I really enjoyed this one!
It gave off Ali Hazelwood vibes but still stood on it's own.
It's a cute story that still makes you think after you read it.

dnfed @ 38.7%

there’s something about this book that i just don’t vibe with and it’s getting on my nerves

i’ve tried to pick this book up at least 5 times across the last year (and hey, didn’t even realise i dnfed this exactly a year & 1 day later!) and i’m just not liking it at all so i think it’s a fair dnf at this point

firstly, i’m a firm believer that if a contemporary book is *this* long, it better be good & interesting all the way through, i’ve been reading this book for what feels like ages now and so far we’ve barely set up the plot??

our fmc is just, so. damn. annoying. she’s trying to be all mary sue but it’s coming across as just, juvenile?? everything just feels so surface level? there’s just certain things she says or thinks that makes me go “dude what?!”

ALSO HER SISTER IS 14 AND PREGNANT & DOESN’T KNOW THE FATHER & that just all gets glossed over??

and i’m guessing the authors trying to go for a lil enemies to lovers vibe, but i’m going to bet it’s going to be a “he’s a jerk and suddenly they’re in love with no chemistry” vibe instead

overall, if there is a redeeming factor to this book, i just don’t feel like spending more time to get there, i just feel absolutely nothing but annoyance when i think about reading this sooo yeah

This is an absolutely delightful book! Penina is heartwarming and the kind of friend and family member we all want and should strive to be. I love the challenges she faces and how she leans upon her religion and her community to get her through.

4/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

A hilarious read, in which I appreciated learning about orthodox Jewish culture. The side-theme of fashion that was interesting without overtaking the heart of the plot.

I adore Jewish romances and this one was no exception. Matchmaking, witty banter, emotional topics, this one is a favorite for sure!

I was so excited for this, but sadly it just didn’t meet the mark for me!

Main character Penina is Orthodox Jewish. She falls for Sam, a secular man, and struggles with whether they can have a life together. This was very slow paced, and it was difficult to stay interested. I found both characters unlikable, specifically Sam. Honestly he was just a jerk, and it barely felt like their bond developed. Penina came off very judgmental. Just no chemistry whatsoever! The whole thing just felt very cringey.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review

This book was interesting enough to keep me going but it felt slower-paced which made it harder to connect with the characters. It as funny but not deep enough to be memorable-I would say skip it in the end.

I’m always in for a good rom-com and finding a new author to give me that little dose of dopamine is absolutely stellar!

Loved this contemporary romance novel, how it explored Jewish identity and culture and how good the couple was for each other.

I love that there is more content available that reflects aspects of Judaism in a realistic light. not overly dramatic or satires. That representation is key, and even though I am not Orthodox, I feel represented in a way other books haven't yet achieved.

This was a good adult romance novel, that I would recommend to those who think it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

I liked the story. It opened my eyes to the Orthodox Jew religion and I enjoyed learning about their community and culture. I loved the hero. He was the perfect guy. However, I didn't like Penina. Coming from a culture where siblings sacrifice a lot for each other, I still can't get how Penina could marry someone just so her sister could keep her house. She's too good and it's just unbelievable for me.

I was also hoping to laugh more but it didn't really crack me up. No emotionally charged moments for me too so this will not go to my favorites list.

This was a great book with real-life problems that readers can relate to. I'll definitely be reading more of Shertok in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

What I didn't like was that the novel begins with an emphasis that Penina is really connected to her faith and it is very important to her. She is often reminding other characters of what is dictated. So I don't really buy into an ending where a character pushes aside their faith for a HEA.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved not only the Orthodox Jewish representation but the interfaith relationship representation as well.

There aren’t nearly enough Jewish romcoms available, and I always try to make a point to diversify my reading, so I was excited to read and listen to UNORTHODOX LOVE.

I really enjoyed this story, and thought that Penina was a great Jewish rep, and an overall sweet story between her and Sam, who happens to be her new boss.

*many thanks to Alcove Press and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

I did like this book, but as I am not Jewish, I felt like I was missing something a lot of the time. This book would really, really work for someone who can relate to the MC and understands the ins and outs of the culture!

Penina wants nothing more than to find true love and marriage. Unfortunately, she is infertile in the Orthodox Jewish Community. This means, rather than Matchmakers introducing her to those outstanding members of the community, she's introduced to men twice her age and those who need more help than she can provide. On top of all that, her sister Libby has told her a terrible secret. Libby's husband's failed business is straining her marriage, and they are about to lose the family home. Desperate to help her sister, Penina agrees to a fake marriage of convenience to a secretly gay Orthodox view. She thinks she's about to say goodbye to the possibility of true love when she meets her new boss, Sam Kleinfeld. Sam is brash, not religious, and not the relationship type. He's and Penina find themselves instantly attracted to each other. Will Penina choose to stay with the community she knows or take a risk with someone who just might be the secular answer to her prayers? Unorthodox Love paints a positive portrait of an Orthodox Jewish woman on a chaotic and unorthodox path to love.