Reasons We Break

“A genre-defying masterpiece. Reasons We Break sets new standards in contemporary fiction, imbuing a riveting coming-of-age narrative with beautifully perilous romance and vicious, thrilling gang politics. This is storytelling in a class of its own.” —Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times best-selling author of These Violent Delights

“I dub Jesmeen Kaur Deo the new queen of bad boys! Reasons We Break meshes culture, intrigue, suspense, and a hot romance all in one brilliant novel.” —Simone Elkeles, New York Times best-selling author of the Perfect Chemistry series

“If you only read one book this year, let it be this one. This expertly written novel is gritty and brutal, yet so hopeful and full of heart. Deo effortlessly weaves together complex, layered characters; a thrilling, fast-paced plot; and a heart-warming romance. Gripping and original, this is the type of book that reminds me why I love reading—an absolute knock-out!” —Aamna Qureshi, author of If I Loved You Less

“Propulsive, riveting, and romantic—an absolute must-read.” —Adiba Jaigirdar, award-winning author of The Henna Wars

★ “Dazzling . . . Deo weaves a multi-faceted, richly textured, high-stakes plot that explores Indo-Canadian gang culture and the pressures felt by children of immigrants. Rajan and Simran’s alternating perspectives—rendered using close-third-person present-tense narration that counsels empathy—foster tension and urgency. The keenly wrought cast is intersectionally diverse.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ “Hard-hitting . . . immersive read. Many will particularly enjoy the high stakes of Simran and Rajan’s forbidden romance.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Deo skillfully blends an exploration of gang culture in migrant communities with a swoony, slow-burn romance . . . The characters are well developed and believable, and Rajan’s redemptive arc is especially satisfying. Engrossing and insightful.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Contemporary Punjabi-Canadian Kaz/Inej . . . A YA romance with a lot of fun banter and so!!! much!!! pining!!!!!! Get your star-crossed friends to lovers hurt/comfort here.” —Goodreads reviewer

“Six whole stars. This is my new personality.” —Goodreads reviewer

“How am I supposed to return to good society and live life as a normal human being after that masterpiece? Like, please, this book has ruined me for all other books.” —Goodreads reviewer

“As a desi girl, this story hit home like a tsunami. I felt like watching an old Kollywood movie from my childhood. Complex side characters, hilarious dialogues, a fast-paced action-filled story and, above all, a male lead that makes you blush and scream and kick your feet in your blanket. We do love it when they have the sass to answer but also the devotion to kneel (or maybe that’s just a personal preference). There’s a certain magic in this book, a little something that gets you hooked, but be careful not to get addicted.” —Goodreads reviewer

“this is for everyone who loves
✦ desi romeo juliet
✦ kanej vibes
✦ romantic thriller
26/10
i think everyone needs to add this to their tbr NOW.” —Goodreads reviewer

“PHENOMENAL.” —Goodreads reviewer