Can't Help Faking in Love

by Swati Hegde

A young woman with Bollywood roots hires a barista to act as her boyfriend for her cousin’s wedding—only to learn you can’t fake chemistry like theirs—in this desi romance from the author of Match Me If You Can

Harsha Godbole has never felt love from her family, but she’s always been surrounded by their Bollywood business mogul wealth. Now back in Bangalore after studying in America, Harsha is ready to start her adult life without their money. But that becomes impossible when everything she’s worked so hard for comes crumbling down. Fearful of showing up to her cousin’s upcoming wedding as a failure—and worse, a single failure—Harsha decides to put her trust fund to good use . . . 

Veer Kannan does everything for his family. He even gave up his dreams of becoming a Bollywood star to get a more consistent gig . . . although working as a barista wasn’t really the big break he was hoping for. It’s a humble life, but a happy one, nonetheless. Then financial aid falls through for his brother’s first year in business school, so now Veer needs to come up with a large sum of money, and fast.

Harsha’s outlandish plan to hire her favorite barista as her fake boyfriend for the weekend-long wedding bash is received surprisingly well by Veer, who hopes this will be his ticket to Bollywood. But Harsha and Veer get way more than they bargained for in this heartwarming journey to finding unexpected love and courage.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Adult, Fake Dating, Chick Lit

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2025

About the author

Swati Hegde is the author of Can’t Help Faking in Love and Match Me If You Can. She is also a freelance editor, mindset coach, and self-proclaimed coffee shop enthusiast who lives in Bangalore, India, and can often be found at the nearest café with a hot mug of tea or singing her favorite songs off-key at karaoke night. She looks forward to a long career bringing Indian stories and voices to light.

Swati is represented by Rachel Beck at Liza Dawson Associates. Her romance novels Match Me If You Can and Can't Help Faking in Love are out now from Penguin Random House, with forthcoming books As Long As You Loathe Me releasing on March 31 and Love Beyond Reasonable Doubt slated for May 12.

Find her on Instagram @SwatiHegdeAuthor.

Reviews

[Swati Hegde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author's Note: I can't wait for you to meet Harsha and Veer, the main characters of my second desi romance novel, set in Bangalore, India this time! Here's what you can expect from Can't Help Faking in Love:

💚 Fake dating
💜 Only one bed
💚 Cuddling for "practice"
💜 All-BIPOC cast
💚 Big fat desi weddding
💜 Female friendships
💚 Complicated family dynamics

Love hard & dream big,
Swati

[Readwithsav · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry was EVERYTHING to me. This was such a fun fake dating love story and I loved how it incorporated some intense family dynamics. I literally ate this one up!

[Laura A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harsha is looking for a date to her cousins wedding. She asks someone at the coffee shop she frequents. She grows to like him the more time she spends with him. A quick read.

[Nivsreview · Rating 2 out of 5]

even though this story was set in an Indian background it didn't matched the level for it.

it's too much fiction for someone to comprehend.

veer, a 27 year man working as Barista but wanting to have a career in acting.

harsha, who studied photography, lived in Berkeley moved back to india to start her own career.

at one side she wants to live her own life but when her father cuts off her from giving money she became angry. whyy???
girl you wanted to be independent so be independent why wanting your father money and acting like you're not living your life on his money.

also the banter was not really exciting enough to keep me continuing the reading.

don't get me started on the plot itself, it was too much predictable. so nothing new there to experiment.

but yeah still a one time read. nothing more than that to remember.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared for a wild, hilarious ride!

Harsha Godbole has moved out from under her wealthy parent’s influence and is trying to make it on her own doing what she wants to—photography.
Harsha spent time studying in the United States but has moved back to Bangalore.
Her self centered, difficult parents (Wow!), Bollywood magnauts, want her to marry someone as rich as they are, preferably an arranged marriage like her cousin Neha.
When Harsha runs into her mean girl cousin who’s just become engaged to a successful, uptight neurosurgeon Dr. Rohan Jha, Neha decides Harsha’s companion must be her latest crush. He’s not! He’s the barista from Harsha’s favorite coffee haunt. Somehow in the confusion of the moment Harsha presents Veer Kennan as a district manager for the Suntag Coffee consortium.
Next thing we know Harsh’s paying Veer to be her fake boyfriend. Apart from the impeding craziness of it all, Veer’s been beside himself trying to work out how to pay his brother’s university fees. So against his better judgement it’s game on.
So as you can imagine the plot runs fast with anguish, humor and romance all twisted up against the backgrounds of our two main characters.
The plot, and subsequently my interest, never flagged. I read this in one fell swoop! I loved it!

A Random House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute read! Harsha and Veer had the best chemistry since page 1! I love a fake dating romance baddd and this one was perfect. I loved how it also displayed complex family dynamics in the Indian culture. This was a quick read too which will be perfect as a plane or beach read!

Thank you Swati Hedge, Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for providing me with an ARC of this book!

[Alexsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Dell Romance for the gifted copy!

Swati Hegde writes the cutest books. I love fake dating trope and watching the relationship blossom. She writes it so well and at the perfect pace. So excited to see her next book!

[Anniek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was mostly just fine, but I mainly feel like it didn't really achieve what it set out to do. Harsha starts off pretty unlikable with her spoiled rich girl vibes, and she simply doesn't go through enough character growth. She doesn't want anything to do with her parents if she doesn't have to, but when by the end her dad says he respects her wishes and he then cuts her off from his bank account, she's very hurt and offended. Like Harsha, I'm sorry, but you can't have it both ways. Either you're going to be independent and make your own money with freedom from your parents, or you depend on them, but either way, just make a consistent choice. I think as a reader I was meant to be proud of Harsha for how far she's come, but nothing in her behaviour felt consistent, so I just didn't know what to make of her and had a hard time sympathizing.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely devoured this book! Absolutely loved the characters and the setting. The romance progression is perfect, and now I’m even more excited for Swati’s next book. 😍😍😍

[Eilonwy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars
The title tells you everything you need to know.

Harsha, daughter of a movie-making family, is determined to make it on her own as a photographer. Struggling for cash, her one indulgence is a fondness for Sunstag coffee -- and for the handsome barista who has memorized her order and delivers her cup to her at her table. Veer, the barista, dreams of making a living from acting, but his career has stalled. When Harsha impulsively introduces Veer to her cousin as her boyfriend, it's impossible for him to say no to the chance to rub shoulders with Bollywood royalty.

This was a decently fun story. I didn't get on with Harsha at the beginning -- she's a bit shallow and phrases things she says to Veer a bit meanly -- but she grew on me. I appreciated how well the many threads of the story for both Harsha and Veer tied together satisfactorily by the end. I'm definitely open to reading more from this author.

[b.andherbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor little rich girl meets struggling bollywood acting wannabe at the coffee shop, pays him to be her fake boyfriend at her frenemy's wedding.

honestly more fun than i was expecting, fade to black, and a GREAT audiobook narrator.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, sweet romance! I loved the main characters Harsha and Veer in this story and enjoyed following them in this fake dating plot. This was such a quick read that immediately had me invested in the story and the characters and I loved seeing how their relationship developed throughout the course of the book. If you are looking for a closed door, fake dating romance you should consider checking this one out when it comes out on February 11th.

Read this if you like:

📖 Fake dating
📖 Only one bed
📖 Indian culture
📖 Complicated family dynamics
📖 Closed door romance

Thank you to Swati Hegde and Dell Romance for the gifted arc.

[Jaclyn Brill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a quick & cute read! Your fake dating friends to lovers trope with a sprinkle of wedding fun. Thank you Dell Pub for my physical ARC!

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute little book! I enjoyed reading it and thought the characters had a charming dynamic. It was a nice, quick summer read! I loved the setting and really enjoyed reading about India. I'm not sure how I felt about the conflict resolution at the end, and I couldn't pinpoint exactly what bothered me about it. I'm not sure if it felt too convenient, too rushed, or just a little unsatisfying to me. I love fake dating plotlines, but I've read a lot of them recently, so maybe it's all got to do with me. But overall, if you're in the mood for something quick and heartwarming, this one's worth picking up, especially if you enjoy fake dating, charming characters, and a unique setting.

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a little predictable but still a nice book

[Kelsie ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Dell Romance for letting me read this book early!! All thoughts are my own!!

I ADORE THIS BOOK!!! I need to read Match Me If You Can expeditiously.

I love fake dating so much, and this version was genuinely one of the best I’ve ever read. Veer and Harsha are so tender and sweet. They cared about each other so much from the beginning, and it made their chemistry so good!! I truly loved their bond and friendship and how realistic it was when it changed into more. I loved that they were friends before, and I loved that Veer had a crush on Harsha before they started fake dating.

Harsha’s bond with her aunt was really touching, especially when you consider how the rest of her family treats her. I really enjoyed how she and Neha talked things out and decided to work on being closer instead of in competition. Complicated family dynamics will always get me. Harsha spent so much time and energy trying to make it on her own. She was so ambitious and strong. I loved watching her become more confident in herself and stand up for herself.

Veer’s family was one of my favorite parts of this book. Everything he did was to support them, and it was so touching. His care for Arjun and unconditional love when Arjun came out to him made me genuinely tear up. I loved how he encouraged their mom to be more open about asking Arjun about it, even when it wasn’t what she was expecting.

The third act breakup not really being a break up was THE BEST THING!! I love when books either don’t have a third act breakup or when it’s reasonable. This one made sense, but also wasn’t really a third act conflict to me. They were still communicating through it, and they reconciled their concerns maturely.

The COMMUNICATION!! EMOTIONALLY MATURE ADULTS!! WE LOVE TO SEE IT!!

I can’t wait to read everything Swati Hegde writes for the rest of time!

[Colorado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Bollywood worthy love story. It's a gender flipped riff on Pretty Woman that's set in the vibrant cities of Bangalore and Mumbai.

Harsha needs a date for a series of upcoming family events. When her judgmental cousin sees her with her favorite barista, Harsha invents a fake boyfriend. After his father's abandonment, Veer is responsible for his family. With his brother's school tuition due, he really needs money. The pair negotiate an agreement - Harsha will pay Veer to act the adoring boyfriend and accompany her to the parties.

At first, it seems like there's an insurmountable gap between this pair. Harsha is the daughter of a millionaire and Veer is a broke coffee shop employee. But, as they get to know each other, they have more in common than either expects. Harsha is trying to make it on her own as a photographer. Veer wants to break into acting. Both are emotionally damaged - Harsha by her strict and unloving upbringing and Veer by his father's absence.

This is a true romcom. There are funny moments as they practice touching each other and run through getting to know you questionnaires. It's rewarding to watch Harsha and Veer experience their cities, shop for clothes, and sample different Indian specialties together.

Told from alternating perspectives.

Thanks to the publisher and author for an advance copy. This is an honest review.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and fast read, perfect for the beach. It follows the trope of fake dating perfectly and gives us a lovely HEA. This book may be a little different than the usual 'fake' dating because it was set in India, and India follows a different set of standards than most Americans do. Yes, there was a bit of pre-marital sex involved, but nothing too descriptive.

Veer is really a wonderful character, a rare mixture of caring, responsibility, heavy emotions, and, eventually, a deep love.

Harsha is a little more challenging to describe; she was born rich but is determined to make it on her own. At first, she displays a bit of snobbishness, but we soon discover the truth. She didn't have a wonderful upbringing (at least in her eyes), her beloved cousin has turned into someone Harsha doesn't recognize, which puts Harsha in a jamb when her cousin's wedding is approaching.

All in all, it is a fun read with a message. A great second book since her debut with Match Me If You Can. As I said, it is a fun book for beach or vacation.

ARC supplied by the publisher Penguin Random House, the author, and NetGalley

[Melinda Greathouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an absolute gem! It seamlessly blends humor, romance, and family dynamics into a captivating fake-dating story that feels fresh and deeply heartfelt. Harsha and Veer are both wonderfully complex characters. Harsha, fiercely independent yet yearning for acceptance, and Veer, charming and selfless, with dreams that refuse to fade. Their chemistry is electric, making every interaction between them a joy to read.

I would have liked some more steam to this novel, but that’s a matter of personal preference. I would also have liked to have seen a little more depth to the story. With its witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and a setting that sparkles like a Bollywood film, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a feel-good romance.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

[Kimberlyyyreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moment for the beautiful and STUNNING cover 👏🤩

Ok so I did enjoy some aspects of the novel but what really got me was the conflict/resolution.

I didn’t like that money was the thing that “split” them up. Especially since they had just confessed their feelings for one another.

Veer in particular upset me, like I understand that you needed the money but to get upset IMMEDIATELY after and while your girlfriend is sobbing and telling you she’s sorry was kinda a jerk move.

Lowkey think that Harsaha deserved better but it is what it is 🤷🏻‍♀️

The fake dating scheme was really cool, but didn’t like the money aspect of it. Them practicing and getting to know one another was the peak romantic moment in my opinion.

I loved that this took place in Bangalore. Reading a romance that is not based in the US was truly refreshing.

[mikaela (spinebreaker) · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf

life's too short for books i don't love and this one...i don't love. despite the fact that the unique setting is super appealing, that's about the only thing i like about this. fake dating that starts with insults and hurt feelings just isn't it for me. i don't like Harsha, the FMC, as a character, and i don't see her improving or changing her mindset, so it's a no for me. maybe i just don't like fake dating anymore? idk she just seemed so mean and the lack of self-awareness made it 10000 times worse. Veer was fine but i'm not sure how we could get past the first icky incident to being in love and i don't have enough time to waste to find out.

[darkspellreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
The story revolves around Harsha Godbole an aspiring photographer, who's regular at Sunstag, where her fav barista Veer Kannan works (who's an aspiring actor) one day after her break-up she goes to Sunstag and later goes to bar where she meets veer again, as they start talking suddenly Neha Godbole, Harsha's cousin meets her and assumes that Veer is her boyfriend and she introduces her fiance as well, and invites Harsha and Veer to her wedding and her parents anniversary but Harsha didn't want her to know about the break-up, so she acts as Veer is her boyfriend.
Later Harsha offers Veer to act as her fake boyfriend for the anniversary party and wedding, where she would pay him, Veer needed money for his brother's college so he accepts the offer.

Will there dream of becoming an actor and a professional photographer come true??
Will there fake relationship turn into real one??

My thoughts:
🌺The friendship between Sasha, Harsha and Veer, Deepika & Raunak is soo good.
🌺The banter, chemistry and understanding between the fmc and mmc 🔥.
🌺I loved the way Veer call Harsha as pixie 😍
🌺The characters were very relatable.
🌺Adulting is beautifully portrayed through Harsha and Veer.
🌺The contrast between the north and south, rich and middle class family is nicely penned.
🌺The struggle and the family drama that every family goes through is well depicted(even though everyone's family dynamics is different).
🌺The book was well written and easy to read.

Fav Quotes
💗"Long - distance best friendships should be outlawed."
💗" Love doesn't make a difference. It's commitment that does."

I would recommend this book for you, if you like Fake Dating and Desi romance .
Perfect for the fans of "If Love Had A Price.

[Lainnie Singleterry · Rating 5 out of 5]

better than cinnamon rolls on a Sunday! Perfectly sweet!

I loved the chemistry between Veer and Harsha. A true rom-com that had me kicking my legs in the air with laughter and smiling at the pages.

I looked up every meal and outfit described and felt completely immersed in the setting of India. Swati Hegde describes her home country so beautifully and makes you want to book a flight asap.

Perfect for those who love early 2000’s rom-coms - I ATE this book in less than 10 hours… so so gooood!!

One of my favorite books on my shelf!!

[holasoyflavia ˚₊‧꒰ა❤︎໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

fake dating in India — not bad but other than the fact that they were in India there was nothing that set it apart from other stories

[Alyson Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: Can’t Help Faking in Love
Author: Swati Hedge
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Dell, for sending me an ARC. This is my second book by this author. I did like this, but I didn’t like it as much as the other book. This is an Indian romance. I like this aspect. I don’t read a lot of romances centred in another country.

Harsha Godbole has always lived in the shadow of her family's wealth, surrounded by their Bollywood business empire but never feeling their love. After studying in the U.S., she returns to Bangalore ready to start her adult life on her terms—without relying on their fortune. But when everything she’s worked for collapses, Harsha faces the humiliation of showing up at her cousin's lavish wedding as a failure, and worse, as a single one. In a desperate bid to save face, Harsha comes up with a bold plan: hire Veer Kannan, her favourite barista, as her fake boyfriend for the weekend. Veer, who gave up his dream of becoming a Bollywood star to support his family, is struggling to make ends meet. When his brother's financial aid falls through, he needs a large sum of money fast. Harsha’s offer seems like a lifeline—and possibly his ticket into the industry he's always dreamed of. What begins as a business arrangement quickly turns into something far more complicated as Harsha and Veer navigate the complexities of love, family expectations, and their dreams. Together, they embark on a heartwarming journey, discovering that the greatest risk of all is the leap of faith into the unexpected—and that sometimes, love shows up when you least expect it.

This one offers a lighthearted, entertaining romp through the world of fake relationships and unexpected romance. The story revolves around Harsha Godbole, a woman raised in the lap of luxury but starved for love, and Veer Kannan, a humble barista who has sacrificed his dreams for his family. When Harsha faces the prospect of attending her cousin’s extravagant wedding as a failure, she hires Veer to be her fake boyfriend for the weekend, hoping to save face and maintain her family’s expectations.

One of the most refreshing aspects of this book is how Hedge weaves in the nuances of Indian family life and cultural values without letting it overshadow the romance. Harsha Godbole, a woman raised in privilege, faces not just personal struggles but the intense pressures of a family rooted in old traditions. Her journey is rooted in the universal themes of love, acceptance, and the quest for independence—but what makes it special is the lens through which these themes are explored in the Indian context.

The setting, with its colourful weddings, family gatherings, and societal expectations, creates a vibrant backdrop for the story. The cousin’s grand wedding, a key event in the plot, feels like a living, breathing character in itself—full of Indian customs, rituals, and the drama that often surrounds big family celebrations. Harsha’s dilemma of showing up at the wedding as a ‘failure’ is something many Indian readers will relate to, especially when considering the cultural pressures to present a polished, successful image to the extended family and community.


The premise of a fake relationship turning into something real is a popular one, and Hedge does a good job setting up the classic opposites-attract dynamic. Harsha is the privileged, guarded heiress who’s always felt unseen, while Veer is the selfless, grounded man with a quiet ambition of his own. The chemistry between them is palpable, and watching their relationship evolve from a business transaction to an emotional connection is the book's strongest point.

However, while the story is sweet in parts, it doesn't quite hit the emotional highs it aims for. The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some moments dragging and others rushing too quickly. There’s also a bit of predictability in the narrative, as the tension between Harsha and Veer’s growing feelings and the looming obstacles in their relationship often feel familiar.
The character development is decent but not extraordinary. Harsha’s journey from someone relying on her family’s wealth to learning to stand on her own feels a bit too simplified, and Veer’s struggle to break free from his responsibilities is explored only on a surface level. The secondary characters, while adding some flavour, don’t feel as fleshed out as they could be, leaving some emotional beats to feel less impactful.
Still, this book has its moments of heart. It’s an enjoyable read for fans of rom-coms who like a bit of Bollywood flair mixed with a predictable, feel-good romance. The book doesn’t break new ground, but it provides a cosy escape into the world of fake relationships, family drama, and personal growth.
Overall, this is a fun and heartwarming read, but ultimately lacks the depth and emotional resonance to elevate it beyond a typical rom-com.

This book comes out on February 11, 2025.

[Beatrice Dominguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a special thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

There were many times after sitting through hours of Bollywood movie marathons, I would begin to search high and low for a book that could replicate the magical vibes Indian Rom-Coms give off. Finally, I found that book.

This book low-key gives forbidden love vibes in the sense that both main characters come from very distinct social classes. Harsha, a socialite amateur photographer, meets Veer, a barista dreaming of one day becoming an actor. She proposes a contract that will help get her family off her back about having a significant other and get Veer into the Bollywood scene: fake dating.

I absolutely loved this book. The pace, the chemistry between the MCs, the bits and pieces of Indian culture weaved into the story, the difficult topic of duty, the complexity behind family, and the serendipity of love. It was all weaved perfectly into a beautiful story. Not to mention, this was a closed-door romance but the steaminess was still in the room with us as we read.

Honestly, someone call Dharma Productions because I need this on screen now. Giving this beauty a 4.3

[Soofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hermosa historia. Le daría mil estrellas si pudiera.
Genuinamete hermosa. Los personajes principales, su química DIOS SU QUIMICA LO MEJOR DEL LIBRO. Varios personajes secundarios también se robaron mi corazón.
De principio a fin la historia te atrapa completamente, capaz es muy cliche pero ese el punto y la autora logra hacerlo perfectamente sin que sea empalagoso o molesto. Tiene la dosis perfecta de todo. La ame

[Sam♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost thank you netgalley and random house publishing group for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.

This is a bollywood worthy love story set in the vibrant city of Mumbai and Bangalore.

Can't help faking in love is a vibrant and desi romance written skillfully by the author which combines comedy, ethnic diversity and forbidden love Vibes. This is a true rom com vibe set against the backdrop of a bollywood style wedding and banglore's streets.

"Best friendship was inevitable. They had each other backs through hangovers, finals or emergencies faked to get out of fake dates."

Harsha
A socialite amateur photographer who is determined to succeed in life without the help of her socialite family. As Harsha is now unemployed and single and she has to attend her cousins wedding so she comes up with an idea of a fake boyfriend to get her family off her back about her significant other. So she makes a deal with her favourite barista to be her fake boyfriend.

"He wasn't faking being in love with Harsha. He was faking not being in love with her. And he couldn't keep faking it for too much longer."

Veer
A barista dreaming of one day becoming an actor, who is in an effort to help his brother pay his schooling. A good hearted man who gave up his dreams to support his family agrees to Harsha's outrageous deal.

"Look at me like you can't believe you get to dance with me."
"I already am" he thought.

Harsha + Veer
Now this is a transactional arrangement what can possibly go wrong right??? Wait I will tell you.... everything!!!!!!!
As it soon turns into something more when Harsha and Veer get to know each other more and their chemistry becomes undeniable. Their relationship feels genuine and captivating and further into the book their bonds get stronger  after sharing some sensitive moments and some light banter. Harsha and Veer chemistry really was something very special throughout the book at first it seems like there is a lot of gap between them but then slowly as they get to know the gap drifts away and slowly they get close to each other, their scenes were written very beautifully and the writing was flawless.Their funny moments like when they were practicing the fake dating and getting to know each other and then the moments full with tension I just couldn't stop smiling.

I absolutely loved this book. The pace, the chemistry, the tension, the bits and pieces of Indian culture, the complexities behind family, the love it was all weaved so beautifully to turn into a beautiful story. This was a closed door romance but still the tension and the steam you could cut it with a knife and feel it through the book. The book also showed the mix between romance and issues of family responsibilities, individual identity and having the guts to pursue one's dream in a unique way. The book leaves readers both entertained and moved by the characters development. It is an enticing tale full of warmth, humour, and heart.

A request!!!!!Can we have this turned into a movie cause I need to watch this on screen.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

*family wasn't necessarily who you shared dna with. It was who stuck around, in both good times and bad, even when they were going through their own battles"
Harsha isnt going to let her family's super serious standards get in the way if her living the life she wants for herself so she leaves the comfort and security of all they offer and strikes out on her own. She's doing alright until a major family event comes up and her parents expect her to come back home for it, and when her cousin assumes that the server in Harshais favorite coffee shop is her boyfriend; Harsha goes along with it. Now she has to convince him to go along with it too in order to keep the peace in her family and not have them set her up with an arranged marriage.
Meanwhile, Veer, the barista mentioned above, has his only family issues. His brother is going to an illustrious business school when his scholarships drop and Veer has to come up with the money to keep him in school. So when Harsha asks him to go along with being her boyfriend, he agrees as long as she pays so he can pay for his brothers education.
Their chemistry was off the charts and their complex family dynamics and Indian culture added so much to the story. It was a quick read because I devoured it, but I also wanted to slow down and savor it. And it should totally come with a warning in the beginning that it will leave you with a big goofy grin on your face at the end, because it totally did! falso loved that each chapter started with a quote from famous love scenes, especially the last chapter which was one from myl fav show, the office.
All in all, this is my fav read of the year so far.
Thanks to Dell Books and NetGalley for this eArc (that had its release day yesterday!) in exchange for my review.

[Lochi's Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it weird I got Pretty Woman vibes from this book? Harsha, a freelance photographer and daughter of a wealthy family, is essentially paying Veer her local barista to pretend to be her boyfriend to attend events. Every chapter opens with quotes from feel good television series: Derry Girls, Abbot Elementary, and Schitts Creek (which make this Canadian very proud). A highlight for me had to be when Harsha and Veer go shopping for her lengha and it inspires the stunning cover art. This is also a very quick read.

But I’m going to give this 3 stars. I found some plot holes, areas that needed some more depth. For example, Harsha and Veer both have tenuous familial relationships and the issues are never truly resolved. In addition, Veer’s brother comes out to him and his mother. But we’re kind of left wondering with the story. Bandaid solutions that felt kind of superficial?

Another thing, really late into the book Harsha’s cousin asks her to be a photagapher at her upcoming wedding. I wish this was the main storyline from the beginning! Photographing massive Indian weddings/engagements, that alone would generate such a great romance novel while also incorporating the ‘fake boyfriend’ romance trope.

While reading, I just felt the book was flat and can’t put it into words. I think for me Can’t Help Faking in Love reads more like a YA novel than romance for me.

My thanks to Penguin Random House and Dell Romance for the ARC!