Thank you, Beena, for sending me a copy of this novel. I appreciate your kindness, and generosity and your belief in my review. It has been a pleasure reading for you.

This book was really good. Much faster paced than the first book in the series. The character development was very well done. We get to see an entirely different side to Kabir, and he becomes so much more realistic in the construction of this novel.
I have to admit, I enjoyed the writing in this book over the last book. As much as I enjoyed Red… in this book she was so much more dynamic, and such a bold, empowered and functional character.
Beena writes the emotions associated with grief beautifully… and accurately. The things Kabir thinks and feels, and does, as he works through his feelings is pretty intense. It was really lovely, albeit sad, to go back and get more detail about Kabir’s past, and have him actually share the stories of his high school bullying. Beena brought such pain, and such a depth to the subject of bullying and the effects it can leave on a person. Even years later.
This book didn’t delve into drinking, but the emphasis on addiction was still there. This time it was primarily on sex and closure. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Red’s persona in this book- no spoilers- but I actually loved what she brought to this story. She completed the arc of Kabir’s past, and the things holding him back. Now that he has his closure on all levels of his life, he is able to move forward. To a brighter, happier, new life.
I loved the cultural influences throughout this story, the wedding details were my favorite. I also love the strong women Beena writes. The fact that (minor spoiler) a strong female ends up being the attending surgeon for Kabir was pleasantly refreshing. The growth the character take in this book is pretty fantastic. Their journey is so much bolder and more realistic this time. And I very much enjoyed Kabir’s story.
The writing, continuity, formatting and editing were so much better in this novel. You can definitely see the improvement Beena has made. She is clearly getting more comfortable with herself as a writer, and that is really showing through. I am really proud of her growth as a writer in this book. I have no doubts she will only get better as she continues creating.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Find The Weight on Skin by Beena Khan on Amazon