Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron is a modern day adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma with characters of SOUTH ASIAN origin. Kamila is vibrant accountant who lives and works with her Dad. Kamila is known for her Bollywood movie nights and biriyani parties. She is a friend one must have in their lives. Besides being there for her dad and her friends Kamila is also a compulsive match match. Rohan is a family friend and is a constant in Kamila's life. Kamila's relationship with her family, friends, Rohan and how she navigates through life forms the premise of the story.

First off, this is not a typical steamy romance. Kamila is the life and should of the book. Rohan, Kamila's family and friends add color to Kamila's story. I loved how authentic Farah kept the book with the Bollywood movies, food, relationships. There was some typical Indian upbringing drama, but she didn't make it over the top. Kamila and Rohan are likable. Darcy and Potato were so so cute! Overall, a sweet breezy read. I wish there was little more focus on Kamila and Rohan's relationship instead of dwelling too much into the side characters story line.

Thanks you Forever Pub for sending me a free ARC of this book.

I liked this book, it’s a cute retelling of the classic Emma. The friends to lovers romance is well done, and I loved Kamila’s relationship with her friends and family. I was a little frustrated with the portrayal of Kamila’s father, he’s a grown man who’s still working and sometimes she treats him like a child. I know it’s because they care about each other so much, and it was great to read about such a close family, especially after hearing about how poorly Kamila was treated by her mother. That verbal abuse and disdain left a permanent mark.
Also, DOGS. If you like dogs like I do, this is the book for you. Dogs everywhere! There’s lots of delicious Indian food and Bollywood movies too!
The romance was a slow burn, but the chemistry between Rohan and Kamila was worth waiting for. This book left me with a smile on my face, 4 stars.

Synopsis:
Kamila Hussain’s life might not be perfect, but, whew, it’s close. She lives a life of comfort, filled with her elaborate Bollywood movie parties, a dog with more Instagram followers than most reality stars, a job she loves, and an endless array of friends who clearly need her help finding love. In fact, Kamila is so busy with her friends’ love lives, she’s hardly given any thought to her own . . .
Fortunately, Kamila has Rohan Nasser. A longtime friend of the family, he’s hugely successful, with the deliciously lean, firm body of a rock climber. Only lately, Kamila’s “harmless flirting” with Rohan is making her insides do a little bhangra dance.
But between planning the local shelter’s puppy prom, throwing a huge work event, and proving to everyone that she’s got it all figured out, Kamila isn’t letting herself get distracted—until her secret nemesis returns to town with an eye for Rohan. Suddenly, it seems like the more Kamila tries to plan, the more things are starting to unravel—and her perfectly ordered life is about to be turned upside down

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was in a small slump of just eh books when a friend recommended I try Kamila Knows Best. With nothing to lose I listened to to her and I’m happy I did. This book was just lovely! It was one of those books that you didn’t really want to stop reading once you started. Kamila was a character with some flaws, like worrying about everyone else and not herself, but she was a good person. And I loved her relationship with Rohan. They complimented each other. They were just both genuinely likable characters so it made reading them a breeze. Was the book perfect? No. But it was perfect in that moment and I’m so happy I listened to my friend. Get this on your TBR.

4 stars

Emma is one of my favorite Jane Austen stories and I love retellings of it so this book was right up my alley. I love Farah Heron's take on this story even though I knew the overarching act-by-act stuff that would happen I was excited to see her interpretation. Kamila and Rohan were delightful characters. Her writing is so good! It has a miscommunication trope but I didn't mind it at all (normally I hate them). I love the emotional depth that was written into this book. As well as the diverse cast and getting to know more about Indian culture through food and movie choices! I can't wait for the next book from Farah Heron!!!

Thank you Forever Romance and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kamila is doesn’t exactly fit the stereotype when it comes to accountants - she wears bold dresses in all colours and prints, runs a successful social media for sweet little dog, and prides herself on her weekly Bollywood movie parties. When her father’s doctor insists he cut back his hours, Kamila tries to prove to him that she can take on bigger clients. When her efforts lead to even more time with Rohan, family friend and certified hottie, things can only go up.

This was so much fun! I read this book until exhaustion overtook me, and even then, it was a struggle to put it down partway to get my much needed sleep. The description of food had my mouth watering, and I really vibes with the writing style.

Rohan and Kamila were both so delightful, and I was rooting for them the entire book. Kamila’s antics and the care she puts into her relationships is what I wish I had the energy for (but alas, I remain an introvert who could not maintain attendance at weekly parties, never mind hosting!) The dogs were adorable (Potato the puppy made me think of my dream to name a dog Asparagus - Gus for short) and I loved the spotlight on volunteering!

The rivalry between Jana and Kamila was also a great touch and I was glad to see their relationship evolve throughout.

I definitely need to pick up Farah’s first book now!

3 stars

Farah Heron's Emma retelling, Kamila Knows Best, has all of the ingredients that I love in a rom-com, but something about the execution didn't completely jive with me. I absolutely loved how Heron incorporated food and Bollywood culture throughout and I definitely want to try the chicken biryani recipe that she included in at the end of the book. Kamila's friendships with Asha and eventually with Jana were also major highlights. Some of Austen's subplots got a little muddied in this adaptation, (particularly the Mr. Elton-Harriet-Robert storyline) and there is a lot of work talk/event planning talk that did slow things down a bit, but those issues paled in comparison to with the ones I had with the main romance in this book.

I'm sure that some of this has to do with my love for the original material, but I had a really hard time getting behind Kamila and Rohan's relationship. For me, the joy of an Emma retelling is seeing that lightning strike moment when the Emma character realizes that she is in love. Because Heron's version gives the pair some previous romantic history, there are so many moments of advertising that Kamila is attracted to Rohan throughout the novel and the moment where she realizes that she has fallen for him loses the impact that it could have had.

The fact that there were not one, but two, big blowout arguments between the two of them also didn't help matters. Where Austen's Mr. Knightly admonishes Emma for her actions because he knows that she can be better, Heron really ratchets up the tension by having Rohan throw out some aggressively personal attacks against Kamila about 50% into the novel. Even though he does apologize, it felt like one step too far and really tainted the character for me. Then in the second argument, Kamila left a bad taste in my mouth with the way that she reacted and continued to react even up until the final scene of reconciliation. A lot of that had to do with Heron's decision to add the plot point from Emma where the main relationship is threatened by the Harriet character right at the very end, which highlighted Kamila's somewhat childish nature at a point when I wanted to believe that she is learning not to take things to the extreme. What could have had a massive payoff turned out, for me, to just be okay in the end.

I love the community that Heron created in this book, but it is hard to give a romance 5 stars when the romance itself didn't completely land.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

This was the book i needed when i read it. Loving romance books and not often they take place in your hometown. I love being able to picture all the places mentioned in the book. The friends to lovers was done perfectly and Farah Heron is an autobuy author for me. Definetly recommend and love how hard topics were delt with kindness and gently.

Kamila Knows Best is a sparkling contemporary Emma retelling, and since I finally read Emma last year (and subsequently learned that Clueless is also based on Emma) I loved that I was able to use that context as I was reading. It’s so well done!

Despite seemingly having it all–the career, the social life, plenty of friends to play matchmaker with– Kamila is tired of having to prove her worth. Why can’t she be a successful CPA, nonprofit fundraiser, AND love her vibrant, one-of-a-kind clothing choices and performing dance routines with her beloved pup?

Kamila is definitely a fellow 2 enneagram, always trying to please everyone around her and rarely saying no to helping. This time, she may have piled on more than even she can handle, with a huge work event, a fundraising event for a special cause, keeping up with her elaborate weekly Bollywood movie night, and helping her father work through some health issues. Her longtime family friend, Rohan, is willing to help in any way possible, and Kamila finds herself relying on him more and more. Rohan is recently divorced, and when Kam’s childhood nemesis glides back into town and spends more and more time with Rohan, Kam’s surprised when she feels jealous. The whole cast is delightful. Farah excels at writing characters that are easy to picture and even easier to root for.

Know going in that while this is definitely a romance, it’s a slow burn, closed-door story that mainly focuses on Kamila’s growth and friendships. It’s still highly enjoyable, sweet, and swoon worthy, and will make you laugh out loud many, many times. Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for an ARC!

This book has a lot going on. Kamila is an accountant trying to prove to others that she should be taken seriously. She’s also an event planner, fundraiser, and parent of a Tik Tok famous dog. Her father has health issues so Kamila wants him to retire and hand over the reigns to their family business. Her lifelong friend, Rohan, is also…around.

Honestly Kamila is a little chaotic and I found it difficult to ever really like her or root for her. So much of the dynamics that seem to motivate her are undeveloped. For example, her “nemesis” is back in town but the reasoning behind their enmity is vague. Kamila’s mother was a monster but that’s also not explored in a clear way. Rohan is an intriguing best friend/love interest but his history (divorced, always around helping Kamila and her dad but why?) also isn’t developed enough to make their story arc clear.

Overall I was pretty disappointed in this given how much I’ve enjoyed some of this author’s previous books. Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Fans of Jane Austen retellings will likely enjoy this book, which is based on Emma (with a Bollywood twist). I liked that Kamila was so happy and satisfied with her life when the book began. She is devoted to her dad, is good at her job as an accountant, has a pet dog she adores, a wide circle of friends (to meddle with), and a gorgeous best male friend (Rohan). I was surprised to find a 30-something young woman so happy being single, but that was Kamila. Rohan was available to escort her when she wanted one, so what more could a woman want?

Kamila's perfect life is about to hit a rough patch, however, when an old 'friend' returns to town . The turmoil, though painful, shakes Kamila out of her comfortable rut and causes her to look at things with new eyes. While I liked the book overall, I had a hard time initially getting into it, and thought the romance was a little lacking.

I received a copy of this book from publisher Forever via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review.
It was my pleasure to read and review it.

Kamila came off initially as one of those people that I try to avoid, the super social, match-making, constant event planning, over the top person. As the story progresses, you really get down to the back story of why Kamila is the way she is and it’s heartbreaking at times. But also, we see Kamila come into her own and truly go after what she wants, taking charge of the direction of her life without worrying about what people think. The book is also filled with good friends, good food and a slow burn friends to lovers trope. I’m not a pet person at all, but I had a weird soft spot for Potato!

Farah Heron’s book Accidentally Engaged is a special one to me as a bookstagrammer. Not only did was is a book that made me laugh out loud and ended up being a 5 star read, it was my very first NetGalley approval and my very first buddy read that led to me meeting some great people (looking at you @lovearctually crew). So when I saw Farah had a new adult rom com coming out, I was pumped. Then I realized there is a sweet little dog on the cover that could be Blanca’s twin and I was so ready. I’m happy to say, this book lived up to my very high expectations.

This book follows Kamila, an accountant who loves throwing weekly Bollywood parties for her friends, has an instagram famous dog, and spends her free time volunteering at an animal shelter. She is always busy and she is determined to prove to everyone that she can be serious.

This slow burn friends to lovers story was filled with swoon-worthy moments and entertaining situations. I loved Kamila and Rohan as friends and how rich their history was and I adored seeing them pining for each other and eventually getting it together and admitting their feelings. But what is even more of a focus than the romance is Kamila’s journey of self-acceptance. After having a rough relationship with her mom growing up, Kamila really struggles with insecurities and self-doubt. Throughout the book she slowly becomes more assertive and goes after what she wants and I thought her support system of friends were incredible. Also, not to be missed are the incredible food descriptions. Grab a snack when reading this (maybe one of the recipes in the back?) because this book is going to make you HUNGRY.

Thanks to Forever Pub for the advanced copy!

Thank you Netgalley and Forever for my gifted copy of Kamila Knows Best. After absolutely adoring Accidentally Engaged last year, I couldn't wait to read this book.
Kamila is determined to do it all. She works hard at the company she shares with her father, hosts weekly Bollywood movie nights with her friends, and is an active volunteer with a local dog shelter. She loves to set up her friends and play matchmaker. She wants to do everything for everyone and is a definite people pleaser. Things get more complicated when her old rival/frenemy returns to Toronto after working abroad. When her father has health issues, she takes on even more and it seems like too much to handle. It's hard for Kamila to ask for help or turn down a request from a friend or family member.

I loved her easy chemistry and friendship with Rohan. I loved Asha, Nicole, and her close circle of friends. Kamila's weekly Bollywood nights seemed like so fun. I was a little annoyed at how quickly things turned catastrophic for Kamila. There were a lot of moments where she could've had a conversation with Rohan or her father to fix the situation. I loved the sweet ending with Rohan, Kamila, Darcy and Potato.

I will update with the link when I share to my bookstagram account.

Enjoyable story but not as dynamic as Accidentally Engaged for me. Kamila was a little too June Cleaver-y for me in the beginning but she grew on me as the story went on. The banter between Kamila and Rohan was excellent even as I grew a little frustrated with them not figuring it out! Overall a very enjoyable read.

Kamila Knows Best made me crave biryani. Going into this I felt like I was missing something with the introduction of so many characters. I also got frustrated with the miscommunication going on. I did think that Kamila was awesome and someone I would want to hang out with.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! This was a super sweet, charming, romantic comedy, and I loved it! Kamila is an accountant living with and working for her dad who is struggling with mental health issues. Rohan is a close family friend who helps around the house and with Kamila’s dad’s health and work. This is a closed door, friends-to-lovers, retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma that works great. No one takes Kamila seriously based on her clothes and love of all things fun through dogs, Bollywood films, social media, and whimsical clothes; but over the course of the story, Kamila proves that like everyone, she’s worthy of the best in terms of her friendships, love, and happiness. This book is a fun, lighthearted romantic comedy, but it’s also a lovely story about finding your worth and staying true to yourself in the contemporary world where people have certain expectations and perceptions of how to be an adult, especially concerning people working in finance. This is my second book from Heron, and I love her writing style and how she depicts her character with depth and humor; she seems to always perfectly balance this complicated dynamic. I highly recommend this book for fans of contemporary romance, Desi family dynamics, classic retelling, closed-door, and friends-to-lovers.

Kamila Knows Best is a modern-day South Asian Canadian retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. I have never actually read Emma; however, I find that I prefer to read retellings before the classics they are based on. It is typically difficult to best a book that is a classic, so I enjoy retellings more without knowing the original text.⁣
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I should start this review with saying that I was unable to finish Kamila Knows Best. I have a ton of books to read this month, and I just could not get into this one. I tried to read it several times but finally gave up. As a result, I will not do my rating. I will, of course, still tell you what I liked and did not like so you can decide for yourself if Kamila Knows Best is a book that you would enjoy.⁣
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I found the protagonist – Kamila – to be annoying and even a bit immature. Her character is a lot… Kamila is constantly talking herself up and trying to matchmake. The character development was lacking for most of the characters. While I knew the basics – what they wear, their jobs, etc. – I did not know anything of substance about the characters. I stopped reading at 25 percent in the book. By that time, little had happened plot-wise, and I still had not been given a reason to care about the characters or what happened to them. In addition, I found the writing to be plain and lackluster.⁣
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Farah Heron did do some things well in crafting Kamila Knows Best. I enjoyed reading about Desi culture. I was definitely drooling reading about the food being eaten. Dogs also feature a bit into the story, which I appreciate as a dog lover. As far as heavier subjects, Heron calls out sexism and ageism in the workplace and discusses the link between physical and mental health. I appreciated her handling of both of these subjects.⁣
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While Kamila Knows Best did not work out for me, I have no doubt others will find it enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I would actually rate this around 3.5 stars. I'm a big fan of slow-burn friends to lovers and liked how that trope was used in this book. Although I can't speak to the Muslim representation as I am not Muslim myself, I loved the mentions of Bollywood movies and Indian foods as an Indian-American reader. I also liked that the book depicted Kamila as an unconventional Desi lead and discussed therapy and her father's mental illness. It mentioned how these topics can be stigmatized in the South Asian community without dwelling on this excessively, and instead focused on the experiences of the characters themselves.

My only criticism of this book is that it took me a while to be invested in the story. This may also have been because I am not familiar with or interested in the business world, but it took me a while to warm up to the characters. That being said, I was more and more invested as the story went on.

Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Emma by Jane Austen, "frivolous" Desi leads, people interested in the corporate world, and slow-burn friends to lovers!

content warnings: anxiety, depression, panic disorder, hospitalization, death of a family member (off-page), abusive parent (off-page)

If you’re a fan of slow burn friends to lovers romances then this one is for you!

Both Kamila and Rohan are fantastic characters with tons of chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions even with they were knee deep in the miscommunication trope.

I also loved the other incredible friendships with the supporting cast (BIPOC & queer!) that we get to see through Kamila’s weekly Bollywood night, which includes a Bollywood flick and a different style of biryani each time.

While this story does have lighthearted moments, Heron does tackle some tough themes too such as parental death (recount), parental emotional abuse, and therapy (there’s more so please check content warnings!).

The is the second book by Heron that I’ve loved (check out Accidentally Engaged!), and I can’t wait for more.

If you love:
- Retellings of classic love stories ❤️
- Vivid food descriptions 🫓
- A main character who loves all things colorful 👗
- A friends to lovers story 🥰

Then this is your book! Farah Heron doesn’t disappoint when it comes to a cute love story, this one a retelling of Jane Austin’s Emma. I loved that Kamila embodies a strong woman: she wants to create her best life, she loves her family, and she loves dressing up even if her accounting job may lead her otherwise.
The book’s central relationship between her and best friend (but also sister’s brother in law) Rohan is so sweet and throughout the book I keep whispering to myself that they should just tell each other how they felt! But when it happens, it’s great. Definitely a fun book that has more than just a love story.