This book was really cute. I liked that Patel focused on some really serious issues, in this instance racism and community expectation. She does not shy away from the difficult parts of relationships, which is something I remembered from the first book in this series. I'm not really a fan of second-chance romance as my favorite trope. - I feel like we miss some delicious tension and a slow burn that I love so much, but Daniel and Preeti were great together, and I'm so glad they got their happy ending.

Honestly it has taken this long to write a review for First Love, Take Two because I loved this book so much yet I do not think I can do it justice in my review. But I'm going to give it a try, so if you take away one thing from reading this please let it be to just read the book.

I have a love/hate relationship with second chance romances but this one really worked for me. Preeti and Daniel just worked so well and I completely understood where the initial break up came from. Additionally the way anxiety is described was so spot on to what I deal with and seeing that represented so well made me fall more in love with this book. There was just so much to love about this book that I will recommend it to anyone that asks and I cannot wait to read more books from this author in the future.

Thank you to the publisher for my review copy.

I really, really liked Sajini Patel’s first title in this series. It came out of nowhere for me and I chalked it up to a five star read.

Now, before we head into my review…I want you to know. I am not an Own Voices reviewer for this title. Therefore, I did not understand the family dynamics the way I needed to.

The story was enjoyable….but somewhat annoying. I know that sounds harsh. I did not enjoy Preeti. I wanted more from her. I felt like she was a lion inside a lamb and I wanted to watch her kick butt and take names. Sadly, I never got over that feeling. Daniel was more believable and like able to me. Unfortunately, he did not bring the novel over to more than enjoyable.

Would I read a third installment? Yep, I would. Sadly, this one was a miss for me. I would encourage you to read the synopsis and see…it might be a good fit for you. The writing remains strong. It was all about the characters for me.

4 STARS for First Love, Take Two by Sajni Patel, out wherever books are sold on September 21st, 2021.

Set in The Trouble with Hating You universe, but can be read completely independently, First Love Take Two is rom-com about second chances, forbidden love, and vulnerability.

I look forward to sharing this title with our audience and will keep it under consideration as a contender for our monthly picks for our book club. Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

First Love, Take Two is a romance filled with so much depth. It deals with cultural clashes, race, and mental health. But have no fear on top of the deepness there is steam!

I absolutely loved The Trouble With Hating You so I was so excited for this one. And it did not dissappoint. A second chance romance was just what I needed. Preeti and Daniel's story was full of sexual tension but also such a great story about mental health. I cannot wait to see what is next from Sajni!

Readers who like to root for a couple who are up against a closed-minded community, and who sympathize with an anxious, and occasionally strident heroine, would enjoy First Love, Take Two. If you’re looking for a standalone romance, low angst, and a couple with stellar communications skills, this might not be for you. Either way, my fellow foodies will want platters of buttermilk biscuits and tacos at hand while you read.

This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author. Must read

A great second chance romance with topic surrounding mental health. Preeti and Daniel's tension is amazing! Preeti a doctor who struggles with anxiety. When Preeti and Daniel are forced back into each other lives, things get heated! I really liked it!

I found Daniel and Preeti’s relationship to be sweet and wholesome, but in general the story was a bit slow and boring for me. There was so much potential for BIG emotions but I didn’t really feel them.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Preeti Patel is the chief resident on the verge of securing her dream job at her dream practice. At first glance, Preeti seems to have it all figured out. But that’s not exactly the case—all at once Preeti finds herself managing the expectations of her traditional community and her parents, ensuring she gets offered a job, and trying to find a place to live. The anxiety is crippling and amplified by the fact that her new, temporary apartment comes with a roommate —her ex-boyfriend, Daniel. Daniel is the perfect guy—great looks, charming, caring, can cook, and has a very good job. However, Daniel’s family has plans for his future that don’t involve Preeti. Daniel and Preeti must figure out how to co-exist in their apartment despite their past and their families’ demands.

This book was so great. It’s my first Sajni Patel book, but it definitely will not be my last. What I loved most about this book was Preeti’s character, for so many reasons. Her struggle with anxiety is one—I appreciated how Patel represented Preeti’s anxiety to demonstrate how it can feel normal or manageable one moment, then all-consuming the next. Patel posited Daniel and Preeti’s family against all others to show how Preeti’s touch aversion can be minimally triggering if the touch is from someone she trusts, versus extremely triggering if it comes from someone else. Preeti is quick to correct those who downplay her anxiety, and Daniel was very respectful of it. Overall, I thought this representation of Preeti’s anxiety was realistic, refreshing, and portrayed very well.

I also appreciated how Patel included a lot of references to Indian culture. Preeti is from a traditional family, and it was really interesting reading about the social expectations that are to be followed. I like the way Patel posited Daniel’s family—superficially, Daniel’s family seems to be the opposite of Preeti’s. But the expectations put on Daniel are similar and the reasons his family has those expectations are motivated by the same ideals as the expectations in Preeti’s family. Overall, Patel represented two high achieving millennials who are conflicted by their parent’s expectations and their own passions in a way that was creative, interesting, and unique.

Speaking of unique, given that this book relies heavily on the forced-proximity trope I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it. But Patel did not disappoint. I thought it would potentially be too overdone or corny, but because Patel uses this in the context of Preeti’s culture and the family dynamics as play, I didn’t feel put off by the trope at all—I found it worked well in this story.

This book will literally make you smile. From Preeti’s hilarious and supportive girl gang, to how adorable and attentive Daniel is to Preeti, to how her parents display their unconditional love for Preeti, there are so many reasons to smile at this book. I like my books to be realistic, and I felt Patel struck a good balance between the harshness of reality (i.e., stress, anxiety) and the feel-good romcom moments.

I would recommend this book to anyone! The steam is on the lower end the spectrum (fairly closed door, which I liked) but definitely still there, so I’d feel comfortable making a recommendation to steam lovers and steam avoiders alike. There’s nothing not to like about this book, so for me it was an easy 5 stars.

Thank you to @netgalley and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book! I was absolutely thrilled to receive the approval for it!!
Oh what can I tell you about this book? Preeti and Daniel, fell in love, were made for each other but because of society and family preconceptions, biases, and pressure, they were made to split up. Preeti comes from an East Indian family and Daniel is African American. There was also a difference of social stature that was made very apparent by comments made.
Preeti, an aspiring doctor has depression and anxiety, both of which were extremely relatable. Daniel is the absolute sweetest and most thoughtful man, that even though they were separated for years, after an unlikely situation that threw them together, he showed how much he cared for Preeti in the way he cooked for her, took care of her and was there for her when she needed him (someone) the most. A person can only hope they find a partner like Daniel, one that understands them, appreciates them and loves them for who they are.
I truly loved this book and encourage everyone to read it!

First Love, Take Two was a fine book my biggest issue was that the main character, Preeti, seemed really immature and her love interest, Daniel, didn't have much depth. It felt like there were lots of characters but none of them were very well developed. The drama also seemed a bit over exaggerated. Also, there were times where the book felt like it jumped way too far between chapters and it was hard for me to tell how much time had passed.

On the bright side, I liked how the book provided social commentary on antiblackness in the Indian community. It was surprisingly an easy read even though it hits on darker topics. Overall, it was an average book but I won't be recommending it to anyone unless they are specially looking for a romance novel with an Indian American main character (even then I would recommend others over this one). I want to read Sanjis other novel before discounting her work.

This story is about Preeti Patel a South Asian girl who is soon to be a doctor and Daniel Thompson a well-educated African American guy.

As the title suggests it is a second chance romance with incredible characters and an amazing story. This book highlights mental health and interracial relationship. Even most of the progressive Indian families are skeptical about interracial marriages and especially in this case. I am glad the author talked about it. The author has done a phenomenal job of highlighting these important issues and balancing them with humor and warmth.

Preeti is a strong character and I loved her girl gang (Liya, Reema, and Sana). All in all, it's an emotional, heartwarming and amazing book. I recommend it.

This book sounded good from when I read the summary but I loved it. It was a book that had me constantly wanting to pick it back up, even if I had other obligations. The story and romance between Preeti and Daniel was such a well done second chance romance. I love how they had that chemistry from the beginning but worked through their past before moving forward. The cultural part of it offered a glimpse into the cultural and also showed that cruel people can be found anywhere. I also enjoyed the Q & A at the end and glimpse into the authors thought process.

Preeti Patel is almost done with her residency, she's going out with a man who she may see herself settling down with and everything seems to be going according to plan. Except Preeti needs a new place to stay, but her girlfriend has the perfect solution! Preeti can stay at her place while she's out of town. Only there's one catch - Preeti will be shacking up with her ex who she hasn't seen in six years! What happened between Daniel and Preeti? Daniel wants to know what made Preeti leave him and never give an explanation. Will they be able to repair their relationship while also rooming together?

First Love, Take Two tackles a lot of serious and tough subjects throughout the books. Topics such as racism, sexism, anxiety and depression are all discussed. I felt like Sajni Patel did a really good job weaving these topics into the romance. I only wish that I felt more for Preeti and Daniel as a couple- I wasn't quite sold on their chemistry. I did however love how sweet and attentive Daniel was with Preeti.

I did read the first book in the series, The Trouble with Hating You, but don't feel like you need to read it before picking up

i really enjoyed this book as a lighthearted, desi romance but i did find the conversations surrounding daniel and his role in preeti's community and his own. the way that the concept of racism was handled in this book made me question whether or not the author truly grasped the fact that preeti herself was a target for racism, as daniel called himself. however. daniel, being Black, was a target of a specific kind of racism aka anti-Black racism. the lack of distinction/boundaries in this area made my reading experience less enjoyable.

This was such a cute romance book! I really loved the idea of exes having to share not only the same home but the same bedroom! I laughed out loud so many times and had so much fun reading this!

As a nurse, I loved this book. Residency is beyond stressful and I could not imagine discovering that your new roommate is your ex! I felt the chemistry and I wanted them to make it happen!

I loved the characters as well as the plot.