First published 2022
Ashish Patel thought love would be simpler. His girlfriend just left him for someone else, and now his spark has vanished. His parents won't stop insisting they can find him the perfect match. Fed up with their meddling, Ashish challenges them to set up one date. If it fails, they'll back off and let him choose his own relationships. The Patels negotiate a contract requiring him to date a girl of Indian heritage. Their official dating protocol includes temple visits and trips to see his quirky aunt Gita. Enter Sweetie Nair, an exceptional track athlete who can outrun anyone in California. She's also a loyal friend and a talented shower singer. Her traditional parents constantly tell her that losing weight would improve her life, but Sweetie refuses to see her body as a problem. She launches Project Fearless Sweetie to prove her worth to the world and herself. After their first meeting, Ashish finds himself genuinely surprised by Sweetie. Through their conversations, both realize they have something to prove and decide to team up. Each date reveals unexpected magic growing between them.
Genres: family, romance, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating
Setting: California
Period: 21st-century
408 pages · Paperback · Crossbooks