Adiba Jaigirdar

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.

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating

roro :)

But i’m already kissing her so the words are trapped between us … we only pull apart to hear the sound of rain on the pavement, and i’m not sure how long it’s been raining for.

Suze

“Right now, all men seem overwhelmingly unattractive - except the ones on the Netflix shows I watch.”

“Sometimes I think that maybe I like guys more as a concept than a reality.”

Klaudia

My point, dear sister, is that we all have people who we bend ourselves for the approval of. For you and me, it's Ammu and Abbu. For Hani, it's her friends. We all need to fit in, or need to be loved, or need approval. You and Hani aren't that different, if you think about it." 

Keira 💫

“What the hell were you doing?” I ask. “Why couldn’t you have just stayed quiet and let me handle it?” “Um, maybe because you looked like a deer in the fucking headlights. We do have a class together. Biology, remember?” I stop at the top of the stairs, fixing her with a glare. “No cursing at my house, Ishita.” She rolls her eyes. “You can’t be serious.” “If I wasn’t serious I wouldn’t say it, would I?” For a moment I think she’s going to fight me on it. Instead, she closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and says, “Fine. No cursing in your house.”

“I just haven’t seen you guys in so long, and … I have some news. Will you help me or not?”

Hani and Ishu couldn't be less alike - and they definitely don't like each other. But when fates collide and they pretend to date each other, things start to get messy... A heart-warming queer YA love story for fans of Becky Albertalli. Everyone likes 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 don't believe her, claiming 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 can't stand - Ishu Dey. Ishu is the polar opposite of Hani. An academic overachiever, she hopes that becoming head girl will set her on the right track for university. Her only problem? Becoming head girl is a popularity contest and Ishu is hardly popular. Pretending to date Hani is the only way she'll stand a chance of being elected. Despite their mutually beneficial pact, they start developing real feelings for each other. But some people will do anything to stop two Bengali girls from achieving happily ever after.

Julia Rutgers

Nina May

Lucia 

sophia roberts 

I appreciate the devlopment that Hani and Ishu had as individuals. It's definitely a slowburn book with regards to their official romantic relationship. Hani needs to learn how to be consistent with her politic because for example wdym you got mad at Ishu for wanting to call out your friends for their white supremacist ideals (such as being "obsessed" with britian royalty). Hani got rid of them at end thank god. I love this book's notion of being okay with disappointing your parents at times.

As I read the book, it became clear to me that this was a love letter meant to comfort young girls who have similar experiences with Humaira and Ishita. I found that to be quite beautiful. However, I feel pained to rate it this way beause I felt that the progression towards the ending lacked depth, and the ending itself lacked the proper closure the characters deserved. 

Mirror

Tatiana

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating: 4/5


  "Sometimes I think that maybe I like guys more as a concept than a reality."

Premise:
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating follows two South Asian high schoolers who could not be more different. When Hani comes out to her friends as bisexual, and they dismiss her sexuality, Hani blurts out that she has been dating Ishita, or Ishu, Dey. Ishu is a star pupil and a perfectionist, and when the opportunity arises for her to become head girl, she makes a deal with Hani. The two will fake date in exchange for Hani helping Ishu become the head girl. 

Writing & Plot:
Jaigirdar perfectly weaves rom-com tropes and comedy with more complex familial issues, homophobia, racism, and self-discovery. I loved the overall theme of learning to put yourself first, even if others will be uncomfortable with it. The narrative that it is important not to hide was compelling and will resonate with readers everywhere. I want to praise Adiba Jaigirdar for masterfully weaving complex topics into an overall lighthearted romance novel without ever compromising who Hani and Ishu are. The clever writing perfectly articulated the flirty and nervous excitement of first love.


   "We are culturally similar and, therefore, must be meant for each other. Never mind the vast differences in our language or our religious beliefs."
 

Characters:
Hani and Ishu both have extremely distinct narratives within this book. It is a dual perspective novel, but it is easy to tell who's perspective we are currently reading. Like the premise says, Hani and Ishu could not be more different. Hani is a people pleaser and radiates positive energy while juxtaposed with Ishu's grumpy and overachieving personality. Although both characters are true gems, I have to say that I loved Ishu. I think she is immensely complex and watching Ishu gradually let down her guard for Hani was adorable. 

Conclusion:
This book was so heartwarming but, at the same time, surprisingly emotional. If you like Sapphic YA romance, you will definitely like this book. I wish a few topics were wrapped up better regarding the side characters, but overall, this book was a joy and did not disappoint!

Wawa

3.5 for this book because even tho I found it's very interesting; seeing a sapphic Muslim character as representation. It feels nice as someone who is a sapphic and Muslim. And I'd say the writing style isn't my cup of tea but I still enjoy it. <3

Ana Salas

new favorite book 💫

can’t believe i’m saying this but this book was so 
wholesome and interesting and i couldn’t put it down one I started reading it. i didn’t have a lot of expectations and that definitely made me enjoy it more.

the characters felt so different and at the same time so close to me, i definitely relate to them a lot. But what really make me love it so much was the writing. The author tackled all the issues in a light but rightful way and the style encapsulated me a lot more.

5/5

angie

4.5* 

this was so cute to read, i loved it!

brianna

”my point, dear sister, is that we all have people who we bend ourselves for the approval of. for you and me, it’s ammu and abbu. for hani, it’s her friends. we all need to fit in, or meed to be loved, or need approval. you and hani aren’t that different, if you think about it.” 


3.5 stars

AAAA this was such a cute and perfect read to start pride off with. there were a few things i wish were expanded on throughout the book (mainly hani and ishu’s relationship with their parents and their feelings toward one another), but everything else i adored. 

hani’s relationship with her white friends is one that hit a little too hard as a bisexual poc who has been in toxic friendships similar to the one she had with aisling and dee. i loved seeing how that dynamic shifted throughout the book as she got closer with ishu! on the flip side, it warmed my heart to see ishu form a bond with her sister and have some sort of support system aside from hani. 

i just think this was so cute and i’m def planning on moving the henna wars up on my tbr now!

grace richards

Midori Kobayashi

4/5 stars


“Right now, all men seem overwhelmingly unattractive - except the ones on the Netflix shows I watch.”

cute sapphic romance with a fairly nuanced conversation about bisexuality and coming to terms with your identity, DEFINITELY WORTH ALL MY TIME. 
the romance is fluffy and i flew through it and the subtle references to Indian movies were very cute. But the commentary about racism, islamophobia, and biphobia was very well done. 
10/10 would recommend! 


  Book Trigger Warnings- Islamophobia, biphobia, homophobia, racism, bullying, toxic friendships, emotional abuse, parental abandonment.

amber baardsen

3.75⭐️

i love sapphics !!

- i liked how the book brought up topics that aren’t really fun, and showed them how they are, and it didn’t bring down the whole vibe of the book
- i liked the plot of the book and stuff, but i wished the writing was more…captivating? i thought the writing was kinda average as well as the characters 
- i liked how it brought up the topic of religion and sexuality
- i felt like the ending was kinda rushed so:/
- it was pretty fast paced:)

overall tho i liked it and it was a nice read! :)

Yasmin H

I really enjoyed this book, however, I enjoyed The Henna Wars (also written by Adiba Jaigirdar) a bit more. 

I liked how this book is written alternating between Hani and Ishu's perspectives - I think this made me like both characters and relate to them a lot more. It also gives the reader more information about their personal lives and how that influences their behavior towards each other. 

Throughout this book I found Ishu is a very relatable character, and liked how much she helps and looks out for her sister and Hani no matter what. 

I would definitely recommend this book, however, I found that The Henna Wars was very similar.

nora <3

this was such a good book but i got impatient lmao. would they just confess their feelings already

Rachel Evans

(3.5/5) - 1 hour 48 minutes - This story was perfectly fine - there were certainly parts I liked. However, as a whole, I felt it dragged on a little too much, and there were periods where the plot didn't seem to advance at all. I did like the characters, even if Aisling felt a little over-the-top in the type of person she was written to portray. Overall, a cute read with excellent representation but a little lacking in story.

aizea

i’ve finished this and all i can now think of is why didn’t i start this book sooner

This is my absolute favourite book! 

Simple YA wlw romance, fake dating trope

I wasn't too sure about reading this at first, since it felt quite cliche and predictable - but I think that was the best thing about it! There were some very relatable parts for any teenage girl and it's just generally heartwarming!

lexi macham 

this book was so adorable!! the issues addressed like biphobia, racism, islamphobia and parental abandonment was all done in a very delicate way. a way that wasn’t too in your face but actually made you feel things towards the characters. fake dating as well!! love love love loved this book sm

nuria

** spoiler alert **
           ishu and hani have been completely made for each other and we all know that. besides, i really love how biphobia, islamofobia and racism are treated in the story, it's a pretty good reality's representation. the author has absolutely made a good job writing this book, i've enjoyed getting to know more about this culture and traditions. 

ps: the improvement of ishu and nik's relationship???? i wish they could've always be like that. i can't stand how their parents act when they should support their daughters in their difficult situations.

Sophie

reading adiba jaigirdar's books is always so smooth and I love it.
i liked this book. I didnt know the fake dating trope was this compelling to read, but it is. as for the characters: I liked Hani and ishu. but at some points I couldn't really connect to their actions.
regardless, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes or just wants to read queer romance.

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating

Reviews

Highlights