Dealing with your first love when you can't quite access them or the timing is not quite right is incredibly difficult. This story of navigating familial responsibility while dealing with the loss of a relationship that you don't even really have time to mourn is what really drew me to this book. Asma is the middle daughter but she's really eldest daughter coded and feels like she bears the responsibility of the success and health and support of her whole family. It's an undue burden, one she really placed on herself when her mother died, and she took on this responsibility without processing the ways that the people around her can continue to exist and thrive even without the stress she's placing upon herself for them to do so. It's really beautiful to see her journey to finally prioritizing herself and see that she can support her family while also living her own life instead of halting it for the sake of them.
And then there is the will they won't they of her ex boyfriend, Farooq. I loved the way this was written because I honestly didn't know where it was going or if they could end up together given the circumstances they were meeting in eight years after their relationship. This honestly gave me a lot of the nostalgia of the old Bollywood movies with the family drama, romance, and flair for the dramatics so I experienced a lot of joy reading this book.

I do like my Austen re-tellings, and this one is a Persuasion re-telling. It is set in a Pakistani American community, and it is not even my first Desi re-telling.


Asma is a young Doctor, and years ago her family pressured her to break up with Farooq. He was not from the right family, or rich enough. But he is back in her life and he is rich. So very rich. But that was years ago, and there can not be anything between them anymore, or can there?


I liked how the story went. We have the annoying younger sister who married first. Then the oldest sister who spends money and is all about image. And the clueless dad who does not want to admit they are in need of money.


The marriage mart is big here, and just as it was in the book.


Asma was nice, and she does want more. But there is a road there to be taken. Some courage to be had, and realisations acquired. And then everyone will live happily ever after.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC! This is the second Persuasion retelling I have read and I still haven't read the original novel (probably should get on that) but I truly enjoyed this debut! Asma is an ER doctor in residency who still holds a torch for her college boyfriend Farooq. She broke up with him because of what she thought her family would think of him at the time, but 8 years later he comes back into her life and he's a big tech success without a college degree. The world-building of this close-knit, gossipy family and friend circle of Pakistani-Americans in the Bay Area and Sacramento was phenomenal. I really felt like I knew everyone, from Asma's sisters Maryam and Iman, to Maryam's young sons. Actually, the insular and gossipy nature of this community even in the modern day maps on so well to Austen's time. People not communicating or judging others based on money, class or other perceived status, these all fit so well with the themes Austen explored in many of her works.

You only get Asma's POV and sometimes it is frustrating but it all comes together in the end. She has a lot to process, having not fully talked about the loss of her mother with her sisters and father until very late in the novel when things all come to a head and many decisions to make for herself. The yearning is real here!

This is also a no-steam romance so it would be perfect for anyone dipping their toes in or for YA readers even though it has adult characters.

I can't wait to see what Nura Maznavi writes next! A real talent.

I love anything that has the feel of Persuasion with the second chance romance, the longing, the pining. It didn’t work when they were younger cause he wasn’t successful but now that he has money he’s good enough for her younger sister.
This is set local to me in the Bay Area in Ca from Palo Alto to San Jose to SF to Sac.
Loved these characters and the flow of the story.
Asma is a successful doctor but that’s not enough cause she’s not married. The internal struggle that even when she voices she gets gaslit into being the problem. Her family loves her but they are so rooted in what is expected of woman.
Farooq was the love of her life and now that he’s acceptable to her family he’s off limits to her but she’s still trying with him.
She keeps making choices at the expense of her happiness and career for her family cause it’s expected but it’s frustrating cause you can tell she’s so unhappy.
Until she makes choices for herself.

I picked this up because it was supposed to be a retelling of Persuasion and it really did hit that mark for me. I could tell which character was which, and there were some added additions with her sisters that I enjoyed as well. I love Persuasion because it is a slow burn but this one was even slower for me. I think if we got Farooq's POV or even saw some pining it would have helped for me. Their story followed the original, but I didn't feel their connection quite as much. I know that Farooq wanted to prove that he made it and show Asma and her family what they were missing, but I didn't feel like at the end there was as much of a show stopping moment as there was with the original. I am not sure if I was expecting too much, but the end was completely glossed over and I felt like I was thrown into an epilogue when I didn't have the resolution I was looking for at the end of the book. All in all, if you are a fan of Persuasion, I would give this a try. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Penguin, Netgalley and the author for an early copy.

I knew I would read some Jane Austen this year, it's her 250th, but I didn't realize how much or that I'd decide I'm going to re-read all six of her novels plus an adaptation of each. That's new because when the publisher reached out about this debut novel, it put me at 1/3 of the way done so I was like "heck yeah!"*

Yours, Eventually, is a modern day retelling of Austen's Persuasion set in a Pakistani-American community in California. I loved that it wasn't your expected setting or even culture! I immediately was reminded of Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin which has languished on my shelf for far too long, but it's a Pride and Prejudice adaptation, and there are a million of those, so I'm glad I went with a less-often adaptation first!

I was looking back on my last re-read of Persuasion and I think that it's one of the least polished of Austen's complete works. That being said, I think Maznavi addressed many of my concerns with her adaptation. She has written many supporting characters that have both depth and personality, which vastly improves the amazing work Austen originally wrote. From Asma's best friend Fatima to her sisters Maryam and Iman to Farooq and the many other characters, she refreshed all of them and gave them a place and meaning that felt missing from the original.

Those aunties are so annoying. And most of them have their own skeletons. We can't live our lives based on the fear of what they might say—especially because you know they're talking about you anyway. (Ch. 26)

This adaptation also works really well due to the conservative tightly-knit patriarchal-driven Pakistani-American community. Sure you could adapt it into another community, but the family dynamics translate from 19th century England to modern society so much smoother when you have cultural expectations and norms built in that are similar:

That was the problem: in a community that deemed marriage the ultimate goal for a young woman, what people said actually mattered. Couples were introduced to each other based on status rather than compatibility, and weddings were the marriage of families, not just individuals. Everyone in their community was kept in check by social code, shackled by the fear of what people would say if they broke it. Everyone, including Asma. (Ch. 2)

But what it does even better is it allows the characters to break out of those norms and customs in an even more powerful way than the original. Sure, Asma and Farooq will still live within their community, but they're redefining what that looks like. Same thing with Iman and Fatima, and everyone else whose story we got to touch on briefly in this novel.

'Long story short, I realized that I have to find a way to finally stop making excuses and go after the life that I want,' Asma replied. Shocked at how easily the words came out. (Ch. 26)

There wasn't anything to really complain about from the novel. I had to sound out some of the names every time they came up (i.e. the Dadabhoys—ya'll those lowercase d's and b's are so damn hard for me to see the difference), but that was just from either my own inability to read it (see previous parenthetical) or just unfamiliarity. And that's a good thing! Own voices and diversity of cultures is so important in literature!

Recommendation: Overall, as a debut novel this was solidly written and I was kept engaged throughout. It helped that I know the source material so well, but honestly this could stand on its own without the direct connection to Persuasion. Maznavi did an excellent job of rounding out characters that Austen never had the chance to go back to see and modernizing a timeless story of long unrequited due to familial and societal expectations. 100% worth the read whether you're an Austen fan or not.

*I received a copy of Yours, Eventually via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.

Yours, Eventually is a contemporary “second-chance” love story featuring a Pakistani-American family.

Asma is a hard-working young doctor who gets a second chance at romance with her first love, Forooq. Asma’s father has suffered a financial setback and Asma has taken on a lot of family responsibilities after the death of her mother. Facing pressures at work and in the family, she is now confronted with the presence of her former love interest. Once rejected by her father as unsuitable, Farooq is now quite wealthy and considered one of the most eligible bachelors in California. Can Asma find the courage to follow her dreams, resist family pressure, repair the past, and win Farooq back?

Throughout the story, I enjoyed getting to know Asma and her extended family. Through vivid descriptions of family members, food, and customs, we are brought into the dynamics of this Pakistani-American family.

Yours, Eventually is inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Prior knowledge of Persuasion is unnecessary, but it will add to the enjoyment as you notice nods to the classic.

Themes of family dynamics, father/daughter relationship, independence, and a medical career become a substantial focus of the story. The slow-burn side of romance is lovely.

Fans of diverse reads and contemporary re-imaginings of a classic will appreciate Yours, Eventually. If you are part of the Pakistani-American community, please share your review in the comments.

Thanks #NetGalley Penguin Group @DuttonBooks for a complimentary eARC of #YoursEventually upon my request. All opinions are my own.

"Yours, Eventually" by Nura Naznavi is her debut novel and is a retelling of "Persuasion" by Jane Austen. I was not familiar with the story of "Persuasion" before reading this book nor do I think that you need to be in order to enjoy this book. "Yours, Eventually" follows Asma Ibrahim, a Pakistani-American Muslim who is a doctor 8 years after breaking off an engagement with her college sweetheart Farooq Waheed. Farooq has recently come into a lot of money and now everyone in their tight-knit Pakistani-American community has an opinion on it, including Asma. As a Muslim, it was refreshing for me to read such a fun and relatable story. I feel like the author did a great job and introducing us to the community/family members and I'm hoping that there will be future books following some of them.

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.