2.5 stars, rounded up.
While there were some great aspects to this book, such as MC Jiya being the first woman in her family to pursue a master's degree (and working as a waitress to pay for it), overall this book was not my favorite. I normally enjoy a dual POV, but with this one it was really hard to distinguish when the narrators changed, which threw me off.

It also did not make sense to me that Jiya's parents were upset when she announced she was dating Ibrahim because she was not supposed to be around men....yet her best friend was Harry? And that had never been brought up as a problem?

The fake dating trope did not work well here, in my opinion. The whole reasoning was to get their families to stop trying to set them up with potential spouses, yet they were totally *SURPRISE PIKACHU FACE* when they introduce their parents who immediately want them to be engaged?! HOW IS THAT SURPRISING???

I did like Jiya's character, and I really loved the heart to heart she had with her mom late in the book. Harry was great comic relief. But I was not a huge fan of Ibrahim, which made it difficult to root for the love story.

I really wanted to like this. The cover looked cute and fake dating is my absolute favourite trope so I thought I'd enjoy it but, sadly, I didn't.

Firstly, this book is told in dual POV, but Jiya's amd Ibrahim's POV were so similar that it was hard to tell whose section you were reading and, subsequently, who was speaking. This made it an effort to read some sections as I had to keep going back to check who was doing what.

I also didn't really like the characters that much, so I wasn't really rooting for them to get together. One character I did like though was Harry, it would have been great to have a book about him!

I love love this book. Probably because i can relate to some things,actually most things. I like fake dating but this wasn’t typical fake dating stuffs. The characters make it easy to love them

first off.. the cover? literally everything and one of the reasons I knew I needed to pick up this book.

fake dating is trope that will always be famous to me and will always read. I loved the premise of this book and loved the diversity of the characters!

this book fell a little short for me and I found it difficult to be able to tell at times, who was speaking which made it hard for me to invest myself so much with these characters.

I do think that people who love fake dating will love this book and although it wasn't for me, I know people will fall in love with this story and characters!

I was a little disappointed with how long it took me to get into this book and story. This is a fake-dating trope, which I usually love to read but this just fell a bit flat for me. I honestly just have mixed feelings over this one. The story is about a waitress who is studying for her MBA while living at home. Her family doesn't understand why she doesn't just marry and give up on her dreams of obtaining her MBA and making a future for herself.

I definitely enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first, once I got into the flow of the DUAL POV, because it was honestly difficult figuring out who's head we were in. Overall, the second half of the book pulled the book together and allowed me to finish with a somewhat positive review.

From Fake to Forever is a quick romance read - the ideal accompaniment to your summer holiday!

The whole concept of this book is based on the fake-dating trope. Two people agree to pretend that they're dating each other, and of course, it's inevitable that they gradually start to develop real feelings for one another.

In this case, the two main characters are Jiya and Ibrahim. Jiya is driven, studious, and determined to put her career prospects above a potential husband and family - against her parent's wishes. Ibrahim is a successful businessman trying to escape the controlling nature of his father in order to decide his own future.

When they're introduced by Harry, Ibrahim's mischievous younger brother, the pair agree to start fake-dating to placate their families and give each other the space they need to achieve their goals. Of course, though, things don't always quite go to plan and it isn't long before the "fake" is firmly out of the equation. But do Jiya and Ibrahim get their happily ever after? You'll have to read the book to find out!

Although I enjoyed the concept of the story and loved the characters of Jiya and Harry, sadly several other aspects of the book fell flat. I struggled to see the supposed chemistry between Jiya and Ibrahim, and in fact, I didn't really rate Ibrahim's character much at all. I found him to be quite flaky and unpredictable, rather than the type of partner Jiya deserved.

Certain elements of the book also left me feeling uncomfortable, notably some of the derogatory comments made by Ibrahim and his brothers. Additionally, the implication that Jiya would be unable to get a good work placement overseas without Ibrahim's connections left a sour taste.

From Fake to Forever had an intriguing concept but unfortunately, it just wasn't right for me.

I’m all for a fake dating story. I’ve read other books where the fake boyfriend-girlfriend scenario has been played out and I've really enjoyed them. That was part of the appeal of this story. And with that in mind, I did think I was going to enjoy this one.

And before I go, just note that I do think it had potential.

However. I didn’t like any of the characters (bar Harry – if the book was about Harry, this review would be a different story), I thought there were too many characters (Ibrahim has like 200 brothers – okay he’s one of 5 brothers), the pace felt off, and the way the characters talked to each other seemed odd to me. Sometimes it was totally fine and then someone would say something and I cringed. Some things just didn't sit right with me.

It did have some sweet moments, I’ll give it that, and there were definitely moments with Harry that I really enjoyed. As I said, perhaps a whole book on Harry? I’d read that.

The final thing I just wanted to comment on with From Fake To Forever was the lack of differentiation between the voices of the two characters. The chapters alternate, but I would sometimes forget who was saying what. In my copy, it wasn’t edited very well and the layout was all over the place so that probably didn’t help either.

From Fake To Forever did have potential and I liked the idea behind it. I just couldn’t get behind it.

There was so much I wanted to love about this book, but in the end, I was just too bored to get truly invested. There were so many times I wanted to DNF it and never look back and, honestly, I kinda wish I would have. The ending was cute, but I was already checked out by that point. The only nice thing I have to add is that I appreciated the diversity in the novel. That's all.

I loved this story!

This story isn't the typical fake dating story I've read in the past. It has a cultural element to it. The two main characters keep getting set up by their families (not together). Neither wants to be set up so they enter their relationship hoping it will stop their families efforts. I read the struggles they face as trying to break away from arranged marriages and living more modernly within their lives. Jiya doesn't want to be just a housewife. She has her own career goals unlike the women in her family.

There is a great cast of characters throughout the story. From the supportive siblings to the overbearing parents to the fun grandmother. This story was great from start to finish and I had a hard time putting it down.

If you are a fan of Sonali Dev, you'll enjoy this story!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I really liked the plot as it was humorous and very straightforward without confusing me with too many twists and suspense. More than half way through the read I felt like I already knew the ending, what's going to happen between Jiya and Ibrahim relationship. I would rate it 4 star.

Jiya: Jiya worked as a waitress at a Lounge in London, an ambitious girl and firecracker kind of personality, totally focused on doing her best to finish her MBA and get a job internationally. She didn't have time for anything beyond friendship. Jiya didn't want to settle down or get married with some one as she wished to have freedom of time to make her dreams come true. Her mother wanted Jiya to get married so that she will have time for nothing else other than husband and home making. As far as Jiya's parents were concerned academic achievements are a bonus, they were looking for a suitable match.

Ibrahim: Ibrahim a corporate hotshot, worked as a solicitor in central London taking part in his family's business with his older brother successfully closing deals. His Grandmother's eightieth birthday was approaching a month. For the party his father was hoping to announce his engagement with a friend's daughter. To destroy his fathers plan he had to escape and find a way. Seeing his brother's unhappy and arranged marriage, Ibrahim didn't want to to get married anytime soon.

Harry, Ibrahim's cheerful and good humored younger brother arranges a fake relationship between Jiya and Ibrahim to escape the pressure of each others parents, But it turns out to be a real one from fake dating journey.

I just reviewed the book From Fake to Forever, Thanks to Publisher Orion Dash, author Laila Rafi, and NetGalley for the copy in exchange of an honest review.

As an asian woman I appreciated Jiya's attitude as she is right work and uni are seen as a luxury and privilege to women but not men in our society. The author was accurate in parents views on relationships, boys, family and especially the role men play in our society. Although the personality shifts in the parents was weird.

I hated Ibby's character. He is completely disrespectful to women and about women and thinks he can take what he wants. It was all about Ibby and I didn't like that take. I was extremely disappointed that we do not get to explore how Reshma felt about her marriage to Zaf as when we think we are going to hear it the writer moves the story back to Ibby. I really disliked his attitude to Reshma as it's not her fault the marriage was arranged and who knew if she had a choice. Just cause you think your brother's a catch doesn't mean the world does.

Jiya was a nice character, I wish they had went more with the strong, independent woman narrative than have her basically fall over herself for Ibby so quickly.

Ibby is actually awful for assuming Jiya is to blame for the announcement of his father. I'm glad Jiya spoke up against Ibby as she deserved better and he was awful with his worse. I have never wanted a couple not to be together like them after Ibby treated her. Their chemistry felt forced and I didn't want them to end up together. In addition, the relationship moved way too quickly and it didn't feel like there was any development.

The daadi was unbelievable as it didn't fit the narrative of the family but was nonetheless a bit of humor.

Honestly the book should have been about Jiya and Harry as they had more chemistry and more of a relationship that looked like it could develop well.

The format of the book was confusing as the point of view changes mid chapter in the same event. This completely ruined the flow of the story. Due to the format of the book honestly I would have dnf it but I really had hope for this book as an asian woman but unfortunately it missed the mark.

Not a fan. It took me forever to get into this book and even when I finally did, it still wasn’t that good. The main thing going for this book was that it had a strong female character who is unapologetically herself. The main male character screamed privileged and rude. I didn’t think their relationship was that cute. The fact that Ibrahim’s brothers could convince him so easily that Jiya wasn’t right for him just further proves he doesn’t know her. The characters and plot needed something more. Overall, not a fan. 2 ⭐️

Thank you to Orion Dash and the author for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

I was excited for the fake dating storyline, they’re always fun. This one was hard to get into and then after instarted to like the characters they really fell flat.
Thank you for the eARC, I’ll keep my review only on NetGalley.

This was a 3.5☆ read for me. I was drawn to this solely for the fake dating trope which I love so much. I did enjoy it, it was cute, had angst and for a debut, I thought it was good. The story is greatly paced and well written however the e-ARC I received had some formatting issues that sometimes made it difficult to follow dialogue or recognise when a POV had changed mid chapter. Hopefully these were resolved prior to today's release.

I loved all the different members of Jiya and Ibrahim's families and each of them gave something different to their story. Harry's witty attitude, Daadi's fun exuberance and even the way Jiya's Mother softened and opened up towards the end. I also enjoyed the insight into the culture of both their families and the dynamics between the older generations and the new.

I really admired the way Jiya handled herself with Ibrahim in the aftermath of Daadi's party. She was fierce and strong and it had me internally clapping her. It's always nice to read a story with a confident FMC. I did find Ibrahim a bit annoying and their relationship was frustrating to read at times but the airport scene and reconciliation scene did have me by the heart a little bit ♡

I hope we see more from the Saeed Brothers, I'd love to get to know the rest of them a little better 🤞🏻

What’s a woman to do when the parade of unsuitable suitors won’t stop, and the ties of an arranged marriage seem imminent? Come to a mutually beneficial arrangement with a man who’s hands are forced by the same fate of course!

Fake-dating claims its next pair of hearts in Laila Rafi’s debut, From Fake to Forever. This was a sweet and fast-paced narrative that provided a fresh take with its cultural perspective and a heavy focus on family and forging ones path. I adored Jiya’s confident strength and ambition as she fought for her dreams and defended her worth, and I loved that she was also gentle and sweet and able to acknowledge when her understandings fell short. The development with Jiya’s family and the growth and assumptions they each wrestled and conveyed was the highlight of this read for me. Her friendship with Harry was also so fun!

One of my favourite elements of the fake-dating trope is the tense chemistry that blazes between the parties involved and the sneaky transition from fake to real attraction, and unfortunately I found this was missing with Jiya and Ibrahim. The arrangement between them ended up being a little too much of an instant love setup. I personally felt that it fell short in the execution and conveyance of the blossoming romance as true feelings overpowered, almost immediately, the lie they were trying to sell. The dual POV also didn’t really work for me in that there was no clear distinction between the two characters voices, and the scenes would often switch midway without any clear indication thus creating some confusion.

That said, Rafi has presented a good debut that is an easy read with a nice dose of sweet and cheesy played out against an original backdrop, and while this wasn’t the perfect read for me, I believe this will appeal to those readers looking for a little more representation and family dynamics blended with a bit of a romantic touch.

Thank you Netgalley and Orion Dash for the advanced copy of this read. This is my honest review.

From fake to forever is exactly what the title says.

A fake relationship turned into a real marriage of two people who are trying to get away from their mending families.

She wants a career. He wants to get away from his father's pressure on marriage.

This was a sweet, fast-paced and enjoyable romance overall. I liked the heroine and her family way more than the hero and his relatives.

Somehow, after the half mark, Ibrahim seems a bit unsettling. And that kinda put me off a bit. But the story has a lot of reliable moments that many readers will enjoy.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

Jiya wants to complete her MBA and get a job in city however her parents want her to be a perfect marriage material. They are trying to set her up with guys to get her married soon.

Ibrahim works in family business and avoids marriage and wants to avoid since his father is the one setting it up. He doesn't want his father to have that control.

To help them both out, Ibrahim's younger brother Harry comes up with the idea of fake dating which will be a win win for all. However things escalate fast and the Ibrahim after that isn't my favourite.

The characters were good, Jiya's family showed immense developement. I like the fake dating trope, the start was good but later on this one felt a bit short. It had dual POVs but it was bit confusing. This was a fast and okay read. The author has potential and I will definitely look for her next work.

Overall a good and entertaining read.

3.5/5 for From Fake to Forever by Laila Rafi

Ibrahim has no interest in marriage, especially an arrange one. His older brother is clearly a victim of such construct. But to get his father off his back, he decides to start a fake relationship.

Jiya wants to actually do something with her life, not just be a glorified housewife. Her parents have another idea and what their only daughter settled down, but weren't they the ones who encouraged her to do well in school?

The two enter in a lucrative deal, but the lines blur easy between fake and real. Will they keep their developing feelings at check, or will all fall?

This contemporary romance is just the right mix between love, angst and humor!

Boy did this feel like real life! I'm too young (right now) do deal with this, but my older cousins have gone through the same parental hoarding Jiya and Ibrahim are going through. They start with education and then if revolves to all parts of life. Parents know no boundaries (but gotta love them anyway).

The face pace of the book was great. We got to cover quite a bit of time and events without it feeling like it was dragging. Always applaud an author that can ride that line FLAWLESSLY.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy, this is my honest opinion.

Ibrahim has a problem - his father wants him to settle down, but Ibrahim fears ending up in a loveless arranged marriage like his older brother. Enter Jiya, whose own family also think it’s time for her to settle down and put her career on the backburner. The two of them come up with a plan: they’ll pretend to date to get their parents off their backs. Unfortunately for them, though, their ruse is too convincing, and their family start to take it seriously - and that’s not to mention the fact they’re both developing actual feelings for each other.

I started out this book finding it a little bit slow and the writing a bit stilted, but once I got past the first couple of chapters, I was all in. I was thoroughly charmed by this book. Ultimately it was really engaging with some good writing, and I thought the characters were all very distinct and well-drawn. Jiya, in particular, was a strong character - I loved her determination and how she stood up for herself.

The romance between Ibrahim and Jiya was lovely, for the most part; they had really good chemistry, fun banter, some sweet moments, and their couple of kisses were quite steamy. The book just tripped along nicely and was super easy to read - it was very warm and escapist.

I will say the final conflict between them felt quite forced and it didn’t quite work for me - it was definitely a misunderstanding for the sake of it and I think that something else could have been worked in to drive them apart. But the actual fallout from their separation was good and angsty and worked well for me, and the book as a whole was quite fluffy and cute. I’d happily read more from Laila Rafi and I really hope that Ibrahim’s brothers get their own stories. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a light and fun fake relationship romance. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. ll thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Reference to miscarriages.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review **

I felt like this book started off very strongly but the characters weren't as well developed as they could have been, especially the female lead. She was too forgiving in my opinion after what happened in the book but I am a sucker for a big dramatic declaration of love at the end. It was well done, but at the same time, annoying that she forgave him for what he did. All in all still a good read.