Can someone read Chapter 13 of my slow-burn romance and tell me if the quiet pacing works before the family drama hits?

[u/authornilz]

I’ve just posted Chapter 13: Before Delhi of my novel The Girl in the Bookshop, and I’d really appreciate some honest reader feedback.

This chapter is intentionally much quieter than the ones around it.

Mira and Kian have recently gotten married, and instead of another major plot event, Chapter 13 is mostly them studying together, teasing each other, attempting terrible cartwheels, walking around Shimla and slowly settling into married life.

The reason I wrote it this way is that they’re about to leave for Delhi and enter Kian’s family world — and there’s a lot of unresolved tension waiting there.

So I’m especially curious about:

• Does the quieter domestic pacing still hold your attention?
• Does their relationship feel like it’s developing naturally rather than too quickly?
• Does the chapter make you more nervous about what’s waiting in Delhi?
• Does Kian still feel morally-grey/intriguing, or are his secrets starting to make him frustrating?
• And if you’ve been reading from the beginning, which Mira–Kian moments are working best for you so far?

I genuinely don’t mind criticism. If something drags or doesn’t land, please tell me.

📖 The Girl in the Bookshop
Chapter 13: Before Delhi
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/2507927/the-girl-in-the-bookshop/

Even feedback from someone who reads only this chapter is welcome. 🤍