More Than Just a Pretty Face

Name: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Brand: Hachette Audio
Availability: InStock
Author: Syed M. Masood
ISBN: 9781549102035

Author: Syed M. Masood

Narrator: Ariyan Kassam

Unabridged: 8 hr 7 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers

Published: 08/04/2020

Categories: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Humorous, Social Themes, Religious Fiction, Diversity & Multicultural

Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Jenny Han, enjoy this sweetly funny coming-of-age story about falling in love, family expectations, and being a Renaissance Man.
Danyal Jilani doesn't lack confidence. He may not be the smartest guy in the room, but he's funny, gorgeous, and going to make a great chef one day. His father doesn't approve of his career choice, but that hardly matters. What does matter is the opinion of Danyal's longtime crush, the perfect-in-all-ways Kaval, and her family, who consider him a less than ideal arranged marriage prospect.

When Danyal gets selected for Renaissance Man, a school-wide academic championship, it's the perfect opportunity to show everyone he's smarter than they think. He recruits the brilliant, totally-uninterested-in-him Bisma to help with the competition, but the more time Danyal spends with her...the more he learns from her...the more he cooks for her...the more he realizes that happiness may be staring him right in his pretty face. In this young adult debut full of depth and heart, author Syed M. Masood will have readers laughing, sighing, tearing up, and shouting "YES!" at the top of their lungs.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Nilufer on July 02, 2021

Oh boy, this book is way too much sweeter than I expected. I adored those characters and their slow building, cutest romance story, the witty dialogues, heartbreaks, finding the love of your life and the power of chasing your dreams premise. Don’t get me wrong this is not only YA sweet, soft romance......more

Goodreads review by Emmawiththebooks on July 28, 2020

I was really pleasantly surprised by this book! I absolutely loved it! Danyal was such a loveable main character, and I loved his relationship with Bisma, as well as Bisma’s relationship with her sister! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, family focused emotional rea......more

Goodreads review by Angelica on August 22, 2020

First, let me say that this was so much better than I originally thought it would be. I admit that I almost quit reading this book at the start. I was not at all a fan of the main character, Danyal, in the first few chapters. He appeared to be extremely shallow and kind of annoying and I was not fee......more

Goodreads review by The Nerd Daily on April 19, 2020

Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Simone Ritcher There are a lot of reasons for you to pick up More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Massood. I would like to introduce you to the most important one, which above all else will make you fall head over heels in love with this book: Dan......more

Goodreads review by Sheena on November 23, 2020

More Than Just a Pretty Face is Masood’s debut novel. This is a fun contemporary romance with themes of culture, race, and religion so there is a serious factor to it too. Our main character is good looking but not the smartest, the book does kinda harp on how dumb he is quite a little too much. Rega......more

Quotes

"A deliciously entertaining rom-com that delivers genuine cultural insight while questioning societal norms. Danyal is hilarious, authentic, and disarmingly humble, though I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all the vivid and multifaceted characters in the book."—Nandini Bajpai, author of A Match Made in Mehendi

"A laugh-out-loud yet heartwarming story about familial obligations, friendship, and love. Syed M. Masood has created an unforgettable cast of characters with the utterly charming, hilarious, and most endearing Danyal Jilani at the center of it. A thoroughly enjoyable read and a great addition to any bookshelf."
—Sabina Khan, author of The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali

"Funny, open-hearted, and utterly charming, More Than Just a Pretty Face perfectly captures the joys of friendship and first love, as well as all the complexities of identity, faith, and family. This is a spectacular debut."—Katie Henry, author of Heretics Anonymous

"Hilarious and teeming with heart, More Than Just a Pretty Face challenged me, wounded me, made me laugh, and made me love. Danyal has secured his place as a heroic protagonist for the ages who only wants the very best for those he loves. His friends and family are so lucky to have him, and readers will be lucky to have Syed M. Masood's debut. I am a forever fan."—Erin Hahn, author of You'd Be Mine and More Than Maybe

"Fresh, funny, and timely, More Than Just a Pretty Face is a wildly entertaining, stereotype-shattering rom-com debut. Total Netflix movie material."—Sarah Henning, author of Throw Like a Girl and the Sea Witch dulology

"I couldn't have been more charmed by Danyal, the hapless pretty-boy and aspiring chef. One of the most unique and likable characters I've come across.This book has such a kind, expansive heart, and I'm immensely thankful that it exists.—Rahul Kanakia, author of We Are Totally Normal

"Masood deftly explores religion, culture, class, and awkward teenage love in this refreshingly candid 'tell it like it is' desi romantic comedy. You'll root hard for Danyal and will be two-fists-high-in-the-air overjoyed when you get to the end."—Suzanne Park, author of The Perfect Escape and Loathe at First Sight

"More Than Just A Pretty Face is the kind of book I've been searching formy entire life!Not only is ithilarious and heartwarming, with characters you can't help but be charmed by, but it honestly portrays the pressures of living up to family expectations and how history shapes our present and future. This is a must-read for everyone."—Adiba Jaigirdar, author of The Henna Wars

"Entertaining.... [A] broadly relatable story that offers plenty of food for thought. Readers will root for Danyal as he evolves and proves he is more than meets the eye. A charming teen romance with real substance."
—Kirkus Reviews

"A humorous exploration of [the novel's] characters' desi backgrounds, touching upon familial and religious expectations.... Vivid."
—Publishers Weekly