For most of my life, I've lived quietly-keeping my head down, staying small, and pretending that silence is safety. Crowded rooms make my chest tighten, mirrors make me look away, and trusting people feels like walking barefoot on glass. Healing, they say, takes time. But what they don't tell you is how lonely it feels in between.
Then he moved in.
Zeke Adams-with his calm voice, steady presence, and the kind of patience I've never known. He doesn't try to fix me or fill the silence-he just stays. And somewhere between chai breaks, late-night dramas, and unspoken words, I start to feel seen again. Maybe, for once, it's okay to stop surviving and start living.
ZEKE ADAMS
Cooking has always been my way of breathing. It's simple-follow the recipe, trust the process, and don't burn what you love. Except when it comes to people, it's never that easy. Not when you've watched your father destroy the meaning of love by betraying the woman who taught you what it was. Not when every promise feels fragile after that.
And definitely not with her.
Siya Chopra is quiet chaos wrapped in gentleness-anxious, kind, and stronger than she realizes. She thinks she's hard to love. I think she just needs someone who won't walk away. She doesn't know it yet, but she's become my favorite recipe-imperfect, messy, and everything that feels like home.
Friends to lovers College romance Flatmates to lovers Found Family
I, again, had the honor of alpha reading Your Unconditionally and to say that I'm obsessed, would be an understatement.
The book starts with a hilarious prologue, where Zeke and Siya meet for the first time. And then from the first chapter, we see their fun and comfortable dynamic. At this point, I think it's a given that I relate to Siya, because all of @authorscjain 's FMCs are relatable. And the emotional connection I have with these two should be studied, because I'm sure it's unhealthy.
To talk about Siya, I feel protective of her. Which is weird because she's only fictional. She's so loveable that throughout the book I was rooting, for her like a friend would do, to heal and finally love herself. Siya became relatable when I found that she's a psychology student, and then as I read furthur her struggles felt familiar. Needless to say, when in the end she finally overcame everything that gnawed on her soul, I cried. Not sad tears, but the happy, I-am-proud-of-you tears.
Now we come to Zeke, he's the greenest flag— again a common occurrence in her books. So, to tell you about him, Zeke is a culinary student, which means he cooks— usually that's all it takes to fall in love. But, he's more than just a chef. The way he understood Siya even when she didn't say anything, healed something in me. The daily reminders to drink water and the regular reassurance to Siya that she's enough warmed my heart. What made him even more attractive was that he knew what issues he had and he worked to get over it.
They both brought out the best and the worst of each other. Siya showed him the parts of her that she thought were meant to be hidden or that made her unloveable, and Zeke as always made it a point to tell her that he would love her no matter what, and he proved it too, because what are words if actions don’t prove it? Though this was a long book, nothing felt dragged. It was like a documentary of Siya and Zeke’s progress and how they became the better versions of themselves. Not to give any spoilers, but protective Zeke is and will always be my favourite. This was one book where there was communication, though it might’ve been after somebody messed something up, but they both respected each other and gave them space.
I hated the parents, especially Siya’s dad because what kind of parent in their right mind blames their daughter for something that wasn’t even her fault? But on the brighter side, I loved their friends. Owen and Brie the new characters and the OG Anya, Sophia, Daniel & Arnav made the book all the more enjoyable. The constant support Siya had from her friends reminded me of why I loved them in the first place. Zeke’s friends were no less. They supported him, gave him advice and of course, teased him non-stop.
The ending was my absolute favourite, with Zeke and Siya working their dream jobs and living their best life together. Seeing them happy made me proud(?). I don’t know, I’m way too attached to them.
So if you were waiting for a sign to dive into the SC Jain Universe, this is your sign and if I still haven’t convinced you, don’t worry, I’m not giving up just yet.
I don’t even know how to explain this book without clutching my chest a little. I started it casually and suddenly I was DONE and just sitting there like… hello??? When did that happen??? It didn’t feel like reading - it felt like living inside the story. Everything was soft, warm, and just flowed so beautifully I didn’t want it to end 🥹
This book made me smile like an idiot, giggle at nothing, swoon HARD, and cry a little (okay fine, more than a little). December book of the month? ABSOLUTELY. Ending my year with this felt so right 💫
Siya… oh Siya 😭💔 She’s soft, anxious, kind, and carries this quiet sadness that just hurts. The way she thinks she has to earn love? The way she gives everything and asks for nothing? I wanted to hug her through the pages. She’s strong in the most heartbreaking way, and while I adored her, I also wished no one ever has to feel the way she does. She stayed with me. She really did.
And then Zeke walked in and I KNEW. I KNEW HE’D BE MY FAVORITE 😩💖
Zeke is not loud, not toxic, not broody - he’s patient, calm, gentle, emotionally mature, and SO DAMN KIND. The way he supports Siya? The way he waits for her? The way he loves her without conditions??? THIS MAN IS A GREEN FOREST. And he cooks. Like… actually cooks. Brings food home for her to taste. Sir??? Who raised you??? 🧎♀️
Their relationship made my heart feel so full it almost hurt. Flatmates to friends to lovers done RIGHT. No unnecessary drama, just soft love, shared silences, chai, cooking experiments, quiet moments, and choosing each other again and again 🫶 Siya thinks she’s too much and Zeke looks at her like she’s everything. THEIR LOVE WAS SOFT AND SAFE AND HEALING AND I WAS NOT READY.
Also the friends??? FOUND FAMILY GOLD 😭💞 Supportive, chaotic, teasing, comforting - they made everything better. The parents though? Yeah no. 😑
This book isn’t loud or messy. It’s warm. It’s gentle. It’s the kind of romance that wraps around your heart and whispers you’re safe.
If you love: 💖 Cinnamon-roll MMC who cooks 💖 Roommates to lovers 💖 Found family 💖 Quiet, healing, heart-squeezing love
Well the book was.. something. This might be an unpopular opinion but to be honest I didn't enjoy the writing style. The book was 448 pages of robotic repetitive reassurances, dramatic buildup, breaking, healing, breaking again, third act breakup (or not, it was just a break right?) and getting back together, graduating, marrying. No depth, just dragging. Sure, cute plot, Indie romance, he cooks (AAgahaaAG) and they watch k-dramas together, they end up sleeping in the same bed, they start out as friends and it becomes more than that. I loved how all Indian things were brought up (that's why I tried this book in the first place). But.. the book is missing something. To exactly point it out, the therapy sessions (oh please I just couldn't read Monika giving such chat gpt responses.) And guess what that's how Zeke talks too. AND guess what zeke's therapist, Raj, 400 pages later ALSO speaks the same chat gpt way. The number of times "not pitying", "not pushing", "not demanding", "giving space", "eyes softening, not showing pity", is mentioned. See I don't blame any of them bcz it IS the right thing to do, everyone deserves it. I understand she's been through a lot, but just a tweak with the way its all been written Ig wouldn't make it this frustrating and draggy (if that's even a word TT). But that thing about her family is so true about the parents thinking its a disgrace to the family when she did nothing wrong, its not the case everywhere but it still exists. All they care about is image, respect. Not much backstory about what happened to her but just a few sentences about it makes it seem like she was overexaggerating everything (at least in the beginning when I had no clue why she was being this way- it was unnecessary build up for THAT long), ofc I realised after getting to know about the abuse part of it. Andd the book gets 1.5 or 2 stars because of all of this but I do hope the author gives more Indie romances ofc with good plot, content and all.
I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story follows Siya, a socially awkward psychology student living with anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional trauma rooted in a painful past relationship with her ex-boyfriend. The mental health representation feels raw, honest, and deeply realistic—never exaggerated, never romanticised.
When Siya starts noticing her flatmate, the story unfolds into a gentle, slow-burning romance built on emotional safety, healthy dynamics, and quiet understanding. He doesn’t try to save her, fix her, or treat her like she’s fragile. He simply treats her normally—with respect, patience, and consistency—and that is what makes her feel truly seen. This portrayal of a green-flag male lead is rare and incredibly comforting.
The author beautifully shows how past trauma manifests in the present, how healing is not linear, and how small moments—shared silences, everyday care, unspoken understanding—can matter more than dramatic declarations. The focus on soft love, emotional grounding, and slice-of-life intimacy makes the story feel deeply personal.
Siya’s character growth stands out the most. Watching her slowly build self-trust, learn emotional regulation, and allow herself vulnerability feels authentic and earned. Her flatmate represents gentle masculinity and true boyfriend material—emotionally mature, observant, and safe.
Overall, this is a comfort read that explores mental health awareness, healing after heartbreak, and love that feels safe rather than overwhelming. A beautifully written healing romance that reminds us sometimes the healthiest love is the one that stays.
Reading Sia’s story felt like reading my own life journey. The things she has dealt with in the past and what she is going through now felt incredibly relatable to me. It felt like I was reading my own soul. She is the most relatable character I have ever read. Her tiniest quirks and habits felt so relatable—so me.
I’m not going to lie, but every man written by SC Jain is a lush green forest. You know the saying “men written by women”—her men prove that quote so well. Each and every man in her books feels like a lush Amazon rainforest, a walking, talking green carpet, and Zeke Adams is no exception.
I’m honestly in a dilemma about whom to choose because every man written by SC Jain is my favorite. But Zeke Adams came dangerously close because of Sia. Sia is me, and she is every girl who has anxiety, who is self-conscious, who feels like a mess, who believes she isn’t enough or worthy of love—and every such girl deserves a man like Zeke in her life. That’s why Zeke Adams is my new affectionate obsession.
This is a soft, cozy romance, obviously with its own emotional moments, and I was completely drawn to it. I finished it in one sitting, even though I have an exam the next day. I was like—forget the exam, I’m finishing this book. I know my academic books are probably cursing me right now, screaming “focus on your exams,” but I can’t—because SC just released a new book, and I am totally hooked.
Yours Unconditionally is a sweet romance about two people who have both carried pain through different phases of their lives, Siya and Zeke. Siya is a traditional Indian girl who loves her kurtis and has been through a lot. From a traumatic past to being left alone by her own family, she has learned to survive quietly. She is so introverted that even her smiles feel measured and careful. Zeke, on the other hand, is someone who has known heartbreak deeply. He believes that love has to be earned by giving, always putting others before himself. He finds comfort and peace in cooking, a space where he feels most like himself. This is a story about two broken individuals who slowly help each other heal, grow, and become stronger. It beautifully shows that love is not always about jumping in to fix problems for the person you love. Sometimes it is simply about being their support system, helping them realize that they can fight their own battles while having a place, a person, to come back home to. The plot was decent, and the emotional connection between Siya and Zeke felt genuine and heartfelt. The character development for both of them was brilliant, something I always look for in a book. While the story did feel a little slow and repetitive at a few points, overall SC Jain once again lived up to her mark and reaffirmed my love for her writing.
Yours Unconditionally is a sweet and emotional romance that talks about believing in someone, even when they don’t fully believe in themselves. The story focuses on the emotional bond between the two main characters. The female lead is dealing with self-doubt, and what stands out is how the male lead supports her quietly and patiently. He doesn’t try to fix everything; he simply stays and believes in her. That makes their relationship feel genuine and comforting. The writing style is simple and easy to read. The emotions are expressed well, and the story moves at a calm pace. There is no unnecessary drama, which makes the romance feel realistic. It’s the kind of book you’d enjoy when you want something light but meaningful. Some parts of the story are predictable, and a little more depth in certain scenes would have made it stronger. But overall, the book delivers what it promises a heartfelt love story about trust, support, and unconditional care. Final thoughts: This book is perfect for readers who enjoy emotional romances with soft moments and supportive characters. If you like stories that feel warm, comforting, and relatable, Yours Unconditionally is a good pick
Absolutely loved this book 😘😘 Its a love story which stays with you long after finishing it , I didn't even know when I finished the book I just went into the story and just flowed through it .
I smiled , giggled ,swooned , cried a little it's surely my book of the month for December.
Zeke and Siya are literally made for each other couple , they were perfect for each other. Zeke is literally perfect book boyfriend — I loved how he was patient and supportive of Siya, 🥹🥹🫶🫶he was not a macho or mafia or strong brooding kind of mmc , he was the soft , kind hearted, calm , protective and possessive kind which I loved the most
Siya is one of the most strong fmc I have read and loved . as much as I loved her strength, I will wish no girl suffers like her or feel relatable to Siya.😭😭
Overall , the chemistry —Chef’s kiss 😘 the story — perfect, the emotions — brilliantly portrayed 🥰🥰 And and and ..... THE FRIENDS GROUP — totally adorable loved the new ones also 😘😘
Hence , it's a PERFECT STORY. am glad to finish my year with this book 🫶🫶🥰🥰
Okay so I've already been in love with siya and Zeke when I read about them in book one and I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint.
Siya, our fmc, the softest, sweetest and kindest soul who loves everyone and take care of themselves but thinks she doesn't deserve the same.
Zeke, our mmc, the kind, patience soul who came to live in the same apartment.
From their first meet it was a connection, the kind you feel. Their journey?? From friends to lovers who loves soo beautifully it hurts (my heart literally felt so full) Siya who thinks she has to earn the love and Zeke who loves her unconditionally 🥹🫶
I can't explain to y'all how much their story has made me feel things differently. I felt so much emotions because siya and Zeke deserves the world but only got hurt and disappointment 🥺
The story was perfect blend of each and every emotions. I cry, I laugh, I blush, I swoon and everything❤
Zeke the man you are, I knew he would be my favorite 🥹🩵(In this world full of siya, we all deserve our own Zeke guys😔🫶)