First published 2026
Simran Gopal returns to her family home after seven years to attend her cousin's elaborate Indian wedding celebration. She has been avoiding her relatives since her parents died, but now she must face two weeks of family drama and the watchful eye of Veena perima, her judgmental aunt who rules the family. When Leo Bridgers, Simran's new boyfriend, accidentally shows up at the engagement party, disaster threatens. To prevent a family crisis, the cousins launch Operation DDLJ, named after their favorite Bollywood film. They must trick Veena into loving Leo by making him appear to be the perfect wedding guest. Leo cannot reveal that he knows Simran, let alone that he loves her. As the elaborate deception unfolds through misdirection and chaotic mishaps, Simran confronts painful memories from her difficult years after losing her parents. Old grievances surface alongside new secrets, and nosy aunties complicate everything. Simran must navigate her complex family relationships while protecting her budding romance and finding the closure she needs from her past.
Genres: fiction, romance, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: India
Period: Contemporary
320 pages · Hardcover · Pamela Dorman Books