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The Love Match
“Jane Austen meets Bengali cinema” (Publishers Weekly) in this delightful and heartfelt rom-com about a Bangladeshi American teen whose meddling mother arranges a match to secure their family’s financial security—just as she’s falling in love with someone else.
Zahra Khan is basically Bangladeshi royalty, but being a princess doesn’t pay the bills in Paterson, New Jersey. While Zahra’s plans for financial security this summer involve working long hours at Chai Ho and saving up for college writing courses, Amma is convinced that all Zahra needs is a “good match,” Jane Austen style.
Enter Harun Emon, who’s wealthy, devastatingly handsome, and…aloof. As soon as Zahra meets him, she knows it’s a bad match. It’s nothing like the connection she has with Nayim Aktar, the new dishwasher at the tea shop, who just gets Zahra in a way no one has before. So, when Zahra finds out that Harun is just as uninterested in this match as she is, they decide to slowly sabotage their parents’ plans. And for once in Zahra’s life, she can have her rossomalai and eat it “dating” Harun and keeping Amma happy while catching real feelings for Nayim.
But life—and boys—can be more complicated than Zahra realizes. With her feelings all mixed up, Zahra discovers that sometimes being a good Bengali kid can be a royal pain.
Zahra Khan is basically Bangladeshi royalty, but being a princess doesn’t pay the bills in Paterson, New Jersey. While Zahra’s plans for financial security this summer involve working long hours at Chai Ho and saving up for college writing courses, Amma is convinced that all Zahra needs is a “good match,” Jane Austen style.
Enter Harun Emon, who’s wealthy, devastatingly handsome, and…aloof. As soon as Zahra meets him, she knows it’s a bad match. It’s nothing like the connection she has with Nayim Aktar, the new dishwasher at the tea shop, who just gets Zahra in a way no one has before. So, when Zahra finds out that Harun is just as uninterested in this match as she is, they decide to slowly sabotage their parents’ plans. And for once in Zahra’s life, she can have her rossomalai and eat it “dating” Harun and keeping Amma happy while catching real feelings for Nayim.
But life—and boys—can be more complicated than Zahra realizes. With her feelings all mixed up, Zahra discovers that sometimes being a good Bengali kid can be a royal pain.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2023
109 people are currently reading
17633 people want to read
About the author
Priyanka Taslim
3 books201 followersPriyanka Taslim is a writer, teacher, and lifelong New Jersey resident.
Having grown up in a bustling Bangladeshi diaspora community, surrounded by her mother’s entire clan and many aunties of no relation, her writing often features families, communities, and all the drama therein.
Currently, Priyanka teaches English by day and tells all kinds of stories about Bengali characters by night. Her writing usually stars spunky Bengali heroines finding their place in the world…and a little swoony romance, too.
Her debut young adult novel, THE LOVE MATCH, is releasing from Salaam Reads, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in January 2023.
Having grown up in a bustling Bangladeshi diaspora community, surrounded by her mother’s entire clan and many aunties of no relation, her writing often features families, communities, and all the drama therein.
Currently, Priyanka teaches English by day and tells all kinds of stories about Bengali characters by night. Her writing usually stars spunky Bengali heroines finding their place in the world…and a little swoony romance, too.
Her debut young adult novel, THE LOVE MATCH, is releasing from Salaam Reads, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in January 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 645 reviews
June 26, 2023
Hi, I'm the author of The Love Match!
THE COVER IS HERE!!! And it is BREATHTAKING and SO VERY BANGLADESHI! If you haven't taken a gander yet at the cover and official synopsis, please do!
Here are some things you'll find in TLM that might be…your cup of tea (see what I did there?) and you can also keep scrolling for some content warnings:
-Bangladeshi rep
-Meant to feel like a natok (Bengali cinema) set in America
-A love triangle centering a brown girl, where all the participants are brown (specifically, Bangladeshi, so this may be one of the first YAs where Bangladeshi BOYS play a major part?)
-An all BIPOC, almost all South Asian, almost all Muslim main cast (although the book focuses more on what it means to be Bangladeshi American than exploring religion much)
-A love letter to diaspora communities
-Meddling ammas and aunties
-Matchmaking shenanigans
-Fake dating
-Working class families
-Family feels in general
-Cool cousins and siblings
-An awesome sapphic side-ship and lots of diversity
-A tea shop setting
-An amazing brown girl squad of best friends
Some CWs here (with the stipulation that this is a relatively lighthearted book so the majority of this is off-page/not deeply explored): grief from losing a parent 2 years prior, mentions of the Bangladeshi Liberation War, discussions of class/status through a Bangladeshi and diaspora lens, discussions of colorism and sexism in South Asian communities, mentions of homophobia (off page) and one instance of fat phobia, brief off page mentions of past bullying/racism. I think that’s it! I don’t believe anything is graphically present on page, because I set out to write an ultimately joyful book, but please read with care. 💜
I'll leave it at that for now, but here is some art I commissioned of Zahra and her boys by the talented @nishinowhy on twitter and instagram:
THE COVER IS HERE!!! And it is BREATHTAKING and SO VERY BANGLADESHI! If you haven't taken a gander yet at the cover and official synopsis, please do!
Here are some things you'll find in TLM that might be…your cup of tea (see what I did there?) and you can also keep scrolling for some content warnings:
-Bangladeshi rep
-Meant to feel like a natok (Bengali cinema) set in America
-A love triangle centering a brown girl, where all the participants are brown (specifically, Bangladeshi, so this may be one of the first YAs where Bangladeshi BOYS play a major part?)
-An all BIPOC, almost all South Asian, almost all Muslim main cast (although the book focuses more on what it means to be Bangladeshi American than exploring religion much)
-A love letter to diaspora communities
-Meddling ammas and aunties
-Matchmaking shenanigans
-Fake dating
-Working class families
-Family feels in general
-Cool cousins and siblings
-An awesome sapphic side-ship and lots of diversity
-A tea shop setting
-An amazing brown girl squad of best friends
Some CWs here (with the stipulation that this is a relatively lighthearted book so the majority of this is off-page/not deeply explored): grief from losing a parent 2 years prior, mentions of the Bangladeshi Liberation War, discussions of class/status through a Bangladeshi and diaspora lens, discussions of colorism and sexism in South Asian communities, mentions of homophobia (off page) and one instance of fat phobia, brief off page mentions of past bullying/racism. I think that’s it! I don’t believe anything is graphically present on page, because I set out to write an ultimately joyful book, but please read with care. 💜
I'll leave it at that for now, but here is some art I commissioned of Zahra and her boys by the talented @nishinowhy on twitter and instagram:
July 5, 2022
This book arrived at my house yesterday and I sat down and read the whole thing in two sittings! This is honestly such a delight of a book in so many ways.
Firstly, it's still so so rare to find Bangladeshi representation in YA books and this book has it and the representation is absolutely brilliant. Moreover, the characters in this book are Sylheti and speak Sylheti. How cool is it to see Sylheti on the page?? I never thought I'd see the day.
Bangladeshi culture is written here with so much love and nuance. I saw so much of my own parents in Zahra's Amma; from the way she speaks, and the things she says, to the way she expresses her love and care for her children. Similarly, I saw so much of myself and the people I know in Zahra's experiences, as she tries to navigate her responsibilities to her family with her own dreams and desires. There are so many instances here where a stereotype is not only examined, but flipped on its head. One of my favourite examples of this is how the Auntie Network is written and how that whole plotline is resolved. Loved it!
I also loved the instances where Zahra casually references Bangladeshi history and how it still colours the way Bangladeshis and Pakistanis view each other and sometimes interact with each other to this day.
Love triangles are very very difficult to do, but it's pulled off here absolutely brilliantly. There were so many times when I thought, well Zahra's obviously going to pick him, right? Wait, no...him?? Both the love interests were astonishingly easy to root for, and I loved as Zahra got to know them both on quite different terms. The romance was swoony and romantic, but also a lot of romantic ideas were flipped on their head too!
Even outside of the romance there was a great cast of characters. It was pretty amazing to read a book where (almost) every single character is South Asian, and the majority of them are Bangladeshi! I especially adored the sapphic side character, and her relationship with her girlfriend.
All in all, this was a brilliant read, and I think that a lot of teens will really resonate with Zahra and her experiences, just as I did.
Firstly, it's still so so rare to find Bangladeshi representation in YA books and this book has it and the representation is absolutely brilliant. Moreover, the characters in this book are Sylheti and speak Sylheti. How cool is it to see Sylheti on the page?? I never thought I'd see the day.
Bangladeshi culture is written here with so much love and nuance. I saw so much of my own parents in Zahra's Amma; from the way she speaks, and the things she says, to the way she expresses her love and care for her children. Similarly, I saw so much of myself and the people I know in Zahra's experiences, as she tries to navigate her responsibilities to her family with her own dreams and desires. There are so many instances here where a stereotype is not only examined, but flipped on its head. One of my favourite examples of this is how the Auntie Network is written and how that whole plotline is resolved. Loved it!
I also loved the instances where Zahra casually references Bangladeshi history and how it still colours the way Bangladeshis and Pakistanis view each other and sometimes interact with each other to this day.
Love triangles are very very difficult to do, but it's pulled off here absolutely brilliantly. There were so many times when I thought, well Zahra's obviously going to pick him, right? Wait, no...him?? Both the love interests were astonishingly easy to root for, and I loved as Zahra got to know them both on quite different terms. The romance was swoony and romantic, but also a lot of romantic ideas were flipped on their head too!
Even outside of the romance there was a great cast of characters. It was pretty amazing to read a book where (almost) every single character is South Asian, and the majority of them are Bangladeshi! I especially adored the sapphic side character, and her relationship with her girlfriend.
All in all, this was a brilliant read, and I think that a lot of teens will really resonate with Zahra and her experiences, just as I did.
April 18, 2023
😆👋 Welcome to 'Chai Ho' the cozy tea shop in New Jersey. Come on guys!! sit with me and drink some chai first. 🤣🤣
WOW!! I've never read Bengali Romance before! and it mixs with Western Juice! :P So, this is very new experience for me!! *Drool looking for food everywhere* 🍰🍪🍨 HAHAHAA
I knew this book has 'The Love Triangles' so I don't invest too much in the first place. lol! 😜 Just let myself enjoy bothboys romance along side 'Zahra' 'Fake-dating romance!!! 🤭 Then I was like "Oh yeah! my girl! Choose him! Choose him!" Oh no wow WoW WOW!!!!! HAHAHAAA I laughed. 😂 I shocked. 😮 I cried. 😢 It's fun indeed! Whatever happen, I sip tea. ☕
THIS BOOK HAS MANY K !
🍵 K-Pop : apart from exciting love triangle, how can a book mention many thing like this? lol First' it has K-POP! Let's see by yourself which K-pop groups were mentioned, I'm not gonna tell you. Hahaha Not enough! NOT ENOUGH!!
🍵 K3G : again, K3G! and I screammm when it's mentioned since I have dvd. LOL! 🤣🤣 I even yelled to the characters in that scene! Lol What is this book just done to me?
🍵 Kao Mok Gai : No! It's not mention the Thai name, but it's the first time I JUST KNOW THAT 'Kao-Mok-Gai I used to eat actually calls 'Chicken Biryani' !! It's the unexpected discovery for me!!! and I'm sooo happy!!! Yippee!!! LOL!
See! How 'K' this book has? How valuable it is! Just read it✌️
WOW!! I've never read Bengali Romance before! and it mixs with Western Juice! :P So, this is very new experience for me!! *Drool looking for food everywhere* 🍰🍪🍨 HAHAHAA
I knew this book has 'The Love Triangles' so I don't invest too much in the first place. lol! 😜 Just let myself enjoy both
THIS BOOK HAS MANY K !
🍵 K-Pop : apart from exciting love triangle, how can a book mention many thing like this? lol First' it has K-POP! Let's see by yourself which K-pop groups were mentioned, I'm not gonna tell you. Hahaha Not enough! NOT ENOUGH!!
🍵 K3G : again, K3G! and I screammm when it's mentioned since I have dvd. LOL! 🤣🤣 I even yelled to the characters in that scene! Lol What is this book just done to me?
🍵 Kao Mok Gai : No! It's not mention the Thai name, but it's the first time I JUST KNOW THAT 'Kao-Mok-Gai I used to eat actually calls 'Chicken Biryani' !! It's the unexpected discovery for me!!! and I'm sooo happy!!! Yippee!!! LOL!
See! How 'K' this book has? How valuable it is! Just read it✌️
March 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this story of family loyalty, love and sacrifice. Zahra is feeling pressured to find a husband to help secure her family's future. She's only 18 and she has dreams of becoming a writer and supporting herself, not being an obedient wife. I enjoyed the gossipy aunties and Zahra's tight friendship group. Some great tropes in there with the love triangle usually one I detest but actually worked well paired with the fake dating trope. I think this is my first book that has a Bangladeshi main character and I loved the family dynamics and display of identity and culture from this ownvoice author. There were quite a few threads running parallel to each other in this novel but I found each of them to be engaging.
January 5, 2023
I've been excited to read this book since its announcement in 2021 and now that I've finally read it, I just want everyone to know: love triangles, meddling mothers, and adorable desi cultural references is the most fun and sweet mix.
The only love triangles I root for is where I don't know which love interest to root for —when they're both appealing and especially when they're wildly opposite to each other. Of course, adding fake dating to the mix is a power move. Review to come.
The only love triangles I root for is where I don't know which love interest to root for —when they're both appealing and especially when they're wildly opposite to each other. Of course, adding fake dating to the mix is a power move. Review to come.
January 13, 2023
“I feel at home, tucked safely in his arms. And if we have to wait, if we have to endure an endless parade of chaperones and rules and rumors, if we have to fight for it, so be it. If this is true love, it just might be worth it.”
Rating: 4.5/5.0
★★★★★
consider reading this review on my blog!
The Love Match is just the type of read that will restore your faith in contemporary romance. Not that it’s bad, but this one just hits differently. This book is a reminder that brown girls are deserving of anything in the world, from fake dating to grand romantic gestures.
Zahra Khan was just everything I could’ve asked for in a protagonist. She is headstrong, knows exactly what she wants, and loves her little messy family. An aspiring writer and a romantic, she works part-time at Chai Ho, that’s owned by her friends’ dad, to make ends meet. One particular thing I liked is the way the author chooses to portray the working class. It’s all too realistic and while it’s a part of the plot, you don’t feel that it is.
Enter Harun Emon, the wealthy son of the family that runs Gitanjali, the famed Bengali restaurant in New Jersey. In the snap of a finger, Harun is a potential suitor for Zahra and upon their families’ agreements, they are now to go on dates frequently, though they have no interest whatsoever. But Zahra is finding herself falling in love with her new coworker, Nayim Aktar, who’s literally a Prince Charming.
I’m not usually a fan of love triangles unless they’re done well, and they seldom are. But Priyanka Taslim wove a unique story out of this all-brown cast and hell yeah, I love this! Shy and broody Harun is contrasted with charming Nayim in a way that readers aren’t sure whom to root for. But the strings tie together in the end beautifully in a way that’s both pleasing and satisfying.
The side characters were such a joy to read! Dahlia, Dani, Arif, and Resna were all lovable characters. And the aunties of the community even have a group chat for themselves where they gossip, how cool is that? This isn’t just a romantic novel but a celebration of all things diaspora and I can’t even begin to describe how fabulous of a book The Love Match was.
In a nutshell, if you’re looking for a read that’s both refreshing and familiar, this romantic novel is just the one you might be looking for. So stop second-guessing and buy The Love Match already!
Thank you NetGalley and Salaam Reads , for presenting me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. All quotes in this post are from an Advanced Review Copy and are subjected to change.
January 21, 2023
Delightful and sweet story with a Bangladeshi Muslim protagonist! I am a "different" Desi but really enjoyed this natok in book form. ✨
Many thanks to NetGalley + Simon and Schuster/Salaam Reads for the e-arc!!
Content warning: death of a parent (mentioned), sexism, colorism, bullying/racism (mentioned)
Many thanks to NetGalley + Simon and Schuster/Salaam Reads for the e-arc!!
Content warning: death of a parent (mentioned), sexism, colorism, bullying/racism (mentioned)
January 8, 2023
3.5 rounded off to 4
read this review on my blog!
Giving you three reasons that stood out to me to read The Love Match, that I flew through recently and I tell you it's as entertaining as the cover promises.
a celebration of bangladeshi culture
I can’t fully comment on the Bangladeshi representation but as a South Asian, I have to say reading and learning new things about a familiar culture was simply lovely. I just loved how the characters’ Bangladeshi roots were woven through their personalities and the story, written from a diaspora perspective. From their conversations to the food, to the cultural celebrations, it’s all vibrant and lively in the Bangladeshi-American community in New Jersey, which isn't completer without meddling mothers and gossiping aunties. I’m so glad we’re getting a YA centered around these Bengali characters and values. Accompanied by these delightful descriptions, the book’s imageries and easy flowing writing are sure to keep the reader engaged.
relationships for the win
I love to see character’s relationships blossom in books and The Love Match gives us many such emotional moments. I adore her friendship with Dani, Dalia and Mena and how they become each other’s support system. Her relationship with her Nanu and brother, who stick with her through everything is just wholesome to read about. Desi family dynamics are the heart of this story, with the undeniable loyalty towards family and the complexities that come with it captured incredibly.
As for the romance, I don’t tend towards love triangles that often but I do think this particular one is written in an entertaining manner. Despite picking my side early on, I liked Zahra’s development with both Harun and Nayim and all the shenanigans that come along with having two love interests! We just have to sit back and watch as Zahra juggles between the two. It’s very apt when Taslim says “this is something of an American natok” in the acknowledgements and it brought back some iconic memories of Bollywood movies too.
a headstrong protagonist
I really think Taslim’s way of creating Zahra’s character as a teenager moving from high school to college with the pressure of making ends meet as the eldest daughter in the family is very effective. As a teen does, she makes questionable decisions and her thought process might not always make sense but I liked how I was made to empathise with her. She has her mind set on finding happiness for herself and her ardent feelings for the people close to her make her a strong protagonist. The conflict she faces between following her heart and doing what sustains herself and her family only made me root for her more. I’m sure her character will reflect the feelings of all brown girls out there in some manner who are trying to make a way for themselves.
I think my only complaint would be that I wasn't invested in the romance completely. Sure, I liked seeing the tropes play out and the development between Zahra and both Harun and Nayim but I didn't really root for any of them. It lacked the emotional connection to say the least and Zahra's decision to choose felt a little rushed (slash forced) towards the end.
The Love Match, all in all, is not just about the romance but an exploration of the ties we form, addresses the feelings during a shift in the path of life and the portrays the determination to chase after one’s dreams.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the ARC!
read this review on my blog!
Giving you three reasons that stood out to me to read The Love Match, that I flew through recently and I tell you it's as entertaining as the cover promises.
a celebration of bangladeshi culture
I can’t fully comment on the Bangladeshi representation but as a South Asian, I have to say reading and learning new things about a familiar culture was simply lovely. I just loved how the characters’ Bangladeshi roots were woven through their personalities and the story, written from a diaspora perspective. From their conversations to the food, to the cultural celebrations, it’s all vibrant and lively in the Bangladeshi-American community in New Jersey, which isn't completer without meddling mothers and gossiping aunties. I’m so glad we’re getting a YA centered around these Bengali characters and values. Accompanied by these delightful descriptions, the book’s imageries and easy flowing writing are sure to keep the reader engaged.
relationships for the win
I love to see character’s relationships blossom in books and The Love Match gives us many such emotional moments. I adore her friendship with Dani, Dalia and Mena and how they become each other’s support system. Her relationship with her Nanu and brother, who stick with her through everything is just wholesome to read about. Desi family dynamics are the heart of this story, with the undeniable loyalty towards family and the complexities that come with it captured incredibly.
As for the romance, I don’t tend towards love triangles that often but I do think this particular one is written in an entertaining manner. Despite picking my side early on, I liked Zahra’s development with both Harun and Nayim and all the shenanigans that come along with having two love interests! We just have to sit back and watch as Zahra juggles between the two. It’s very apt when Taslim says “this is something of an American natok” in the acknowledgements and it brought back some iconic memories of Bollywood movies too.
a headstrong protagonist
I really think Taslim’s way of creating Zahra’s character as a teenager moving from high school to college with the pressure of making ends meet as the eldest daughter in the family is very effective. As a teen does, she makes questionable decisions and her thought process might not always make sense but I liked how I was made to empathise with her. She has her mind set on finding happiness for herself and her ardent feelings for the people close to her make her a strong protagonist. The conflict she faces between following her heart and doing what sustains herself and her family only made me root for her more. I’m sure her character will reflect the feelings of all brown girls out there in some manner who are trying to make a way for themselves.
I think my only complaint would be that I wasn't invested in the romance completely. Sure, I liked seeing the tropes play out and the development between Zahra and both Harun and Nayim but I didn't really root for any of them. It lacked the emotional connection to say the least and Zahra's decision to choose felt a little rushed (slash forced) towards the end.
The Love Match, all in all, is not just about the romance but an exploration of the ties we form, addresses the feelings during a shift in the path of life and the portrays the determination to chase after one’s dreams.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the ARC!
March 4, 2023
Actual Rating: 3.75
This needed to be fleshed out a littleee more and I felt rushed by the ending. I did enjoy the individual characters and the relationships in the book, although it's always frustrating reading non-halal romances with Muslim characters. I do think the other aspects of religion and culture were done well and I could really emphasize with Zahra's sense of responsibility for her family. Overall, this just needed more work.
I received an e-arc of this title from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This needed to be fleshed out a littleee more and I felt rushed by the ending. I did enjoy the individual characters and the relationships in the book, although it's always frustrating reading non-halal romances with Muslim characters. I do think the other aspects of religion and culture were done well and I could really emphasize with Zahra's sense of responsibility for her family. Overall, this just needed more work.
I received an e-arc of this title from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2020
hello I already know how BRILLIANT this story is and how wildly, tremendously talented a writer Priyanka is means none of you are ready for how many hearts this book is going to claim
November 26, 2022
3.5
This new YA book features Muslim characters, but is not a religious conscious read that fits in the halal category. There is a lot of Islam: waking up for fajr, celebrating Eid, a hijabi, mention of jummah, but the OWN voice rom com sets boundaries based on Bangladeshi culture and American perspectives. The book does not other, or have internalized Islamophobia, or fall in to tropes of oppression and rebelling- quite the contrary- it normalizes everything: LGBTQ+ relationships, dating, music, etc. The book is well written from a literary perspective: easy read, fleshed out characters, resolved plot lines, I wish there would have been more slow burn and heightened emotion, and cathartic release, but it happily held my attention for 388 pages, so I can't really complain about plot holes or development. The problem I have as an Islamic School Librarian is the non issue dating and romance is for the characters with their parents knowledge, both lesbian and heterosexual. The book doesn't get graphic, in fact there is only a handful of kisses, but there is a lot of hand holding and pdas in front of parents and even a sleepover with a lesbian couple in a Muslim family's home, again, nothing "racy" occurs, but the normalization is worth noting for those thinking a Salaam Reads book is going to be a more Islamically centered publication.
SYNOPSIS:
Zahra Khan has graduated high school, and while she'd love to be heading to Columbia to study writing with her best friends, she is stuck deferring her admission and scholarships, and hiding her dream to be an author. Two years earlier her father has passed away and Zahra works in a tea shop to help keep a roof over the heads of her mother, grandmother, and siblings. In the Bangladeshi community in Patterson, New Jersey Zahra's mom imagines arranging a marriage to a wealthy family for Zahra to ease their financial stresses. When a potential match comes a possible reality, Zahra takes control to try and keep the peace and keep her dreams within reach. In Jane Austin-y feels, a love triangle emerges, friends step up, culture and family touchstones shared and appreciated, and decisions about the future will have to be figured out at 18 years old.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I loved how easy a read the book is, the cultural framing was warm and rich and never overly explained or apologized for. It is what it is, it is who the characters are, and while at times they push back on the negatives, it doesn't disregard the love that exists at the core. Unfortunately, I really struggled though with the ease in which the characters date with their parents' knowledge, hold hands, cuddle. I really couldn't imagine a practicing Muslim family being so supportive of a lesbian daughter in the way that the Tahir family is and allowing a sleepover, nor could I see a hafiz attending musical concerts and Bollywood movies or an imam passing on "love" notes, even side comments about a loan between mother and daughter being paid back with interest felt off. I know I know, there are lots of shades of Muslims, but the normalcy of haram I feel in a review of this book should be noted. It isn't side mentions, they are central to the story and large portions of the book. The reason I also feel they are worthy of note, is because the book includes a lot of Islam as well. The characters pray and fast and eat halal. They are conscious of chaperones in some settings and keeping things appropriate. There is no doubt that the characters are Muslim, but I think intentionally, to avoid perhaps critiques such as mine, Islam is not used as a reason to do or not do anything, Islam is not used in the thought process or conscience of the characters, culture is. There is no haram police setting boundaries, it just isn't what "good Deshi girls do." To be fair, I don't think the author has ever claimed that this is a halal love story, or that the characters are exploring their Muslim identities, it is a love story that features Muslims is all.
FLAGS:
Straight and sapphic relationships, secret relationships, kissing, hand holding, hugging, lying, music, loss, bullying, interest.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I would not be able to use this book, it would be very damaging to be given to a Muslim child from a Muslim teacher in an Islamic school. It normalizes a lot of haram in a familiar Islamic framing that I think would really confuse YA readers who see themselves and see no push back or consequences for actions they know to be against Islamic ideology.
This new YA book features Muslim characters, but is not a religious conscious read that fits in the halal category. There is a lot of Islam: waking up for fajr, celebrating Eid, a hijabi, mention of jummah, but the OWN voice rom com sets boundaries based on Bangladeshi culture and American perspectives. The book does not other, or have internalized Islamophobia, or fall in to tropes of oppression and rebelling- quite the contrary- it normalizes everything: LGBTQ+ relationships, dating, music, etc. The book is well written from a literary perspective: easy read, fleshed out characters, resolved plot lines, I wish there would have been more slow burn and heightened emotion, and cathartic release, but it happily held my attention for 388 pages, so I can't really complain about plot holes or development. The problem I have as an Islamic School Librarian is the non issue dating and romance is for the characters with their parents knowledge, both lesbian and heterosexual. The book doesn't get graphic, in fact there is only a handful of kisses, but there is a lot of hand holding and pdas in front of parents and even a sleepover with a lesbian couple in a Muslim family's home, again, nothing "racy" occurs, but the normalization is worth noting for those thinking a Salaam Reads book is going to be a more Islamically centered publication.
SYNOPSIS:
Zahra Khan has graduated high school, and while she'd love to be heading to Columbia to study writing with her best friends, she is stuck deferring her admission and scholarships, and hiding her dream to be an author. Two years earlier her father has passed away and Zahra works in a tea shop to help keep a roof over the heads of her mother, grandmother, and siblings. In the Bangladeshi community in Patterson, New Jersey Zahra's mom imagines arranging a marriage to a wealthy family for Zahra to ease their financial stresses. When a potential match comes a possible reality, Zahra takes control to try and keep the peace and keep her dreams within reach. In Jane Austin-y feels, a love triangle emerges, friends step up, culture and family touchstones shared and appreciated, and decisions about the future will have to be figured out at 18 years old.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I loved how easy a read the book is, the cultural framing was warm and rich and never overly explained or apologized for. It is what it is, it is who the characters are, and while at times they push back on the negatives, it doesn't disregard the love that exists at the core. Unfortunately, I really struggled though with the ease in which the characters date with their parents' knowledge, hold hands, cuddle. I really couldn't imagine a practicing Muslim family being so supportive of a lesbian daughter in the way that the Tahir family is and allowing a sleepover, nor could I see a hafiz attending musical concerts and Bollywood movies or an imam passing on "love" notes, even side comments about a loan between mother and daughter being paid back with interest felt off. I know I know, there are lots of shades of Muslims, but the normalcy of haram I feel in a review of this book should be noted. It isn't side mentions, they are central to the story and large portions of the book. The reason I also feel they are worthy of note, is because the book includes a lot of Islam as well. The characters pray and fast and eat halal. They are conscious of chaperones in some settings and keeping things appropriate. There is no doubt that the characters are Muslim, but I think intentionally, to avoid perhaps critiques such as mine, Islam is not used as a reason to do or not do anything, Islam is not used in the thought process or conscience of the characters, culture is. There is no haram police setting boundaries, it just isn't what "good Deshi girls do." To be fair, I don't think the author has ever claimed that this is a halal love story, or that the characters are exploring their Muslim identities, it is a love story that features Muslims is all.
FLAGS:
Straight and sapphic relationships, secret relationships, kissing, hand holding, hugging, lying, music, loss, bullying, interest.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I would not be able to use this book, it would be very damaging to be given to a Muslim child from a Muslim teacher in an Islamic school. It normalizes a lot of haram in a familiar Islamic framing that I think would really confuse YA readers who see themselves and see no push back or consequences for actions they know to be against Islamic ideology.
November 8, 2022
Thank you so much to Priyanka Taslim and Salaam Reads for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Y'all this book! I wish I could bottle it up and drink it all. I first learned of The Love Match when Priyanka Taslim first announced its publication in 2020. After hearing it would be a YA rom-com with Bangladeshi characters, I was so excited and waited (impatiently) over the next couple of years for its release and after having finished the ARC, I can definitely say that it was worth the wait. I plan to write a longer review closer to pub date, but this story is so joyful, romantic, and heartwarming. It captures the true vibrancy of Bangali culture beautifully, while delving into other contemporary issues such as parental expectations, classism among South Asian communities, friendship, and more. The comedic aspect of this rom-com was fantastic as well--the hijinks that the characters get up to in this novel felt straight out of a Bangali natok, as Priyanka promised, and I found myself laughing out loud numerous times throughout the story.
If you're a fan of the dramatic flair that typically comes with deshi stories, commentary on the dynamics of South Asian communities, and the tropes found in the best romance media throughout history, you'll love The Love Match!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
Y'all this book! I wish I could bottle it up and drink it all. I first learned of The Love Match when Priyanka Taslim first announced its publication in 2020. After hearing it would be a YA rom-com with Bangladeshi characters, I was so excited and waited (impatiently) over the next couple of years for its release and after having finished the ARC, I can definitely say that it was worth the wait. I plan to write a longer review closer to pub date, but this story is so joyful, romantic, and heartwarming. It captures the true vibrancy of Bangali culture beautifully, while delving into other contemporary issues such as parental expectations, classism among South Asian communities, friendship, and more. The comedic aspect of this rom-com was fantastic as well--the hijinks that the characters get up to in this novel felt straight out of a Bangali natok, as Priyanka promised, and I found myself laughing out loud numerous times throughout the story.
If you're a fan of the dramatic flair that typically comes with deshi stories, commentary on the dynamics of South Asian communities, and the tropes found in the best romance media throughout history, you'll love The Love Match!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
February 16, 2023
-South Asian rep
-Bangladeshi American MC
-Desi rom-com
-Afternoon chai vibes
How could I not add this to my TBR?
-Bangladeshi American MC
-Desi rom-com
-Afternoon chai vibes
How could I not add this to my TBR?
January 5, 2023
I’ll be honest, I really wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one knowing that it centered an arrange love match coupled with a love triangle.
This book was so freaking adorable that I wanted to scream! I adored Zahra as a main character and related to so many things she faced as a teen that just graduated high school but is broke.
I don’t want to give anything away, but this one definitely didn’t go the way that I thought it would.
Thank you Simon Teen for my review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
This book was so freaking adorable that I wanted to scream! I adored Zahra as a main character and related to so many things she faced as a teen that just graduated high school but is broke.
I don’t want to give anything away, but this one definitely didn’t go the way that I thought it would.
Thank you Simon Teen for my review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2022
Read this in one day - I couldn’t put this down!! I love that this has two POC Muslim love interests for a Muslim protagonist. The south asian rep was heartwarming and I adored the cultural references. Honestly this was so much fun to read and I loved the family drama in this!
December 28, 2024
"we shouldn't, this is wrong in islam" proceeds to do said wrong thing happily 😊
im definitely writing a whole hate review on this, only reason why it's 1 star is because i'm happy i was right when i, of course, picked the broody grump over whatever tf nayim was
im definitely writing a whole hate review on this, only reason why it's 1 star is because i'm happy i was right when i, of course, picked the broody grump over whatever tf nayim was
January 13, 2023
This was delightful!
Zahra is a strong, powerful young women in an near impossible situation.
Choose the marriage her family wants that will provide her with security and comfort the rest of her life, or choose freedom and possible love with no certainty of the future?
Normally a love triangle is not my jam, but I adored this love triangle with fake dating and nosy aunties. I giggled, sympathized and overall highly recommend this fabulous romance!
Zahra is a strong, powerful young women in an near impossible situation.
Choose the marriage her family wants that will provide her with security and comfort the rest of her life, or choose freedom and possible love with no certainty of the future?
Normally a love triangle is not my jam, but I adored this love triangle with fake dating and nosy aunties. I giggled, sympathized and overall highly recommend this fabulous romance!
January 31, 2023
Sooo cute and loved the characters. Don’t know if I’ve ever felt represented to this degree tbh: not just Bangladeshi, but a Sylheti Muslim kid, growing up poor, fumbling through teenage romance?? Saw so much of my family captured too, sometimes uncannily close (especially the mom). The gossip-y and mostly toxic (but sometimes warm and helpful) nature of the aunties community was depicted perfectly. Smiled reading the familiar bits of Sylheti. Appreciated that Muslim parts of life are scattered throughout as just…normal everyday things. I took stock of how the things that made my life growing up aren’t unique but also that life could’ve been even harder. Sympathized with the love interest too which is always a plus, especially his struggles being brown in very white spaces.
Idk if it’s as good a reading experience to someone who can’t relate this much to the characters…but it def was fun for me :) looking forward to more from this author!
Idk if it’s as good a reading experience to someone who can’t relate this much to the characters…but it def was fun for me :) looking forward to more from this author!
January 2, 2023
rtc
feeling all the feels again.
REMEMBER THIS COMES OUT JANUARY 3rd.
feeling all the feels again.
REMEMBER THIS COMES OUT JANUARY 3rd.
March 30, 2023
ta książka to niesamowity i nowy level komfortu!
naprawdę wspaniała historia!
naprawdę wspaniała historia!
May 28, 2023
Very cute and easy read, but it didn’t give me “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets Pride and Prejudice” vibes at all, which in this case, I think it worked in its favor. Maybe I would’ve seen it more if I read the blurb before instead of after finishing it though? Regardless, it was a sweet, at times ridiculous, but mostly feel-good read and I loved it! I think the flaws in Zahra’s character were done really well and I loved the dynamic with her little siblings. There were several moments that pulled at my heart strings, especially when it had to do with Zahra picking between her dreams and helping out her family. There’s a love triangle, as shown on the cover, but it’s pretty obvious who she’s gonna end up with from the start. Definitely recommend reading!
October 23, 2022
Well, firstly, I will blame Priyanka Taslim for putting a certain Bollywood song in my head, all about how to say I Love You in various Indian languages, including Bengali! (IYKYK) Honestly, I've been singing that classic since I finished the book!
Secondly, I LOVED the book.
Being a person of colour myself and a writer of desi fiction, I am thrilled to read books that show characters from more relatable backgrounds. Even though I am not from Bangladesh or Muslim, there are plenty of parallels that can be made between the characters in The Love Match and the lives of your average Asian person.
A girl with aspirations that she already knows won't ever be reached.
The responsibility of doing right by her family.
The reflection of her behaviour upon everyone else in her family.
Wanting to make her own choices but not being able to.
Zahra Khan is a fantastic main character, with all the above in her mind as she goes about her daily life, achieving excellent grades and working full time after high school to help her widowed mother make ends meet, as well as helping to look after her younger siblings. She has dreams of going to college, just like her best friends; however, that is not a financial priority right now. Neither is her passion for writing, which her mother and most of the adults around her don't know about or wouldn't understand.
Then throw into the mix the Aunties, who watch and know everything, passing comments on their WhatsApp groups.
Obviously, the answer to the family's prayers is for her to be paired off with a boy from an affluent family, so she can live in comfort, and that comfort and respect can be passed on to her own family.
But when you have another interest in mind, these arranged things can go a bit awry.
And all this at eighteen!
I loved it. The story was peppered with Bengali phrases, which meant I learned more as I read, and added words like saa, meaning chai or tea, and shona (darling?) to my very tiny repertoire of Bengali, which previously consisted of hume tumake balo baashi, (I love you) from the lyrics of the afore-mentioned song!
Okay, I am off to go and sing again, but definitely, it's one to read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Secondly, I LOVED the book.
Being a person of colour myself and a writer of desi fiction, I am thrilled to read books that show characters from more relatable backgrounds. Even though I am not from Bangladesh or Muslim, there are plenty of parallels that can be made between the characters in The Love Match and the lives of your average Asian person.
A girl with aspirations that she already knows won't ever be reached.
The responsibility of doing right by her family.
The reflection of her behaviour upon everyone else in her family.
Wanting to make her own choices but not being able to.
Zahra Khan is a fantastic main character, with all the above in her mind as she goes about her daily life, achieving excellent grades and working full time after high school to help her widowed mother make ends meet, as well as helping to look after her younger siblings. She has dreams of going to college, just like her best friends; however, that is not a financial priority right now. Neither is her passion for writing, which her mother and most of the adults around her don't know about or wouldn't understand.
Then throw into the mix the Aunties, who watch and know everything, passing comments on their WhatsApp groups.
Obviously, the answer to the family's prayers is for her to be paired off with a boy from an affluent family, so she can live in comfort, and that comfort and respect can be passed on to her own family.
But when you have another interest in mind, these arranged things can go a bit awry.
And all this at eighteen!
I loved it. The story was peppered with Bengali phrases, which meant I learned more as I read, and added words like saa, meaning chai or tea, and shona (darling?) to my very tiny repertoire of Bengali, which previously consisted of hume tumake balo baashi, (I love you) from the lyrics of the afore-mentioned song!
Okay, I am off to go and sing again, but definitely, it's one to read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 14, 2022
This book was absolutely incredible! With so many twists and turns, I had no idea how it would end, and every time I thought I was starting to get a handle on the story and make predictions, it always surprised me.
THE LOVE MATCH tells the story of Zahra, a young Bangladeshi girl whose family has fallen on hard times since the death of her father. Zahra dreams of being a writer, but at the moment, her top priority is helping her family pay the bills. Her mother thinks that the best way to make sure both Zahra and the rest of the family are cared for is to find her a good match, so her mother sets her up with Harun, a young, rich boy about her age. But Harun and Zahra don't really click, not like Zahra and Nayim, the mysterious orphaned dishwasher at the tea shop where Zahra works.
The story starts off as a love triangle, with Zahra at the heart of it, and while it at first seemed to me like Nayim and Zahra were perfect together, the story made me go back on my initial assumptions several times (and then go back on the assumptions I made later on). I don't want to get into spoilers, but each time I thought the plot was coming to a conclusion, it turned out there was so much more!
I loved the twists, but I also loved Zahra as a character. Her determination, her devotion to her family, and her conflict between wanting what's best for her family and what's best for herself were so relatable, and I was cheering for her the entire way through the book. Before this year, I didn't really read contemporary YA, but after discovering so many great authors, I'm going to make an effort to read more from this genre in the future. I can't wait to see what else Priyanka Taslim writes!
THE LOVE MATCH tells the story of Zahra, a young Bangladeshi girl whose family has fallen on hard times since the death of her father. Zahra dreams of being a writer, but at the moment, her top priority is helping her family pay the bills. Her mother thinks that the best way to make sure both Zahra and the rest of the family are cared for is to find her a good match, so her mother sets her up with Harun, a young, rich boy about her age. But Harun and Zahra don't really click, not like Zahra and Nayim, the mysterious orphaned dishwasher at the tea shop where Zahra works.
The story starts off as a love triangle, with Zahra at the heart of it, and while it at first seemed to me like Nayim and Zahra were perfect together, the story made me go back on my initial assumptions several times (and then go back on the assumptions I made later on). I don't want to get into spoilers, but each time I thought the plot was coming to a conclusion, it turned out there was so much more!
I loved the twists, but I also loved Zahra as a character. Her determination, her devotion to her family, and her conflict between wanting what's best for her family and what's best for herself were so relatable, and I was cheering for her the entire way through the book. Before this year, I didn't really read contemporary YA, but after discovering so many great authors, I'm going to make an effort to read more from this genre in the future. I can't wait to see what else Priyanka Taslim writes!
March 3, 2023
4.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a highly anticipated release for me since I first set eyes on the gorgeous cover and I'm happy to say I really enjoyed this! Love triangles aren't usually my thing, because I usually think it's so obvious who the main character should go for - but in this one, it wasn't obvious and I liked both of the love interests for the main character. This was such a charming story, with themes of grief and family playing a huge role which I wasn't expecting at all and was pleasantly surprised by.
Zahra, our main character, was a joy to read - she was funny, smart and cares deeply for her family, although she struggles to balance that with her own wants out of life, which I think is such a lovely depiction to see in YA. Zahra felt very real and I rooted for her throughout; I wasn't even that concerned about whether she would end up with Harun or Nayim, as long as she ended up happy. Her life wasn't just about the romance, she also had an amazing friendship group and that was really lovely to read about.
This book is full of Desi culture and while I'm not a part of that community so I can't speak on the accuracy of the portrayal, I loved reading about it and thought it was so great to see!
I do wish that I had felt more invested in the romance, or if the point was to not be, that the book had perhaps ended differently, but it's only a minor complaint and I would highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a highly anticipated release for me since I first set eyes on the gorgeous cover and I'm happy to say I really enjoyed this! Love triangles aren't usually my thing, because I usually think it's so obvious who the main character should go for - but in this one, it wasn't obvious and I liked both of the love interests for the main character. This was such a charming story, with themes of grief and family playing a huge role which I wasn't expecting at all and was pleasantly surprised by.
Zahra, our main character, was a joy to read - she was funny, smart and cares deeply for her family, although she struggles to balance that with her own wants out of life, which I think is such a lovely depiction to see in YA. Zahra felt very real and I rooted for her throughout; I wasn't even that concerned about whether she would end up with Harun or Nayim, as long as she ended up happy. Her life wasn't just about the romance, she also had an amazing friendship group and that was really lovely to read about.
This book is full of Desi culture and while I'm not a part of that community so I can't speak on the accuracy of the portrayal, I loved reading about it and thought it was so great to see!
I do wish that I had felt more invested in the romance, or if the point was to not be, that the book had perhaps ended differently, but it's only a minor complaint and I would highly recommend this book!
December 31, 2022
Once upon a time, I had Amma to thank for my love of storytelling, but now she's become the reason I guard my hopes so deep inside my chest, where a callous comment can't blow them away like a stolen wish on dandelion fluff.
If she dismisses them- dismisses me- I don't think I can piece together the broken shards of my heart this time. It's much easier to play the role she wants, of the obedient daughter who dreams in secret, rather than risking that the only parent I have left will think less of me, after everything I've done for her.
I absolutely adored this book! Once I started I didn’t want to put it down. It’s charming, heartbreakingly honest, educational and so freaking cute!
I loved the representation, the constant twists and turns and the relationships between all the characters (friends, siblings, romantic etc)
I just wanted more 😂 so I eagerly await for the authors next book!
Thank you so much Simon & Schuster for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.25/5 ⭐️
If she dismisses them- dismisses me- I don't think I can piece together the broken shards of my heart this time. It's much easier to play the role she wants, of the obedient daughter who dreams in secret, rather than risking that the only parent I have left will think less of me, after everything I've done for her.
I absolutely adored this book! Once I started I didn’t want to put it down. It’s charming, heartbreakingly honest, educational and so freaking cute!
I loved the representation, the constant twists and turns and the relationships between all the characters (friends, siblings, romantic etc)
I just wanted more 😂 so I eagerly await for the authors next book!
Thank you so much Simon & Schuster for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.25/5 ⭐️
January 4, 2023
I adored this YA love story about Zahra and Harun, two Bangladeshi American teens who are set up by their parents and agree to fake date in order to appease them. Along the way they end up developing real feelings for one another but the problem is there's another boy that's also caught Zahra's attention. Torn between what she wants and making her mother happy, Zahra has to figure out who truly has her heart.
Filled with some great Bollywood style drama, Jane Austen charm and lots of misdirection, I was guessing to the end who Zahra would ultimately choose. I loved all the cultural traditions in this book - the food, the fashion, the festivals, etc.
Highly recommended for fans of books like Counting down with you, Zara Hossain is here or The henna wars and great on audio. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Filled with some great Bollywood style drama, Jane Austen charm and lots of misdirection, I was guessing to the end who Zahra would ultimately choose. I loved all the cultural traditions in this book - the food, the fashion, the festivals, etc.
Highly recommended for fans of books like Counting down with you, Zara Hossain is here or The henna wars and great on audio. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
January 10, 2023
So, so, so delightful. This story is pitched as "To All the Boys I've Loved Before meets Pride and Prejudice" and those comps are so deliciously spot-on. Zahra's voice was strong, bold, self-respecting, and yearning. She's a young Bangladeshi American teen with the weight of the world on her shoulders after her father's death, but she's doing her best. She's staying strong. She's grieving and she's loving her family and friends still, still. But wouldn't a love match be a salve? Doesn't she deserve the same choice and connection she's longed for? She doesn't need rescuing, she needs someone to understand. This nuanced, beautiful, joyful, funny book is inclusive and real. It's not to be missed.
March 17, 2023
Disclaimer: I received this E-ARC via the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and this blog tour post.
Trigger Warning(s): Mention of death, mention of the liberation war, sexism, classism, bullying, mention of cancer, and grief.
Rep: Zahra and her family are Bangladeshi Muslims. Daniya is a lesbian Pakistani Muslim, and her family are also Pakistani Muslims. Harun and his family are Bangladeshi Muslims. Nayim is a Bangladeshi Muslim. Ximena is a bi Mexican and Haitian (to be honest I could be wrong about her ethnicity please feel free to correct me in the comments if I am wrong).
My Thoughts Before Reading: I was really excited to read this! I loved the cover and fell in love with the synopsis. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!
What I Liked: I really liked the writing style! The book was written in a rather unique prose that was able to depict the surrounding areas and Zahra’s emotions perfectly. It’s been some time since I was able to get lost in a contemporary novel and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this.
I loved Zahra’s relationships with her family members! Her Nanu was awesome and so understanding of Zahra and her needs. Her brother Arif had his sisters back even when he did question her actions. Resna was hilarious! She was my favourite to read about. Zahra’s relationship with her mother was a bit tense throughout the book but even still the two of them were close. Zahra had the biggest respect for her mother, she did everything she could to ease her struggles, and was in awe of everything that her mother had achieved. This novel really spoke to the relationships a lot of eldest daughters have with their mothers. While yes they can be tense often times there is so much love and respect for one-another.
I adored Zahra’s friendship with Ximena, Daniya, and Dalia. They were so supportive of one-another and really came through for Zahra throughout the novel. I really liked how fleshed out all there personalities were and how they each had their own character arcs, they didn’t just exist to be Zahra’s friends.
Zahra is a character was fantastic to read about! She was so well fleshed out and her thoughts were very vivid that I adored reading in her point of view. I liked that she had a good work ethic and was passionate about her writing as well as her family. She does learn to be a little selfish in the sense that she started to prioritize her own needs throughout the novel. I really liked the conclusion to her arc.
My Criticism(s): I started to lose interest in the love triangle and romantic aspect of this novel. I felt that I was more interesting in reading about the other aspects of the book, like Zahra’s character arc and relationships with the people in her life. This is definitely a personal gripe and I’m sure others will really enjoy the love triangle.
Conclusion: Overall I enjoyed The Love Match! I highly recommend this novel.
Trigger Warning(s): Mention of death, mention of the liberation war, sexism, classism, bullying, mention of cancer, and grief.
Rep: Zahra and her family are Bangladeshi Muslims. Daniya is a lesbian Pakistani Muslim, and her family are also Pakistani Muslims. Harun and his family are Bangladeshi Muslims. Nayim is a Bangladeshi Muslim. Ximena is a bi Mexican and Haitian (to be honest I could be wrong about her ethnicity please feel free to correct me in the comments if I am wrong).
My Thoughts Before Reading: I was really excited to read this! I loved the cover and fell in love with the synopsis. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it!
What I Liked: I really liked the writing style! The book was written in a rather unique prose that was able to depict the surrounding areas and Zahra’s emotions perfectly. It’s been some time since I was able to get lost in a contemporary novel and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this.
I loved Zahra’s relationships with her family members! Her Nanu was awesome and so understanding of Zahra and her needs. Her brother Arif had his sisters back even when he did question her actions. Resna was hilarious! She was my favourite to read about. Zahra’s relationship with her mother was a bit tense throughout the book but even still the two of them were close. Zahra had the biggest respect for her mother, she did everything she could to ease her struggles, and was in awe of everything that her mother had achieved. This novel really spoke to the relationships a lot of eldest daughters have with their mothers. While yes they can be tense often times there is so much love and respect for one-another.
I adored Zahra’s friendship with Ximena, Daniya, and Dalia. They were so supportive of one-another and really came through for Zahra throughout the novel. I really liked how fleshed out all there personalities were and how they each had their own character arcs, they didn’t just exist to be Zahra’s friends.
Zahra is a character was fantastic to read about! She was so well fleshed out and her thoughts were very vivid that I adored reading in her point of view. I liked that she had a good work ethic and was passionate about her writing as well as her family. She does learn to be a little selfish in the sense that she started to prioritize her own needs throughout the novel. I really liked the conclusion to her arc.
My Criticism(s): I started to lose interest in the love triangle and romantic aspect of this novel. I felt that I was more interesting in reading about the other aspects of the book, like Zahra’s character arc and relationships with the people in her life. This is definitely a personal gripe and I’m sure others will really enjoy the love triangle.
Conclusion: Overall I enjoyed The Love Match! I highly recommend this novel.
May 20, 2025
“If this is true love, it just might be worth it.”
3 stars
The Love Match is a cute Bangladeshi YA romance. Our MC Zahra is pressured by her mother to get engaged to Harun, a man from a reputed Bangladeshi family, while she has her sights on her co-worker Nayim.
I don’t like how often she makes light of dying, but I’ve never met a Bengali mother without a flair for the dramatic.
• This was a pretty good story, and while I generally am not a fan of love triangles, this one handled the trope pretty well.
• I liked the way the grief of Zahra's father was portrayed and her love for writing.
• I also liked all the side characters and the book's writing style.
• I do think it could have been a bit more fleshed out though, and something felt a bit incomplete or missing.
• But apart from that, it was a solid read and very important representation. Would recommend.
“That’s understandable,” I murmur. “To feel a little lost when someone is suddenly gone, when you’re used to them being there. I know what that’s like.”
READ #5 for May Asian Readathon 2025: Rep- Bangladeshi
Reviewed on 21st May, 2025
DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite
January 13, 2023
In Priyanka Taslim's The Love Match, Zahra Khan works long hours to save up for college. Her family is struggling financially and her Amma thinks that a suitable match for Zahra is just what their family needs, so she arranges a marriage for her daughter. Zahra is uninterested and luckily, so is her suitor, Harun. Zahra and Harun agree to fake date to please their parents and get them off their backs, which also leaves Zahra available to get to know Nayim, the boy she actually has feelings for. But life is more complicated than Zahra realizes, and she goes through an emotional journey to understanding love, happiness, and her family.
The Love Match is charming and funny, and I was enamoured by the writing early on. I respect Zahra as a character and appreciate how much she cares for her family. As the oldest daughter, she feels responsible for them and wants to help her Amma whenever she can. The book shows all the complexities involved in situations where parents want the best for their kids, and children want to make their parents proud. But these complexities often involve feeling burdened by responsibility and guilty for wanting to follow your heart and your dreams. Through Zahra, Harun, and Nayim, The Love Match explores different aspects of this type of familial situation and, I think, realistic feelings that a lot of South Asian children have.
There are so many great characters in this book and I loved getting to know them. Zahra’s friends are the best and her siblings are lovable. While romance is a large part of the book, I love that a lot of time was spent with her friends and family. The Love Match is also full of Bangladeshi culture and pride, which adds to the joy of the book.
I loved the romance and thought Harun and Nayim were interesting characters, and I enjoyed how they brought out different sides of Zahra’s personality. I love who Zahra ultimately ends up with and was rooting for them the entire time. However, I didn’t enjoy a major event that happens near the end of the book, which lessened my enjoyment of the ending. I didn’t mind the drama, but I wish it had been dealt with differently. While the book ended with my desired outcome, I don’t love the final obstacle in the story Zahra had to overcome for it to happen.
Overall, The Love Match is a joyful and nuanced YA book that’s full of love in every form. The book kept me smiling and kept me on my toes. Pick it up if you enjoy reading about complex family dynamics, beautiful friendships, and YA romance.
Rating: 4.5/5
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with an eARC.
The Love Match is charming and funny, and I was enamoured by the writing early on. I respect Zahra as a character and appreciate how much she cares for her family. As the oldest daughter, she feels responsible for them and wants to help her Amma whenever she can. The book shows all the complexities involved in situations where parents want the best for their kids, and children want to make their parents proud. But these complexities often involve feeling burdened by responsibility and guilty for wanting to follow your heart and your dreams. Through Zahra, Harun, and Nayim, The Love Match explores different aspects of this type of familial situation and, I think, realistic feelings that a lot of South Asian children have.
There are so many great characters in this book and I loved getting to know them. Zahra’s friends are the best and her siblings are lovable. While romance is a large part of the book, I love that a lot of time was spent with her friends and family. The Love Match is also full of Bangladeshi culture and pride, which adds to the joy of the book.
I loved the romance and thought Harun and Nayim were interesting characters, and I enjoyed how they brought out different sides of Zahra’s personality. I love who Zahra ultimately ends up with and was rooting for them the entire time. However, I didn’t enjoy a major event that happens near the end of the book, which lessened my enjoyment of the ending. I didn’t mind the drama, but I wish it had been dealt with differently. While the book ended with my desired outcome, I don’t love the final obstacle in the story Zahra had to overcome for it to happen.
Overall, The Love Match is a joyful and nuanced YA book that’s full of love in every form. The book kept me smiling and kept me on my toes. Pick it up if you enjoy reading about complex family dynamics, beautiful friendships, and YA romance.
Rating: 4.5/5
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with an eARC.
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