I can see why people would like this book- the premise, the setting, the characters (or should I say one particular male character)- but in all honesty I was disappointed.

I won't mention everything, as other reviewers have mentioned the reasons for disappointment much more eloquently than I can. The main issues here were definitely 1) the problematic Muslim representation and 2) the writing style.

1) Muslim rep

I'm fully aware that there's a spectrum of opinions within Islam about what is permissible, and it's probably asking too much for the author to stick to the mainstream opinions on this. But given that the author is a woman who wears hijab, who has written a book which includes the MC exploring and renewing her relationship with her Creator, I was expecting some basic values. It appears that my expectations were definitely too high, as celebrating Christmas, haram relationships, sharing music playlists and characters that drink alcohol and dress/act immodestly were all on the list. And none of them were necessary! There was no point to any of these elements except to make the characters seem more Westernised, modern and 'relatable', presumably for non-Muslim readers to appreciate that Muslims aren't so different. Unfortunately I've forgotten the quotation for the one sentence that angered me, so apologies for that, but it was to do with how Humaira was outraged that a girl would dress immodestly INSIDE THE HOUSE and said that she didn't care how people dressed outside, but inside there were cultural expectations and lines that shouldn't be crossed. Like... what? Any Muslim reading this knows how bizarre this sounds, it's literally the opposite of our values. In terms of relationships- again, it's like Qureshi has come up with her own idea of what a 'halal relationship' is outside of marriage- so plenty of banter, being alone together, a strong emotional attachment, romantic tension, close proximity, touching, all of this is apparently fine according to Qureshi, the line is just drawn at kissing. "But how can you have a romance book without these?!" You can. You just have to think, be creative, and true to your values. What is more important to you as a Muslim author, holding onto your faith or succumbing to peer pressure and how a romance novel 'should' be written?

I would not be pointing out any of these if the author did not market the characters as practising Muslims. Muslim South Asian women have very little realistic representation in fiction, so I'm sure many young women and girls would jump at the chance to read this book. As a Muslim author who actively markets her books as having Muslim representation, you have a responsibility that many other authors don't. It's an honour and a privilege, please view it as such and write responsibly :-)

2) Writing style

Right. I know not everyone reading this book is expecting the characters to uphold Islamic values, so perhaps the previous criticism won't apply for a lot of people. A well-written book is a well-written book, regardless of whether the Muslim reviewers of the book like the values it portrays or not. But this was objectively... not a well-written book. The dialogue was weirdly stiff and formal- it gave me vibes of how people spoke English in India under the EIC? I know the author is from a Pakistani background but beta... have you been to Pakistan? Have you heard the way people speak English there? It's decidedly not this. The description in the book is not much better, I had to skim through a lot of filler paragraphs that didn't add much to the characters or storyline.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK and Aamna Qureshi for the ARC.

I have never read Jane Austen's Emma, but I have consumed a few adaptations and retellings, and the thing I come back to, and which I could not stop thinking as I came to the conclusion of this novel, is just how much this shouldn't work and yet how much it does. Humaira, as the Emma of this story, is kind of awful, especially at the beginning of the book, it's really hard to relate to her, and yet. I actually had tears in my eyes during the last chapter, and even though when taken out of context the romance could be described as cringe, in this context, it just works so well, and I was rooting for Humaira and Fawad's relationship the whole book. This is a beautiful love story and Emma retelling.

This book was nice. I don't want to bog it down with a horrible review simply because of something on my part. The romance- impeccable. I just don't like to have to stop and research something every five seconds- which is what I was doing most of the time here. I understand it's not always an authors job to educate their readers on their culture, but if you want readers to understand your book and the verbiage used, a little bit of an explanation might be nice for someone not immersed in such culture. I recognized a few words here and there thanks to Never Have I Ever, but a lot of it was lost on me, and I think had I not stopped to look up what each word meant, I would've had an even harder time connecting with the book. Now, I also understand that this book was not particularly for me to connect to as someone not a part of that culture, I was not the target demographic and it was likely written for others within the culture to truly love and understand and I am coming from a place so outside that that it should not matter. But I also think that everyone should be able to simply enjoy a book regardless of where they come from or who they are, and it's hard to do that when there's not at least the slightest bit or education in there somewhere.

This was a lovely romantic story that had a lot of Pakistani culture and a lot of wonderful prose. The beginning of the book did drag, which is why I would really rate this a 3.5 rather than a four, but the last half was great. The romantic tension was on point. I even cried at one point. I wouldn’t call this a Halal romance and islam seemed really not repd at all. However, as a whole, it is a light fluffy story about two Muslim characters falling in love and I do appreciate that

this was the first book i've read from Aamna Qureshi and it has definitely piqued my interest enough to check out her other works. though there were some things here and there that made me side eye the main character, i was still very interested so see how she would navigate the tricky situations she found herself in and i was throughly entertained. i really enjoyed seeing a ml that was a bit stoic but still genuinely cared for and about the heroine which isn't much to ask for but you'd be surprised!

✨️ Thank you Netgalley, Aamna Qureshi and HarperCollins for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. ✨️

This was a cute book and Aamna Qureshi's writing is very engaging but I fear I have an issue with Emma-like characters. Humaira felt a bit too shallow for me and there wasn't much development (again, as it happens in nearly every Emma-retelling) and unfortunately her relationship and bond with Fawad weren't enough to make me ignore her personality. Fawad was a very interesting character and I really wished we got to learn more about him, as well as Shanzai.

Overall, this was a cute retelling of a story I don't really appreciate, but I'll definitely be checking out more of Aamna's writing.

As a romance book with desi culture representation, If I Loved You Less is a light and cute read with beautiful and relatable lines and themes dispersed throughout. I particularly loved the strong family dynamics as well as the main character’s inner conflicts/dilemmas, which I think a lot of us can connect with.

However, I did find it a bit odd that the characters spoke and acted as formally as they did, seeing as though it’s set in the 2020s. But I understand, seeing as it’s a contemporary twist on Jane Austen’s Emma]. While I haven’t actually read that one, I found the main character so incredibly insufferable from the start that I just had to look it up to confirm she was intended to be that way — and she was.

I was also personally quite disappointed with some of the inaccuracy in terms of correct islamic behavior. While I understand some people might not practice as many rules, it could’ve been made more clear what is and isn’t considered halal so as to not misinform people, muslim youth in particular. It kind of felt like that aspect was cut out to make it easier for non-Muslims to follow along, which I don’t think is fair to the population who was supposed to get representation from this.

That being said, Qureshi did a great on her first contemporary romance book and it’s definitely worth a read! I look forward to reading more from her.

Thank you to One More Chapter (HarperCollins UK) for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is, bizarrely, a sleeper hit? I didn't love it while reading but I've been remembering little bits and pieces and smiling over them.

PROS:
-lovable and absolutely delusional heroine
-Aamna really knows how to write families! (I honestly would love to see her do a big family shenanigans-filled MG or YA, the style would really shine!!) The sister interactions were so genuine; the intrafamily conflict is portrayed well and resolved wonderfully; the scenes with the big family gatherings were on point, exactly weird enough to feel real.
-The depiction of Humaira's grief is great and real
-defies the classic fridged dead mom trope perfectly, Humaira's mom passed away when she was 13, but she is still such a presence in the story
-Humaira's dream is to become a stay-at-home mom which I have NEVER read before (outside of, like, Meg from Little Women), love it!
-the leads recommending books to each other :)))))
CONS:
-the biggest glaring issue is the writing style. I almost quit twice (8% and 33%) because I just couldn't imagine going through a whole book with it. The best way I can describe it is oddly and inconsistently formal, kinda like being in the head of a 23-year-old Fancy Nancy.
-this extends to the dialogue, which often feels Austenesque
-the characters mention Pride and Prejudice and Emma which feels wrong in a retelling
-Humaira is supposed to be super ladylike, but she also curses in a way that feels edgily thirteen
-this book is strictly a romance, Humaira works and allegedly does activities at the masjid, but we get a total of one (1) of these scenes.
-the constant mention of brand names and clothing details
-there are a lot of repetitive statements
-more showing than telling
-many scenes are centered around holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas) which was weird to me? I know a lot of Muslim families, get together around then because people are off of school/work but Humaira and her sister dress in matching red and green outfits which?? c'mon.
-the author markets this as halal, so I really hoped for a teeny-weeny-itsy-bitsy bit more Islam in general.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the arc!

This book is an Emma retelling but with Pakistani characters, set in New York in the present.

Humaira and Fawad were truly two idiots in love and it was so cute!!!! and the angst aamna writes in this is so good too.
I have never read Jane Austen's Emma (i don't do classics) BUT that did not take away how much i loved reading this book. Humaira was truly delulu and a hot mess but that's also why I kinda lived for her though. She honestly reminded me from Naomi from YDEO. Fawad was the grumpy at times but not at all mean he just saw Humaira for who she truly was and wasn't afraid to tell her the truth when no one else would.
The mutual pining and angst in this book is so good. I also think that it is important to know that this is a halal romance, so there was no kissing at all but it did not take away how romantic this book is. Honestly, it makes it more romantic IMO!

(PS. HE ANNOTATES HER FAVORITE BOOK WITH HIS THOUGHTS)

4.5 Stars

This book is currently only available (or will be as of June 17, 2024) in Canada. I don't know if/when the publishers will release it in America.

A Pakistani retelling of the classic book Emma by Jane Austen.

After spending a little time with this book, I found myself dying to rewatch Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam! This book was a very close copy of that movie but with Pakistani players and a bit more modern background.

It was a bit difficult for me to actually like Humaira Mirza (Emma), for she was, as she admitted, a spoiled rich girl who had everything she ever needed. But once the story got rolling, Humaira kind of grew on me. However, it's not enough to give this a full 5-star review. Fawad Sheikh as George Knightley (Emma) was perfect in the author's retelling.

This book was amusing, clever, and emotionally satisfying. It was a fast read and would be perfect for your summer vacation.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter, the author, and NetGalley.

I loved the Muslim representation in this retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. The parallels are easy to see. I wish I’d liked Humaira more. I suppose she’s a very good adaptation of Emma Woodhouse. The difference for me is that in a modern setting, the character’s arrogance and occasional insensitivity and tactlessness felt more pronounced and unscrupulous for present times. I was very annoyed with Humaira’s dad for all of his guilt trips; at times her faithful support of him felt very unbalanced and unwarranted. Fawad was a breath of fresh air, without whom I’m not sure I could have finished this story. He calls out Humaira for her meddling and poor decisions. It’s clear from the beginning that he has feelings for her, but he never tries to pressure Humaira or ask anything of her she isn’t willing to give. I loved that they forgave each other so easily. Fawad’s quiet, unwavering support of Humaira and her father was my favourite part of the book. I struggled with the writing style a bit. There was a lot of description: surroundings, outfits, designer names and the such. Description goes a long way for me, and when there’s a lot of it, it takes me out of the story rather than into it. The story was more than half over before I felt any connection to the characters because of it.

***Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter and Aamna Qureshi. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.***

When I saw the cover for this book and the blurb, and I immediately ran to NetGalley to request it but unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to finish it mainly because of the writing style. I don't know how to exactly describe it, but it didn't feel natural? I really wanted to love this but it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to HarperCollins Uk and One More Chapter for the arc in exchange for a honest review.

Reading this book felt like catching up with an old friend. As this book is based on Jane Austen's classic Emma, you know what is going to happen. But this won't stop you from having a good time!
I really liked how the writer Aamna Qureshi wrote the main character Humaira. She's this rich girl, accustomed to a life of luxury and boy, is she naive. After successfully playing matchmaker for her sister and aunt, Humaira decides it's time to find her own soulmate. Cue the entrance of Rizwan Ali, the nephew of her aunt's new husband.
The story keeps you engaged as Humaira navigates her way through getting to know Rizwan, dealing with frustrating encounters with Fawad, and even orchestrating another matchmaking endeavor for her friend!
I had a good time reading this and I bet you will too!

A multicultural retelling of Jane Austen's Emma? Sign me up!

If I Loved You Less follows the plotline of Emma very well but updated it to modern time equivalent. Humaira has it all - heiress to a magnificent fortune, civil engineer, matchmaker extraordinaire. What she doesn't have is love, and she's out to get it.

A good read for Austen lovers!

I'd like to express my gratitude to Aamna and NetGalley. I had the opportunity to peruse an initial version of this book, and more recently, I revisited it thanks to NetGalley granting me renewed access.


In a contemporary romcom that exudes all the charm of the Regency era, this story is a delightful indulgence for young women in their twenties.

Humaira Mirza may come off as a bit spoiled, but beneath her facade lies a compassionate soul. Despite her occasional flaws, her quest for a love reminiscent of the pages of a romance novel is entirely relatable.

Enter Fawad Sheikh, a skeptic when it comes to matters of the heart, much to Humaira's annoyance. Yet, their interactions are filled with witty banter, and Fawad's underlying care for Humaira is truly endearing.

The supporting cast adds depth and humor to the narrative. From the lovable Shanzay to the protective Naadia and the matchmaking Phuppo, each character brings their own charm. Asif and the comical Papa also leave a lasting impression.

For those familiar with "When a Brown Girl Flees," be prepared for some exciting cameos. And for fans of Naomi Novik's work, a particular line might pique your interest.

I eagerly await the publication of Humaira and Fawad's story in 2024, ready to immerse myself in their romantic journey!

Handsome, clever, and rich, Humaira considers herself a successful matchmaker. That is, until she decides to make a match for herself with gorgeous Rizwan Ali. Having never had anything to annoy her in her twenty-three years, she is suddenly very much annoyed by long-time family friend Fawad, who disapproves of her recent behavior.

This fun retelling of Jane Austen's Emma combines a modern setting with the bullheadedness of the original heroine. In this version she is a Muslim nepo baby who think she knows what is best for everyone else but has no idea when it comes to herself.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to more books from Aamna Qureshi.

Give me a Jane Austen retelling and I’m sold! Emma in particular since she’s such a beloved favourite Austen heroine of mine, alongside Anne Elliot.

Qureshi brings Austen’s infamous Emma with a South East Asian twist where we follow Humaira (our Emma) and her slightly spoiled ways and sneaky matchmaking skills. There was no doubt that I’d love her since I’ve always had a soft spot for Emma despite her flaws, while Fawad, our Knightly keeps her humble (as much as Humaira will allow🤭) as she match makes for everyone around her but secretly yearns for a love of her own.

This multicultural retelling is perfect for fans of Sonali Dev!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc.


GUYSSSS, I really liked this book. I related so much to our main character, Humaira. This book follows Humaira as she is dealing with everyone around her falling in love. She dreams of finding her one true love in a man named Rizwan. However, there is a family friend, Fawad, who disapproves of him. During her romantic meddling of her new friend's love life, she might be developing feelings for that family friend. This book had me tearing up at the end. The reveals were amazing and I love how Humaria developed. Anywayssss, if you love Jane Austen's Emma, this book is for you! I can not wait to read the rest of this author's backlist!

It is more of 4.5

oh she really ate w this one, the easiest five stars i've ever given. i'm so impatiently waiting for the book to come out so i can talk about it BUT AAMNA QURESHI YOU REALLY DID WRITE AN EMMA RETELLING and one quite better than Jane Austen i must say.

i absolutely adored the fawadhumaira banter and they're definitely my #1 fav couple now. i love them so much

I would love to interview Aamna on my podcast, Raise Your Words on this book. I recently had Ally Carter on the podcast. If I Loved You Less is an Emma retelling with Muslim protagonists. I absolutely adored Humaira and Fawad. I did feel like Humaira overreacted a bit but overall I found her to be very endearing especially related to how she’d play the mediator between her parents and sibling. FAWAD is one of my favorite main leads for reasons only Aamna knows. This book is one of my favorite rom coms and I will read anything Aamna writes!! Definitely recommending this to all of my friends who love Jane Austen esque books.