for meaningful love and a career she doesn’t dread, and Vatsal, a 28-year-old aspiring lawyer preparing to leave for London. They meet unexpectedly and fall into an intense, effortless bond that moves swiftly from strangers to friends to something that everyone around them calls love. Their rising connection is shattered on a Diwali night that becomes both magical and disastrous, leaving behind a wound so deep that they cut all contact and remain estranged for three years. When fate pulls them back into each other’s orbit, the reunion is charged—Naina brings a protective shield around her, carrying the scars of what happened, while Vatsal tries to bridge the familiar closeness they once had. As they navigate the unresolved differences between them, the story examines whether their reconnection is destiny or just a coincidence, and whether healing, forgiveness, and rekindled affection can overcome the string that tore them apart.
Nona's writing is lyrical and engaging, it's something as fun to read as watching a feel-good movie. Naina and Vatsal are crafted with flaws, messiness, and hope. Somewhere down the line, both these individuals are similar in sharing a familiar weight of their vulnerabilities. On one hand, Naina preserves her sanity, not letting her heartbreak for another time, and Vatsal, on the other hand, is determined to make things right, rehearsing whatever's still left to confess. 'Call it Coincidence' explores not just romance but how past trauma shapes people’s present and future. The three-year gap after the Diwali incident creates a strong emotional tension: when they meet again, things are intense, but there’s also vulnerability, regret, and fear. This book is firmly based on second-chance tropes, and the distinctive difference is so well presented in the book. You could see the characters' development, their personalities change. I loved how Nona balances love and friendship in each of her books. Sarina and Naina's bonding and understanding will give you 'Aditi and Naina' vibes from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani vibes.
Taking a few bits and pieces from the GenZ culture in relationships, it does become a voice trying to navigate emotions and individuality in today's time full of choices and makes us believe that truly Pyar Deewana Hota Hai.
Nona Uppal has crafted a romance that feels very “of its time.” Its strength lies in making readers believe in second chances, but not in an idealised, fairy-tale way. The emotional realism is a big plus: heartbreak is not glossed over, and reconciliation is not magically easy.
However, the style is very contemporary and dialogue-heavy, the emotionally weighted themes of Fate-Coincidences, Healing and Forgiveness and fractured childhood come to life.
November 15, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read by Nona. I had the expectation that her writing would be better in this novel than in the first one, and I can see the progress.
While I didn’t love it as much as Fool Me Twice, it is still a fun book that I would love to see adapted into a Bollywood movie! Yes, I said it, coming from someone who usually doesn’t want books adapted, especially into movies, I want this one to be a film. It would be such a hit romcom, filled with love, drama, tragedy, and a happily ever after. I enjoyed the whole concept.
While I didn’t love it as much as Fool Me Twice, it is still a fun book that I would love to see adapted into a Bollywood movie! Yes, I said it, coming from someone who usually doesn’t want books adapted, especially into movies, I want this one to be a film. It would be such a hit romcom, filled with love, drama, tragedy, and a happily ever after. I enjoyed the whole concept.
November 5, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
this book was beautifully raw. exactly how real life relationships are; messy, unpredictable yet beautiful. despite the complicated love story, it draws you in with its genuine emotions 🥹 such a heartfelt read.
this book was beautifully raw. exactly how real life relationships are; messy, unpredictable yet beautiful. despite the complicated love story, it draws you in with its genuine emotions 🥹 such a heartfelt read.
November 9, 2025
Read this all through in one sitting, cried, laughed, all of it❤️
November 19, 2025
A friends-to-lovers story set in Delhi, explored against the backdrop of modern dating, friendships, and the chaos of being in your twenties.
Pick it up if you want a simple, quick read to increase your reading count. But if you want something more emotionally impactful, I’d still recommend Fool Me Twice by the same author over this.
I adored Fool Me Twice and even cried reading it, so my expectations for this book were sky-high. I had pre-ordered it, but the second it appeared on Blinkit, I ordered another copy and started reading immediately. That’s how excited I was (and yes, I may regret owning two copies now).
The story opens with Naina’s disastrous first date, after which she bumps into Vatsal by pure coincidence. And another coincidence? Vatsal happens to be the best friend of Naina’s best friend’s boyfriend. With that connection, they start seeing each other more often, slowly building a friendship - hanging out, learning each other’s quirks, and constantly circling around that undeniable chemistry that simmers in the background.
But as their relationship deepens, the real problems begin - problems rooted in their personal baggage, their childhoods, and the responsibilities they carry.
Naina believes in love and commitment; Vatsal wants to be with her but has a fractured understanding of love because of his parents’ divorce. When things start to get too real, Vatsal runs - abruptly.
Three years later, they meet again. As they navigate their past and the commitments of their present lives, they try - once again - to make it work. Whether they succeed forms the core of the story.
But honestly, a lot didn’t sit right with me. The biggest drawback was how quickly Naina accepts Vatsal back without addressing the issues that broke them the first time. Watching them fall right back into the same pattern was frustrating.
As main characters, Naina and Vatsal didn’t leave any lasting impression on me, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested in the story.
There were cute cliché moments that made me giggle, but they fizzled out too quickly to carry the book. However, I genuinely loved the friendship between Naina and Sarina. It was heartwarming, layered, and filled with moments that showed what real friendship looks like - even when it delivers tough truths.
Overall, I can safely say I'll still trust Nona Uppal's recommendations, but I might take a little break before picking up another one of her novels (unless, of course, the marketing gets to me again).
Pick it up if you want a simple, quick read to increase your reading count. But if you want something more emotionally impactful, I’d still recommend Fool Me Twice by the same author over this.
I adored Fool Me Twice and even cried reading it, so my expectations for this book were sky-high. I had pre-ordered it, but the second it appeared on Blinkit, I ordered another copy and started reading immediately. That’s how excited I was (and yes, I may regret owning two copies now).
The story opens with Naina’s disastrous first date, after which she bumps into Vatsal by pure coincidence. And another coincidence? Vatsal happens to be the best friend of Naina’s best friend’s boyfriend. With that connection, they start seeing each other more often, slowly building a friendship - hanging out, learning each other’s quirks, and constantly circling around that undeniable chemistry that simmers in the background.
But as their relationship deepens, the real problems begin - problems rooted in their personal baggage, their childhoods, and the responsibilities they carry.
Naina believes in love and commitment; Vatsal wants to be with her but has a fractured understanding of love because of his parents’ divorce. When things start to get too real, Vatsal runs - abruptly.
Three years later, they meet again. As they navigate their past and the commitments of their present lives, they try - once again - to make it work. Whether they succeed forms the core of the story.
But honestly, a lot didn’t sit right with me. The biggest drawback was how quickly Naina accepts Vatsal back without addressing the issues that broke them the first time. Watching them fall right back into the same pattern was frustrating.
As main characters, Naina and Vatsal didn’t leave any lasting impression on me, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested in the story.
There were cute cliché moments that made me giggle, but they fizzled out too quickly to carry the book. However, I genuinely loved the friendship between Naina and Sarina. It was heartwarming, layered, and filled with moments that showed what real friendship looks like - even when it delivers tough truths.
Overall, I can safely say I'll still trust Nona Uppal's recommendations, but I might take a little break before picking up another one of her novels (unless, of course, the marketing gets to me again).
November 2, 2025
Call It Coincidence is a story that explores the experiences we have growing up impact our perception of reality and our reactions to situations in life. The book explores the story of Naina and Vatsal, and how their paths keep crossing even after 3 years of being apart. Nona’s storytelling is quite gripping, and it is not difficult to imagine yourself in the shoes of either character. The writing is simple, easy to understand and contemporary in the way we see choice of partner, career and life choices. The romance between the leads is wonderfully written and the spark is nicely captured. What works in the book is the to and fro between Naina and Vatsal the first time around and how it ends, specially how it ends. When their paths cross again three years later, Nona recreates these meet-cute moments drawing parallels from the first time around. While Naina is cautiously optimistic, the author keeps Vatsal’s emotions a bit hidden till the very end. Another aspect that I loved was how Nona writes the relationship between Naina and Sarina. The climax was predictable, but the execution was interesting and I could feel a lot of inspiration from Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani in the climax.
Coming to the characters, Naina is wonderfully penned and her anxieties, character traits and relationships come out quite nicely. I loved how she is frank and her honesty come out with each scene. Vatsal’s character was also something I really enjoyed reading. A guy battling his own demons yet has the space to love unconditionally was quite refreshing to read. I also like the fact that until the reveal is done, you are mildly annoyed at Vatsal, and I think drawing emotions like that from a reader exhibits good reading. The best-friend-cum-big-sister relationship between Naina and Sarina is wonderfully penned. The one scene where Sarina and Nipun are sleeping, and Vatsal is the one waiting for her was quite visual, and that I think, established quite a bit of the relationships for me.
Coming to the characters, Naina is wonderfully penned and her anxieties, character traits and relationships come out quite nicely. I loved how she is frank and her honesty come out with each scene. Vatsal’s character was also something I really enjoyed reading. A guy battling his own demons yet has the space to love unconditionally was quite refreshing to read. I also like the fact that until the reveal is done, you are mildly annoyed at Vatsal, and I think drawing emotions like that from a reader exhibits good reading. The best-friend-cum-big-sister relationship between Naina and Sarina is wonderfully penned. The one scene where Sarina and Nipun are sleeping, and Vatsal is the one waiting for her was quite visual, and that I think, established quite a bit of the relationships for me.
November 4, 2025
I went into Call It Coincidence with high expectations. I’ve loved Nona’s work as an influencer and thoroughly enjoyed her debut, Fool Me Twice. But this one didn’t land the same way. It’s not a bad book, it just feels undercooked. If you can power through the first chapter (which, honestly, feels like a draft), the writing improves significantly in terms of language and dialogue.
What it really lacks, though, is depth. Both Naina and Vatsal and their relationship felt surface-level, missing the emotional build-up their story deserved. The climax especially left me disappointed; it felt rushed, almost like something that belonged on an Instagram caption rather than the end of a novel.
Still, I wouldn’t dismiss it. It’s a quick, easy read perfect if you’re in a slump and I’ll definitely pick up Nona’s next book. The potential is there; it just needs a little more marination next time.
What it really lacks, though, is depth. Both Naina and Vatsal and their relationship felt surface-level, missing the emotional build-up their story deserved. The climax especially left me disappointed; it felt rushed, almost like something that belonged on an Instagram caption rather than the end of a novel.
Still, I wouldn’t dismiss it. It’s a quick, easy read perfect if you’re in a slump and I’ll definitely pick up Nona’s next book. The potential is there; it just needs a little more marination next time.
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November 14, 2025This book felt unrealistic from the start. Both leads were pretty unlikeable — maybe intentionally, but still frustrating. Naina forgetting she’s mad at a date who shows up 45 minutes late? Unrealistic. Getting fired from a job she wanted to quit and then being sad about it? Also unrealistic. Naina leading Vatsal to HER room knowing well enough that there was a spare room? Unrealistic. Naina just jetting off with Vatsal on their BEST FRIENDS’ wedding? Unrealistic. And don’t even get me started on Vatsal? If you’re in love with someone you have to a proper communicate system and TELL them if something from your past has made an indelible mark on you. I felt confused about the epilogue because I felt like they were still stuck in the same place they were five years ago.
Please respect my opinion because reading is a purely subjective experience.
I love Nona’s writing how it’s easy to read but this book was not for me.
Please respect my opinion because reading is a purely subjective experience.
I love Nona’s writing how it’s easy to read but this book was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
liked it so much :) especially the timelines and the story integration with three years ago and now, like we get a character in the now chapters and boom in the next chapter we know how did our main character met her/him (very very vague - but I hope you get it) which interested me so much!! I can see the efforts that went into writing :) And the mundane life that was at the end was nice :)
Only one ick - sometimes, very rarely, I think 2-3 times, the main protagonist addresses her love interest as third person, that’s when I felt meh! other than that, it’s a very nice read - couldn’t stop it after 120 pages, I needed to know what happens and boom done it in one day after reading it while walking like a maniac hehehehehe
Only one ick - sometimes, very rarely, I think 2-3 times, the main protagonist addresses her love interest as third person, that’s when I felt meh! other than that, it’s a very nice read - couldn’t stop it after 120 pages, I needed to know what happens and boom done it in one day after reading it while walking like a maniac hehehehehe
October 28, 2025
**Call It Coincidence** by Nona Uppal
*★★★★★ – A warm hug in book form*
If *Fool Me Twice* broke our hearts open, *Call It Coincidence* stitches them back together with threads of hope, humor, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. This is the book you’ll press into a friend’s hands with teary eyes and a whispered, *“Read this. Trust me.”*
Nona Uppal doesn’t just write romance—she writes *belief*. Belief that the right person might be waiting at the next corner, disguised as an accident. And after turning the final page, I believe it too.
*★★★★★ – A warm hug in book form*
If *Fool Me Twice* broke our hearts open, *Call It Coincidence* stitches them back together with threads of hope, humor, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. This is the book you’ll press into a friend’s hands with teary eyes and a whispered, *“Read this. Trust me.”*
Nona Uppal doesn’t just write romance—she writes *belief*. Belief that the right person might be waiting at the next corner, disguised as an accident. And after turning the final page, I believe it too.
November 13, 2025
Well, I really like Nona, have followed her on Insta forever and absolutely love her book and show recs. And hence, I had preordered this the moment it was announced, especially since I really liked her first book. That said, keeping my bias aside and not comparing it to her previous work (because that would be unfair and kind of a pressure), this one just didn’t hit the same for me.
I’m not a huge romcom person, but I do enjoy one every now and then when I need a light read. Sadly, this didn’t give me the usual romcom feels. I couldn’t really connect with the main character; her thoughts and dialogues showed confidence, but her actions said otherwise (came across as too easy to sway.) And honestly, I’ve had more coincidences in real life than this book had!
Still, a few quotes did stand out, and I flew through the last 100 pages today, so it’s definitely an easier read once you get past the first few chapters. Overall, not a great read for me, but an okay one.
I’m not a huge romcom person, but I do enjoy one every now and then when I need a light read. Sadly, this didn’t give me the usual romcom feels. I couldn’t really connect with the main character; her thoughts and dialogues showed confidence, but her actions said otherwise (came across as too easy to sway.) And honestly, I’ve had more coincidences in real life than this book had!
Still, a few quotes did stand out, and I flew through the last 100 pages today, so it’s definitely an easier read once you get past the first few chapters. Overall, not a great read for me, but an okay one.
November 13, 2025
Could’ve used a stronger edit. I found grammatical errors, repetition, and disjointed timelines multiple times which pulled me out of the story. Moreover, I think in this day and age, it’s time to retire the constantly self-deprecating, “I can never do anything right” fmc. The story simultaneously felt too rushed and too stretched out.
October 24, 2025
such a short & sweet read 🫶🏼❤️
Vatsal was so easy to love, Naina not so much but the character work is so lovely and relatable. I love how the story wraps up, it felt so complete with its own nuances.
Vatsal was so easy to love, Naina not so much but the character work is so lovely and relatable. I love how the story wraps up, it felt so complete with its own nuances.
November 2, 2025
It feels like a soft echo of life's unexpected alignments - subtle yet profound, makes you wonder how much of life is luck and how much of it is longing really loved it.
November 10, 2025
The monologue about lonliness hits like crack. 10/10 no notes.
November 20, 2025
I needed this tbh
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