Asma Ibrahim is a young doctor living in the Bay Area. As a young Muslim woman, she often struggles with the independence she seeks for herself and maintaining her family’s role in their community. Even eight years later she mourns giving up the love of her life. When Farooq reappears unexpectedly he is not the same man she loved all those years ago. Farooq’s work vision has paid off and he is now one of the most eligible bachelors in their community.

Yours, Eventually is one of my favorite romances I’ve read this year - and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t always care for second chance romances. I love Jane Austen reimaginings, especially when they center a different culture and community, and thought the author did a spectacular job of staying true to the original story while making it her own. I loved seeing the chaotic family drama and peek into this Pakistani community and thought the author did a great job at balancing the lighter moments with the more serious. It was so easy to root for Asma and Farooq’s second chance at love, because I was truly invested in both characters. Asma really comes into her own and is able to share with her family what she wants out of life, something she has struggled with for so long.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

YOURS, EVENTUALLY by Nura Maznavi

Pub date: Feb. 18th, 2025
Publisher: Dutton
Rating: 4 / 5


When do you know how to choose yourself over the expectations set for you?

Asma Ibrahim did everything right. She became a doctor; she cared for her father and sisters after her mother died; she even broke up with the only man she's ever loved after family disapproval. And yet... Asma is miserable. In the midst of a family crisis that upends Asma's life, she is hit by another surprise as her ex, Farooq, re-enters the picture. Asma still loves Farooq, but he want nothing to do with her. And yet... as the two spend more time together, Asma begins to hope for a second chance.

YOURS, EVENTUALLY is a wonderfully entertaining debut that looks at re-learning love and living for yourself. Based on Jane Austen's "Persuasion", Maznavi has crafted a contemporary romance that centers Pakistani-American communities and topical commentary regarding gender roles, marriage expectations, and family dynamics. One of the best things about this book is how Asma learns that her definition of success and happiness is not universal. Asma has to break down her walls, and her pride, in order to truly love herself and those in her life. Asma and Farooq's will-they-won't-they romance also shines. It has all the pining readers could want and runs the gamut of emotions. Still, Asma and her relationship with her beautifully chaotic family is the best love story to come out of the book. Readers looking for a fresh take on a classic story with strong family themes need to read YOURS, EVENTUALLY!



(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!)

A quiet, smart emergency room surgeon finds her life in turmoil when her family’s fortune is gone and they have to leave the family Bay Area home for Sacramento, her first and only love makes good and comes back into the area, and she’s suddenly has the chance to change past decisions. Nuri Maznavi wrote an engaging heart-felt Pakistani- American contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

Asma Ibrahim is the daughter of a once prosperous, social-climbing rug merchant. Her older sister is glamorous and as spendthrift-y as her father and her younger sister is a married hypochondriac. She has quietly fulfilled her career dreams by becoming a doctor and working a big hospital emergency room, but to her community’s Aunties and Uncles, she’s a disappointment because she’s unmarried. She has regrets and never stopped loving the man she gave up because she obeyed family duty rather than the heart, so of course she can’t accept another man.

But, then Farooq is back in the good following the sale of his grandly, successful company. She has to watch him from a distance, sadly knowing she let her chance at happiness go without a fight. He’s back though, so maybe there is a chance if she’s confident enough to make a different decision from the past.

Yours Eventually did a fabulous job moving Persuasion not only into contemporary times, but also into a Pakistani Muslim community. I enjoyed how Nuri Maznavi’s writing stood out as her own as she gave tribute to Austen’s story with a fresh new face. Asma was a well-written character who had a deal of growth throughout the story, but particularly in the end. In ways, this felt more like a women’s fiction than contemporary romance with the focus on Asma’s change and discoveries about herself and the family and cultural element being stronger than the romance for the majority of the time.

Speaking of the family, I thought this portrayal of widowed father, three disparate adult daughters, and his widowed sister kept things lively and the surrounding group of Pakistani Muslim American community so vibrant and fun giving balance to the more serious tones of Asma’s personal journey.

I appreciate the surprises of where the author took the story in the end.

Yours Eventually was a solid, satisfying retelling that gave a new take for all readers including Persuasion fans. Loved the cultural diversity and the classic themes blended in this contemporary sweet romance.

I cannot believe that Love Month is halfway over! Good thing I was able to read at least one romance novel c/o Yours Eventually by Nura Maznavi. I really enjoyed it, despite making me teary-eyed and feel all sorts of emotions. I’m a sucker for forbidden love because of family disapproval! I love that it’s more than a second chance romance - it’s also about loving yourself first and realizing that honoring one’s filial duties and obligations doesn’t guarantee happiness especially if you succumb to martyrdom instead and sacrifice your heart’s desires. I really cried when Asma finally figured out that her sisters have always been there for her, she just didn’t acknowledged their presence and help! She kept everything bottled up and subconsciously belittled them just because they chose family over career. What more can I say except that I really really loved this book! The characters were fleshed out properly and I enjoyed the cultural aspect and being immersed in the close-knit Pakistani-American community. I only wished there were more of Farooq’s POV, but otherwise, I’m highly recommending this! Thanks Dutton books for my digital ARC!

Yours, Eventually is a Muslim Pakistani-American Persuasion retelling. Asma and Farooq were college sweethearts, but Asma broke things off after her aunt convinced her that marrying Farooq, a then college dropout, was a bad idea. Now, 8 years later, Farooq comes back into Asma’s social circle when his family leases her home.

This was a solid Persuasion retelling and it is really well-written, especially for a debut. The author nailed the elements that make Persuasion such a piney and aching second chance romance. In terms of characterization, I feel like Asma is a mix of Anne Elliot and Elizabeth Bennet? She’s sarcastic and has a bit of an “I’m better than everyone because I’m not vain” type of superior attitude at times. Although I was a bit annoyed at this blend of Anne and Elizabeth, I liked that this actually ended up being an important point of contention between Asma and her sister Iman. It added so much more depth to Asma’s relationship with her sisters, the latter proving themselves to be more than just “vapid.”

In terms of arcs, I liked the execution of almost all of them. The Louisa Musgrove arc felt true to Lubna’s (Louisa) characterization and even her engagement to Naveed (Benwick) didn’t feel out of place. The only thing I’m really disappointed about is the anticlimactic love declaration. There is no swoony love letter, but there’s another important object of affection that comes into play. But I don’t know…it didn’t feel as momentous as it should’ve felt, probably because they get interrupted by their chaotic desi family lol. But I liked that we saw a bit of Asma and Farooq after he officially asked for her hand in marriage.

Oh, this retelling has a new character that doesn’t have a counterpart in the original classic. Asma’s best friend, Fatima, embodies the desi girl who did everything her parents asked her to. Fatima’s presence basically reinforces the author’s justified critique of the desi community. She’s also the voice of reason and plays the devil’s advocate to push Asma to see things differently. At first I thought Fatima would be Mrs. Smith, but that was not the case. Nonetheless, she was an interesting addition to the story.

This is one of FOUR Persuasion retellings coming out this year! If you’re interested in reading all of them, feel free to join my storygraph challenge.

A note for Muslim readers: this is not a 100% halal romance. There is dating and kissing in the flashbacks. The Islamic aspect is very toned down. We know they are Muslim, but it kind of felt like religion was just a part of their culture/tradition.

Yours, Eventually is Nura Maznavi’s debut novel set in a tightly knit Pakistani American community where a young doctor gets an unexpected second chance with the first love she never got over when he becomes one of the most eligible bachelors in town. Described as an homage to Persuasion by Jane Austen, this novel shines a light on the deep-rooted traditions and modern influences on dating and marriage in the Desi culture.

I really admired Asma, the female main character in this novel. Her ambition and determination to carve out a successful path for herself are incredibly empowering. She refuses to put her life on hold for traditional milestones, offering readers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be successful and fulfilled as a woman in today’s world.

I would caution those expecting a typical romance novel. Yours, Eventually is not a whirlwind love story but rather a slow burn filled with longing, unspoken desire, and deep emotional tension between the main characters. This gradual buildup might leave some readers yearning for more immediate romantic developments, but it is precisely this slow burn that creates an atmosphere of anticipation and emotional depth.

Overall, Yours, Eventually is a beautifully written novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate strong, ambitious female protagonists, the complexities of family dynamics, and the slow, simmering intensity of unspoken love.

Asma Ibrahim has always played by the rules: taking care of her family after her mother died, breaking off her engagement when her father dispproved of the man she loved. Becoming a doctor instead of marrying young was her one rebellion. Now her ex, Farooq, has returned having made his fortune just has Asma's family has lost theirs. And Asma needs to decide if she will continue to follow her family's expectations and do what is easy, or figure out what will make her happy and take a chance with Farooq.

I'm always up for Jane Austen re-tellings and Persuasion is one of my favorite Austen books. This modern day Pakistani-American community retelling fit Austen's vibe in many ways- the pressures of following community and family expectations come across clearly to the reader. Asma thinks her chance of happiness has passed her because she listened to her father and turned Farooq down eight years ago. She looks at her friend Fatima and younger sister Maryam, at the people in their social circles, and can't see happiness by following expectations.

As much as I enjoy when modern authors stick to the Austen original, I also respect some twists- and Yours, Eventually provides twists as the book progresses. Without giving away too many spoilers, Asma has growing to do throughout the book. She isn't Anne Elliot. She isn't perfect. She makes mistakes, doesn't communicate with family or friends, and takes a long time to learn from and admit her mistakes. But the growth happens, eventually.

A good modern day Desi retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, fans of Sonali Dev will enjoy Yours, Eventually.

I received a DRC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I loved this book and read it in one sitting. I could not put this book down.
A clever and delightful read that kept me engaged right till the end.

*lRead If You Like:
- Second-chance romance
- Cultural exploration within tight-knit communities
- Family dynamics and expectations
- Personal growth and self-discovery
- Heartfelt narratives with a touch of humor

This captivating debut novel delves into the complexities of love, family, and cultural expectations within a close-knit Pakistani American community. The story centers on a successful doctor who has long suppressed her personal desires to fulfill familial obligations. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her college sweetheart reappears after achieving success in Silicon Valley. As he reenters her life, she is compelled to confront her past choices and the societal pressures that have shaped her. The narrative skillfully explores themes of love, legacy, and the courage to pursue one's true desires, all set against the rich tapestry of cultural nuances.

The novel's pacing is engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that balances humor and heartfelt moments. The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, making their journey from past lovers to potential partners both believable and compelling. The narrative offers a realistic portrayal of the complexities of young adulthood, ambition, and the courage required to challenge the status quo.

This is a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance, offering a perfect blend of passion, humor, and emotional depth. The story is a satisfying escape that explores the transformative power of love and second chances.

Thanks so much to the publisher for my eARC and finished copy!

This was a heartfelt and moving second chance romance debut about Asma Ibrahim, a Pakistani American ER doctor who unexpectedly is forced to spend time with her recently engaged ex, Farooq, who is now a wealthy engineer. I liked the big messy Muslim family drama, the family dynamics and the tightknit Pakistani American community, which the author does a great job of illustrating both the upsides and downsides of in this book about family and love. Good on audio narrated by Soneela Nankani and perfect for fans of authors like Sonali Dev or Sajni Patel. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this book so much! Yours, Eventually is a story about Asma Ibrahim. She’s smart, independent, and a doctor. She takes care of everyone in her family. Eight years ago, she was in love with a boy she met in college, Farooq. They were engaged and she decided to let her family know, but her father was against it. Eight years later, Asma is still heartbroken about the break up and still thinks about Farooq. Farooq comes back into her life very unexpectedly. A beautiful story on heartbreak, family dynamics, marriage pressures, and the brutal aunties that won’t leave you alone. The character development was stunning. My only critic is that this book did not feel like a romance novel. It felt more of a story about Asma navigating life, which I didn’t mind. I did wish Farooq and Asma getting back together didn’t drag for so long. Overall, beautiful story.

Thank you Dutton books for my Arc!!

I think I found the best romance book I have ever read. Yes.

"Yours, Eventually" shows us that everyone's happiness can look different and family's advice is not always a rule to follow. Because, of course, you should follow your heart first! :)

Our main character, Asma, is a good and devoted daughter, a great professional and a nice person. So, when her ex comes back into her life after the heartbreak that took place 8 years ago, she finally begins to understand who's the important person in her life (it's HER!!!) and what that person wants.

This is the sweetest story and the most tense book I have ever read! And I teared up a couple of times too. Plus, it was very enlightening to be in the middle of a Pakistani family and culture.
The book reminded me a bit of "7 days in June" by Tia Williams, which I loved a lot.

4.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for this ARC.

4.5 stars.

Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi is a fabulous family-centric novel.

In her late twenties, Asma Ibrahim is an emergency room resident who is on the cusp of graduation. Although they often try her patience, she is very involved with her family. With her former fiancé Farook Waheed back in her life, Asma begins to realize she might need to make her own decisions about her future.

Asma is a very devoted daughter who has taken care of her family for a long time. After she begins questioning the events that led up to end of her engagement, she is ready for a little distance from her very traditional Desi Pakistani family. Asma attempts to make peace with Farook, but their lack of communication and misunderstandings take their toll. Asma is also discovering that her life plans do not exactly match up with her father’s expectations.

Yours, eventually is a wonderful novel with a hint of romance. Asma is a likable character whose decisions are sometimes not well thought out. Farook is a charming character but he is guilty of making poor choices and jumping to conclusions. The storyline is engaging and the peek into the Desi Pakistani culture is quite interesting. Nura Maznavi brings this fast-paced novel to a satisfying conclusion.

In this fresh retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, Asma Ibrahim comes face to face with her first love (and her first heartbreak). After eight years, old wounds come to the light and new hope springs anew with the glimmer of a chance to right the wrongs of her past.

This is a book that is filled with complex family dynamics, incredible heart, and a main protagonist that will resound with anyone who has had to learn the hard way of trusting themselves.

I really enjoyed the glimpse into Pakistani culture and the well-designed characters. While I was warned that it used Jane Austen's PERSUASION as a template, I guess I hoped more for interpretive variation, but it was so on-the-nose that the story felt a bit jerked along to follow the model. Still, I really liked this writer's style, and will look for more by her.

"It's like it doesn't matter at all that I'm a doctor. As long as I'm not married, that's all anyone will care about."

Fans of Jane Austen, you will love Nura's debut novel. It's an adaptation of Persuasion set within the Pakistani Culture about the Ibrahim family specifically Asma.
Asma is an ER resident feeling content in her life and proud of her achievements until one day her world turns upside down.
When her father loses his fortune, they have to move to Sacramento and rent their mansion. She will have to stay with her married little sister until she finishes her residency but, when her college sweetheart and the one that got away comes back into her life after 8 years, Asma starts dreaming of a second chance because she's still in love with him even though her family rejected him once due to the lack of fortune and money but now he's a billionaire and one of the most eligible bachelors in California and this might be Asma's only chance of to ask for forgiveness.
First of all , I want to say that this novel is more a women's fiction rather than a romance. The story's whole focus was on the inequity and injustice and how women are deemed unsuccessful if thery are not married by certain age and how also men are looked at if they are not rich and capable enough by the eyes of others in the community. The novel tackled a lot of important subjects and I was happy to see Asma's journey toward happiness and independencey.

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me a copy of #YoursEventually in exchange for my honest review.

Xoxo😘

I really enjoy Jane Austen retellings and you don't see many of Persuasion so I was excited to get this one.

I think the author does a great job balancing the retelling while also making the story her own. I loved Asma's character and really enjoyed her story arc. I think readers will be able to identify with her and her journey. The story flows nicely too.

I liked the Muslim and Desi culture representation too. I liked being able to see a culture different from mine but still connect to it. I also think this captured the love of family and the dynamics within a family well.

The ending was a bit rushed in my opinion but I still enjoyed this overall. Would recommend to Jane Austen retelling fans or contemporary romance readers.

i really liked this one. the plotting was very well done and interesting, and i liked the charactgers. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

This book is such a fun ride—kind of like a Desi version of Persuasion, with all the family drama and messy moments that come with navigating your independence as a Pakistani woman in her 20s. The romance is sweet but definitely not the main focus, which I actually loved, and the chemistry between the leads was so real! It’s got some funny moments, a few frustrations, and a rushed ending, but overall, it was a great read, and I’m excited to check out more from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book. I am a sucker for Austen adaptions and this one didn’t disappoint. I LOVED the cultural aspects of the book and why it’s not so “simple” for some to put themselves first. The only thing i would’ve liked to see is more scenes of Asma & Farooq at the end.