This story had fake dating/ engagement, meddling family members, funny banter, strong female lead, highlighting important topics, little bit of spice, and romance. I had heard a lot about this book (and like usually I was late to the bandwagon) but better late than ever and I adored this book!

Right away, I loved how Kareena was career oriented and always striving to do better in her life whether that was fixing up her late mother’s home/ car, doing her best at her job, she was a strong minded woman. Despite having accomplished some pretty big milestones, it seemed like nothing was ever “good enough” in the eyes of her family, unless she magically got engaged, got married, had kids then that would be the big stamp of approval. I feel like as someone who also grew up with immigrant parents, I always wanted to do the very best in everything because I wanted to make sure all my parents sacrifices would mean something, that I could show them the hard work was worth it. Like Kareena, it seemed no matter what, her family felt by being married then that would be better for her, find someone to settle down with, but Kareena wanted to marry for love, not for convenience. Kareena was a relatable character, one that I felt I could understood her point of view and at times I found myself thinking, “I WAS JUST THINKING THAT!” For example, “was it normal to want to cancel and go home and read?” AHH LITERALLY ME TOO! Just wanna stay home and read all day. In other words, if Kareena was a real person, I feel like we would be really great friends. 

In the midst of Kareena finding out her father was planning to sell their family home a.k.a. The home their late mother built from the ground up, Kareena was faced with the impossible (yet not entirely impossible) task to find, hopefully fall in love, and get engaged in order to buy the house from her father. As that was happening, we then got introduced to Prem Verma a.k.a. Dr. Dil. Perma was what every Desi auntie would consider perfect husband material for any daughter, and based on some information very early on, Prem was still dealing with the loss of someone very dear to him. Fast forward a bit later in the story and Prem and Kareena found themselves at the same restaurant and immediately after sharing a few drinks, having a long conversation, they proceeded to have a little make out session which then abruptly ended, and Kareena was left in an embarrassing situation. 

I thought it was kind of hilarious the way Prem and Kareena met again after the failed fiasco at the restaurant and ultimately ended in a big argument at the studio where Prem filmed his show, “Dr. Dil”, so much for a second impression. Left with no other option but to agree to fake date/ fake get engaged in order for Prem to get back his biggest investor and for Kareena to get the money needed in order to buy the house from her father, those two were in for a fun ride… more or less if they stopped arguing or throwing food across the kitchen. 

This story really showcased different things from growing up in a immigrant household, being the older sibling and trying to meet to expectations of parents, finding love, and more. Kareena was so relatable and I admired her, she definitely didn’t give up in her beliefs in lowering her expectations of settling for convenience. So much of Kareena’s backstory and her ideas truly resonated with me. The way Nisha wrote this book was not only sweet and funny, but also highlighted a variety of significant topics. This was truly an amazing story, and definitely a must read for any rom-com fan. The romance and spice was lovely *wink, wink, and of course the romantic gestures from the littlest things to the grandest that Prem did for Kareena was truly wonderful. This had a little bit of everything and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the next book to come.