“An infusion of food and dance, this contemporary romance will have readers ready to dance while craving the savory dishes from Radha’s recipes.” Cecelia Beckman Sheaf & Ink
The Story: Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance
After a dance competition catastrophe in London, Radha is starting over with her mother in New Jersey, leaving her dancing and father behind in Chicago. Though, she still loves dancing, Radha can’t seem to get her dance joy back once she left her home and her career of being a Kathak dancers. Once she’s at a new school where no one really know who she is, she meets Jai, the captain of the academy’s Bollywood Beats dance team.
It’s their senior year and Radha and Jai may be the exact spice they need to find happiness.
My Review: Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance
Nisha Sharma magically blends food, dance, and culture into this savory romance. She gives us a glimpse into what it’s like to be a competitive dancer and how those pressures can leave scars both on their bodies and minds. Radha is a great dancer. She has mastered over the course of her short life the skills to be legend. Though at a cost. Where at some point dancing no longer brings her joy, but a fear that sets its claws deep into her mind leaving her unable to breath, locked in a state of panic.
But, once she no longer is shackled to the idea of competing, her mother moves to New Jersery for a fresh start.
What I love most about this book is the reconnection Radha has with her father. We can see he’s been an absent presence in her life from the opening pages. Radha’s father is a chef. Upon her departure from Chicago, and after her parents divorce, he gives her his father’s recipe book, a treasured gift.
And when we get to New Jersey, every chapter there after begins with these deliciously instructed recipes from Radha’s grandfather cook book. As we move through the story Sharma perfectly gives Radha a chefs hat where she plays around with the recipes, tweaking them to fit the flavor and taste that she finds scrumptious. Further, the moments she has with her father, be it text, facetime, or in person, they make your heart melt at how these two begin to bond over a shared love of cooking.
More Thoughts
Now, for the romance…
It’s incredibly sweet.
Radha and Jai both have their struggles to work through. For Radha it’s strengthening her inner joy and finding a way to manage her anxiety and fear of performing. For Jai it’s realizing he can have his dream of becoming a doctor by going to a school of choice while still helping his family. It’s the innerconnections, the links that are weaved between these two as they struggle along on uneaven footing (even though they are brilliant dancers) when it comes to their relationship.
And the ending!!!
Friends, it’s to adorable for words. I was literally pumping my fists ready to join in the merriment and dancing and screaming YES! (You’ll know what I mean when you read it)
With yummy food recipes, a whole lot of dancing, and heartfelt moments, Nisha Sharma’s Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance is charmingly sweet narrative of love and finding your true happiness.
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
RATING: 
– Satisfyingly Inked
Author: Nisha Sharma
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July, 2021
Pages: 336
ISBN-10: 0553523295
ISBN-13: 978-0553523294
Audience: 14 and up
Jacket Design: Unknown at this time
Jacket Illustration: Unknown at this time
You can find Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance at Penguin Random House
Similar Books to Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance Recommended by Sheaf and Ink
Instructions for Dancing, Nicola Yoon
Once Upon a Quinceañera, Monica Gomez-Hira
A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, Laura Taylor Namey
Need More Book Recommendations?
Sheaf & Ink has reviewed a number of Young Adult novels in contemporary romance like Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance. Read A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow and A Pho Love Story reviews to find your next favorite book and join the conversation. We love hearing from you.
A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
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Resources after reading Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance
Sheaf & Ink feels strongly in supporting people who suffer from mental health illness and those who may be at risk for experiencing a stroke. Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance discusses anxiety, panic attacks, and a family member having a stroke. If at any time you are in need of support please go to one of these resources listed below to seek help:
Mental Health Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI helpline (M-F 10am-6pm ET) 1-800-950-6264 (NAMI)
National Institute of Mental Health
You can find more resources on the National Institute of Mental Health website on mental health and panic disorders. There is also helpful information if you are concerned about yourself, a loved one, or friend.
Health Resources
CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Stroke)
You can find more resources on the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) website on strokes. There is also helpful information on how to act if a loved one or friend is having a stroke.
Acting F.A.S.T. Is Key for Stroke
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
