After reading the first book in the Chef For Violante series by Saira Musa, I was eager to read the next book, Persuading Her My Way. The first book left me a bit underwhelmed and with some questions that I hoped the next instalments would answer… and while some of them were, I now have new questions to add to my list.

Before I get into that, I want to start with the writing. From book one to book two, it improved a great deal, and while there were a few pacing issues throughout the story, it was easier to get through book two. This time, I didn’t find myself going back to read previous paragraphs to make sure I wasn’t missing any details. It all went smoothly, though I do think that there were a few scenes that went on for a bit too long.

There were a few moments in the story that felt unearned or a little bit too convenient, that pulled me out from the story, because besides the will they-won’t they between Claudia and Amando, there isn’t much else driving the story. I can’t think of a moment where I was rooting for any of the characters to succeed because there hasn’t been any challenges either of them need to overcome… except for, maybe, their desire for one another. I also still find Amando unlikeable, so that keeps me from rooting for him. He’s not as unlikeable as he was in the previous book but still, I cannot get behind him as a character. There were moments where he was too controlling and pushy. I get that he has baggage and some issues he needs to work on, but I still don’t understand why he reacted the way he did in book one towards Claudia after she fainted in his restaurant. He took advantage of someone who was not okay, who was still in the hospital, and got her to sign an awful contract after he decided of his own free will to pay off her medical bills… and maybe I’m over thinking this, but that moment in book one was where my dislike for him began. I personally believe that Claudia is too good for this man. I do not understand what she sees in him beyond his physical appearance. Claudia is by no means a perfect character, she would be too boring if that were the case, but with her, I can understand the reason behind her actions, even if I don’t like what she is doing.

Overall, Persuading Her My Way by Saira Musa is a good sequel. It is not a perfect book, but it is better than book one and I am glad that I decided to read it. I’m hoping book three is even better and that we get to see Amando continue to develop as a character because I don’t really feel any chemistry between them, and I think Claudia could do better. I also must mention that this book contains graphic content and if that is not something you’re not comfortable with, you might want to skip this book… but on the other hand, if you like that type of thing, go ahead and pick it up.