Jana Goes Wild by Farah Heron: Book Review

Jana Goes Wild takes the reader on a destination wedding in the Serengeti. It’s a romantic comedy you’ll be sure to enjoy!

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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From The Publisher:

Jana Suleiman has never really fit in—everyone always sees her as too aloof, too cool, too perfect. The one time she stepped out of her comfort zone she ended up with a broken heart and a baby on the way. Aaaand lesson learned. Now she’s a bridesmaid for a destination wedding in Serengeti National Park, and almost everyone she knows will be there. Her five-year-old daughter. Her mom. Her friends. Even her potential new boss. And of course (because who doesn’t love surprises!) her gorgeous-but-not-to-be-trusted ex.

Fortunately, Anil Malek is a great dad, even if Jana hasn’t quite forgiven him for lying to her all those years ago. Determined to show he has no effect on her whatsoever, she and the bridesmaids concoct a go-wild list to get Jana through the week. Sing karaoke? Sure. Perform their high school dance routine in front of strangers? Okay. But the more she lets down her guard, the less protection she has against her attraction to Anil. And Jana soon realizes it’s one thing to walk on the wild side . . . and quite another to fall for her ex all over again.

My Thoughts:

Farah Heron has become one of my favourite romantic comedy writers. Her characters are well-developed and have interesting backstories. This book has lots of banter and plenty of humorous moments that make this book one of my favourites from this author.

Jana Suleiman holds a Ph.D. and her work focuses on improving the lives of others in developing countries around the world. She has a five-year-old daughter from a two-week whirlwind romance with Anil, who she falls hard for but later discovers he is still married. The shame and humiliation of having a child out of marriage within her community is something she’s had to live with. She’s lost friends because of this, but has had tremendous support from her Mom and a close group of friends she’s known for most of her life.

Anil Malek is a successful businessman and a great Dad to their daughter. He’s explained to Jana that he considered his marriage over when his wife disappeared months before he met Jana. He would like to try again with Jana and make their family whole.

Jana and Anil are part of a huge wedding party for a destination wedding in the Serengeti. Jana’s friends try and bring her out of her protective shell by giving her a list of challenges. It’s particularly hard for Jana to let go when a prospective employer is also in attendance for the wedding. The close proximity of Anil and the lies her Mom is telling creates a very stressful holiday for Jana. Will Jana’s list of challenges help her to find a life that she doesn’t even realize she’s looking for?

What I Liked:

• The strong female character who challenges herself to go a little wild!
• The wedding in the Serengeti setting
• The banter and humour used throughout the book

Other Books I’ve Reviewed from Farah Heron:

Kamila Knows Best

Accidentally Engaged