BOOKWORM REVIEW: Lucien and I by Sasha Clinton
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
Mira Krishnan and Lucien Stone have been at each other's throats since high school. Yet, they cannot seem to be rid of each other all the way to their surgical fellowship at NYU. You would think that they would tire of the bickering, but it seems that the only people who are tired of it are their colleagues.
When they got caught in a compromising position that could have endangered their fellowship graduation, they had to pretend they were a couple. But the more time they spent together, the more it seems like their fake relationship isn't so fake after all.
My kid plays competitive sports, and she's what her coach refers to as a second-half player. It means that she does not really play to her full potential until the second half.
Having read Sasha Clinton twice now, I would say that her books are more like second-half players. The beginning of this read was a bit chaotic. I did not experience Mira and Luci's bickering as long as their colleagues, but it sure felt that way by the third chapter. If the miscommunication trope could drive, it was definitely putting the pedal to the metal. Their chemistry, however, kept me going. An underlying sizzle accompanied every zing they threw each other's way, and Clinton did a great job of supplementing it with small details of Mira and Lucien's thoughts.
The second half -- after they got caught and had to start fake-dating -- was better. They still thrived on miscommunication and misunderstanding, but we get more insight as to what is driving the animosity. As a first-generation Asian American, reading about Mira's challenges with her mom felt like reading my own thoughts about growing up: the pressure of not being good enough, the challenges of being a sensitive kid trying to make it in an emotionally stunted environment. I definitely could relate to when Mira had to seek validation from other places to compensate for how she grew up.
If you have read Henry and Me, how Lucien turned out should not come as a surprise. While this book can be read as a standalone, I feel like I would not have been as sympathetic to Lucien and his social awkwardness if I did not read the previous novel.
The second half was also more enjoyable because that sizzle I mentioned earlier? It becomes a raging fire as Luci and Mira's suppressed emotions come to the surface. Boy, does it manifest into epic spicy moments that are definitely a level-up than what I would normally expect from a romcom.
If you love rivals-to-lovers, I recommend getting this book. Be patient with the first half, because the payoff in the second part is worth the wait.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Sasha Clinton and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **
ABOUT THE BOOK
Grey’s Anatomy meets The Hating Game in Sasha Clinton’s new #ownvoices rivals-to-lovers fake dating romantic comedy novel.Mira Krishnan is a cardiothoracic surgery fellow whose three big goals in life are:
1. Achieve superstardom in the field of heart surgery
2. Crush Lucien Stone by showing him that she’s the superior heart surgeon.
3. Fall in love with someone who is NOT Lucien Stone so she can erase her years-long crush on him.
Lucien and Mira have been rivals since high school, and she’d like nothing more than to wipe that smug, overconfident smirk off his devastatingly handsome face.
But when their rivalry goes too far and they’re caught in the middle of a fight by the program director, Mira’s life changes. To avoid being expelled from the fellowship for failing to conduct themselves in an appropriate, collegiate manner, Lucien and Mira are forced to lie about dating each other so they can dismiss their behavior as extreme flirting. But going on fake dates, vacations, and spending time together makes them realize that underneath all the jibes and rivalry, there's potential for something more…and perhaps, instead of looking into other people’s hearts, they need to look into their own.
Perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Emily Henry, and Ali Hazelwood.
NOTE: As this book has steamy scenes, it is recommended for 18+ readers.
Get Your Copy (Free with Kindle Unlimited) ➡️ https://amzn.to/3Smp0A7
Add to Goodreads ➡️ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61820405-lucien-and-i
MEET SASHA CLINTON
Sasha Clinton is an author of funny, addictive contemporary romances and romantic comedies. Her heroines are smart and sassy and her heroes are strong yet sensitive. When not writing, she can be found reading, watching k-dramas, and eating chocolate.
Connect with Sasha
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShruthiViswana1