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The Marriage Game
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
44 posts | 37 read | 18 to read
A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy. After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office above his restaurant to start her new business and creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesnt know hes arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he's forced to share his space with the owner's beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, and a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life. As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm and sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam and Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game.
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K.Wielechowski
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

When Layla‘s life falls apart and she returns home to San Francisco, her doting father sets her up in 10 blind dates, but doesn‘t tell Layla.
When Sam moves into the office above Layla‘s family‘s restaurant, he‘s a surprise for Layla as she‘s already set her business up there. They make a bet on if they can find Layla a husband, winner gets the office.

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peanutnine
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Panpan

This was a struggle to get through. Both the main characters were so unlikeable and I was cringing at their behavior the whole time. Normally I'm all for a cheesy romance but this one just wasn't for me.

CogsOfEncouragement Love the bookmark! 2y
Johanna414 I got this yesterday - i love the bookmark soooo much! Thank you! ☺ 2y
peanutnine @Johanna414 you're welcome!! 2y
35 likes3 comments
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peanutnine
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Just noticed that my physical stack of #weekendreading is written exclusively by Sara's (which is my name too!) 😁

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Shadowfat
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Mehso-so

I liked the ideas in this book but I thought the characters could use work. The characters don't really get developed until the end and they seem like caricatures. I did like the ending, Sorry it took so long @peanutnine , I'll mail it out today. @GondorGirl @Johanna414 #lmpbc group j

Johanna414 I thought this was a picture of my cat at first and was very confused - Looks just like my Ruby! 😂 2y
peanutnine No worries, I'll look out for it! ☺️ Cute kitty 💕 2y
16 likes2 comments
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vonnie862
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

This was a fun read! I highly enjoyed the characters. Leyla and Sam's bickering was entertaining and their game was fun. They had great chemistry!

The supporting characters were great as well! Daisy and the aunties were highly entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud a few times because of their antics.

I rate this 4 ⭐️

#BookSpinBingo #5
@TheAromaofBooks

#BigJuneReadathon @Clwojick

Clwojick Woohoo! 🌼✨ 2y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 2y
25 likes2 comments
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vonnie862
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Morning reading in the tent ⛺️ 😀

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GondorGirl
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Well... I finished it. I'll try to get it in the mail by Monday.

#LMPBC #GroupJ @Johanna414 @Shadowfat @peanutnine

40 likes1 stack add
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GondorGirl
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Tommy and I are trying to make some progress on my #LMPBC book tonight. It's a good thing he's cute, because he keeps trying to eat my supplies! 😅

#GroupJ @Johanna414 @Shadowfat @peanutnine

#CatsOfLitsy #KAL

Johanna414 So helpful! 3y
57 likes1 comment
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Ang203l
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Reading instead of getting work done…. Never! #catsoflitsy

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Johanna414
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

This wasn't amazing, but it was cute and fun and I did enjoy reading it... I'll get it in the mail sometime this week! @Shadowfat @GondorGirl @peanutnine #lmpbc

GondorGirl I finished mine last night, so it'll be in the mail this week as well. 3y
Shadowfat I'm still working on mine, it hasn't quite hooked me yet 3y
Johanna414 @GondorGirl I just got this in the mail today - you should have it by Thursday 3y
GondorGirl @Johanna414 Perfect! 🥰 3y
34 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Johanna414
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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I thought the plan was to read in bed for a bit before going to sleep. Toby and Ruby have informed me that I am, in fact, wrong.
#catsofLitsy

BiblioLitten 😸 3y
EvieBee LOL! 3y
52 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Johanna414
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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We had an unexpected "snow day" because there was a water main break near the school and the village crew had to turn off the water to the school while doing repairs. I used it as an excuse to do some spring cleaning, and downloaded the audio of my #lmpbc book. @GondorGirl @Shadowfat @peanutnine

GondorGirl I've got my book and plan to start on Monday! 🧡🧡 3y
45 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BookNAround
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

A cute rom-com set in the Indian American community, the main characters are a warm, loving recruiter and a hard-edged corporate downsizer. Bollywood references, arranged marriages, and delectable food abound. This is cute, not quite enemies to lovers but close. Full review at http://booknaround.blogspot.com/2021/12/review-marriage-game-by-sara-desai.html

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Johanna414
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Ok #lmpbc #GroupJ I had a list of like 10 titles and made myself narrow it down to 2 contemporary, 2 historical and 1 fantasy romance... anything here you've already read? Anything you'd especially like to read or prefer not to read? @GondorGirl @Shadowfat @peanutnine

See All 10 Comments
GondorGirl I tend to gravitate more towards contemporary, but I'm willing to give anything a shot! The only thing I'm not really game for is any non-consensual sex. 3y
GondorGirl I'll try to come up with a list of possibilities in the next couple days. I'm really excited for this! 3y
Johanna414 @GondorGirl ok, I'll strike Stranger I Married off the list - I feel like since it's an older historical, theres more chance of literal "bodice ripping" scenes than in the more current titles. I'm really excited too!! 3y
peanutnine I'd like the 2 contemporary ones or Lady's Guide to Mischief. I can't wait to read some romance with y'all! I'll post some options as well soon ☺️ 3y
Johanna414 As long as it's ok with @Shadowfat I think I'm going to go with The Marriage Game. @GondorGirl @peanutnine 3y
Shadowfat That sounds good to me! 3y
39 likes1 stack add10 comments
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monalyisha
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

Hated the beginning. Loved the ending. Shortest review I‘ve ever written. Very hungry after reading all about goat curry, masala dosas, garlic fries, donuts, & Dungeness crab sandwiches. Must acquire nourishment ASAP. No time to waste.

…Although, I‘ll need to change out of my PJ‘s & put real clothes on first. 😅 Love a lazy Saturday morning.

monalyisha *Book teetered between a “Pick” & a “So-So” rating for me…but I‘m feeling generous after the delightful conclusion. (edited) 3y
BethM Those slippers 😍 3y
monalyisha @BethM Thanks! I call them my “clown slippers.” They‘re so soft & cozy. 💗 3y
80 likes3 comments
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monalyisha
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Experiencing the total indecision that comes after finishing something so amazing, you can‘t possibly conceive of where to go next.

All I know is that the guiding maxim must be, “And now for something *completely* different!”

vlwelser A Deadly Education is awesome. 3y
brittanyreads Finlay will def be on my top reads of the year! 3y
TheKidUpstairs Oooh, I've heard such good things about Finlay! 3y
76 likes3 comments
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Gnora
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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I really can‘t ask for more. 😍

#librarybook #romance #winter #fire #cozy

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kellyann28
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Thank you so much @TheAromaofBooks for my #Bestof2021 swap package! The candles smell amazing and I love the idea of the post cards!! I'm always hunting for cards or other things for swap boxes and these will be perfect! I can't wait to try these books that you loved! Thank you so much for a fun, thoughtful package ❤

Thank you to @candority for hosting this lovely swap! What a way to bring in 2022!

candority That pencil case is gorgeous! 😍 3y
kellyann28 @candority Yes, is it beautiful and pretty big too! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! So glad you enjoyed everything. I'm kind of in love with those pencil bags - I love that they are gusseted so that the bottom is flat. I feel like you can fit so much more in them haha Happy new year and happy reading!!! 3y
33 likes3 comments
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Mrs_B
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Mehso-so

The best parts were the beautiful descriptions of Indian food and culture. But the circumstances and relationships between the main love interests felt quite contrived. And Sam was seriously creepy when he first met Layla.

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rjsthumbelina
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Bailedbailed

The dynamics of this relationship were not for me. I didn't like either of the main characters, and loving the family issues that both had (as well as the side characters) couldn't redeem this one for me. I got about 45% of the way through on audio before remembering that life's too short to read books you aren't enjoying.

rjsthumbelina Still counting this as book 4 finished for #JoysofJune @Andrew65 3y
29 likes1 comment
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TheAromaofBooks
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

This one was so fun!! It had a great blend of humor and drama. Yes, there was some angst but it felt normal and not overdone. I absolutely fell in LOVE with the entire Patel family and all their shenanigans and loved the way everything came together at the end. Contemporary romance can be really hit or miss for me - so much of it these days is just plain vulgar. This one was sexy, but without making the sexy times the sole focus of the characters.

Tera66 Beautiful cover!💙 4y
TheAromaofBooks @Tera66 - Right?? I love it!! 4y
66 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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TheAromaofBooks
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Suuuper busy weekend here but the gardens are finally under control & we have successfully switched our lives to summer mode 😂 Several good books in the line up this week. I started the tagged book this morning - funny so far!! My #LMPBC book is a (loose) sequel to this one so I wanted to read it first. I got Love at First back from the library after accidentally chucking it in the book drop a couple weeks ago so I should be able to actually ⬇️

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) finish it!! The sword spine is actually Mister Impossible - the Owl Crate editions has a gorgeous reversible cover!!! Every Vow You Break is Peter Swanson's latest & since it's a new book it has a quick turn around to get back to the library. The books on the right are my ongoing reads & I forgot to include the next Narnia book - that readalong starts today!! Hoping to finally start Zeppelin (FOR REAL) whenever I finish the Norway book. ⬇ 4y
TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) I can only read so many oversized nonfiction books full of photographs at a time. 😂 So that's the #WeeklyForecast @Cinfhen - we'll see how far I get!!! 4y
Cinfhen How‘s your week going?!?!? I took a little unplugged time from all SM just to free up my headspace and keep my blood pressure down....not that Litsy isn‘t a supportive community/ I was just needing a break. Anyway, hope you‘re having a lovely week xx 4y
See All 6 Comments
Cinfhen And I can‘t believe it‘s almost JUNE!!! 4y
TheAromaofBooks @Cinfhen - No worries!! I totally understand that need to unplug sometimes - all the voices can get overwhelming, even if they aren't all bad voices! My week is going well - we finally got some rain yesterday so the weather is much more bearable this morning!! I'm not mentally prepared for it to be June already, though - this year is going soooo fast!!! Hope you are feeling better & staying safe!! ❤ 4y
Cinfhen All good / thank you 😘 4y
72 likes6 comments
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MandaManda
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Bailedbailed

I thought I would try a book outside my genre comfort zone. Nope, still not a romance fan. I love cheesy Hallmark movies but I don't want to read them. Took me 4 days to get 60 pages. That made me realize I was not enjoying this book at all!

bthegood @MandaManda just checking in -haven't seen you on in a while - hope all is well. (edited) 3y
9 likes1 comment
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MartinaLove
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Funny and romantic.
I really enjoyed reading this one.
Layla is struggling with her life, her father kindly let her borrow the office upstairs from their restaurant but he was also renting the space to Sam. With her father being ill, she wants to meet every suiter her father had choosen from the dating website. Sam decides to help Layla with her list, only to repair a mistake he's done in the past.

16 likes1 stack add
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MartinaLove
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Books I plan on reading for the next few days. 📚
I'll add more along the way, I think. I am already almost done with The Marriage Game. Which I'm enjoy so far. 🥰
I have already started ACOSF. I'm about half way through it.
I couldn't controle myself any longer and ordered many books. I can't wait to receive them. 😊

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TheLucindaLife
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai

Overall, a cute read. I liked the chaperoned dates the most because it is where Layla and Sam got to know one another best. I wished for more of those scenes to better get to know the characters myself. I also felt like Sam never really got over his revenge plan. Idk, something was just lacking for me on his end.

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Wildly_Bookish
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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My next read.

14 likes1 stack add
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sarahs.thoughts.on.books
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

This book is really something between pick and so-so, and that's because as someone local-ish, there was some geography issues.

Looking forward to reading the related book, The Dating Game

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Lauren.Archer
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
Pickpick

This was exactly what I expected and needed. Fun read.

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BookInMyHands
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

When Layla returns home she has hit rock bottom. Disgraced, jobless, and reeling from a horrible break-up.
As she gets her new business started a mix-up lands her an unwelcome office mate- infuriating Sam Mehta. To further complicate things her dad has put her resumé on a matchmaking site and the suitors are starting to show up at the office. Sam has an idea-a game- to solve both problems. But what if she wants Sam?

#Readingauthorsofcolor2020

40 likes1 stack add
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booksaremyfavorite
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

Layla and Adam are my favorite characters in this book. It‘s a battle for an office space that turns into a battle for the heart.

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Sharpeipup
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Second attempt celebrating #readabookday

44 likes1 stack add
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Christinak
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

Lately I‘ve been reading for escape. This was cute.

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Basement_Bookcase
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

Desai does a wonderful job weaving an engrossing tale full of unique characters. Layla and Sam are very relatable characters that readers can easily connect with.

I really enjoyed how Desai balanced Layla‘s family dynamics and expectations with her desire to be independent. I feel like often books have one or the other, so it was nice to see it established here already and for it not to be a plot point.

Full review on my blog!

Link in bio!

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danimgill
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Mehso-so

I liked this one but didn't love it. The banter between the leads is good but often happening directly in front of Layla's prospective dates (who they are usually bantering ABOUT) which was so odd to me. The family dynamics are good and I liked all the side characters, but the book just went on for a little too long for me. The writing itself is good though, and I'm looking forward to the next one about Daisy.

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danimgill
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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No better way to test out a new hammock!

slategreyskies That looks like a great reading spot! :) 4y
tracey38 Hammocks always seem like wonderful reading spots! 4y
37 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Nitpickyabouttrains
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

Another Desi romance novel. I liked the main characters in this one.

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Jemgirl2014
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
Pickpick

This is romantic comedy at its finest. I am beyond impressed with this book. The slow burn between Layla and Sam is intoxicating. Since they're both such loveable characters, it's so much fun to root for them. I also love Kayla's family, especially Daisy! I can't wait to see her again in her own book; I already preordered that one. Guess she's on my autobuy list. Yay!

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Lovesbooks87
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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Pickpick

This was just the light and fun read that I need after my last heavy read. I loved the banter between Layla and Sam! I actually loved everything about this book! I can‘t wait to see what this authors writes next. I have a feeling she is going to become an auto author!

Jemgirl2014 I just finished it and it's been a while since I've loved a romantic comedy so much! I hope Daisy gets a story. 😀 4y
Lovesbooks87 @Jemgirl2014 she is next year! 4y
Jemgirl2014 @Lovesbooks87 Oh, yay! Can't wait! 😄 4y
57 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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Preciouz29
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
Pickpick

Cute, steamier than I was expecting, but a little longer than it needed to be.

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SilversReviews
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
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“Layla Santos, daughter of first-generation immigrants from India, has found herself in one bad romantic rendezvous after the next.”

**THIS BLURB IS COURTESY OF INFORMATION SHARED BY TARA O‘CONNOR of @berkleypub @penguinrandomhouse

DETAILS HERE: https://tinyurl.com/y7qduz8q

49 likes2 stack adds
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akaGingerK
The Marriage Game | Sara Desai
Mehso-so

My interest in the B-plot drove me to finish the book, and I actually really like the HEA resolution! The wrap up was super charming, and I loved the familial involvement. Unfortunately, the banter between the protagonists was generally about the men Layla was meant to be dating and took place Right In Front of the men who were being eviscerated. Why! Didn‘t! They! React? I almost quit, more than once, & I‘m not sure if I‘d rec it.

8 likes1 comment