3.5 stars

Oh boy. Comedic Timing may be a novella, but it takes you on quite a ride. While I enjoyed a majority of the book, with Naina and David’s friendship blossoming… and becoming something more, some of the book felt hectic and unnecessary (to me).

Thank you NetGalley and 831 Stories for my ARC of Comedic Timing!

What I found inspiring about this book is that Naina realizes her self worth and that she is not defined by how others perceive her. She felt so lucky to be in a relationship with Sofia that she truly went along with what she wanted including living with her to make her happy. It was a strong move for her to leave Chicago and come to New York to take a new job in marketing. Similar to comedic prose, timing is everything! It is in New York that she met David, Chloe and Christian and realized how worthy she is to find love and not tag along in the hopes of being appreciated and seen. She knew herself as valued and as a result, her self esteem grew. She said no to Sofia and yes to David even when they took time apart. I think this is a good book to read if one is lacking in confidence at a certain point in time because that type of confidence will always come back to those who choose it too.

Barath’s writing feels super real—like it could be based on true experiences. It follows Naina, who moves to NYC from Chicago after ending her first-ever, five-year relationship. Starting fresh, she meets David, a friend of a friend, and sparks fly in an unexpected way. Naina’s never been into guys before, but the chemistry is undeniable, leading to a friendship that slowly turns into something more.

I really connected with Naina, especially when David leaves for a two-week trip just as their connection heats up, throwing everything into chaos. Her struggles with a tough boss and roommate drama add to the story’s relatable edge. While I enjoyed it, it didn’t quite grab me like the first two novellas in the series. The plot could’ve had a bit more going on, but the dynamic between Naina and David was enough to keep me hooked. I’d definitely pick up more of Barath’s work down the road.

Barath presents these distinct honest, flawed characters that immerse you in their world. Following how they navigate the challenges that they face. However as the characters and the plot are messy in a good way, to reflect on the main character's flaws and how she navigates them. But personally, the plot just got chaotic and confusing to understand where the romance was going between the two main characters. I also think for a novella there was just too much happening with the plot and how many characters were being introduced. Which then minimises the characterisation and dynamic between the two main characters
2.25

The third book from 831 Stories (and the second with first person narration!), this novella follows the youngest protagonist so far as she navigates a breakup, moving to a new city, and potentially finding love again. Naina has broken up with her girlfriend of 5 years, and in the aftermath has decided to leave Chicago and move to NYC. There, she goes to a friend's party where she meets David. They strike up a friendship, and Naina slowly starts to realize she's feeling something more for him.

What impressed me the most about the book was the pacing of Naina and David's relationship. This novella isn't long, but the relationship growth and changes feels organic -- it's given a chance to breathe before moving on to the next step. What felt oddly paced, was Naina's emotional response. It's possible the author was trying to make a point about being in one's mid-20s, but the volatility sometimes felt like it came out of nowhere. I also don't think a decision in the third act was well motivated, it seemed like it came because they needed something to move the plot along, not because any decisions had led to this point.

Overall, 831 Stories continues to build a strong library of romance novels. I appreciate the opportunity to read this one, and look forward to the next installment from the publisher!

So fun! I love the lesbian turned bisexual trope (plz see The Bisexual/Desiree Akhavan’s work) and the pacing of this was great. Just enough movement through time without being unrealistic. Another win for 831 Stories 💘

COMEDIC TIMING is a novella with a very believable take on anxiousness centered around dating and vulnerability. After a breakup and moving across the country, Naina finds herself attracted to a man for the first time, a friend of a friend named David. Due to Naina's triggers and anxiety, for admitting her feelings to David (which was quite hard and uncomfortable for her), not hearing from him on a trip after feeling very exposed and knowing his wild past where it seems like everyone Naina meets slept with David, Naina feels out of her depths and is experiencing a lot of emotions all at once. I appreciated how aware and honest Naina is with herself and the work she needs to do to heal to allow love to be easier for herself.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Thank you to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Naina’s character is far from perfect, but very relatable. I appreciate a protagonist who acknowledges their shortcomings and is willing to face them in order to be better. It’s a weird feeling judging a character but knowing deep down you’re extremely similar. I think Barath did a great job in showcasing grief and trauma and how it affects us in forming relationships with people. Especially how we try our damndest to protect ourselves from getting hurt again.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and 831 Stories in exchange for an honest review.

The third 831 Stories novella, which comes out in January, is COMEDIC TIMING by Upasna Barath. The story of a young woman who has just moved to NYC from Chicago following a breakup, this novella is short, sweet, and delicious. Naina just broke up with her girlfriend of 5 years, and it was her first relationship. When she gets to NYC, she meets David, a friend of a friend, and begins to have confusing feelings for him. She has never been with a man before, but she can't deny the chemistry. As they form a friendship, feelings begin to change slowly and the slow burn begins.

I felt like the writing was very true to life. I could see this being thinly veiled autofiction. I felt for Naina, especially when David leaves for a trip for 2 weeks after their relationship intensifies and things go off the rails. I also felt for Naina as she described the horrors of having a bad boss in a new job, and dealing with roommate drama in a new city. It's a great novella, but I didn't love it as much as the first two 831 Stories to be honest. I wanted a little more from the plot but I did like the chemistry between Naina and David and would def read more from Barath in the future.