This was...fine. The steam was great, but the plot/pacing were all over the place. I felt like we never got to know Kareena enough beyond her sweater vests and her toxic family, and her love of her mother's car. Her friend group felt more there to serve as sequel bait yet I can't remember any of them so I guess is that even bait?

Anyway - this was not Taming of the Shrew for me. Kareena was not particularly shrewish, she was just being constantly hurt by her family. Yes showing up to Dr. Dil's show was not great, but also her sister shouldn't have live streamed it for clout. I don't know - I don't need an exact adaptation but I just didn't even get the ~vibe~ of the play either.

I wanted more of Prem and Kareena together, less of her going on other dates, and just - more oomph to the reasons they couldn't just be together.

Otherwise, this was quite readable and I did laugh a little - and my favorite part was when Kareena has an allergic anaphalactic reaction and Prem goes full doctor mode and swoops her off to the hospital. Yum, that's my jam.

Then he ruined it, by flinging her glasses. Twice. And calling his penis Charlie LOL.

Anyway, a bit juvenile but a fine pass time and fun to discuss with my book club.

I had an early copy from Avon, and also read a paperback I checked out from the library.

CW: grief, death of parent (in the past), death of fiancee (in the past, brain tumor), toxic family, emotional manipulation, drinking