This was such an odd book. It is definitely aimed at the young end of Young Adult, which seems odd considering the age of the characters. The story hinges on miscommunication that was very tiring as the same arguments are being repeated over and over again. The aspects of Diwali celebrations and our main character's family trip meeting family members from a different type of diaspora community were interesting. Furthermore, I understand the author was inspired to write this after her own trip to Dubai, but many sections read like sponsored advertisements for Emirates Airline and the United Arab Emirates itself. It all felt a little heavy handed. Overall, I didn't enjoy the characters, the storyline, or even the trip this story is based around so it's not something I can recommend to others.

Really enjoyed the story! It felt smart and heartwarming!~
Was so lovely to see a story about young people communicating so openly about their feelings and reconnecting. Their romance was my favorite aspects of the novel.

I also loved learning more about Diwali and how it is celebrated. It played the perfect part in the book as a reason to forgive and move forward together with joy and happiness.

Any book that discusses in detail the food eaten is wonderful in my eyes. and omg, I spent the whole time hungry!

Cute book with good vibes.

If you’re looking for an easy read this is something you can really finish in one sitting.

Sajni Patel’s writing is something that’s so easy to immerse yourself into. This book made me wanna go to Dubai even more and especially on Diwali.

However, Nikki was such a frustrating character at times, it irked me so much that she basically took no accountability for what she did wrong too and kept focusing on Yash’s fault when they both played a part in their friendship falling out. Though there was development.

Things you may like:
-bsfs to ex bsfs to lovers
-parents are besties
-forced proximity
-Diwali in dubai
-Gujarati rep
-easy read
-she has mendhi on her hands so he feeds her

Sleepless in Dubai is one of those books you read really quickly as you become so engrossed in it. Fun, witty and charming with lots of swoon worthy romance. It's a book that leaves you smiling.

Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel is a YA romance set in Dubai. I loved the descriptions of places in Dubai and the Diwali celebrations and food. It felt so immersive. It was a cute second chance friends to enemies to lovers YA romcom

Absolutely loved this book! Engaging plot, well-developed characters, and beautifully written prose. Highly recommend to all book lovers out there!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

I love a good call back to 90s rom-coms of yore. Super cute! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was such a cute friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-more-than-friends YA romance! I think I would have really loved this one back when I was in high school. The story was pleasantly predictable, but the descriptions of Dubai and the Diwali celebrations (and the food!!) were so vivid and fun to read; they added some fantastic depth and character to the story. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Sajni Patel in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced copy!

I had added this to my TBR because of the cover and the title. (I feel like I say that way too often lol) I LIVE for books set outside the USA and about people who aren’t CISHET able bodied and yt. Adding on to that, if it’s about something cultural and I can learn more about said event?! YES PLEASE. So if you’re like me and you like these things, buckle up and get ready to go get this because it has all of that!

So like I said I was pulled in by the title and the cover. The cover is absolutely gorgeous! I love the colors they used. I’m going to be cliche and say I hoped it was jut as cute as the cover, and it was! This teen friends to lovers romance was so cute. I know it starts with them as enemies, but the way they were with each other, they never really hated the other. They were super cute at trying to act like they didn’t like the other tho. Also I hate that I have to say this, but I LOVED that the author recapped what happened between them before the book started. I have read a lot of books that haven’t done this and it’s always so weird. I loved that Patel threw it into casual convo. Idk, it just makes the characters feel more real. Like they had a life before this. Patel’s writing style just got better from there. I was sucked into the story and was trying to learn all that I could about Diwali.

The one thing I wished for more of was world-building. I mean they were in freaking Dubai? AND SHE WAS A PHOTOGRAPHER! You mean to tell me she didn’t see the world in any special flowery imagery?! I don’t really think it mattered, but I was a bit disappointed. And like, there’s a lot of descriptions of all the food they’ve eaten, but I wanted more than that. She mentioned the heat, but I think I wanted more at the like events they went to? The colors, the people… Just talking about the food seemed like a cop out. (Don’t get me wrong, they have some of those descriptions, but I think I wanted them to be more artsy? She’s an artsy main character in a new place. I think she should have portrayed that more on page. Does that make sense?)

If you can’t tell, the characters were my favorite part. Well Yash was lol Even though Nikki has my name, she annoyed me. Idk how she didn’t know his drawing style? There has to be some signature or something? I get that he was hiding from her and the world, but SOMETHING should have been the same? Even the tone of his messages? Like come on lol But I also was mad at him because wtf dude. You didn’t want to say anything about this huge ass thing? Like really? I think you were just scared and didn’t want to lose her indefinitely. And not giving her the chance to choose was not ok. But also, Nikki girl, you got pissed over telling on yourself. You don’t seem like the easiest person to get along with lol They were both a mess, but it made for an entertaining story lol

I did like the information I learned about Diwali tho. I learned what the true meaning was according to them and I learned about why they call it the Festival of Lights. I also learned that the story is different depending on where they live, but the actual story always ends in good conquering evil. It didn’t go too much into detail, so I went and did some research on my own and got some more information.

This book was so much fun. I loved so much about it, but I still wish there was a bit more. The romance was cute and the characters were ok, but they all had some issues too. This was a nice book to lose myself in as I was making lists for Diwali and other winter holidays. I hope y’all pick it up too!

While the premise was easy to follow and a sweet enough story, I felt there were some issues with pacing (I read the ebook but if this was an audiobook, I feel like people would hear the pacing issues that I'm pointing to) and maybe this writing style just isn't my favorite.

I thought the coming-of-age elements were there, and absolutely loved the details of Diwali and Dubai, but Nikki and Yash's dialogue didn't feel as if it flowed cohesively. Their second-chance friendship/romance felt a bit forced at times.

I will still read from Sajni in the future, but this one just wasn't my favorite. That's all!

While Sajni Patel is one of my favorite authors, I do feel as if this novel lacked in the captivating writing style that distinguishes The Knockout and The Trouble with Hating You. This book has a promising premise, but I found the delivery fell short, especially the romance. The miscommunication trope felt overused, and the You've Got Mail element felt rushed at the end. I did enjoy the vivid descriptions throughout the story, and I loved seeing a story appreciating the beauty of the Hindu holiday Diwali. However, the descriptions of the UAE lacked nuance and failed to show the realities of the discrimination that many Hindus and other non-Arab groups face in Dubai. This lack of nuance bothered me throughout the book, and also the romance itself was not moving along quickly enough to keep my interest. While I still love Sajni Patel's concepting and dedication to writing stories about South Asian love and coming of age, I think this book simply missed the mark for me.

I absolutely loved The Trouble with Hating you and First Love, Take Two so I was incredibly excited to have the chance to read Sleepless in Dubai. This was such a sweet YA rom-com, and I absolutely adored the storyline. Nikki and Yash were best friends before a fight that tore them apart, and now they're forced back together on a family vacation to Dubai.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read Sleepless in Dubai and share my thoughts!

This book is already added to my book order!

I really liked this book and it made me constantly want to eat treats. The food sounded amazing.

That aside, I loved Yash! Nikki not so much, she was self absorbed about 90% of the time and had definitely could not own up to any of her flaws. She however did have the most character growth.

Sweet Yash. He went through it! Very happy he didn’t run straight into Nikki’s arms the moment she flipped from hate to in love. I liked that he told her what he went through and didn’t sugar coat it for her feelings.

All in all I thought the book was adorable and I think a lot of high school kiddos can relate.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

Aspiring photographer Nikki joins her family on a lavish Dubai trip for Diwali—along with childhood neighbor Yash and his parents. Despite their fraught history, Nikki's matchmaking family pushes her to reconnect with Yash. The former best friends must decide whether they can move past their differences to embrace the spirit of forgiveness during the holiday celebrations.

This is a joyous, fast-paced novel filled with fun and emotion. The author's strong voice immediately immerses the reader in the story and Nikki's complex feelings about her relationship with Yash. The descriptions of Dubai and the holiday made me feel like I was there.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This story was beyond adorable. I felt like a giddy teenage girl again. It’s a perfect combination of innocent, heartwarming, and funny. This is 100% YA and I loved everything about it. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet swoony rom com.

This was a genuine friends to lovers romance. I typically stay away from this trope but wow this story has changed my feelings about it. Nikki’s transition from seeing him as a friend and then developing a crush on him is perfectly paced and reasonable. I loved their dynamic. I was fully invested in them from the very beginning.

It was fun learning about Diwali. Sajni does so well creating vivid images of the mosques, the Indian food, and the celebrations. Dubai sounds like an amazing place to visit.

I also thought it was a great decision to keep this only in Nikki’s POV.

This was a fun YA friends to lovers romance that takes place in Dubai over Diwali as two childhood friends are forced to reconcile after a fall out and discover they've both been secretly pining for one another. Great on audio narrated by Soneela Nankani and perfect for fans of authors like S K Ali. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!

Sleepless in Dubai introduces former best friends, Nikki, an aspiring photographer, and Yash, a graphic artist, who are neighbors whose parents are also best friends. The kids had a falling out when, confronted by her parents, Yash confirms Nikki had been sneaking out with friends to go clubbing. She is furious and gives him the silent treatment for most of the school year. To complicate matters he accidentally drives over her most prized possession, a camera gifted to her by her dad. When their parents plan a trip to Dubai for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, Nikki realizes that her parents are hoping she will let go of her grudge and make up with Yash. Arriving in Dubai, Nikki attempts to mend fences, especially since her parents will not allow her to go out alone. When Yash presents her with a new camera, they begin taking excursions and Nikki realizes she's developing romantic feelings for him. Nikki confesses her crush, but Yash reveals a secret that has her reeling. The elaborate descriptions of Dubai and the constant smorgasbord of Indian delicacies delightfully illustrates a culture that readers will devour. This book comes out October 24, 2023.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Amulet Books (ABRAMS) for allowing me to read a digital ARC of Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel. This YA romcom will be released October 23, 2023. All opinions are my own.

Nikki and Yash have been friends since they were in diapers, but they haven’t spoken in months. After a fight over her choices that got her grounded by her parents, Nikki stopped talking to Yash. Now, they’re thrust together by their family on a plane ride to Dubai to celebrate Diwali. This is a once in a lifetime trip, will it be ruined by Nikki’s grudge or will she be able to let go, move on, and discover the true meaning of the Festival of Lights.

I absolutely loved this story. It’s cute, witty, and emotional. It’s about growing up, family traditions, and forgiveness. I loved learning more about Diwali and Dubai. The story is rich with descriptions of the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday and their trip. Patel does an amazing job of bringing the characters, their conflicts, and their experiences to life for the reader. I really enjoyed the writing style. I found the story super easy to fall into and I became entranced in the story. I’m really looking forward to reading more books by Sanji Patel. This is a super fun and cute YA romance that, in my opinion, is middle school appropriate. I highly recommend it.
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#2023Reads #2023ReadingGoal #SleeplessInDubai #SanjiPatel #HighSchoolRead #YoungAdultLit #YALit #YoungAdultBook #HighSchoolLit #YABooks #MiddleGradeLit #TeacherReader #DiwaliRead

🦇 Sleepless in Dubai Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❝ “Be the light. No matter how much our flame dims over the year, this is a time for renewal. Don’t let the negative energy keep you in the dark. Bring your flame back to life, let it roar, and be brighter than ever. ❞

❓ #QOTD What's your favorite Middle Eastern or Indian food? OR What's your favorite holiday? ❓

🦇 High school senior Nikki is ready to celebrate Diwali in style—not at home, but during a five-day trip to Dubai! There's only one hitch: her childhood friend and neighbor, Yash, is coming with his family. After a fight at the beginning of the summer, they've been estranged. To celebrate the true meaning of Diwali (and earn back her parents' trust), can Nikki let go of her dark resentment to let light and forgiveness in?

💜 The bookish bats who know me are aware that a) I'm Middle Eastern/Palestinian and b) I love books by South Asian authors that make you salivate because of all the delicious food. The moment Nikki mentioned Arabic coffee, I was like, "This is my girl." I've had the fortune of traveling to Dubai before and can attest to its stunning sights, so I connected with the story right away. Yash is adorable, Nikki's little sister is a freaking HOOT (I have three younger sisters, so I felt Nikki's mixed frustration/amusement). Reading this book was an adventure through Dubai without the long, exhausting flight. Getting to celebrate Diwali with Nikki through the food and customs was an absolute delight.

🦇 Unfortunately, Nikki is a difficult character to love from the start. While this is listed as YA (Nikki is about to start her senior year of high school), she's stubborn, childish, and a bit of a crybaby. She reminded me a little bit of Usagi from Sailor Moon. Her stubbornness toward Yash doesn't relent for most of the story, and since there's technically a third-act breakup, it takes a long time for her character development to really come into effect. Nikki's voice is off at times, too; the random "Bros" and ending her thoughts with exclamation points only make her seem younger (even though she wants her parents to recognize her maturity). Though the vacation only spans five days, the story drags at times, too. The biggest issue for me was the predictability; from the first chapter, anyone YA reader can guess every plot point moving forward. While the rich culture of Dubai dazzles and lives up to the real-world splendor, the rest of the story fell flat for me.

🦇 Recommended to fans of YA, books with TONS of delicious food worth salivating over, and friends-to-lovers stories with plenty of angst.

✨ The Vibes ✨
🌴 Young Adult
🇦🇪 Travel / Foreign Food
🎇 Friends to Enemies to Friends to Lovers
🪔 Diwali Celebration
💞 Rom-Com

🦇 Major thanks to the author @sajnipatelbooks and publisher @abramskids / @piquebeyond for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #SleeplessinDubai #Netgalley