Initial impressions can be deceiving, especially when diving into a new book. Based on the cover, one might anticipate a strong romantic storyline. However, delving deeper into the synopsis reveals a narrative that leans more towards a comedic thriller, a blend that can either be delightfully surprising or jarringly dissonant. This was precisely my experience with this novel, a book that prompted me to reconsider my expectations just a few chapters in. The clash between the romantic cover and the thriller synopsis created a significant disconnect, almost leading me to abandon the read entirely.
One undeniable strength of this book lies in its characterization. Despite a somewhat underwhelming second-chance romance, Mira and Naveen are crafted with distinct voices. This clarity made it effortless to follow the narrative as it switched between their perspectives in each chapter. Furthermore, subtle parallels in their personal histories, such as their estrangement from siblings, added depth without overshadowing the main plot, even if these backstories occasionally felt repetitive.
However, emotionally, the book fell somewhat flat. Connecting with Mira, particularly regarding her grief over her aunt, proved challenging. While her character arc focuses on learning to process and express emotions, this journey seemed to detract from the overall tone and hindered reader empathy. The chemistry between Mira and Naveen also felt underdeveloped, likely a consequence of the plot unfolding within a tight forty-eight-hour timeframe.
Another aspect of the characterization that stood out was the limited personal growth experienced by the protagonists. The changes they underwent were largely confined to their interpersonal relationships. For instance, Mira’s transformation primarily revolved around her perception of her sister, mirrored by Naveen’s arc concerning his brother Kiran. These sibling reconciliation storylines felt somewhat superficial because Mira and Naveen reached resolutions without genuinely engaging with their estranged siblings until the very end of the book. Given the crime-adventure premise, a greater sense of agency and more profound character evolution would have been welcome. While individual growth occurred, the emotional repercussions and transformations stemming from the perilous situations they faced seemed insufficient.
From a story structure perspective, the novel initially presented itself with the romance as the A-plot and the crime plot as the B-plot. However, the narrative trajectory shifted, elevating the crime plot to dominance. While not inherently problematic, this reversal significantly altered the reading experience. Having been prepared for a romance novel based on the cover and initial synopsis impressions, the pronounced focus on criminal escapades made it harder to fully invest in the characters and their journey. The marketing, in this case, felt somewhat misleading.
One minor but noticeable stylistic quirk was the author’s frequent use of the word “pregnant” to describe pauses or silences. While its occasional use can be effective, its repetition – approximately eight times throughout the book – felt excessive and somewhat distracting.
Ultimately, this second-chance romance, wrapped in a comedic thriller package, didn’t fully resonate with me. While moments of humor and romance were present, the story lacked the necessary emotional depth to truly captivate. This “Partners In Crime Book” concept held promise, but in this instance, it didn’t quite meet its full potential. Readers seeking a light-hearted, crime-adjacent read with a hint of romance might find it enjoyable, but those expecting a deeply emotional or intensely romantic narrative might be left wanting more.
Note: It’s worth noting that differing synopses exist for this book. The Goodreads synopsis, for example, contained inaccuracies regarding Naveen’s profession. For a more accurate representation, the Netgalley synopsis is recommended.
TW: Negligent parenting (off-page), sex.
Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
