There are bad ideas. There are terrible ideas. And then, there’s fake-dating your best friend to fool your families, your nosy relatives, and one very powerful investor.
Ayesha Khan is a force of nature—quick-witted, sharp-tongued, and the last person on earth who’d fake a romance. But when a reckless decision turns into an elaborate pretend engagement with Rahul Mehra, her charming, insufferable, and ridiculously good-looking best friend, she’s suddenly starring in the rom-com she never asked for.
Rahul Mehra, the self-proclaimed ‘King of Getting Away With Anything’, thinks this is the perfect plan. He secures an investment, Ayesha dodges unwanted Rishta talks, and their families get off their backs.
Foolproof!
Until it isn’t.
Somewhere between stolen glances, dangerously real kisses, and late-night heart-to-hearts, the line between ‘fake’ and ‘undeniably real’ blurs. And when the truth comes out, Ayesha and Rahul are left with one question—was it ever just pretend?
‘Love was never part of the plan… but then again, neither was pretending.’
A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy packed ✔ Fake Dating ✔ Friends to Lovers ✔ Indian Wedding Vibes ✔ Matchmaking Mothers ✔ Slow Burn + Forced Proximity ✔ Heartfelt Desi Rom-Com Feels
For readers who love the messy families, sharp heroines, and heart-melting romance, it is from the best selling author of Forever Yours, Meant To Be and Only You of Intertwined Series.
There’s something comforting about falling for your best friend. A friendship so cushy you don’t even realise when it goes from ‘we’re just friends’ to ‘ooh, he’s so hot’.
Ayesha Khan, saucy and witty is hounded by her Ammi, Phuppos and Khalas, setting her up for one rishta after another. Meanwhile, her childhood bestie and neighbour, Rahul’s, investor Mr. Shetty basically tells him to either show some responsibility (dude, get married) or risk losing his funding. Frustrated, in a true bestie moment, he vents to Ayesha and half-jokingly suggests getting fake engaged long enough to secure his deal and for her to get a breather from all the rishta circus. At first, Ayesha laughs it off. Then ponders over it. Then finally agrees. And from here starts a tale filled with chaos, drama, fun, and lots of laughter.
Ayesha is beautiful, bold, unapologetically sassy and sarcastic. Confused and in complete denial about her feelings for Rahul, her journey from I love him to Damn, I LOVE HIM is cuteness overload. Rahul is dashing, successful, funny and stupidly in love with Ayesha. He tries innumerable ways to tell her she’s his person but just can’t get those 3 words out, with both of them too scared to lose the friendship amidst love. But when he finally says it... uff, he’s just too hot.
Mr. Shetty is full of wisdom. He's the reason Rahul and Ayesha realise their love for one another. The story is packed with cheeky humour, and Ayesha’s classic one liners and eye rolls had me snorting nonstop. But for me, the takeaways are undoubtedly the mommies. Ayesha’s mom is a riot. All she wants is to marry n ‘settle’ her daughter and she’s not subtle in the least. In joins Rahul’s ma, and the two delightfully concoct sneaky ways and means to get their kiddos to realise their love. Also, the conversation between Rahul and his dad and their love confession in the car. Gosh 🔥🔥. Chef’s kiss.
The epilogue is perfect. It’s cute, hilarious, and sets up the mood for the next book. And by the looks of it, that’s going to be one whacky ride.
Short Summary: Oops I Fake Dated My Best Friend is exactly what it sounds like - a fun, flirty, and feel-good fake dating rom-com set in a universe full of heart and chaos. Ayesha Khan, a bold Hyderabadi firecracker, and her charming best friend Rahul Mehra fake an engagement to escape family drama and career chaos. Set in vibrant Hyderabad, this desi rom-com is packed with witty banter, meddling moms, and a slow-burn romance that feels anything but fake. Spoiler alert: pretending not to be in love with your best friend is harder than it looks. My Thoughts: This book is pure serotonin. Neha Chenani Khanagwal knows how to balance witty banter, emotional vulnerability, and just the right amount of chaos. The chemistry between the leads is chef’s kiss; you’ll root for them from page one. And even though the trope is familiar, the execution feels fresh thanks to the vibrant characters and grounded emotional stakes. If you love rom-coms that make you laugh out loud, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy, this book is for you. Fans of fake dating and friends-to-lovers tropes will eat this up, especially if you’re into stories with rich cultural vibes and chaotic, lovable families. It’s perfect for anyone craving a light, feel-good read that still has depth and heart. Whether you’re desi or not, the universal themes of friendship, love, and dodging family expectations make this a total crowd-pleaser. Takeaways: This book reminded me that sometimes the best love stories start with the people who’ve been by your side all along. It’s a sweet nudge to embrace vulnerability and take a chance on love, even when it feels risky. Final Verdict: Add this one to your cozy weekend TBR. It’s charming, wholesome, and the perfect pick-me-up when you need something that makes your heart flutter.
Oops, I Fake Dated My Best Friend is basically like watching a full-on Bollywood rom-com but in words. I swear half the time I was grinning like an idiot and the other half I was muttering “bas ab bol do na, tum dono ek dusre se pyaar karte ho.” 😂
Ayesha is this smart, ambitious, “I have better things to do than shaadi” type of girl. But obviously her Ammi + Phuppos + Khalas = full on rishta dhundo. Poor girl can’t breathe without someone bringing a tray of chai and rishta talks. And then comes Rahul—her childhood bestie, neighbour, total charmer but with his own drama. His investor Mr. Shetty (straight-up full uncle gyaan machine) tells him to show some “responsibility” otherwise forget the funding. Toh kya karein? Rahul + Ayesha make a plan fake engagement. Problem solved… or.
From shaadi functions to fake PDA to those looks they keep throwing at each other it all felt so real. It felt like “Tujhe dekha toh yeh jaana sanam” was playing in the background whenever they tried to act normal. Rahul is already gone case in love, Ayesha is the denial queen, and their banter? Pure entertainment.
The side characters stole my heart too. Ayesha’s Ammi had me rolling her one and only mission in life is “shaadi karao beti ki”. Rahul’s mom joins the party, and together the two of them are like this adorable matchmaker duo, sneaky-sneaky making plans to push their kids closer. And Shetty uncle… uff, his advice literally gives Rahul that final nudge. Also, Rahul’s scene with his dad? Dil pighal gaya.
By the epilogue I was literally singing “picture abhi baaki hai mere dost.” 🥺 If you like fake dating, friends-to-lovers, meddling moms, nosy aunties, shaadi madness, and slow-burn romance that sneaks up on you, trust me… Rahul and Ayesha’s story will leave you smiling like an idiot.
"Love was never part of the plan… but then again, neither was pretending."
What happens when your best friend becomes your fake boyfriend?
A blessing—or a disaster?
Well, you’ll have to read to find out. 😉
Oops! I Fake-Dated My Best Friend is a rollercoaster of emotions wrapped in witty banter, meddling families, and the kind of slow-burn romance that sneaks up on you and leaves you smiling like an idiot.
Rahul—our self-made, mischievous businessman—and Ayesha (Ayesh! I adore that nickname) find themselves tangled in a fake relationship meant to save them both from personal predicaments. What they don’t realize is that fate had other plans—and this fake arrangement starts to feel dangerously real.
Their journey from pretending to something undeniable is packed with swoony moments, hilarious camaraderie, and rules that they were absolutely terrible at following (because let’s be honest—every rule was meant to be broken).
Beyond Rahul and Ayesha, every character shines—especially the women. The author has crafted meddling moms, gossiping phuppos, and well-meaning khalas with so much humor and heart that they practically steal the show. Honestly, without their chaos, the story would feel incomplete.
Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, I sighed, and I grinned like a fool. I can happily say I would read this again—and again—and again.
If you’re looking for a feel-good Desi romantic comedy full of sparkling banter, emotional warmth, and characters who feel like family, don’t miss this one.
Neha Chenani Khanagwal has once again delivered a story packed with heart, humor, and undeniable charm.
💖 Highly recommended for fans of friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and chaotic families you can’t help but love.
A standout book on the romance genre which captivates a reader due to its super fun witty dialogues and a unique approach by which the characters have been brought alive, Oops I Fake Dated My Best Friend makes for a great read and keeps you smiling from ear to ear as you keep on getting hooked with every turn of the page. The story revolves around Ayesha Khan and Rahul Mehra, two best friends who decide to do fake dating for a limited period to help the latter in sealing a handsome business deal for his startup. Although they set terms and conditions to break if off later mutually without much drama, they find themselves falling for each other over time. The breakup which had happen at a wrong time makes them miss each other terribly although it breaks apart their families to know of their fake dating. Do these childhood best friends who were inseparable get to bond with each other forever as eternal lovers? The biggest heartwarming moments of this book are how the couple’s parents are much more excited for their relationship which they thought to be true and go to full length to make their wedding a cherished one. You cannot miss the cute chemistry of Rahul and Ayesha who pulls out interesting filmy dialogues to pull each other’s legs and the over enthusiastic natures of the duo’s mothers and their ladies circle who always like to discuss about weddings and matchmakings Rahul’s investor Mr Shetty is also a fun character in this book whose business ideologies are striking and full of humour The author has brought alive this masterpiece in a beautiful way with easy writing, filmy resemblances between each characters, the hullaballoo of the big fat Indian wedding and warmth of familial and friendly ties.
“Oops! I Fake Dated My Best Friend” by Neha is pure rom-com gold.
Set against the vibrant, chaotic, and deeply endearing backdrop of Hyderabad, this friends-to-lovers delight is everything a desi romantic comedy should be witty, warm, and wickedly addictive. Neha masterfully weaves together laugh-out-loud banter, palpable slow-burn chemistry, and a plot that dances between hilarity and heartbreak with effortless charm.
Ayesha Khan is the kind of heroine you root for instantly,fierce, sarcastic, and too smart for her own good. Rahul Mehra, on the other hand, is every reader’s dream,cocky, charming, and absolutely smitten before he even knows it. Together, they’re dynamite. Their fake engagement is all things swoony and chaotic, with meddling mothers, nosy aunties, and a desi wedding setup that only turns up the tension.
Neha’s writing is crisp, emotional, and full of moments that make you grin like a fool. She doesn’t just write a rom-com. She invites you to live in it, with characters who feel like friends, and scenes that play out like your favorite Bollywood rom-dramedy.
If you're a sucker for fake dating that turns oh-so-real, if slow-burns make your heart race, and if you're into Desi vibes that hit close to home 🏠 this book is your next obsession.
Neha, take a bow. You’ve given us a rom-com that’s funny, flirty, full of heart, and utterly unforgettable.
Oops I Fake Dated My Boyfriend by Neha Chenani Khanagwal is one of the most fun and swoony desi rom-coms I’ve read recently!
The story follows best friends Ayesha and Rahul, who decide to fake date. She’s tired of rishta proposals from nosy aunties, and he’s trying to convince investors that being single doesn’t mean being unstable. What starts as a harmless plan quickly spirals into family drama, hilarious misunderstandings, and sizzling chemistry that feels all too real.
I loved how the book balances banter, friendship, family pressure, and romance so effortlessly. The writing feels warm and homely, making the situations super relatable from the Khalas and Phupos constantly pushing marriage, to the emotional tug-of-war between personal identity and expectations.
The tropes? Absolutely delicious. ✨ Fake dating. ✨ Best friends to lovers. ✨ Forced proximity. ✨ Big fat Indian family drama. And the Jenga ending? Pure gold! It’s the kind of quirky, memorable scene that stays with you long after you finish the book.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted, heartfelt romance that blends swoon-worthy love with the chaos of desi family drama, this is a must-read. Perfect for fans of Indian rom-coms, witty banter, and stories that make you blush and laugh at the same time.
It’s a cute story of best friends who never pictured more. This book has all the drama—meddling aunties and phuppos who want to get their daughters/nieces married and can never stop matchmaking. And of course, the upcoming wedding attracts the usual conversations like “When are you getting married?” or “I know this guy who works in Dubai/London,” etc.
Now, our MMC is a successful businessman but is not taken seriously because he’s not “settled.” To secure funding, he needs to appear settled. So, the two friends, Ayesha and Rahul, come up with a plan to fake-date—just to keep their families at bay and the investors satisfied.
But the lie quickly spins out of hand when their families hear the news. They're thrilled and have wanted Ayesha and Rahul together for ages. Suddenly, weddings and engagements are being planned.
This fake dating takes a turn when fake flirting and casual touches begin to spark real feelings. But Ayesha doesn’t want to ruin their friendship… and then enters an ex-boyfriend—still in love with her.
How will she manage an old romantic relationship with her new, developing feelings?
Grab your copy, your go-to drink, and relax with this delightful read!
Oops, I Fake Dated My Best Friend is that perfect mix of desi charm, laugh out loud moments, and sizzling chemistry. Set in the lively backdrop of Hyderabad, the story feels vibrant and rooted in culture, making the romance even more relatable and fun.
The book plays on two of the most loved tropes, fake dating and best friends-to-lovers, and does it with ease. The characters’ banter is playful, their bond feels natural, and watching their “pretend” relationship blur into something real is both heartwarming and steamy. It’s not just sweet, brings the heat too.
At its heart, this isn’t just about faking a relationship, it’s about realizing that love doesn’t need to be perfect to be worth fighting for. It’s fun, it’s flirty, it’s emotional in the right places, and it leaves you smiling when you turn the last page.
Overall it's a desi rom-com that feels like comfort food, warm, spicy, and absolutely addictive.
This book was such a joy to read! Neha has given us a rom-com that is witty, sweet, and full of Desi warmth. Ayesha and Rahul’s fake-dating journey had me laughing, blushing, and rooting for them all the way. Their chemistry was so natural, the banter so playful, and the emotions so genuine that it felt like watching a perfect Bollywood rom-com come alive on the page.
What made it even more special was the family touch — the mothers, the traditions, the little cultural details that made the story feel close to home. Behind the laughs and fake drama, there’s a depth of love and friendship that made my heart full.
If you love fake-dating, best-friends-to-lovers, and stories that make you smile while tugging at your heart, then Oops! I Fake Dated My Best Friend is an absolute must-read. 💕
Falling for your best friend? Classic. But fake dating him to escape rishtas and save his career? Now that’s a rom-com I’m here for! 😍 Ayesha is bold, sassy, and stuck in shaadi chaos. Rahul is a cinnamon roll in denial. Together, they fake it till… well, love happens. And their Chemistry is off the charts!!💍💘 Filled with witty banter, hilarious moms, and heart-fluttering moments are present in Oops, I Fake Dated My Best Friend is pure fun, drama, and feels! A total page-turner. ✨ Why read it? If you love fake dating, best-friends-to-lovers, laugh-out-loud moments, and soft emotional punches then this book will absolutely steal your heart! 💫
I devoured this book as fast as I picked it up! The banter between Ayesha and Rahul? Absolutely on point. The CHEMISTRY was chemistry-ing in all the right ways! 🫠
The desi family dynamics were hilarious and heartwarming—the aunties and moms added so much flavor and made the story feel so real and wholesome.
What I loved most? It wasn’t your usual spicy romance. This one focused on true connection, emotional tension, and slow-burn love—with just the right amount of flirt and feels. A total rom-com win!
When I started reading this book, I instantly loved it. The author has captured the two cultures very aptly, and the chaos and serenity of Hyderabad are quite relatable. The banter between the friends is quite funny, and them falling in love with each other is very cute. This is a must-read if you are looking for a feel-good kind of book.
This book promises to keep you engaged throughout the entire reading experience. I am curious about the author's mindset while writing this story. Will find out!
After reading so many intense love stories, I need a break, so I pick up a sweet romance. This time I needed something more than a sweet romance. I want a story that allows me to feel and live with the characters. I chose this book, and believe me, it was a perfect choice. There are no clichés, no huge proposals, no Bollywood, no Hollywood... inspired stories... just two friends and their stroy. It felt like, "Yeh, hamare mohalle ki kahani hai!"
Rahul Mehra and Ayesha Khan had grown up together, and as their families bonded, their friendship also grew. Pure friendship, so beautifully written, they are best freinds, neighbours ,who practically live together. Their friendship has no boundaries—no religion, no caste; it's pure friendship. Reading it was so nostalgic. Rahul and Ayesha were so engrossed in helping each other that they never realised the line they had crossed. In fact, they were completely unaware that any boundary existed. Looking back, they realised why they were alone without a partner.
There are so many things to write about this book, its so entertaining, family dynamics, the ease with which the author has protrayed the families mindsets. We can feel the spark of mischief when they talk, the seriousness Ayesha tries to bring into their fake dating but fails.. An excellent read.
I wish more such RomComs were released; in this stressful life we lead, we sometimes need to blow off some of it, and this RomCom is the one for it. I'm eager to see what the next couple do when they get the Ultimate Dare block. Can't wait.