There is a second chance/friends to lovers romance throughout the book but honestly the relationship Marley has with herself and her changing body is the main event. I enjoyed the different generations coming together. And all the cooking and recipes made me hungry. I look forward to reading more from Farah in the future.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Just Playing House' by Farah Heron.

It's torn me up to give this a low score but I honestly felt no chemistry from our leads and I just didn't want to read it. It's sad but I don't know, I just didn't enjoy the story.

I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of Farah Heron’s YA books so I was excited to read an adult novel from her. This book has a heavy topic at its core but it’s dealt with really sensitively most likely because Farah is writing what she knows.

There is a second chance/friends to lovers romance throughout the book but honestly the relationship Marley has with herself and her changing body is the main event. I enjoyed the different generations coming together. And all the cooking and recipes made me hungry. I look forward to reading more from Farah in the future.

Stylist Marley Kamal's dream is the chance to be a private shopper for a celebrity. Finding out her first big client is the guy who ghosted her after prom night feels like a joke. Nikhil Shamdasani, now a drop-dead gorgeous movie star, is back at the worst possible time. She's weeks away from an elective double mastectomy that's supposed to save her life.

I was so excited to get into this story. I went in blind though, so I wasn't prepared for what Marley was about to go through. Having the BRCA gene that has plagued her family was tough for her. Going through a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction needed her to be strong to face what was to come in recovery.

I loved that Nikhil was there for her through it all. He had his own personal mess to sort out. Being cast as a main character in a superhero movie with a fandom, and being South Asian, didn't sit well with critics and the racial bias had him questioning whether it was all worth it. But, he had his family to think about so he powered through.

While I loved the first part of the story and flew through the chapters, it kind of stalled in the middle and it took me over a week to finish this. Still, it was a wonderful story that ended beautifully.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is hard to review for me since I feel like the plot idea and original thought to the characters are good but overall I missed a lot of depth and reasoning. Going into this I knew it was second-chance romance and that's a trope that sits right in the middle for me and I wanted to give it a go. I liked the writing style of it but overall it was hard for me to read on since it didn't click with me and I didn't feel much of a connection with the characters.

"Just Playing House" by Farah Heron attempts to weave a tale of romance and personal growth, but unfortunately, it falls short in several areas. The characters lack depth, and the plot feels shallow, preventing the story from resonating as deeply as it could.

The central romance between Nikhil and Marley feels underdeveloped. The transition from past to present in their relationship isn't given enough background to establish a believable second-chance romance, nor is there sufficient emotional connection to justify it as an instant-love scenario. Nikhil, as a character, comes across as primarily focused on Marley's physicality, which detracts from the potential emotional depth of their relationship.

Marley's character evokes sympathy due to her circumstances, but she is portrayed as overly self-critical and excessively forgiving, particularly towards Shayne, a friend who consistently makes situations about himself. Despite recovering from major surgery and having her life upended, Marley finds herself apologizing to Shayne, saying, "I know I've been in my own head for a while. I'm sorry if I haven't been there for you." This dynamic underscores a frustrating lack of self-assertion on Marley's part.

The dialogue often feels trivial, and the intimate scenes come across as awkward rather than engaging. The conflicts in the story seem arbitrary and lack meaningful resolution, leaving the reader with a sense that they exist merely to advance the plot superficially. Additionally, the overall timeline of events feels disjointed and confusing.

One commendable aspect of the book is the author's courage in infusing her personal experiences into Marley's character. Farah Heron shares the same medical condition as Marley, which adds a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to the narrative. However, this personal touch, while admirable, isn't enough to compensate for the novel's broader shortcomings.

In conclusion, "Just Playing House" has the potential for a compelling story, but it ultimately doesn't deliver the depth and emotional resonance needed to make it memorable. Farah Heron's bravery in writing from personal experience is noteworthy, but the execution falls short of creating a truly engaging and believable romance.

Title: Just Playing House by Farah Heron

Release date: June, 18th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"Just Playing House" by Farah Heron is a gem of a romance novel that effortlessly blends heartwarming love with deep character exploration. Marley Kamal, a talented stylist, finally lands her dream job only to discover her first major client is none other than Nikhil Shamdasani—the guy who ghosted her after prom. The universe sure has a sense of humour, right?

Nikhil, now a soon-to-be movie star, reenters Marley's life at the most unexpected moment. Marley is weeks away from an elective double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, a life-saving surgery that will change everything. Nik’s eagerness to have Marley as his stylist leads him to offer his support in the most intimate way possible—by staying in her home and helping her through her recovery.

Farah Heron masterfully crafts a story that's not just about romance, but also about personal growth, family dynamics, and facing life’s challenges head-on. The characters' journeys are beautifully interwoven, making the romance even more impactful. Marley and Nik's second chance at love is mature, realistic, and deeply touching, showcasing their growth and resilience.

This book is perfect for fans of fluffy romance who also crave a story with substance. It’s got a hint of spice without veering into full-on smut, making it an ideal read for those who enjoy romantic vibes with emotional depth. The character-driven narrative delves into the fears, goals, and insecurities of both Marley and Nik, highlighting their individual growth and their strengthened bond.

"Just Playing House" is a masterclass in romance writing, blending heartfelt emotion with engaging storytelling.

Marley's and Nik's feelings about their past and their mature approach to their second chance make this story all the more special.

If you love second-chance romances and character-driven tales, this book is an absolute must-read. I adored every moment and highly recommend it!

Thank you to The Publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK | Piatkus ,The Author Farah Heron & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Farah Heron has become on of my favorite authors. I absolutely adore her books and as someone dealing with a severe health condition as well as a fashion background I could highly relate to this story line. I immensely enjoyed it and look forward to sharing more soon