*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute and endearing read! The plot of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating is exactly what it says on the tin, however the conversations that this book addressed such as biphobia, culture, family expectations and religion were honest and raw which was a real highlight for me. I feel like a lot of the topics that was touched on in this book will provide really important representation to a lot of groups of readers, it was written really beautifully. This was cute, funny and a read that I consumed really quickly because of how fast-paced it was.

This one has been a book I had been anticipating for a while, so when I got given an ARC I was so excited (thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for providing me with a copy).

I expected this to be a ridiculously cute sapphic romance and it was, but it was also much more. In complete honesty, when I first picked it up it didn't engage me straight away and I had to keep forcing myself to pick it back up, which for me wasn't a good sign, and I so wanted to love it. But one day I just sat myself down with it and read it for a good chunk of time, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Hani and Ishu's guide to fake dating is a story about two young girls who need something, Hani needs a relationship to prove to her friends that she isn't just pretending to be bisexual, and Ishu needs to be head girl. The way to get this for both of them? To date of course. I am a sucker for the fake dating trope (Thanks Lara Jean and Bryson Keller), and so I lapped up every second of their fake relationship. And while it was cute, awkward, funny and all of those things that this trope brings, it also brought with it conversations on sexuality, religion, racism, family and spoke about them honestly. Each girl has complexities. Each girl has to find herself. I watched them grow and accept themselves in this book, and more than accept themselves but embrace themselves.

I also HATED Aisling and Dee. What toxic trash those two were.

It was a great experience reading in the voice of someone who isn't my own, as I have no idea what it would be like to navigate the world in their shoes.

Although I did thoroughly enjoy this book, and would recommend it to people who wanted a cute grumpy/happy slowburn romance, it wasn't a new favourite. I will definitely still keep an eye out for any further releases from this author though!

It’s so endearing and a really lovely read that enjoyed so much. The storyline is pretty explicitly the fake dating trope, so the general storyline was a bit predictable but I think the various themes were discussed beautifully along the way! It’s an easy read whilst still tackling important issues

Hani and Ishu are both Bengali who everyone assumes just because they’re both from the same culture they are the same but I love how much emphasis their is that they’re different with different problems and personalities.

This explores not just the relationship between the girls but also things like toxic friendships, biphobia, parental expectations, and being Bengali in Ireland and the subtle prejudices encountered on a daily basis that many people might not have even considered. These are all explored so beautifully and it’s nice to read a young adult romance that will be relatable to such a wide range of people.

Normally, I try to make my reviews as balanced and nuanced as possible. In this case, however, that just isn’t possible: mostly because I’m so blown away by this novel that I’m struggling to think of any adequate words at all. When reviewing Adiba Jaigirdar’s first novel, I summed it up with ‘Ahhhhhh I loved this so so so much!!!! I just!!!! READ IT!!!!!! PLEASE READ IT!!!!!’. This one? This one blows even it’s predecessor out of the water, and you’ll be doing yourself a severe injustice if you don’t read it as soon as humanly possible.

In an attempt to sound a little more professional than thus far… Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating kinda does what it says on the tin, in all of the best ways possible. Hani is popular and cool- but she’s also hiding some pretty important parts of herself away. Ishu, meanwhile, is focused on her studies, and doesn’t care at all what people think of her: except for her parents, that is. Hani and Ishu? They couldn’t be more different, and they definitely aren’t friends. However, when Ishu has to right her sister’s wrongs, and Hani finds her identity questioned, they end up in a comical solution of fake dating. And, as even newcomers to young adult fiction will know, when there’s fake dating, there’s always the chance of something more…

As I may or may not have expressed yet- this is an absolutely fantastic book. Aside from being incredibly well-written, it’s endearing, moving, funny, and full of heart. The voices of Hani and Ishu are superbly articulated, and I felt I got to know both of them really well, understanding what makes them ‘tick’. This is a particular strength of the book as both of them do or say or think things sometimes that can be frustrating!- but because the characters are drawn so well, I was able to understand and empathise, even when I was practically screeching at the page. The sense of community, culture and religion also came across very strongly, and is absolutely an asset to this book. It was also great to see such positive portrayal of accepting parents, particularly in communities that are often stigmatised as being unsupportive or intolerant: but that’s one of the (many!) beauties of #OwnVoices writing, that you get a portrayal of experiences that are far far truer and valid than any non-OwnVoices author could ever create.

All that’s really left for me to say is… Ahhhhhh I loved this so so much!!!! I just!!!!

READ IT!!!!!! PLEASE READ IT!!!!!

Adiba Jaigirdar, you’re an absolute legend x

I had heard rave reviews of Adiba Jaigirdar's first book so I came into this story with a lot of expectations and it didn't disappoint at all. It's exactly the type of story I enjoy reading. It's a story that'll warm your heart and soul and both Hani and Ishu are such wonderful characters. They are so cute together and have such a cute relationship with each other that I couldn't help but smile throughout reading it. And immediately after I finished it, I pre ordered it too because I definitely need a physical copy of this wonderful, wonderful book

This is a classic in the fake dating trope, and I think that many young LGBT+ students would really enjoy it. I read it to try and discover some new books for the school library that offer a more diverse look into LGBT+ relationships, and it definitely didn't disappoint in that respect. Such lovely representation of culture, race, and sexuality. Also, incredibly important from an educator's perspective, such wonderful portrayal and representation of Islam.

A lot of students will feel incredibly seen and represented by this book. The characters are multi-dimensional and realistic, and the relationships in the book feel realistic too.

I would definitely recommend it as a school library book!

Thank you to Hachette Children’s Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review.

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint.

This book follows Hani and Ishu, two Bengali girls attending an Irish Catholic school. They agree to fake date to help each other out - Hani hopes to prove to her friends that she is actually bisexual, and Ishu needs the social standing that comes with dating Hani.

I loved learning about Bengali culture whilst also seeing the differences between Hani and Ishu’s lives. I think the amount of romance was just right and was realistic for the situations the girls found themselves in.

If you’ve read and loved The Henna Wars then you will definitely love this book, as will anyone looking for sapphic YA. 5/5 stars.

I really got into this, and liked that even though I didn't know much about Irish Bengali culture it didn't patronise me but just assumed I'd keep up, which I did. The romance was sweet, if predictable.

I really enjoyed this book. Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes so I was incredibly excited for this. I did have slight problems with how Hani treated Ishu, as by saying that they were in a relationship, she was essentially forcing Ishu to out herself to the school which was touched on but I wish it was more of a conversation. However, my favourite part of this novel is definitely the exploration of toxic friendship and gaslighting. It is such a massive part of the lives of a teenager, especially a Muslim teenager and I'm happy it was discussed. It was explored really well and it was definitely the highlight of the novel. Overall, it was a very cute book and I loved the exploration of friendship and culture as well.

5/5 stars.

I've been anticipating reading this book ever since it was announced, and it didn't disappoint at all!

The plot focuses on Hani and Ishu, two Bengali girls who - while being from similar backgrounds and their parents being friends – were not friends themselves, and form a plan to ‘fake date’ for both their benefits. Hani needed her friends to understand she’s bisexual, as they didn’t believe her since Hani had only dated boys in the part. Ishu needed to be more ‘liked’ in school to become Head Girl, in order to make her parents proud of her. Thus, a plan is born.

Like most books with fake dating, hijinks ensue once the plan commences, with the characters still trying to figure each other out while putting on a happy couple front with other people. It's both funny and nerve-wracking since the entire time I'm hoping that the girls aren't found out, but also so heart-warming reading about how they begin to get closer. This is one of the many reasons I loved getting both of their perspectives, because we got to see how they both fell for each other. I was rooting for them from the very beginning.

The novel explored not only the growing relationship and bond between our main characters, but also delving into deeper topics like biphobia and family expectations and religion. All topics were handled so well, and it felt very genuine how these topics were dealt with. It was very touching seeing these being explored in a young adult novel, and I’m sure that a lot of readers will find something or someone in this novel to relate to, whether it be having to deal with toxic friends like Hani and finding your own self-worth, or learning to stand up to your parents’ high expectations like Ishu, or with both of these characters being people of colour trying to fit in with a mostly white school.

Overall, I loved this book so much, and can't wait to reread it in the future, along with reading the author's future novels.

[review to be posted on goodreads/blog closer to release date]
[content warnings: biphobia, racism, bullying.]

This is the best book, my favourite book, the most amazing book of all time!
As a South Asian, bisexual femme, Adiba Jaigirdar had already won my heart with The Henna Wars, but Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating compounded my love for her work a hundredfold. I realised that The Henna Wars was just scratching the surface of the deep well of thought in Jaigirdar's mind, and with every subsequent book, she will continue to blow me away.

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating is the cutest story you will EVER read! It is just that good. Hani and Ishu are stark opposites of each other. Hani is kind, compassionate, friendly, popular. Ishu is none of that; but she is stubborn, determined, loyal and has a no-bullshit-attitude. The only similarity they have is that they are both South Asian in an all girls school in Dublin, the only two in their class; so, of course, everyone wants to club them together, all the while they try to stay as separate as possible - at least, Ishu does. Things change when Hani comes out as bisexual to her white feminist friends, who have some choice biphobic things to say, and when Ishu says she is going to become Head Girl in an all too familiar complex of wanting to outdo your sibling and making your parents proud. They both realise they need each other. Hani needs a fake girlfriend so that she can have acceptance from her friends and Ishu needs someone who can make her popular enough to win votes. A match made in heaven.

Everything about Hani and Ishu's relationship is SO DAMNED CUTE! They are the blueprint for everything soft, beautiful and sapphic. They complete each other, providing the qualities the other one lacks. Their love is sweet, innocent and uncomplicated. I absolutely adored how everything about Hani and Ishu, from their personalities to their parents to how they saw religion contrasted each other, all the while they both accommodate these differences with respect and love. They are just so perfect.

Some other things I absolutely loved in this book:
~ the way Hani sees Islam and how she practices it, which is entirely different from her parents, indicating that she reached this stage on her own rather than by her upbringing
~ how Ishu and her elder sister realise that they don't have to compete for their parents' affections by running themselves into the ground or constantly battling each other
~ how Ishu realises that her parents are not always right, and even though they only want the best for their children, it might not actually be the best
~ how white women/girls use their whiteness as a shield and a spear, to both protect themselves and to wound people of colour
~ how this book contains a multitude ways of being South Asian and being Muslim, all in one book
~ the fact that Hani's mom oils her hair every weekend, which is very representative of a South Asian household IMO, and the fact that this led to a conversation about how South Asian hair is very different from white hair (which was something I direly needed in my teens)
~ how Hani and Ishu are loving and loyal to each other, and yet they do not accept each other's toxic traits

That's it for now, I guess. Possibly more thoughts on second and subsequent reads.

Needless to say, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

*screeches* FAKE DATING TROPE STRIKES AGAIN. But make it gay and cute.

This book actually made me care about teenagers again, loved how the author wrote about inner-conflict as well as developed a wholesome relationship between the girls,

"People at school are weird about me and Ishu. {...}We are, after all, in an all girls' Catholic school. Despite the fact that we got marriage equality a few years ago, there's something uncomfortable about being queer here. The same way there's something uncomfortable about being Muslim here."

This is why every teenager (and adults too 🤫) should read this book:
To find out what it's like.
To crunch those taboos still lingering about race, religion and queer relationships.
But be ready for you hearts to melt 💕!

This book is even better than the Henna Wars if that's possible. It delves deeper into the themes above and still manages to be totally heart-warming and beautiful.

I loved the friendships and how families are portrayed. Once again, it's set in an all girls' Irish secondary school, like our own, and I have no doubt this will be a great hit when it comes out in May 2021. Enemies to lovers trope fans, you've been warned.💖

Thank you to @netgalley and @hachettekids for this ARC in return for my honest review.

I read the whole of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating in one day, on a lazy Sunday where I just wanted to read and relax. I'd been interested in it since I first read the blurb (I love a good fake dating trope, and there just aren't enough cute f/f romances around) and I couldn't wait to get started.

The story is told from both Hani and Ishu's points of view, with chapters usually alternating between the two. I know some people aren't so keen on double POV romance but I love it, particularly when you have both characters pining for each other and you just want to bop them both on the head and go "sort it out!"

It takes several chapters before we get any real interaction between Hani and Ishu, which was a little frustrating at the time but all of the family and friends drama that we learn about in those first chapters becomes relevant later on Once the relationship gets going it's as cute and squee-worthy as I hoped, interwoven with musings on race (Hani and Ishu are the only South Asian girls in their year), religion (Hani is Muslim, Ishu is not religious) and growing up without ever feeling too heavy for a YA romance.

Overall, as I summed it up to a friend: It was really cute! And a nice easy read without being insubstantial.

I read ‘The Henna Wars’ by Adiba Jaigirdar last year and adored it so knew that as soon as I had the opportunity to read ‘Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating’ that I had to do so immediately. I was granted this on NetGalley so, I put down my copy of Sarah J. Maas’s ‘A Court of Silver Flames’ and began reading. Before I knew it it was way past my bedtime and I had read over a hundred pages in a single sitting. After forcing myself to go to bed I picked this up the following morning and devoured the rest. Adiba has again provided us with a swoonworthy romance of queer girls of colour that will have you rooting for our stars the whole way through.

The fake dating trope isn’t my favourite but Hani and Ishu have converted me. I loved watching their relationship grow and develop into one of the cutest yet believable romances I’ve read is a while. Every character is fleshed out, whether they are front and centre or a side character and I love that the story doesn’t try to tidy up every loose end in a ‘and they all lived happily ever after’ styley. The characters felt real, the romance was slowburn and it made spending time with them so much more enjoyable.

Adiba’s published books so far explore what it might be like for a queer, brown girl in modern Ireland. ‘The Henna Wars’ explored more of the main character Nishat’s Muslim family’s response to her coming out but this book offers something else. Hani and her family are Muslim but Hani is out to those that matter to her they embrace and accept her whereas Ishu’s family aren’t religious at all but Ishu isn’t out to them. I love seeing how different family units can react to the similar information in so many ways. It’s Own Voices stories like that give so much insight and will reduce stereotypical ideas of what outsiders assume is going on in other communities that they are not a part of . The running theme between the two books is that they are stories of strong, proud, queer girls of colour trying to get the happy endings they deserve and I live for them.

So many of the characters had me rolling my eyes and thinking ‘eurgh white people’ and ‘eurgh cis het people’ so much because I’ve met these closed minded people in the real world. Onviously not all cis het white people are like this but I felt like this book was calling those people who are out and I Stan. There are trigger warnings for racism. homophobia (specifically biphobia and lesbophobia), Islamophobia, gaslighting, toxic friendships and parental abandonment. These are included at the beginning of the book.

This book follows Hani and Ishu who make an agreement to fake date to help each other out. For Hani it is to show her friends that she is bisexual when they do accept her identity. For Ishu it is to gain a better social standing at school and be voted head girl.

For me this book was really cute. It was so nice to see the girls relationship build as they got to know each other. This book tackles some difficult subject areas including homophobia, Islamophobia and toxic friendships.

I love that books give me the opportunity to see other people lives and this takes us to two Bengali Irish families. It was great to see the different types of relationships that the girls have with their families. Both have separate issues or responsibilities outside of school. Adiba Jaigirdar makes the girls feel like real people as we see different aspects of their lives not just them at school.

I would highly recommend checking out some own voices reviewers.

Can I just add that both UK and US covers are gorgeous!

I was so excited to see this up on NetGalley - the description, advanced reviews and even the cover looked incredible!

Hani and Ishu are 17, live in Dublin and go to the same school. They’re the only two Brown girls, which means they ‘must’ be friends, right?

It’s only until it suits them both to be fake dating that they come together - and a gorgeous story about friendship, family and culture ensues.

I loved this so much - queer representation is incredibly important, and my heart grew about 12 sizes reading Hani and Ishu’s story. I’ll be checking out Henna Wars next!

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I loved this sweet romance. I love the fake dating trope. I loved the fact that the protagonists were Asian. I love that it was set in Ireland. This book is great. Perfect valentines read.