Book name: His Inconvenient Bride
Author: akiimarvelous
Genre: Romance
No. of chapters: Prologue + 37
Mature?: Yes

➵ First impression: I would be honest, the concept is not at all new to me. I've read many books like this, of course — a few things changed up. But, I have my hopes high!

➵ Cover: It looks a little weird to me, the theme gives those murder mystery vibes but it doesn't look that nice. No hate for the graphic designer, just my opinion! And those handcuffs on the title isn't doing any good. I would just recommend you to ask for a cover redo or go for a new graphic designer.

➵ Title: Gave misogynist vibes when I first glanced at it. And even after reading till the last updated chapter, the title doesn't justify the book. It's only for, what, starting 9-10 chapters of the book. After that, I don't feel this "inconvenience" between them. And the majority of the story is invested in the murder mystery, along with their pasts and then their developing relationship. So, for me, this "Inconvenient Bride" is not a suitable title.

➵ Blurb: Not that interesting. If I were a reader, I would easily pass this book because of the blurb. Like I said in "first impression", the concept of the book is nothing new. Maybe introduce the case to the readers and then about her connection in all this mess? 'Cause I feel the thriller in this story is worth reading. Yes, your primary focus is their marriage, but I won't deny the fact that the mystery was one of the primary aspects of this book that kept me reading till late at night!

A request: Please add proper topics in the Trigger Warning part. It was difficult to read the details of the bodies and this thing wasn't mentioned in the blurb. And the part where they were discussing the burnt body — it was very difficult to read since I have a slight fear of burning. So, it would be appreciated if the trigger list is properly described in the blurb, too.

➵ Flow & pace: Part 1 was honestly slow and steady, and they deserve that slow pace. It was after 7 years they were meeting and then sharing the same room, working together, and vacationing together – everything needs time which you gave so nicely. I could feel the gradual change in their relationship! And as for Part 2, I'm loving this medium pace. The sudden twists and turns in the case - lovely!

➵ The plot of the book: Despite the fact I love the gradual change in their relationship, the things which make them change their relation was not unique. Like the vacation - almost in every book like this.

The mystery/thriller plot is what I loved the most. Although I was sceptical of a few characters already, thanks to all those murder mystery movies!

Now, here are some things I would like to point out:

The stereotype of "mothers knowing everything about their children":

It's a really bad stereotype. Firstly, there exist mothers who don't give any [____] about their children — so it looked so awkward to me when they said mothers notice everything. It also indirectly and *unintentionally* shames those women who work outside as they don't spend much time in the house. So, goes beyond this stereotype.

I know your intentions weren't like this, but I think some chapters need different wordings.

***

The "you-should-say-sorry-to-him-even-if-he-doesn't-respects-you" part:

This, unfortunately, gave me the orthodox thinking that only a woman has to give her 100% in a marriage.

Yes, Akanksha wasn't completely right in her acts - no, I'm not talking about the outburst - the timings of reminding him for lunch. Her outburst was justified cause Vihaan hasn't given her a little respect at that point.

And so was Vihaan's behaviour justified but the fact he doesn't even think he was wrong here makes me take 2 steps back in liking him. Of course, they are just characters and no one has to love them like a maniac, but this part gave a very wrong message.

It would look so good if both of them had said "Sorry" and not just Akanksha.

➵ Grammar: I love the rich vocabulary when describing a scene without dialogues! Although, there are a few grammar mistakes, which bounds to happen as no one is perfect in it! And the mistakes doesn't hinder in reading. So, maybe after completing the book, give it a proper edit.

➵ Character development: The book is still in Part 2, so I can't say about total development but there was some.

i) Akanksha (had to check the spelling thrice to get it right, sorry).

I can't simply connect with her. And that's a good sign considering the fact her past is such a good mystery. And I love that although you showed her a good-natured and kind person, it doesn't look like she's forced into that. It's just her nature and character.

Also, I have to mention, you have done a great job in the mental health problems around her. The anxiety attacks, panic attacks, those psychological elements around that past incident. This book is just perfect in describing and portraying mental health issues - which is rare.

ii) Vihaan.

Not gonna lie, you have made us hate him for the first ten chapters like hell! His sudden behaviour change was so confusing and made me invest more time in the book just to know him! And now, I can tell the awkwardness when he is in a particular scene just vanished!

Their relationship:

For now, I can see a very healthy relationship! He isn't that typical Wattpad husband/boyfriend, who screams like Kabir Singh (get it?), which I'm glad cause he gave those vibes in the beginning so badly. Albeit, his contributions and sacrifices look less than Akanksha but I'm glad that at least he tried to make their marriage work.

➵ Overall impression: It was a good read to me. This book was so honest about the thinking of Indian society, which I often forgot that not everyone is broad-minded and some people even are proud of themselves for this thinking. Their gradual change in their bond was so good to read! And of course, my favourite aspect/sub-plot: the murder mystery!

➵ Suggestions:

- Ask for a cover redo or go for a new graphic designer.

- If, for you too, the title now looks less accurate then go for a change!

- Rewrite the blurb along with more trigger lists.

- Refrain from more stereotypes, and proper wording is needed as these types of points can be easily misunderstood - which, I suppose, I did. Didn't I?

- Maintain their healthy relationship just how it is, right now.