This was a very good book! It definitely gave a humanistic feel of how relationship go sometimes and how they pan out. I am definitely team David and Naina!

Much like this pic, Comedic Timing’s portrayal of realistic modern love and dating is messy and a bit awkward.

BUT it is also still swoony, maybe even more so because of the stumbles and gaffes that Dave and Naina deal with.

A less-than-perfect first time? A drunken confession of feelings? A crush that sparks a deep existential crisis? Been there.

Comedic Timing’s by @upasnabarath is out Jan 28 from @831storieshq!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🫑/5
🍝🗽📝🍷🎭/5

CW: amateur stand up comedians, passive aggressive roomies, making new friends as an adult

3.5 stars for this lil 831 Stories novella!

Fresh off a breakup, Naina finds herself in a new city trying to figure herself out, survive her job, and make new friends. Things get complicated for her when she starts developing feelings for a new guy friend- her first time having feelings for a man. Part love story, part self-discovery, this novella is an exploration of one girl coming to terms with accepting who she is, understanding that we aren’t static as humans, and finding a way to be open in a safe and vulnerable way with those that care about us.

This was an interesting read as I didn’t feel like I really liked any of the characters particularly, but I was fascinated with them and watching them go on this little journey. The emotions and reflections it brought out honestly meant more than the story points!

Thanks so much to Upasna Barath, 831 Stories, and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

I could not put this book down! COMEDIC TIMING follows Naina, who has just moved to New York City after a breakup, in need of a fresh start. However, adjusting to a new place just might be a little tougher than she initially thought. Grappling with demands from her boss and difficulties with her roommate, Naina's beginning to wonder if NYC is really the right fit for her...and then she meets David. While they forge a friendship, bonding over their shared creative aspirations and encouraging each other to follow their dreams, a spark ignites that neither of them can deny. Will Naina take a chance on this new connection, even if it might mean upending everything she knew about her career, her love life, and her identity?

COMEDIC TIMING really works not just as a romance, but also as a coming-of-age story, which I appreciated! I always enjoy stories where characters "come of age" outside of the typical teenage narrative—Naina is in her 20s, but still figuring things out about her career, her identity, and just her place in the world in general, which I think so many readers can relate to. Another thing I loved about this book is how it drives home the idea that you don't necessarily have to be perfect to find love, friendship, belonging, etc. Both Naina and David are flawed, complicated characters, but they acknowledge that they can still be "works-in-progress" individually and still pursue a relationship together (which, I also really enjoyed them as a couple—they had such great chemistry). Naina in particular is not always the most likable character, but that personally just made me more invested in her journey, seeing how she took ownership of her mistakes and grew throughout the story. The author also tackles some heavier topics, like grief, sexuality, and mental health, with depth and nuance, even in a relatively short book. Readers will feel like they really know these characters, their world, and their struggles, even in a short time (I think that is something 831 Stories does so well in general, too)! Overall, if you love romances that read like literary fiction, a NYC setting, and complex female leads, definitely add COMEDIC TIMING to your TBR this winter. Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC.

This was another great romance Novella from 831 stories. This is a fast read but still a deep plot and rich characters. Naina is a complex character dealing with grief and finding a new path in New York. David is a comfort and light to her that also gets her to question all that she knew about herself. Some heavy topics on loss, grief, and also explores sexual identity. This is more in the vain of NYT Modern Love where the story is not your typical swoony-butterflies-kicking your feet romance but more real and how love stories are not remotely linear. Love is messy, complex, and quite confusing. I would recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC!

I thought this one was so realistic (and not just because my situationship also gave weird excuses as to why he couldn't text me during his camping trip) and lovely. Naina and David are actually way more emotionally evolved than they maybe give themselves credit for and I was rooting for them the whole time.

Naina moves to NY after her breakup with her longtime girlfriend. She's never dated other people nor had complete control over her adult life before. She meets David, an aspiring film maker to her aspiring writer. They become friendly and decide to collaborate. Naina begins to see herself in a new light and sees David in her future.

This is another book from the new publisher 831 Stories and despite me still hating their covers, their books are short and packed full of well written and well edited stories. It goes to show that you don't need 600 pages for an emotionally resonating story, and this is a perfect example of that. This is a slice of life romance that's not a comedy but has well fleshed out characters and is meaningful.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

I had such a great time with Comedic Timing. This story deftly explores heavy themes of grief, heteronormativity, and the ever-complicated situationship with a light touch that never detracts from their importance but doesn’t weigh it down either. Also, I am always impressed by how rich each character is with such little time to get to know them in every 831 novella. I feel like these are very real, relatable people who I’ve known before or even been myself at times. While Naina wasn't always particularly likeable, I fully understood her and was rooting for her the whole time.

831 Stories does it again!

I read this in one sitting (quite literally) and had a fun time doing so. Upasna Barath's ability to develop such fully fleshed out characters and having me genuinely caring about them in so few pages was incredible. While I disagreed with someone of the flawed choices said characters sometimes ended up making, I was honestly rooting for each and every one of them. This is heartwarming read not only about romance, but about friendship and grief and anxiety.

This book, like the two before it from
831 stories, is concise and packed with character. They are little bon bons in book form.

I really enjoyed the dynamic of the main characters, very compelling.

I have been loving the branding and messaging behind 831 Stories, bringing more adult modern romance to the lovers out there in novella sized fashion. The freedom from the cartoony covers alone in favour of the bright checkerboard is in itself a blessing. That being said, of the three 831 Stories out in the ether so far, <i>Big Fan</i> remains the only one that has truly rocked my world. I have already read it twice and know I will be reaching for it again in moments of need. It’s that good! Needless to say, yes I did catch the Mischief mention/<i>Big Fan</i> Easter egg in <I>Comedic Timing</i>. The problem with this though, is I found myself sad I wasn’t spending more time in that part of the 831 multiverse, and was instead in a considerably more effortful and clunky outing.

Don’t get me wrong, the central premise of <i>Comedic Timing</i> is great - I love the idea of a romantic lead wrestling with the notion of compulsive heteronormativity and getting introspective about her queer identity while developing feelings for a man. Unfortunately, a great idea does not a good novella make. I found the dialogue so awkward, like aliens learning to speak like human beings rather than real 20 or 30 somethings. *insert Steve Buscemi fellow kids meme here* Were multiple references to testing one’s drugs necessary? Why was “molly” capitalized? It was giving party safe PSA. The references to Euphoria, reality tv and that love bomber guy who went viral on TikTok last year also made this feel somewhat dated and sucked me out of the fantasy. Then there’s the development of the central relationship. The characters spend almost 3 weeks apart (with zero contact) in the span of the ~2 month period the story covers. What we’re left with, is the very beginning stages of a very complicated dynamic, rather than a story that feels particularly romantic. If this was advertised as a lit fic, I’d be all for it, but this is a romance and baby I was waiting for some sparks! I suspect that when this is officially released in January there will be a bonus chapter epilogue to dive into, but as readers we shouldn’t have to count on that! Cutting down a side character or two would have allowed more air time for the chemistry between Naina and David to unfold on the page.

All in all, there are some great ideas here, but the execution left me wanting.

Thank you to 831 Stories and Net Galley for providing me with this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

The characters flaws and imperfections are what made this story stand out for me. As someone who has moved across the country and dealt with relationship woes I felt that all of the characters in this novel were very relatable. Barath’s descriptions of the emotions of her characters brought me to feel everything with them. Whether it was grief, uncertainty, or joy I loved every second of this book. The descriptions of the relationships in the book are also so realistic compared to what is typically seen in a romance novel. I loved it!

Did not finish this novella, the intro was incredibly sudden and contained so many non-notable characters with generic breezy millennial personalities. I could tell from the jump that the type of humor explored in this comedic romance would be sub-par and unfortunate.

If you like stories about fresh starts, living in NYC, discovering your sexuality, having passion projects when you don’t love your day job, and novellas, this is absolutely the perfect book for you! One review I read said this was perfect for fans of Kate Goldbeck’s You, Again, and I absolutely agree.

Naina is an engaging main character, and Upasna Barath deftly drops the reader right into the heart of the story. I was impressed by the depth and storytelling that she managed in under 200 pages. Comedic Timing was messy and raw and an honor to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Upasna Barath, and 831 Stories for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

I have to start this review off by saying I continue to be enthralled by what 831 Stories is doing! I have never really read novellas until reading theirs this year, and I have just become so enamored with how these authors are telling such complex stories in so few pages! Add to that the aesthetics and quality of mature romance stories, I do think that 831 Stories is changing the game. However, now having read all 3 current releases, I don't know if anything will quite live up to how genius their first release (Big Fan) was. I was so excited for a queer protagonist in Comedic Timing, and I do think that Barath had some great commentary on the complicated feelings of being bisexual. Naina read very authentic in her questioning of her own identity, and I appreciated seeing that representation in a modern romance novel. There were moments I really enjoyed too, especially seeing Christopher and Naina's friendship blossom and Naina and David's relationship grow. As a whole though, I found Naina a bit frustrating to read about. She came across as immature at times, being very combative and reactionary. This would have been okay as a source of conflict in the book, except that it happened multiple times over the course of a story less than 150. It got repetitive to read about, and although I know it's unrealistic to expect major character growth in such a short story, there was absolutely none to be found, leaving me a bit frustrated as a reader. I also don't think the writing always worked for me personally. I will continue to anxiously await anything 831 releases, but I do hope that their next installment finds a bit more of the magic of Big Fan.

Comedic Timing: A Modern Romance by Upasna Barat is another gem in the 831 Novellas collection that has solidified my love for these bite-sized, heartfelt romances. This novella masterfully balances humor, romance, and the relatable chaos of modern relationships.

Barat's writing shines in her ability to craft characters who feel genuine and easy to root for. The banter is witty, the chemistry between the leads crackles, and the story’s pacing hits all the right beats. It’s the kind of novella that feels like a rom-com playing out in your mind, complete with laugh-out-loud moments and swoony tension.

While the short format means the story wraps up a bit quickly, it still delivers a satisfying emotional punch.

I thought Upasna's debut was deliciously refreshing. 831 Stories specializes in romance for non-romance readers and I think the author's naturalistic, stream-of-conciousness-meets-vingette style writing is exactly that. Barath's lead is relatable, messy, charming, confused, and brand new. A love/hate dating in New York story, there's something in it for all 20-something, especially queer(!!) daters.

In Comedic Timing: A Modern Romance (831 Stories), the author brings a delightful blend of humor, heart, and romance through the eyes of Naina and David, the story's endearing and imperfect protagonists. This novel takes a fresh, unconventional approach to the rom-com genre by telling the tale of their relationship through 831 brief, comedic vignettes that unfold across a wider narrative. Together, these short chapters provide readers with a rich, engaging story that’s as funny as it is heartfelt.

Naina, a witty and ambitious woman in her late twenties, is navigating the chaos of modern life with an abundance of charm and a slight tendency toward awkwardness. Though she’s a successful professional in her field, she finds herself struggling with her romantic life. While her friends are busy falling in and out of love, Naina seems to always be at the wrong place at the wrong time—whether it’s a date that ends in disaster or a text message she accidentally sends to the wrong person. Her inner monologue is full of self-deprecating humor, and it's easy to root for her as she tries to make sense of her romantic misadventures. Naina’s journey is one of self-discovery, learning to embrace her quirks, and figuring out how to balance career, friendship, and the elusive dream of a perfect relationship.

David, the love interest, is equally charming but entirely different in temperament. He’s a laid-back, slightly cynical guy in his early thirties, who is constantly caught in the whirlwind of Naina's chaotic love life. David is witty and undeniably attractive, but he has his own emotional baggage—he’s been burned by past relationships and has little faith that true love is in the cards for him. Despite his skepticism, he’s drawn to Naina’s warmth and infectious spirit, even though their timing always seems to be off. Like Naina, David’s own growth is intricately tied to his interactions with her, as he learns to open up, take risks, and consider that love might come when he least expects it.

The charm of Comedic Timing* lies in how the authors explore Naina and David’s slow burn of a relationship, told through funny, touching, and often cringe-worthy moments that anyone who’s been in the dating scene will recognize. The 831 short stories each serve as a snapshot into a particular moment or event, capturing the essence of both characters in humorous, awkward, or even bittersweet situations. From a disastrous dinner date where Naina accidentally spills her drink on David, to a chance encounter at a bookstore that feels like fate, every interaction between Naina and David is both a comedy of errors and a moment of genuine connection. Their relationship unfolds not just through grand gestures but through the small, funny moments that make up a real, modern romance.

Despite the episodic nature of the book, which might seem fragmented to some, Naina and David’s relationship feels authentic and evolving. There’s a palpable chemistry between them that slowly builds as they move through the ups and downs of life. The humor never overshadows the emotional depth of their bond, as they both grow and change—Naina learning to be less self-critical and more open to love, and David discovering that his fears about love don’t have to define his future.

The writing is quick-paced and witty, with a perfect blend of comedic timing that mirrors the awkwardness of modern relationships. It’s clear that the author knows how to craft both humor and heartfelt moments. Each story might be short, but it’s precisely in this brevity that the book excels—each vignette feels like a snapshot into Naina and David’s world, allowing readers to experience their ups and downs without getting bogged down by unnecessary details.

While the sheer number of stories may seem overwhelming, those who enjoy a more episodic narrative will appreciate the way each vignette builds upon the last, offering tiny yet meaningful glimpses into the main characters’ lives. The book provides a satisfying balance of humor and sincerity, showing that love is a messy, unpredictable process, but it’s precisely these imperfections that make it worth pursuing.

In conclusion, Comedic Timing: A Modern Romance (831 Stories) is a hilarious, heartwarming, and ultimately hopeful journey into modern love. Naina and David’s evolving relationship is full of comedic moments, but it’s also deeply relatable, full of real emotions, growth, and the timeless idea that love often comes at the least expected moment. For fans of romantic comedies who enjoy a fresh, unconventional take on love, this book is an absolute joy.

Thanks NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC! After having mixed feelings on the last two installments from 831, I wasn't sure what to expect with Comedic Timing but I ended up enjoying this novella. Although this book was short, it packed a punch in under 150 pages and I didn't feel like anything was left hanging by the end. I liked how the author made both main characters feel very real, like this story could've happened to a friend or acquaintance. They were flawed and had made mistakes in their past that they were learning from, which made them feel more human than a typical rom-com hero. The romance is a bit of a slow burn that lets the reader get to know the characters and build tension before diving into their relationship. My only hang-up was the ending. The 11th hour drama that brought the characters back together after a miscommunication (no spoilers) seemed contrived, which knocked it down one star from me. Excited to read more from this author and the next installment from 831!

Another cute novella from 831 Stories! While I was not fan of the lead character Naina, (I found her to be a bit childish and insecure), the plot was relatable reminding me of the angst of moving to a new city, starting a new job and re-entering the dating world following a hard break up.

*Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC*