Flirting with Disaster is a book you will want to judge by its cover- it is gorgeous and I was excited to dive into this new rom com from Naina Kumar! If you're a fan of Sweet Home Alabama, you'll love this retelling. While it's one of my favorite movies, I also really enjoyed this version with American Indian characters and political ambitions instead of those for a career in fashion. I loved both of these flawed characters and their love for each other- there is so much chemistry between them that it leaps off the page and I was totally here for it!

From the onset, Kumar’s writing captivates with vivid descriptions and an evocative sense of place. The hurricane serves as a powerful metaphor for the turbulent emotions swirling within Meena: her guilt, nostalgia, and the simmering tension between her past and her present. As winds howl outside, Meena finds herself forced to confront the remnants of her love for Nikhil, years after their spontaneous Vegas wedding set them on a path that ultimately diverged.
Kumar's character development shines through in Meena. She is a woman torn between her feelings for her past and her future with her current partner, Shake. Shake is portrayed as the ideal choice — steady, ambitious, and aligned with Meena's aspirations. Yet, as the storm rages outside, we see her grappling with the undeniable chemistry and affection that still lingers for Nikhil. The dialogues are sharp and tinged with humor, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the emotional weight of the narrative.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its exploration of themes such as identity and the societal pressures surrounding relationships. Meena’s journey reflects the struggles many face when balancing personal desires with professional ambition. Kumar deftly unpacks the notion of ‘what looks good on paper’ versus the visceral pull of true connection. As the characters are sheltered in their once-shared home, you can witness a slow unravelling of preconceived notions and the awakening of deeper feelings. Kumar doesn’t shy away from the raw complexities of love, asking challenging questions about commitment and the true meaning of happiness.
Overall, this book is a compelling tale of love’s resilience against the forces of nature and circumstance. Naina Kumar has woven a narrative that is both relatable and engaging, making this book a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

4.75 stars. My second chance angst loving heart adored this book. A retelling of romcom classic Sweet Home Alabama, this has the FMC, Meena, looking to divorce her estranged husband, Nikhil, so she can run for political office. However, when she goes to Houston to get him to sign the papers, she gets stranded with him due to a hurricane. The forced proximity was delicious as they work through why their marriage failed. The book had great banter, amazing chemistry between the MCs, and a banger sick caretaking scene.

Thanks so much to Ballentine / Dell and NetGalley for the ARC!!

this will be rated once i sit with it for a bit longer, maybe 2 or 3

on net galley this was pitched as a reimagining/retelling of sweet home alabama which is one of my top favorite rom coms. sadly this is not on par with that movie. the book itself felt very short, it was only nineteen chapters which is way less than normal and the plot progressed so fast that i sorta had whiplash. i wanted to like the characters so much and like the angst so much but it all just felt very underdeveloped. characters need personality that is built up, not little traits that are just dropped in throughout the story so it feels weird because you're reminded that you know nothing about them. also this is a second chance, kinda, so where was the angst???? this was a survival story with like two romantic scenes mixed in. snakes, fire ants, alan, and a lack luster love story.

one random note i have, which could be so wrong because i'm not an author, is that this book would've benefited from being told in duo timelines or at least dual pov. it felt very hard to differentiate between past and present, like we would switch so fast and i got confused multiple times. past and present with both pov's would've been so fucking good.

if you really enjoyed this authors first book then i would pick this up. honestly i think me and her writing style don't mesh.

*thank you NetGalley for the ARC*

I’m in love with Naina’s Sweet Home Alabama reimagining with a forced proximity, second chance romance! Kumar is a star at creating complex, realistic characters and she writes beautiful, swoon-worthy love stories that I think about for days and days after I turn the final page.

Meena and Nikhil are estranged spouses. After seven years apart, Meena returns to their home in Texas to convince Nikhil to sign their divorce papers only to accidentally get trapped with Nikhil in the home they shared as a couple as a hurricane approaches.

Meena has always been driven. She’s an ambitious lawyer on Capitol Hill and she needs the divorce finalized before she can head back and reconcile with the man she hopes to run for Senate with. Nikhil, and the memories of their love, are the only obstacle standing in her way.

Nikhil has his own dreams, and after finally finding what he wants and where he belongs, Nikhil isn’t ready to let Meena go.

Now that they’re both stuck in the same home during the hurricane, they’re forced to communicate with each other, let each other in and move past the hurts that they both accidentally caused to each other during the tumultuous end to their relationship seven years ago.

I absolutely loved Flirting with Disaster. The author does a fantastic job at creating a high tension plot while the couple weather the hurricane together while also introducing present moments of tenderness while giving us tastes of their strong love in the past.

You truly feel their relationship and renewal of love as the two open up to each and they earned their happy ending through a Category 5 hurricane.

Preorder this book now, what a bingeable read.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Naina Kumar is hands down my favorite author discovery this year. Rest assured that Say You'll be Mine was not a one hit wonder - this book was so dang good! Maybe even better!

I adored these characters and was rooting for them the whole time. Even the side characters had some beautiful stories (team Alan 4 lyfe). This is a second chance romance, but not one like I've ever read before. It didn't feel forced or cliche. It was portrayed in a way that was so sweet and tender, AND I also felt the tension and the hurt they were walking in. Did I tear up (read: sob) multiple times? YEP. SURE DID.

Growing up Sweet Home Alabama was one of my favorite movies, so I was probably a little biased going in - but I just really LOVED this book and this fun new take on that story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

I went to an author event and heard Naina describe her new release as a “Sweet Home Alabama reimagining where she’s just trying to get a divorce and ends up stuck in a hurricane with her husband” and I was sold. And then the lovely humans at Dell granted me an ARC and my day/week/month was made!! 🥹

Synopsis: Meena is a lady on a mission. She’s a lawyer on Capital Hill who’s ready to take the next steps in her career and love life. The problem?? She needs a divorce from her husband who she hasn’t seen or spoken to in 6 years first. Her plan is simple. Head home, snag those signatures from Nikhil, and ride into the sunset. Until she ends up stranded with Nikhil in a hurricane.

Flirting Wish Disaster was exactly what I wanted it to be and more. There was depth and history in our characters and their relationship. Their story was primarily told from Meena’s present day pov but with occasional flashbacks. You get the good, the bad, the messy, the sweet. You truly get all of it and a HEA. How can you not love this book?? I need more second chance romances with married couples, the history 🥹

I truly cannot recommend this enough. I loved it so much and cannot wait for it to have a permanent home on my shelf.

🗓️ Pub Date: January 14, 2025

Thank you to @dellromance and @nkumarwrites for this wonderful ARC!

Naina Kumar’s Flirting with Disaster is a second-chance romance that brings together charm, humor, and emotional complexity between the main characters. The story follows Meena and Nikhil, a couple forced to confront their past while stuck together during a hurricane. Their chemistry is palpable even from the prologue, and their witty back-and-forth adds a playful tone to the novel.
However, the pacing falters at times, particularly in the middle, which causes the story to drag a bit at this point. The plot is a bit predictable, leaning on familiar romance tropes, but it still delivers some heartfelt moments that made me smile and swoon. Readers who enjoy character-driven romances will appreciate the emotional growth of the leads. Kumar’s writing is sharp, with plenty of humor to balance out the more serious moments, making it an enjoyable read. While it may not break new ground in the romance genre, it offers a satisfying mix of romance and personal discovery with the hurricane/disaster backdrop. Definitely a new one for me.

This book is out of this world. – Alan M.
Ok Maybe Alan didn’t say that but he would have if he could have. This book was so enjoyable. Made me smile, made me pine, made me swoon, and ultimately made me so happy! If second chance romances are not your favorite tope this book will convert you.
I loved the dual timeline, allowing us to experience their relationship as it is currently, distanced and filled with hurt and confusion, while also seeing the head over heels moments of when the first got together, as well as the issues that torn them apart. It felt like I was in it with them, rooting for them to talk through their issues and work them out. As the reader it was so easy to see that they still loved each other, but also see why they were not working. I was pulling for them big time.
Also I would be remis if I didn’t mention how much joy the Gilmore Girls references brought me. I was anxiously awaiting the discovery of Nikhil’s secret, and it did not disappoint.
If you like Sweet Home Alabama, or Gilmore Girls this book is a must read for you and everyone else!

4/5 star romance. Such a cute book!

This came at a perfect time as well because I was literally on a flight to Houston while I started it. It's like Sweet Home Alabama with a hurricane. Loved Meena and Nikhil and thought this was a very fun and unique concept for a romance. I loved that we started with the 7 years prior but really stayed in the present for the majority of the story. If you love a second chance romance, you'll love this!

This book is a sizzling, heartfelt romance that captures the complexity of love and second chances with vibrant energy. The writing immerses you in Meena’s whirlwind journey, blending sharp observations on ambition and identity with a passionate, emotional core. As a hurricane forces Meena and her estranged husband to confront their stormy past, their rekindled chemistry crackles with intensity. The storm itself becomes a powerful metaphor for the tumultuous feelings and choices Meena faces, making the story not just a romance, but a profound exploration of love’s true nature. This book delivers a thrilling mix of passion, introspection, and irresistible chemistry, leaving you eagerly turning pages and reflecting on the power of second chances. I absolutely loved reading it.

If you're looking for a romance that hits all the right notes between sweet and real, Flirting with Disaster is definitely worth a read. This book explores the whirlwind of emotions that accompany second chances and the storms—both literal and metaphorical—that can either tear us apart or bring us closer together.

The story follows Meena, a high-powered lawyer who heads back to her hometown to finalize her divorce from her ex, Nikhil. The twist? A hurricane is about to hit, forcing them to weather the storm together in the house they once shared. It's like their own little emotional storm, complete with thunder and lightning of the heart. Nikhil’s character is incredibly relatable. His insecurities and small-town charm are so vividly portrayed that you can’t help but feel for him. He comes across as genuine and well-rounded, which made me really root for him, even though he’s not perfect.

Meena’s journey is equally compelling. Her background and the choices she’s made over the years add layers to her character, making her decisions understandable. You get why she’s torn between the old flame and the safe option. Speaking of the safe option—Shake. He’s fine, but honestly, I didn’t have strong feelings about him one way or the other. I get why Meena is drawn to him; he represents stability and shared goals. But I felt like he was a bit of a letdown compared to the other characters.

Moreover, the six-year gap in communication between Meena and Nikhil left me questioning why their separation had lasted so long without any contact. It made their reunion feel somewhat rushed, though the emotional undercurrents were powerful.

Despite these minor reservations, Flirting with Disaster shines through its portrayal of real, flawed characters navigating love and life’s uncertainties. It’s got that perfect mix of romance and real-life struggles, making you think about love and second chances in a way that feels both hopeful and genuine. After reading this, I’m definitely planning to check out Sweet Home Alabama—if it’s even half as charming as this book, I’m in for a treat!

In the end, Flirting with Disaster is a heartwarming tale about the complexities of love, the impact of past decisions, and the enduring hope for second chances. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even amidst the storms, love finds a way to reshape our lives.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Dell for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I was so excited for this book knowing it has a sweet home alabama vibe (which is my fav!). it was cute and had sweet moments but didn't end up being my favorite. I think I don't love stories that take place over a short period of time. I was not invested in the storm and I wanted his job reveal/surprise to be more exciting and further along (a la the movie). so maybe its unfair of me to compare the two too much!!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Trapped together trying to get a divorce while a hurricane moves in from the gulf, that what they get for waking up in Vegas seven years earlier…Meena flew back to Texas to finally get a divorce from Nikhil after their mishap wedding in Las Vegas but the incoming storm brings in more than just strong winds as the two are finally forced to face their past. After living through the horror of Katrina, I am never one to root for destruction, but let’s just say that I was absolutely rooting for a slow path for this storm so these two could properly hash out their feelings! Flirting With Disaster definitely rated a Category 5 for me!

I really liked Say You’ll Be Mine, so I was very excited to get approved for an ARC of Flirting with Disaster, and it did not let me down!

I’m usually more interested in books with lots of dialogue, which this book didn’t necessarily have, but something about Naina Kumar’s writing style still always draws me in. This was a really nice second chance romance, with a good balance of fun and heavy topics. I really appreciated that it was fairly low conflict, too. The characters were all mature and didn’t keep secrets from each other that would come back to bite them later, which was refreshing!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Dell for the ARC of this book! I’m excited to see what else Naina writes in the future!

Awww this is was really cute!! I loved the characters and how the author played with the timelines in this book. The opening chapter had me hooked, and the voice was very fun and relatable. I did feel like the author did more telling than showing at times, but I enjoyed it overall.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for allowing me access to this ebook! You made my day, this was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025! Marriage in crisis is my favorite trope ever and very few authors write it so I was delighted that we would get one in 2025!

"Flirting with Disaster" by Nanina Kumar is a captivating and emotionally charged romance that reimagines the classic "Sweet Home Alabama" storyline with a fresh twist and cultural depth. The novel follows Meena, a high-powered lawyer returning to her Texas roots to finalize a divorce from her estranged husband, Nikhil. Years have passed since their impulsive Las Vegas wedding, and now, with a new man in her life, Meena is ready to move on—or so she thinks.

As fate would have it, a looming hurricane forces Meena and Nikhil to seek refuge together in the home they once shared. The forced proximity and intense situation bring back memories of their passionate past, making Meena question her current path. Nikhil’s small-town charm and the undeniable chemistry between them reignite old feelings, leaving Meena torn between the steady life she’s built with her new partner, Shake, and the raw, unpredictable love she once shared with Nikhil.

As the storm outside mirrors the emotional turbulence within, I was taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, rooting for Meena as she navigates the difficult decisions that will shape her future. I honestly had a blast reading this book and I recommend it everyone! Add it to your TBR now!

This is my first book of Naina Kumar and this book made me want to look at the rest of her work to read. Flirting with Disaster is a beautiful love story between Meena and Nikhil as they explore their strained relationship and fight for a second chance with each other. Stuck together due to a hurricane, Meena and Nikhil were forced to communicate and face their issues with each other head on. That close proximity allowed for some old and lingering feelings to come back up and we are treated to a slow yet sweet reunion between the two. Both main characters are so relatable. We all go through times of questioning our dreams, self identity, worth and value. Although we only got Meena's POV, their feelings for each other were very clear especially how Nikhil is still very much in love with Meena after all their time part. His little gestures of remembering her and their relationship was truly top notch.

Yes, it was painful (for me as a reader) and it took awhile but they eventually did get to talk about what happened before Meena left. I am not a big fan of miscommunication so some of the scenes were rough for me because I so wanted them to just talk to each other instead of assumming what one needs or wants from another. Once they did, I felt like the story picked up and I'm left to deal with their emotional back and forth. Because there were some glimpses of the past when Meena is reminiscing, it was a tad bit confusing sometimes whether a scene is happening in the past or present. Even with all this critique, I still feel Flirting with Disaster is a great book and would highly recommend it. I enjoyed it a lot and the story kept me going!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Naina Kumar for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for a review.

Wow! I have not read this authors previous book so I didn’t know what to expect. But I loved this! Meeka and Nikhal were perfection. The love between them… the history… I’m a sucker for a second chance romance. And as a Florida girl I appreciated the backdrop of a hurricane. lol it was definitely a different plot device and it worked.

i am going to be so tired tomorrow but this was so worth it. this was so raw and beautiful and heartbreaking. i loved it. it’s books like these that remind me why i love the second chance trope so much. meena and nikhil are everything. thank you to netgalley and dell for this book! i will definitely check out naina’s debut novel now. her writing is gorgeous.