The Shaadi Set-Up

There is one part about this book that gave me pause, so I wasn't sure if it should be 4 stars, but I'll get to that.

In The Shaadi Set-Up, Rita is trying to find the balance between family obligations and living her own life. Especially in terms of relationships she wants to pursue. She has a boyfriend, and she's determined to make everyone believe that they're meant to be. Especially since her ex-boyfriend Milan, the one that broke her heart, the one that her family fully supports is back in her life.

Tropes: second-chance romance, forced proximity, slow-burn

This was a charming, easy to read and funny second chance romance with a big heart. Would recommend to romance lovers but especially to fans of the trope, and HGTV.

The book has the perfect ingredients: charming setting, adorable dogs, strong-willed and witty main character, cute love interest with heart, well-meaning parents, lots and lots of food and flipping houses with many upcycled furniture. It could not be more quaint.

I loved how much the Indian culture was woven into the story from the food to the family expectations, and love. I especially appreciated how the author showed the dichotomy in Rita. She wants her family to be happy with her decisions, but she also wants to be independent and live her life her own way. I think this was portrayed very well especially for cultures where family plays such a big part even in your adult life.

Milan and Rita have a beautiful slow burn romance. I especially liked Milan a lot in this book, he was such a sweet LI. Total book boyfriend material!! Rita is also an amazing main character, driven, strong, independent and knows what she wants.

I also found the book really funny as well, I was laughing at many spots. I loved the wit, and laughed at many

Even though the book was a closed-door romance there was a lot of sex positivity which I always appreciate!

Ok, so the reason for my pause is this: There was a genderfluid character. Their pronouns are he/she/they, but then they are only referred to as she for the rest of the book. I really hope I'm wrong but it almost felt like that was included as an after-thought. Why have a genderfluid character and not respect their fluidity.

One other small issue for me in the book is actually one of my pet peeves in romance books, and it happens a lot. When by the resolution, the actual problem in the relationship raised in the conflict is not addressed. I felt that during the main conflict Rita raised some very valid concerns, but these are overlooked when the couple gets back together, making me feel like Rita didn't fully get heard.

Overall though, this was a very cute and cozy read that was easy to read and funny. It had great characters, great representation of culture, and a whole lot of DIY.

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the eARC.