tl;dr sapphic fake dating excellence
Premise
Everyone likes Humaira "Hani" Khan—she’s easy going and one of the most popular girls at school. But when she comes out to her friends as bisexual, they invalidate her identity, saying she can’t be bi if she’s only dated guys. Panicked, Hani blurts out that she’s in a relationship…with a girl her friends absolutely hate—Ishita "Ishu" Dey. Ishu is the complete opposite of Hani. She’s an academic overachiever who hopes that becoming head girl will set her on the right track for college. But Ishita agrees to help Hani, if Hani will help her become more popular so that she stands a chance of being elected head girl.
Despite their mutually beneficial pact, they start developing real feelings for each other. But relationships are complicated, and some people will do anything to stop two Bengali girls from achieving happily ever after.
Rating
5/5 stars
Review
I read this book in two sittings; it was just so good. It managed to be cute and fluffy while also tackling many serious issues like homophobia, biphobia, racism, and microaggressions.
I will admit, when the fake dating concept was first introduced, I had my worries. However, I think Adiba Jaigirdar handled it very well. Hani and Ishu had a really natural transition into realizing their growing feelings for each other, and overall, this book reinforces why fake dating is one of my favorite tropes.
I loved both Hani and Ishu, and I think they were such well-crafted characters. Each is complex, with their own stories and voices, and it was great to see both of their development. I really like how familial bonds were emphasized in the book, such as within Hani's family or Ishu's relationship with her sister. I have nothing but love for Hani's mother; I truly adore her with all my heart and love how close she and Hani were. I really liked the side plot with Ishu and her sister and the building of their strong sibling bond.
Regarding side characters, I think Hani's friends (Aisling and Dee) were well-written. Did that mean I liked them? Absolutely not, and that is definitely the point. I would like to pummel them both. Please put me into the ring with these two girls (and the school's principal) and I will win, guaranteed. Thank you.
Kind of going off of that, I liked how the book emphasized how harmful microaggressions can be. Even little phrases or sentences can cause extreme harm, and this book touched on that.
I also wanted to talk about the bisexual rep in this book because both MCs are bi. I felt so seen and validated by this book, and I think it handled biphobia very well. At some points, it felt like it was pulling thoughts and fears from my own head and voicing them on the page. The bi rep in this book really did hit home for me.
My only critique is something my friend Mads noted in their review - I do wish that Hani and Ishu's first kiss scene was handled a bit better given the circumstances surrounding it, how Hani was so upset at the time, and the "kiss without consent" trope.
All in all, this story was told so authentically and has definitely become one of my favorites.
Other Info
Standalone
14+
Rep: Bangladeshi, Muslim and bisexual MC; Indian and bisexual MC
CW: racism, homophobia (biphobia/lesbophobia), Islamophobia, toxic friendship, gaslighting, parental abandonment
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Hani-Ishus-Guide-Fake-Dating/dp/1645672573
Would I Recommend?
YES YES YES
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