Road Trip Rivalry

by Mona Shroff

The road to romance begins with…one wrong turn.



Researcher Poorvi Gupta is desperate to reach her medical conference in Dublin on time to secure grant funding with her presentation. But when her flight is diverted due to bad weather, Poorvi agrees to share a rental car with a fellow passenger—a man as hot as Madras curry…and just as vexing. 

 

Ophthalmologist Kavan Shashane is traveling to Dublin to head off a researcher whose study puts his family's practice at risk. Until then, he's content to ride with the enigmatic woman he met on the plane. Soon, sparks are flying like Holi colors! Their attraction is real, but will they still have eyes for each other when they discover the truth? 

From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Genres: Romance, Ireland, Road Trip, Contemporary

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Road Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff
Harlequin Special Edition romance. Own voices. Bonus holiday romance novella included (ebook, audiobook).
Researcher Poorvi Gupta is desperate to reach her medical conference in Dublin in time to secure grant funding with her presentation. She has proof and research statistics showing that the clinical trials need to be delayed rather than rushed through. The exact opposite of what the Shashane family wants to do. When weather reroutes the plane to land across the country, and cars go alarmingly fast, she’s forced to team up with a fellow passenger to drive to Dublin. She’s already has a conflict with him when she tries to help a nice elderly woman on the plane speaking Gujarati. Fortunately Poorvi is able to drive a manual car and the elderly woman will be with them, so it should be an easy drive to Dublin. Until it’s not.
Ophthalmologist Kavan Shashane is traveling to Dublin to head off a researcher whose study puts his family’s practice at risk. Sure, it wasn’t convenient for the plane to be rerouted, but now he gets to spend time with the fascinating woman he traded sparks with on the plane. He definitely wants to get to know her better and getting waylaid by the elderly woman to see various sights along the way to Dublin isn’t a problem.
Neither know that when they get to Dublin, their close relationship could change when they find out they are on opposing sides at the medical conference.

Sparkling romance and family Indian traditions blend to make this romance sweet and spicy at the same time. Indian dishes, flyers Holi colors and a slight manipulation by a well meaning grandmother being Poorvi and Kavan together to find their forever.

Detour to the Gingerbread Inn
Naina Goel and Jais Patel, thought separated, travel together to a family event at Christmas time. Severe weather strands them at a run-down inn that seems to have been decorated and forgotten decades in the past. Yet the inn is full and couples seem to be loving the inn and its holiday traditions. Spending the forced time together, Naina and Jais have little choice but to talk and air grievances they couldn’t in the past. A Mehndi party and Masala chai help being them back together and gradually the decorations seem to be getting updated and brighter as well. It’s seems to be a magical place as they renew their love.

Believe. It’s powerful.

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I need to say thank you to the author for giving me a little bit of the Ireland trip I had to put off for a year due to an ailing dog. This book had many of the items that were on my *must do* list including popular tourist sights, a night at a bed-n-breakfast (kinda haha), and of course some Guinness and Irish Coffee. If there had been some falconry, I’d have been sure she spied on me!

Ok, back to the book.

Road Trip Rivalry by Mona Shroff puts a spin on enemies to lovers in that they don’t realize they are really enemies! Enemies to lovers is not my favorite trope, but because these two didn’t know they were enemies the head-butting from the start is for superficial reasons that they can kind of poke about and I enjoyed that.

The real story here is at the individual level for each character. Poorvi is struggling with situations in her work environment and her choices to push ahead despite others trying to undermine her and hold her back. Kavan has a brother whom he feels he owes everything to and refuses to stand up to. Poorvi takes her frustrations out on Kavan and Kavan is way too nice because he really is a nice guy. These two have my favorite kinda relationship and that is the one that brings the best out in the other!

I enjoyed their bickering and love that the person responsible for them embarking on a road trip around Ireland sees that they are right for each other and ensures they have the time to see it themselves! Ba was delightful and had her own story that reminds everyone of the specialness of finding your other half.

Perfect summer read but I am sure I would have enjoyed it at any time.

Oh and that epilogue y’all!!!!! Loved it!!!

I received a copy of this book from the author, but my review is my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this an arc copy of this book and I had so much fun reading it! First of all, the author -- Mona Shroff -- takes us on a whirlwind tour of Ireland and her writing makes you feel as though you are on the windswept Cliffs of Moher! I loved the characters! Poorvi Gupta highlighted the tensions of being a strong, smart, capable woman while still being true to your vulnerable side. Kavan is my new book boyfriend! He also was unique in being aware of his own vulnerabilities but willing to expose them in order to find love and grow. Both characters had a sense of humor and loyalty that was heartwarming.

I absolutely loved learning more about Indian culture and traditions. And I want to have my own Ba helping me navigate the beauty of love and living a full life. The book contained a surprise novella that was sweet and full of love and commitment. I loved having it to read when I wasn't ready to give up Shroff's book world.

Highly recommend!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roadtrip Rivalry was so good! Poovri, Kavan and Ba (the Grandmother they felt needed help to get to her daughters home) Their plane had to make an emergency landing. It was 3 hours away from the ophthalmologist conference that they needed to attend and both of them didn't realize they were headed to the same conference.

In the same rental car they were force to share they found true love. Ba was orchestrating the whole trip to help them become a couple in love. She was helping them to slow down and enjoy life and trying to relive her own love story since she lost the love of her life.

Mona Shroff did not disappoint with this book. It kept my attention the whole way through.

The novella at the end of the book, Detour to Gingerbread Inn was also good! I enjoyed that it was about a married couple that was going through a rough patch. They were forced to stay at the Inn because of snow. The only thing they could do while having to share the same room in the Inn was work on each other.

It's a rare find to read a romance about a married couple finding their way back to one another. It was refreshing and made me want to make my marriage better.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Road Trip Rivalry" by Mona Shroff was a super cute read. I enjoyed reading Poorvi, Kavan, and Ba's story. Poorvi is trying to get to Dublin, Ireland, to present her research and get a grant. Kavan is his brothers puppet and does everything he is told, but he doesn't like the recent thing he wants him to do. Ba is on the flight and can't speak the language, so she wants Poorvi and Kavan to sit with her. While flying to Dublin, they hit severe weather and have to make an emergency landing about 3 hours away. Ba thinks it's wonderful and tricks them into driving her to her daughter's house, but makes them do some sightseeing along the way. My favorite part is how Poorvi and Kavan meet at the airport. I also love Ba's character so much. I definitely recommend this book by Mona Shroff.

It also comes with a short Novella, "Detour to the Gingerbread Inn." Naina and Jais are traveling to a family/friend wedding and end up having to take a short detour to an inn. When they arrive there due to extreme weather they think it is a sad Christmas decorated place. They have been having marital issues, and the last thing they want to do is be stuck together. It was a fast read and well worth reading. I enjoy reading stories that are set around the holidays, and this did not disappoint. My favorite scene was when they were helping make the desserts for an anniversary party that the Inn is having.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Both Poorvi and Kavan need to make some changes in their lives. It takes some unexpected travel plans to help them see it. I liked seeing the changes in both of them as the trip progresses.

I am enjoying Mona's books and looking forward to reading more.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author, came as a bonus and one of Brenda Novak’s books. And I thought it was a very cute story.

[Fluff & Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable HEA that could easily be a Netflix movie I’d watch.

Poorvi and Kavan are strangers trying to make it to a conference but out of desire to help a grandma who had trouble communicating with air hostess and some well timed coincidences they end up on a roundabout journey to get the grandma to her family safely and on to the conference.

What ensues is shenanigans by a well intentioned meddling grandma, a growing attraction between Poorvi and Kavan and lots of misunderstandings and good times.

It’s a cute quick read!! And there’s a bonus novella, Detour to Gingerbread In, about a married couple finding their way back to one another emotionally as they are stranded by the snow.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book with an interesting twist on the enemies-to-lovers theme, in that Poorvi and Kavan don't know they are enemies until near the end of the book.

Poorvi is a medical researcher on her way to present a paper at a conference in Dublin. She is under much pressure from her boss - the man who got a promotion instead of her because of unfounded rumors about her. She is determined to do well despite those trying to undermine her.

Kavan is an ophthalmologist whose family practice relies heavily on the procedure Poorvi's presentation refers to. His brother sent him to intercept the researcher and talk them into backing off. Kavan feels indebted to his brother, so he gives in to his request even though he disagrees.

Poorvi and Kavan first encounter each other before their flight to Dublin during a conflict over a power outlet. Sparks fly, and they aren't all sparks of anger, though neither wants to acknowledge the attraction. They put their differences aside - mostly - to help an older woman who doesn't speak English. When bad weather diverts their flight from Dublin to Cork, they are thrown together again to share a rental car. Complicating matters, they agree to help the older woman, whom they call "Ba" (grandmother), get to her family in Dublin.

Ba is a piece of work. She clearly sees the sparks between Poorvi and Kavan and sets about making sure they spend enough time together to see it themselves. I liked how she incorporated seeing the sights of Ireland by appealing to their sympathies over the loss of her husband. She is a feisty granny, and I laughed out loud at her blatant attempts to push them together. She has no trouble calling them out when she thinks they need a kick in the pants. I loved her part of bringing them together.

I liked watching the relationship develop between Poorvi and Kavan. Poorvi is very independent and doesn't accept help easily. Kavan is a nice guy whose attempts to be a gentleman Poorvi frequently rejects. Poorvi loosens up a little as they spend time together, and they discover that they enjoy their interactions. Their feelings for each other grow quickly, but they are hesitant to say anything, resulting in misunderstandings. When their identities are exposed, each feels betrayed. It takes a determined Ba to break through the hurt and bring them back together in a fun and heartwarming reunion.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading "Road Trip Rivalry," by Mona Shroff, an author not previously known to me. The book was a bonus book that came with Brenda Novak's "Tying the Knot." I figured, why not give it a try, (and was pleasantly surprised) since it was a bonus book. It was fun, and took me a mini tour of Ireland as the characters, Poorvi (of Indian descent, but an American optometrist), Kavan, a European of mixed ethnicity, and Ba, an older Indian woman who has been trying to get to Dublin traveled through County Cork on the way to Dublin.
Poorvi first met Kavan on a plane to Dublin when he snatched the only available outlet to charge devices. He got there first, but she insisted she should be able to use it. They had no idea they were headed to the same conference in the same place. The plane had to make an alternate landing, and the only rental car left was a stick shift, which Kavan could not drive. Poorvi can, and so she and Kavan set out together, but end up taking the old woman with them, and both started to love her as they loved their own grandmothers. She was quite a character, far sharper than the other two realized. She insisted Poorvi and Kavan take her to some special landmarks, so she see the places she went with her late husband when they were both young. Mishaps along the way meant more time to get to know one another. A damaged tire meant another delay, and so on. Meanwhile, Poorvi and Kavan got to know one other better and better, not having any idea their companies are rivals and that the meeting each is trying to attend in Dublin, is the same meeting.
There were some funny scenes, and romantic ones. Both Poorvi and Kavan are lovable characters who belong together, but there are a great number of roadblocks they must overcome. I rooted for them. My heart broke when they felt they lost one another. Family played a roll in some of this, since each is being controlled by other people. Ba is a sneaky old girl, and she will never give up on them. Will they give up on one another when they learn the truth? I shall not tell! 4 fun stars.

[Sonal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purvi Gupta is done trusting people, especially men. After losing out on a promotion, she's determined to prove just how good she is at her research job. She's set to present her research at a conference in Dublin and nothing is going to stand in her way.
Kavan Shashane is the face of his family's ophthalmology business. After their father's death, his brother saved him from bad decisions and held the family together. Unfortunately, he's never let Kavan forget that either. Now he's headed to Dublin to help save the family practice, even though he doesn't exactly agree with his brother.
Add in a fiesty grandmother and these three strangers end up on an adventure through Ireland.
This was such a cute story and I could totally see it as a rom-com movie. Purvi is no-nonsense and it's understandable after how she's been treated. Kavan is a total green flag and you can't help but like him. Ba (grandmother) annoyed me at the beginning but totally grew on me and I adored her character! The story takes the characters through beautiful places in Ireland and it really made me want to visit as well!
I've always enjoyed Mona Shroff's books and this was no exception. There was a really sweet short story, Detour To Gingerbread Inn, included at the end that I also really enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Becky Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poorvi Gupta is in Ireland to give a presentation on a controversial procedure in vision surgery. But she finds that due to weather conditions, her flight lands in Limerick, rather than Dublin. Kavan Shashane, part of a nationally known eye clinic in Ireland, is returning home to Dublin on the same flight, for the same conference. He is supposed to find this P. Gupta and persuade him not to do the resentation. And also on the flight is an elderly lady, who only speaks Gujarati. But in helping her, Poovri and Kavan fall into working with the woman to travel all around Ireland before getting to Dublin. And unbeknownst to each other, Poovri is the PK Gupta that Kavan is looking for. But they both have people that are nagging them about the conference, Poovri's boss, who doesn't want her to present the information, and Kavan's brother with the same request. But all this togetherness in Ireland leads to more.

[Kathy Blanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poorvi and Kavaan were headed to the same conference and met an elderly lady on the plane, who reminded Poorvi of her grandmother. They had to make an emergency landing in Cork and needed to get to Dublin. Poorvi rents a car which has already been rented by Kavaan. He can't drive a stick but she can, so they tell Ba that they will take her to her daughter's house in Dublin. Ba decides that she wants to visit certain spots in Ireland on the way to Dublin. They take her all over the place and end up caring about each other. Neither wants to trust in love since they both have had a bad experience. They end up spending the night together only to wake up to social media making Poorvi looking bad since Kavann's brother did not want her to make her presentation on an eye procedure that he was doing.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for this ARC from the author.

Let’s face it, every now and then we all crave a book with a guaranteed HEA (Happily Ever After). It’s like a cozy blanket for the soul. This author nails it every time with just the right amount of angst, fantastic characters, and captivating storylines.

Picture this: two people trying to make their way to a conference in Dublin, only to be waylaid by a rerouted plane and a feisty Ba (grandmother) with her own mischievous plans. It’s the ultimate feel-good story that left me grinning from ear to ear as I turned the last page.

Trust me, this is the kind of book adventure that will have you smiling long after you’ve finished. Happy reading, everyone!

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A diverted flight and a shared rental car lead to a clash of wills and a fiery attraction between Poorvi, a determined researcher, and Kavan, a charming but infuriating ophthalmologist. As their road trip to Dublin unfolds, sparks fly, but hidden truths threaten to derail their connection before it even begins.

I loved Poorvi and Kavan! They’re both strong, determined, and likable—but they’re even better together. As their initial animosity turns to love, they smooth each other’s hard edges. I also enjoyed the Irish setting and the sense of adventure.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Andrea (Hammock and Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After my recent trip to Ireland this was so much fun to read after, as I got to visit many of their stops. This is such a cute story with Poorvi and Kavan helping an older lady on the airplane (who doesnt let them know she speaks English until way into the trip) when they get dropped off at Cork instead of Dublin. Ba decided they need to do some sightseeing before they all go back to Dublin. Ba gets her way and tryings to be their matchmaker.
I really enjoy Mona’s stories and this one was no different! Great characters, fun plot, and a funny side character.

thanks to the author for this book

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the overall theme for Road Trip Rivalry is about taking a chance. Both Poorvi and Kavan have pushed themselves out of their work ruts and putting up with the push of others. I love the forced proximity that brings them together especially with Ba there to push them along. As they both take charge of their lives it seems love is lost but you can’t rule out the work of a sneaky Ba. The epilogue made the story even sweeter. Included in the audio was Detour to the Gingerbread Inn which looks at second chances and how what we are feeling inside can effect how we see the world around us. There is a lot of depth to this short story. #CMCon26

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and was captivated right from the start. Poorvi and Kavan meet at an airport and are on the same plane going to Ireland. They both help a passenger and they all bond when they land in Cork instead of Dublin. The trio will need to find their way to Dublin before the ophthalmology conference. Neither Poorvi and Kavan know each other’s true identities. Ba is determined that they see Ireland before they end in Dublin. Ba is also doing some match making. I loved learning the family Indian traditions. Swoon worthy ending!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very cute and funny romance book. I really liked that it had a woman in STEM and that it took place in Ireland. I really felt like I was exploring all these small towns with Poorvi and Kavan. I also really liked the different cultural foods that were talked about and I really loved the epilogue! I also really liked the fact that there wasn’t heavy duty sex scenes in this book and the romance was really cute!

[Janet Feagans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poorvi was on her way to Dublin to present her research at a conference. Kavan was on his way to Dublin to attend the same conference. What neither of them counted on was a little old lady who needed some help to get to her daughter's house and was determined to show them just how much they had in common.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read this author. I must say I really enjoyed this story. I began to wonder if Poorvi and Kavan were going to make it to the conference as Ba took them on a round about trip.
Follow their journey. A GOOD READ.

[P Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Makes me want to visit Ireland in the future.

Mona Shroff creates a wonderful chemistry between the two characters.

Not as spicy as her other books!

The Novella was a nice surprise! A sweet story about love and Christmas!

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two professionals--one who sells procedures and one who researches them--end up helping an elderly lady who acts like their grandmother as she matchmakes shamelessly to get them together. Will she succeed or will his brother really screw things up?

[JaTara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t my cup of tea.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a bit slow in the beginning but picked up. Happy ending that made it all worth it!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, but lacking spice

[Connie Ison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and fun romance read. I adore how strong both of the female main characters are. I love that Poorvi stands up for herself in every setting, and finds love in a true partner. Ba is funny and wise, and Kavan is genuinely one of the good guys. I enjoyed getting to know these likable characters, along with the added bonus of visiting Ireland with them. I will be looking for more Mona Shroff books to read!

[Alicia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Ba is really an adorably cute and sneaky character. She has an agenda. I’m
Pretty sure she wants Kavan & Poorvi to be together. Poorvi is determined and sweet. Kavan is sort of figuring himself out. I LOVED the epilogue. I wonder if they eventually made the connection?

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poorvi and Kavan, strangers headed to a conference, end up on a detour to help a grandma with airline communication issues. Their roundabout journey involves a meddling grandma, a growing attraction, misunderstandings, and lots of fun. "Road Trip Rivalry" by Mona Shroff adds a twist to the enemies-to-lovers trope, as Poorvi and Kavan don’t realize they’re enemies. While enemies-to-lovers isn’t my favorite, their superficial head-butting was enjoyable.

The story delves into each character's individual struggles. Poorvi battles work challenges and undermining colleagues, while Kavan feels indebted to his brother and avoids confrontation. Their relationship brings out the best in each other, with Poorvi’s frustrations clashing with Kavan’s inherent niceness. Their bickering is delightful, and Ba, the grandma, ensures they realize their compatibility. This book is a perfect summer read, though enjoyable any time of the year.

[Bev Stegmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. Romance and family.