Heartbreaker was an absolute delight - the perfect mix of swoony romance and laugh-out-loud moments. The enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes were done so well, with just the right amount of tension and pining to keep me turning the pages. I loved how the story had that fun, scheming energy (definite John Tucker Must Die vibes) but with a fresh twist that made it feel unique.

Beyond the romance, there was a surprising emotional depth that caught me off guard in the best way. The characters felt real, with their messy feelings and genuine growth, and I found myself rooting for them both as a couple and as individuals. It was sweet, spicy, and heartfelt - everything I want in a romcom. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Anika Hussain writes next!

Thank you so much to Bonnier Books UK (Hot Key Books) & Netgalley for allowing me to read Heartbreaker in exchange for honest feedback.

This book definitely gave me John Tucker Must Die vibes and I absolutely loved Anika's spin on it! It had me giddy, kicking my feet & giggling away, but it also made me feel all the emotions towards the end when 'sh*t got real'.

The friendship group was fab & I loved Saachi's relationship with her dad & brother. I also loved the storyline with her mum.

I flew through Heartbreaker - I really struggled to put it down because it was just so good!

If you love a strong FMC, great banter, undeniable chemistry, enemies to lovers & a 'one bed' trope, Heartbreaker won't disappoint!

Set in Bristol, Sixth form students and long-time school rivals Saachi and Fahim are your usual teenagers, both working through some family dramas. They find themselves spending more time together after Saachi vows she will get revenge on Fahim for ghosting her best friend or "Operation Heartbreaker". But Saachi didnt count on their natural attraction and similarities, they both begin to open up to each other and the operation starts to fall apart, and her friends arent happy with the way she handles it, can Saachi figure out a way to have it all?

This was a really nice quick read for me, and i loved sassy Saachi and how cute the dates were. Desi culture galore with Mindy Kaling's "Never Have I Ever" vibes, this coming of age romance has family drama, school scheming, personal growth and some wit thrown in.

Themes
❤️ Young Love 👩‍🏫 Sixth-form Setting
🇧🇩 Desi Culture Representation
💞 Enemies to Lovers 🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Family Drama

With thanks to Netgalley, the author and Bonnier books UK for this e-ARC

Heartbreaker by Anika Hussain was such a refreshing and heartfelt read. I instantly connected with the protagonist, who felt so real in the way she navigated love, friendships, and the weight of family expectations. The mix of humor and emotional depth kept me hooked, and I found myself smiling at the sweet moments while also reflecting on the more serious themes of identity and self-discovery. Hussain’s writing made everything feel so vivid, like I was right there experiencing it all. By the end, I felt both uplifted and deeply moved, this is definitely a book that will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnie Books UK for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and the author for the ARC💫😝✨

😱🙊💥Plot:
This is a very fun, witty, and heartwarming with a classic enemies to lovers but with a unique spin💫! Their back and forth banter playful rivalry is really entertaining. There was a Romeo🤴 and Juliet👸 reference (which eerily👻 was in another book I just reviewed and I'm pretty such was also set in Bristol😆).

💞😻🌟Romance:
Fahim is witty and mischievous😝, while Saachi is fiercely🦁 loyal and never backs down from a debate. I can't stop 🛑Imagining the food🥘  from their date in my head.

👤😼🌟Characters:
The twins are like the ultimate wing-women 🍗. They definitely build on the story. Dev is very cheeky 🙊 as expected and funny.

I was particularly excited to read 'Heartbreaker' since I loved Hussain’s other YA novels, 'This is How You Fall in Love' and 'Desi Girl Speaking'. Her ability to balance humour, romance, and heart is something I've come to look forward to!

When I picked up Heartbreaker, I was expecting something with 'John Tucker Must Die' vibes—plenty of shenanigans, drama, and fun. I’m happy to say Hussain delivered on all fronts! This book is an easy, entertaining read with laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy scenes, and just the right amount of heartfelt emotion.

If you’re in the mood for a fun YA romcom, grab a cup of coffee, some chocolate, and a copy of 'Heartbreaker'!