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PAYAL MEHTA'S ROMANCE REVENGE PLOT BY PREETI CHHIBBER | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE | GENRE: YA RATING: ★★★✬ |
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This laugh-out-loud debut romance introduces perfectly imperfect Payal Mehta, whose plan to get her longtime crush to finally notice her is destined for success, but only if she ignores her budding feelings for her archnemesis...
Payal Mehta has had a crush on popular, athletic, all-around perfect Jonathan Slate ever since he smiled at her in freshman–year Spanish class. At a party during spring break of her junior year, Payal finally works up the courage to ask Jon to hang out. However, her romantic plans are derailed when he vomits on her Keds. Twice. But when Jon offers to take her out to lunch as an apology, Payal is convinced this is the start of their love story.
Over chalupas and burritos at Taco Bell, Payal's best jokes are landing as planned. Jon is basically choking on his Coke—and then it happens. "Do you have a boyfriend?" Payal is (finally) about to get the guy. And then he tries to set her up with his Indian friend. Payal's best friends, Neil Patel and Divya Bhatt, are just as mad about the microagression as Payal is, but they think she’s a little too hung up on him.
Determined to teach Jon a lesson by making him fall for her, Payal ropes in her archnemesis, Philip Kim, to help. It’s the perfect plan. Minus Philip’s snarky, annoying quips and lack of faith in its success. But as Payal lies to the people she loves, hides the too-Indian parts of herself in front of her crush, and learns that maybe Philip isn't the worst, she starts to wonder if what she's been looking for has been scowling at her all along...
Payal Mehta has had a crush on popular, athletic, all-around perfect Jonathan Slate ever since he smiled at her in freshman–year Spanish class. At a party during spring break of her junior year, Payal finally works up the courage to ask Jon to hang out. However, her romantic plans are derailed when he vomits on her Keds. Twice. But when Jon offers to take her out to lunch as an apology, Payal is convinced this is the start of their love story.
Over chalupas and burritos at Taco Bell, Payal's best jokes are landing as planned. Jon is basically choking on his Coke—and then it happens. "Do you have a boyfriend?" Payal is (finally) about to get the guy. And then he tries to set her up with his Indian friend. Payal's best friends, Neil Patel and Divya Bhatt, are just as mad about the microagression as Payal is, but they think she’s a little too hung up on him.
Determined to teach Jon a lesson by making him fall for her, Payal ropes in her archnemesis, Philip Kim, to help. It’s the perfect plan. Minus Philip’s snarky, annoying quips and lack of faith in its success. But as Payal lies to the people she loves, hides the too-Indian parts of herself in front of her crush, and learns that maybe Philip isn't the worst, she starts to wonder if what she's been looking for has been scowling at her all along...
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PAYAL MEHTA'S ROMANCE REVENGE PLOT is a narrative that delves into the difficulties of identity, cultural expectations, and interpersonal relationships. The protagonist, Payal Mehta, is an immigrant who grapples with societal perceptions and her own self-worth as she navigates a world that often demands proof of her identity.
The book's portrayal of Payal's struggle against the prejudices held by her own love interest, Jon, is a poignant reflection of the real challenges faced by many in similar situations. Payal's journey towards self-acceptance and the realization that she need not prove her worth to anyone is an empowering message that resonates deeply, particularly with readers who share her background.
While the romance between Payal and Jon is a central theme, the story also cues a deeper connection with Philip, an academic rival who shares common interests with Payal. The desire for more development in Payal and Philip's relationship is an indication to Chhibber's ability to create characters that readers care about and yearn to understand better.
The book also touches on themes of friendship and redemption, showcasing Payal's genuine efforts to mend her relationships and grow from her experiences. Her comedic timing adds a layer of levity to the narrative, making her character relatable and appealing.
PAYAL MEHTA'S ROMANCE REVENGE PLOT is a tale that will likely strike a chord with younger audiences, especially those who can see their own lives reflected in Payal's story. It's a reminder of the importance of being true to oneself and the power of humor in overcoming life's obstacles.
The book's portrayal of Payal's struggle against the prejudices held by her own love interest, Jon, is a poignant reflection of the real challenges faced by many in similar situations. Payal's journey towards self-acceptance and the realization that she need not prove her worth to anyone is an empowering message that resonates deeply, particularly with readers who share her background.
While the romance between Payal and Jon is a central theme, the story also cues a deeper connection with Philip, an academic rival who shares common interests with Payal. The desire for more development in Payal and Philip's relationship is an indication to Chhibber's ability to create characters that readers care about and yearn to understand better.
The book also touches on themes of friendship and redemption, showcasing Payal's genuine efforts to mend her relationships and grow from her experiences. Her comedic timing adds a layer of levity to the narrative, making her character relatable and appealing.
PAYAL MEHTA'S ROMANCE REVENGE PLOT is a tale that will likely strike a chord with younger audiences, especially those who can see their own lives reflected in Payal's story. It's a reminder of the importance of being true to oneself and the power of humor in overcoming life's obstacles.
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About the Author:
Preeti Chhibber is an acclaimed author living in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s usually writing the stories she wants to read starring her favorite characters, like Spider-Man, Luke Skywalker, and Payal Mehta, among others. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading a ridiculous amount of YA, jumping into brand-new fandoms, or food-traveling her way through different countries. She’s also the co-host of the Desi Geek Girls and the Women of Marvel podcasts, where she geeks out on the regular. You can learn more about Preeti and her work at PreetiChhibber.com.
Photo by Randy Fontanilla.
*Thanks to Penguin Random House CA for the eARC access
in exchange for this unbiased review.
in exchange for this unbiased review.
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