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How Simi Got Her Groom Back: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26Two sisters face the real consequences of a fake marriage scheme in an emotional yet hilarious novel about immigration, healing, and family from USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev.
Two sisters. One fake marriage. Zero chance of keeping the truth hidden.
The Naik sisters escaped their traumatic past in Mumbai to come to the States, but their journeys have been vastly different. Simi is working toward a bright future as a pediatric nurse in a small town in Kentucky when Rupi shows up at her door in distress, on the run, and as always, dragging trouble in her wake.
With Rupi’s safety in jeopardy, the sisters hatch a desperate plan to keep her in the Rupi must get married—and fast—even if it means Simi recruiting the man she’s been secretly dating as her sister’s groom. A perfect plan? Not quite. But there aren’t many alternatives.
As the big day inches closer, Simi and Rupi face a storm of wedding shenanigans and romantic surprises, not to mention sisterly jealousies. As the stakes and tensions rise, will their secrets tear them apart or will they find a way to risk everything for love?
Two sisters. One fake marriage. Zero chance of keeping the truth hidden.
The Naik sisters escaped their traumatic past in Mumbai to come to the States, but their journeys have been vastly different. Simi is working toward a bright future as a pediatric nurse in a small town in Kentucky when Rupi shows up at her door in distress, on the run, and as always, dragging trouble in her wake.
With Rupi’s safety in jeopardy, the sisters hatch a desperate plan to keep her in the Rupi must get married—and fast—even if it means Simi recruiting the man she’s been secretly dating as her sister’s groom. A perfect plan? Not quite. But there aren’t many alternatives.
As the big day inches closer, Simi and Rupi face a storm of wedding shenanigans and romantic surprises, not to mention sisterly jealousies. As the stakes and tensions rise, will their secrets tear them apart or will they find a way to risk everything for love?
- GenresRomance
319 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 3, 2026
4 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Sonali Dev
17 books3,245 followersSonali Dev’s first literary work was a play about mistaken identities performed at her neighborhood Diwali extravaganza in Mumbai. She was eight years old. Despite this early success, Sonali spent the next few decades getting degrees in architecture and written communication, migrating across the globe, and starting a family while writing for magazines and websites. With the advent of her first gray hair her mad love for telling stories returned full force, and she now combines it with her insights into Indian culture to conjure up stories that make a mad tangle with her life as supermom, domestic goddess, and world traveler.
Sonali lives in the Chicago suburbs with her very patient and often amused husband and two teens who demand both patience and humor, and the world’s most perfect dog.
Sonali lives in the Chicago suburbs with her very patient and often amused husband and two teens who demand both patience and humor, and the world’s most perfect dog.
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January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
A decade ago, I read Sonali Dev’s A Bollywood Affair and wrote, “I will now officially read any book she writes.” That still holds true, hence my shouting about her upcoming contemporary novel about sisters having to deal with childhood trauma and a fake marriage scheme. Knowing Dev, it’s gonna be emotional and I’m ready. Also, she had me at a title nod to How Stella Got Her Groove Back! —Jamie Canaves
A decade ago, I read Sonali Dev’s A Bollywood Affair and wrote, “I will now officially read any book she writes.” That still holds true, hence my shouting about her upcoming contemporary novel about sisters having to deal with childhood trauma and a fake marriage scheme. Knowing Dev, it’s gonna be emotional and I’m ready. Also, she had me at a title nod to How Stella Got Her Groove Back! —Jamie Canaves
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The story started well, but as we got introduced to the sisters, that's where the bumps in the road began. The MMCs had little to no character development, whereas the sisters had some. But more than building their bond, their presence annoyed me.
It started getting interesting when Prem's family came into the picture, creating fun family moments. The ending, though it had a happy Bollywood ending, felt very rushed.
I do feel that this would be better as a movie or a TV show rather than a book.
Actual rating: 2.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
It started getting interesting when Prem's family came into the picture, creating fun family moments. The ending, though it had a happy Bollywood ending, felt very rushed.
I do feel that this would be better as a movie or a TV show rather than a book.
Actual rating: 2.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!
Want to read
December 1, 2025an emotional yet funny novel about immigration, trauma and sisterhood… will i finish this or will it finish me?!
October 16, 2025
I really wanted to like this book and was intrigued by the premise. But alas, I just couldn't get into it and for most of the book, I just wasn't a huge fan of Rupi and Simi's characters. Everyone was way too emotional and easy to anger and very insecure. Simi was irrationally jealous of Rupi and Prem, was oblivious to the fact that Prem was head over heels in love with her and that there were no signs of feelings between Rupi and Prem whatsoever. She was creating these unfounded thoughts of Rupi and Prem falling for each other and I just wanted to shake her from her delusions. She was also a huge doormat for her employers and I wanted her to stand up to them during the entire book. And Rupi is still resentful of Simi about what happened in their childhoods/history and throws it in Simi's face every time they argue. She gets very defensive every time someone challenges her actions and overall just seemed ungrateful for the sacrifices that were being made for her well-being. I thought she was being selfish and complaining for most of the book and I couldn't stand it.
That being said, Rupi and Simi have clearly been through a lot of trauma and they deserve their HEAs. The redeeming part of the book was the last 20% of the book, when the characters had gone through their development and became much more tolerable. There was finally a glimpse of sisterly devotion and love rather than resentment and jealousy. Saj and Prem's family were really the only characters that I liked through and through.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
That being said, Rupi and Simi have clearly been through a lot of trauma and they deserve their HEAs. The redeeming part of the book was the last 20% of the book, when the characters had gone through their development and became much more tolerable. There was finally a glimpse of sisterly devotion and love rather than resentment and jealousy. Saj and Prem's family were really the only characters that I liked through and through.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
November 6, 2025
This is a tricky review for me! There are things that really bothered me and other parts that I enjoyed.
Starting with the rough:
Simis character has no growth in the book. She actually takes about 20 steps backwards and then 15 steps forward. I don't understand the concept of being bullied by your sister for things you never asked for. Rupi was a whole other can of worms. A woman handed a horrible life and never able to get out of it until she guilts and shames her sister into helping her.. which is odd because her character constantly reminds you that she doesn't want people to pitty her. The book has so many dramatic reveals but nothing comes of those moments. Its as if they were forgotten and the quickly written off with a small paragraph towards the end of the book.
Now the things I enjoyed.. the family dynamics. The realistic view into an Indian household! So beautiful written. Reminded me of my own family. The dynamic of two sisters struggling. This is very real for sisters all over the world. A view into how hard the immigration process can be and how disgusting it can be when others take advantage of people. These were honest hard truths of our world.
Overall I felt this book had too much bickering and junk. The story jumps so quickly in the 2.5 months it's set across which killed some relationship growth. It just didn't grab my attention. I wasnt aching to pick up this book. Truthfully I felt very tired of reading when I got to about 30%
Starting with the rough:
Simis character has no growth in the book. She actually takes about 20 steps backwards and then 15 steps forward. I don't understand the concept of being bullied by your sister for things you never asked for. Rupi was a whole other can of worms. A woman handed a horrible life and never able to get out of it until she guilts and shames her sister into helping her.. which is odd because her character constantly reminds you that she doesn't want people to pitty her. The book has so many dramatic reveals but nothing comes of those moments. Its as if they were forgotten and the quickly written off with a small paragraph towards the end of the book.
Now the things I enjoyed.. the family dynamics. The realistic view into an Indian household! So beautiful written. Reminded me of my own family. The dynamic of two sisters struggling. This is very real for sisters all over the world. A view into how hard the immigration process can be and how disgusting it can be when others take advantage of people. These were honest hard truths of our world.
Overall I felt this book had too much bickering and junk. The story jumps so quickly in the 2.5 months it's set across which killed some relationship growth. It just didn't grab my attention. I wasnt aching to pick up this book. Truthfully I felt very tired of reading when I got to about 30%
November 21, 2025
3.25 / 5
this was so much to take in, and i mean this in the best possible way.
i loved rupi and simi. their characters were amazing, and i felt for the both of them so deeply. their jealousies, insecurities, pain, happiness, and fears were all so raw and gutwrenching and well-executed. i did feel there were some times that the core of their characterizations strayed, because they went back and forth so much with their feelings about their past and present. but why i was able to reconcile with that easily, as that inconsistency made them so much more authentic to me. watching these two sisters heal and find each other again was so beautiful, and i have to say i want more of it.
i was so invested in rupi and saj. simi and prem were adorable, and their happiness meant so much to me, but watching that slowburn unfold or unravel with rupi and saj was just everything. the book had all the classic things that you can find in a comforting bollywood movie and the episodes of a good hindi primetime show. i loved all four characters, but especially rupi and saj!! so. much. i wanted more of saj, and his entire backstory came tumbling in the third act a little bizarrely, in my opinion. hence the 3.25 instead of a 3.5 or 4.
the ending was a tad bit of a miss for me, even though it was unbelievably heartwarming and romantic. and some details could have been better fleshed out, but no complaints honestly.
thank you to netgalley and lake union publishing for the ARC!!
this was so much to take in, and i mean this in the best possible way.
i loved rupi and simi. their characters were amazing, and i felt for the both of them so deeply. their jealousies, insecurities, pain, happiness, and fears were all so raw and gutwrenching and well-executed. i did feel there were some times that the core of their characterizations strayed, because they went back and forth so much with their feelings about their past and present. but why i was able to reconcile with that easily, as that inconsistency made them so much more authentic to me. watching these two sisters heal and find each other again was so beautiful, and i have to say i want more of it.
i was so invested in rupi and saj. simi and prem were adorable, and their happiness meant so much to me, but watching that slowburn unfold or unravel with rupi and saj was just everything. the book had all the classic things that you can find in a comforting bollywood movie and the episodes of a good hindi primetime show. i loved all four characters, but especially rupi and saj!! so. much. i wanted more of saj, and his entire backstory came tumbling in the third act a little bizarrely, in my opinion. hence the 3.25 instead of a 3.5 or 4.
the ending was a tad bit of a miss for me, even though it was unbelievably heartwarming and romantic. and some details could have been better fleshed out, but no complaints honestly.
thank you to netgalley and lake union publishing for the ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sisters, Rupi and Simi, have not seen each other since leaving India, and their horrible childhood, behind. Simi works as a pediatric nurse in a small town. She also is a nanny for her boss, Dr. Johnson's, triplets. She loves both her jobs and has also fallen in love with Prem Gupta, who just happens to be Dr. Johnson's brother in law. Simi dreams of one day being a part of the Gupta family and leaving her past far behind.
All her plans are destroyed when Rupi turns up at the hospital and begs for Simi's help. Rupi has spent her entire life keeping Simi safe, and now she needs Simi to save her. Her belongings, including her passport are gone. Being deported back to India is dangerous and terrifying. The only option is for Rupi to marry a citizen, and quickly. As much as it breaks her heart, Simi convinces Prem to marry Rupi. She cannot turn her back on the sister who has sacrificed so much for her.
As wedding planning begins, old traumas, and new jealousy develops between the sisters. Simi is heartbroken watching Rupi become welcomed into the loving Gupta family, something she'd always dreamt of. Rupi is unused to being surrounded by a large and loving family, something she had only seen in movies.
As the wedding day draws closer, tensions and conflicts rise and the sisters have to come to terms with their past as well as the future.
This book had everything. Romance, trauma, emotions, as well as some heartbreaking moments. I loved Rupi and Simi, their life in India was horrific. Reading about the sacrifices Rupi made throughout her whole life was devastating but the love the sisters had for each other was so touching. Simi's roller-coaster of emotions was so understandable and I really felt bad for everyone in the situation. Prem's love for Simi was super sweet, however I do wish we could have had more scenes with them to help build the romance. The Gupta family was straight out of a Bollywood movie! I absolutely loved all of them! I enjoyed seeing Rupi's relationships with everyone in the family develop as well as Simi finally advocating for herself. It also showed some of the harsh realities of immigration. You still read about similar things in the news today.
The end, though some parts felt a bit rushed, was perfect and heartwarming. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
All her plans are destroyed when Rupi turns up at the hospital and begs for Simi's help. Rupi has spent her entire life keeping Simi safe, and now she needs Simi to save her. Her belongings, including her passport are gone. Being deported back to India is dangerous and terrifying. The only option is for Rupi to marry a citizen, and quickly. As much as it breaks her heart, Simi convinces Prem to marry Rupi. She cannot turn her back on the sister who has sacrificed so much for her.
As wedding planning begins, old traumas, and new jealousy develops between the sisters. Simi is heartbroken watching Rupi become welcomed into the loving Gupta family, something she'd always dreamt of. Rupi is unused to being surrounded by a large and loving family, something she had only seen in movies.
As the wedding day draws closer, tensions and conflicts rise and the sisters have to come to terms with their past as well as the future.
This book had everything. Romance, trauma, emotions, as well as some heartbreaking moments. I loved Rupi and Simi, their life in India was horrific. Reading about the sacrifices Rupi made throughout her whole life was devastating but the love the sisters had for each other was so touching. Simi's roller-coaster of emotions was so understandable and I really felt bad for everyone in the situation. Prem's love for Simi was super sweet, however I do wish we could have had more scenes with them to help build the romance. The Gupta family was straight out of a Bollywood movie! I absolutely loved all of them! I enjoyed seeing Rupi's relationships with everyone in the family develop as well as Simi finally advocating for herself. It also showed some of the harsh realities of immigration. You still read about similar things in the news today.
The end, though some parts felt a bit rushed, was perfect and heartwarming. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2025
So I changed the dates read because most of the time I didn’t read because I had a lot of exams. 😿
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The story follows two sisters, Rupi and Simi, who had a rough life back in India. Of course when the opportunity arises for Simi to have a better future abroad, Rupi isn’t going to stand in her way. In fact she sacrificed a lot and took the responsibility for the mess that Simi created. That doesn’t mean that Rupi doesn’t wish to have a better life too but this better life doesn’t seem that easy so she goes back to her sister for help.
So to be honest I didn’t enjoy this book. At the beginning I was really invested in the story but the writing made me cringe a lot. I think a lot of things could have been worded better with less extreme and not really fitting metaphors. After a while it just got too much but I kept reading.
The relationship between the sisters was sometimes the most annoying part for me. I get that their relationship is not supposed to be perfect from the start, especially in their situation but I hated that Rupi kept talking and reminiscing about how much she cared for her sister and how much she did for her but now in real life she didn’t have slight empathy for her. Yes, it was fine for Rupi to ask help for once but she didn’t even ask for help, she forced herself on her sister’s life. She didn’t even try to understand why that was so hurtful for her sister. Even if this things is meaningless to you, it has a lot of meaning to your sister and her boyfriend and you should have respected their boundaries. Simi just let herself get walked over by everyone but at least she had a kind of character development.
Despite all of this, I loved that the book talked about real life problems that actually affect a lot of people. So the characters and their situation didn’t feel so distant. The only characters that I liked were Sam and Prem’s dad. I loved how they were so open to Rupi and actually gave her the closeness that she was looking for.
Thanks to Lake Union publishing for providing this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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The story follows two sisters, Rupi and Simi, who had a rough life back in India. Of course when the opportunity arises for Simi to have a better future abroad, Rupi isn’t going to stand in her way. In fact she sacrificed a lot and took the responsibility for the mess that Simi created. That doesn’t mean that Rupi doesn’t wish to have a better life too but this better life doesn’t seem that easy so she goes back to her sister for help.
So to be honest I didn’t enjoy this book. At the beginning I was really invested in the story but the writing made me cringe a lot. I think a lot of things could have been worded better with less extreme and not really fitting metaphors. After a while it just got too much but I kept reading.
The relationship between the sisters was sometimes the most annoying part for me. I get that their relationship is not supposed to be perfect from the start, especially in their situation but I hated that Rupi kept talking and reminiscing about how much she cared for her sister and how much she did for her but now in real life she didn’t have slight empathy for her. Yes, it was fine for Rupi to ask help for once but she didn’t even ask for help, she forced herself on her sister’s life. She didn’t even try to understand why that was so hurtful for her sister. Even if this things is meaningless to you, it has a lot of meaning to your sister and her boyfriend and you should have respected their boundaries. Simi just let herself get walked over by everyone but at least she had a kind of character development.
Despite all of this, I loved that the book talked about real life problems that actually affect a lot of people. So the characters and their situation didn’t feel so distant. The only characters that I liked were Sam and Prem’s dad. I loved how they were so open to Rupi and actually gave her the closeness that she was looking for.
Thanks to Lake Union publishing for providing this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2025
I’m still not sure what this book was. Based on the cover I thought it was a cute road trip romance book but it’s about sisterhood, immigration, and a fake marriage (and not in the trope way). To avoid deportation, Rupi has to marry her estranged sister, Simi’s, secret boyfriend. I don’t really know what to make of it. This might be one that I would have enjoyed more if I knew what it was about.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy.
November 20, 2025
Thank you to author Sonali Dev and publisher Lake Union Publishing for the How Simi Got Her Groom Back ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Sisters Rupi and Simi grew up in conditions no child should experience. When Rupi finds herself in a trafficking situation, she goes to the only person she knows she can trust - her estranged sister, Simi. Simi’s only idea of help her sister? To marry Rupi off to Simi’s love of her life to secure her immigration status. Following love, heartache, betrayal, trauma, and more, these sisters have been through it all and have to learn how to work through every muddy detail of each other.
I can start off by saying that as an American, I am not well versed in Indian culture, but I find myself drawn to romances within the culture. I think it’s insightful to read from Indian authors about Indian culture and have really come to love peaking into that window from time to time. On to the book itself, I really enjoyed the concept of the story and felt like it provided an insight on immigration into America and why people choose to come here, despite America’s own faults.
Simi and Rupi’s relationship, despite being so tumultuous, was raw and real. Ngl though, as the oldest sister to a little sister, Rupi was pissing me off so bad. Like girl why are you letting your sister do this for you and sitting back watching her suffer so deeply while pretty much being like “yeah I deserve this because I did so much for my sister when I was younger” like this was maddening to me as the oldest sister. But to play devil’s advocate, I can see why Rupi would want her sister to want to help her BECAUSE of her sacrifices. Personally, I liked Simi too. I think the author did such a great job at writing the relationship between the sisters because this is how it feels in real life. No one can piss you off more than your sister BUT there’s nothing in the world you wouldn’t do to protect her either. Sisterly bonds run deeper than the ocean.
I thought this was a really nice read overall. I would adore a future novel that dives into Rupi and Saj’s journey in the future as they navigate a new relationship with all of Rupi’s relationship trauma.
Also, my chest physically hurt reading this because I was so stressed out and hurting FOR Simi. Reading all of the interactions between Rupi and Prem and his family physically pained me when reading through Simi’s eyes. I just wanted my girl to be happy ):
Sisters Rupi and Simi grew up in conditions no child should experience. When Rupi finds herself in a trafficking situation, she goes to the only person she knows she can trust - her estranged sister, Simi. Simi’s only idea of help her sister? To marry Rupi off to Simi’s love of her life to secure her immigration status. Following love, heartache, betrayal, trauma, and more, these sisters have been through it all and have to learn how to work through every muddy detail of each other.
I can start off by saying that as an American, I am not well versed in Indian culture, but I find myself drawn to romances within the culture. I think it’s insightful to read from Indian authors about Indian culture and have really come to love peaking into that window from time to time. On to the book itself, I really enjoyed the concept of the story and felt like it provided an insight on immigration into America and why people choose to come here, despite America’s own faults.
Simi and Rupi’s relationship, despite being so tumultuous, was raw and real. Ngl though, as the oldest sister to a little sister, Rupi was pissing me off so bad. Like girl why are you letting your sister do this for you and sitting back watching her suffer so deeply while pretty much being like “yeah I deserve this because I did so much for my sister when I was younger” like this was maddening to me as the oldest sister. But to play devil’s advocate, I can see why Rupi would want her sister to want to help her BECAUSE of her sacrifices. Personally, I liked Simi too. I think the author did such a great job at writing the relationship between the sisters because this is how it feels in real life. No one can piss you off more than your sister BUT there’s nothing in the world you wouldn’t do to protect her either. Sisterly bonds run deeper than the ocean.
I thought this was a really nice read overall. I would adore a future novel that dives into Rupi and Saj’s journey in the future as they navigate a new relationship with all of Rupi’s relationship trauma.
Also, my chest physically hurt reading this because I was so stressed out and hurting FOR Simi. Reading all of the interactions between Rupi and Prem and his family physically pained me when reading through Simi’s eyes. I just wanted my girl to be happy ):
December 8, 2025
📚How Simi Got Her Groom Back
✍🏻Sonali Dev
Blurb:
Two sisters face the real consequences of a fake marriage scheme in an emotional yet hilarious novel about immigration, healing, and family from USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev.
Two sisters. One fake marriage. Zero chance of keeping the truth hidden.
The Naik sisters escaped their traumatic past in Mumbai to come to the States, but their journeys have been vastly different. Simi is working toward a bright future as a pediatric nurse in a small town in Kentucky when Rupi shows up at her door in distress, on the run, and as always, dragging trouble in her wake.
With Rupi’s safety in jeopardy, the sisters hatch a desperate plan to keep her in the Rupi must get married—and fast—even if it means Simi recruiting the man she’s been secretly dating as her sister’s groom. A perfect plan? Not quite. But there aren’t many alternatives.
As the big day inches closer, Simi and Rupi face a storm of wedding shenanigans and romantic surprises, not to mention sisterly jealousies. As the stakes and tensions rise, will their secrets tear them apart or will they find a way to risk everything for love?
My Thoughts:
I was so excited to get this ebook!! This book was an emotional rollercoaster it is also a fantastic story of two sisters reconciling and healing from trauma together, all while navigating broken systems and learning how to trust love of all flavors. My only complaint—I wish it were longer! I hope we get to revisit Simi and Rupi in the future to see how everything's turned out, even if it's just as a footnote in someone else's story. Well done, Sonali—now, just like I did with India's overnight oats recipe in Incense and Sensibility,
i loved Rupi and Simi. their characters were amazing, and i felt for the both of them so deeply. their jealousies, insecurities, pain, happiness, and fears were all so raw and gut wrenching and well-executed. Because they went back and forth so much with their feelings about their past and present. but why i was able to reconcile with that easily, as that inconsistency made them so much more authentic to me. watching these two sisters heal and find each other again was so beautiful
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Author Sonali Dev for the advanced copy of "How Simi Got Her Groom Back" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#SonailDev
#HowSimiGotHerGroomBack
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Sonali Dev
Blurb:
Two sisters face the real consequences of a fake marriage scheme in an emotional yet hilarious novel about immigration, healing, and family from USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev.
Two sisters. One fake marriage. Zero chance of keeping the truth hidden.
The Naik sisters escaped their traumatic past in Mumbai to come to the States, but their journeys have been vastly different. Simi is working toward a bright future as a pediatric nurse in a small town in Kentucky when Rupi shows up at her door in distress, on the run, and as always, dragging trouble in her wake.
With Rupi’s safety in jeopardy, the sisters hatch a desperate plan to keep her in the Rupi must get married—and fast—even if it means Simi recruiting the man she’s been secretly dating as her sister’s groom. A perfect plan? Not quite. But there aren’t many alternatives.
As the big day inches closer, Simi and Rupi face a storm of wedding shenanigans and romantic surprises, not to mention sisterly jealousies. As the stakes and tensions rise, will their secrets tear them apart or will they find a way to risk everything for love?
My Thoughts:
I was so excited to get this ebook!! This book was an emotional rollercoaster it is also a fantastic story of two sisters reconciling and healing from trauma together, all while navigating broken systems and learning how to trust love of all flavors. My only complaint—I wish it were longer! I hope we get to revisit Simi and Rupi in the future to see how everything's turned out, even if it's just as a footnote in someone else's story. Well done, Sonali—now, just like I did with India's overnight oats recipe in Incense and Sensibility,
i loved Rupi and Simi. their characters were amazing, and i felt for the both of them so deeply. their jealousies, insecurities, pain, happiness, and fears were all so raw and gut wrenching and well-executed. Because they went back and forth so much with their feelings about their past and present. but why i was able to reconcile with that easily, as that inconsistency made them so much more authentic to me. watching these two sisters heal and find each other again was so beautiful
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Author Sonali Dev for the advanced copy of "How Simi Got Her Groom Back" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#SonailDev
#HowSimiGotHerGroomBack
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 27, 2025
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, it was so many things and in my opinion, it did all of them really well. The book, firstly, is a story about the bond of sisters as they come together again years after the trauma they went through as children. Both Simi and Rupi were written with so much depth. The trauma they went through, their roles as sisters when they were young, as Rupi being the caretaker, carries over into their reunion in present time. The conflicts between them as they sort that out, fight, throw it in each other's faces, seemed really real to me. The truth about the hopelessness of immigration and deportation is also heartbreaking, and the author really portrays that well. I also thought the author portrayed a good balance of angst and humour about the situation Simi, Rupi, and Prem are in. I loved reading about how Rupi fell for the family who accepted her, even if it was a lie. It was also heartbreaking reading about Simi and Prem, and how despite their intentional sacrifice, of course they're still hurting over Prem marrying her sister. The last 20% of the book was brilliant too, the ending, how things ended up with Rupi, it made me tear up. I don't think I'll forget about this story anytime soon.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC!
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC!
October 29, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, Sonali Dev, and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! I was so excited to pick it up because it’s written by an Indian author and features Indian characters—and it did not disappoint.
Simi and Rupi’s relationship felt so real and relatable. They clearly love each other deeply, yet there’s so much resentment, frustration, and unhealed hurt between them. Still, when it truly mattered, they showed up for each other—and that’s what made their bond so moving.
What I especially appreciated was how well the author portrayed their flaws. Even when Simi and Rupi slipped back into their toxic patterns, I never felt annoyed or disconnected from them. That says so much about Sonali Dev’s writing—she made me understand their pain and choices instead of judging them for it.
I also adored the Gupta family! They added such warmth and humor to the story, and I honestly wouldn’t mind reading more about them in future books.
I absolutely loved this book! I was so excited to pick it up because it’s written by an Indian author and features Indian characters—and it did not disappoint.
Simi and Rupi’s relationship felt so real and relatable. They clearly love each other deeply, yet there’s so much resentment, frustration, and unhealed hurt between them. Still, when it truly mattered, they showed up for each other—and that’s what made their bond so moving.
What I especially appreciated was how well the author portrayed their flaws. Even when Simi and Rupi slipped back into their toxic patterns, I never felt annoyed or disconnected from them. That says so much about Sonali Dev’s writing—she made me understand their pain and choices instead of judging them for it.
I also adored the Gupta family! They added such warmth and humor to the story, and I honestly wouldn’t mind reading more about them in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up
I somehow picked this up under the assumption that it was Romance, and it most certainly is not! After getting very stressed in the first few chapters, I put it down for a bit and readjusted my expectations lol. This is the story of two Indian sisters in the US, trying to build lives while plagued by immigration bullshit and the consequences of trafficking. It is often tense and heartwrenching, but also a touching portrayal of sisterhood's complexities. Everything to do with the sisters' relationship I enjoyed, it was actually the (minimal, on Simi's part) individual character arcs and romantic subplots that didn't always land for me. The established couple spent so much of the book avoiding each other that their reconciliation wasn't particularly satisfying, and the budding romance didn't built convincing foundations imo. This mixed experience made it hard to rate, but I've erred on the generous side because I did spend most of the book pretty hooked.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I somehow picked this up under the assumption that it was Romance, and it most certainly is not! After getting very stressed in the first few chapters, I put it down for a bit and readjusted my expectations lol. This is the story of two Indian sisters in the US, trying to build lives while plagued by immigration bullshit and the consequences of trafficking. It is often tense and heartwrenching, but also a touching portrayal of sisterhood's complexities. Everything to do with the sisters' relationship I enjoyed, it was actually the (minimal, on Simi's part) individual character arcs and romantic subplots that didn't always land for me. The established couple spent so much of the book avoiding each other that their reconciliation wasn't particularly satisfying, and the budding romance didn't built convincing foundations imo. This mixed experience made it hard to rate, but I've erred on the generous side because I did spend most of the book pretty hooked.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went in blind to How Simi Got Her Groom Back, knowing simply it was by Sonali Dev and how much I enjoy her storytelling. Whoa, did this get an immediate reaction from my heart. Simpering Simi (my initial nickname for the younger Naik sister) is so timid and meek, even around Prem, the man she loves. Rupi, the eldest, is a force to be reckoned with and, at first, was extremely frustrating as a character. She was so self absorbed in my eyes, even knowing a few details of the sisters' past. It is a whirlwind of emotions once the fake wedding preparations start. I was so invested in what would happen. Watching Simi grow and realize she didn't need to hide in the background was such a relief. Rupi's relationship with Baba along with N & N had me softening toward her and I was happy to see her open herself up to love. As a reader I want more. I need Rupi's story. The ending was satisfying, yet a bit rushed.
November 28, 2025
I have only read Sonali Dev's series, The Rajes, which I enjoyed greatly. I was expecting more of a romance with How Simi Got Her Groom Back (especially considering the title), but Simi's story stayed fairly constant with little growth throughout. Rupi, her sister, was a frustrating character at times, understandably, but her story was more engaging to read.
This felt more a story about sisterhood than about romance. As the sisters' backstory was revealed, it did feel like the book got more serious and the stakes were higher. The fake marriage plot was less interesting to me, as I was more focused on how the sisters might work towards repairing their relationship.
Overall, not really the book for me. There were some cringe moments and flat characters. But I know this book would appeal to other readers.
This felt more a story about sisterhood than about romance. As the sisters' backstory was revealed, it did feel like the book got more serious and the stakes were higher. The fake marriage plot was less interesting to me, as I was more focused on how the sisters might work towards repairing their relationship.
Overall, not really the book for me. There were some cringe moments and flat characters. But I know this book would appeal to other readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sonali Dev reminds me once again why she’s one of my favorite authors. I really enjoyed the complex characters and the alternating points of view of sisters Simi and Rupi as they navigate their relationship during uncertain times. The characters often surprised me, especially Rupi, both in her personality and in the unexpected impact she had on others, particularly Prem’s grandfather.
I also appreciated how Dev explored the immigrant experience in the U.S. and the trauma tied to it without making the story feel too heavy. It stayed warm, engaging, and easy to read while still carrying meaningful depth. I’d love to see more books set in this world from other characters’ perspectives (Saj, Chandni, or Preeti), similar to her Rajes series. Overall, this was a heartfelt and very enjoyable read.
I also appreciated how Dev explored the immigrant experience in the U.S. and the trauma tied to it without making the story feel too heavy. It stayed warm, engaging, and easy to read while still carrying meaningful depth. I’d love to see more books set in this world from other characters’ perspectives (Saj, Chandni, or Preeti), similar to her Rajes series. Overall, this was a heartfelt and very enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Who said this was a romantic comedy? There's nothing romantic or funny about it. It's the constant bickering of two sisters over who has sacrificed more for the other. This should come with trigger warnings like family trauma, illegal migration, human trafficking, homelessness.
The story gives a good idea about the anxiety of refugees trying to find their footing in their chosen new home country while navigating the maze of bureaucracy, but one would expect more empathy from the sisters toward each other in finding a solution which works for both of them.
Although the plot was interesting, I felt that the sisters were doing the same rounds over and over again, bringing up old hurts and as a reader I am forced to choose who is in the right. It was tiring and after a while rather annoying.
The story gives a good idea about the anxiety of refugees trying to find their footing in their chosen new home country while navigating the maze of bureaucracy, but one would expect more empathy from the sisters toward each other in finding a solution which works for both of them.
Although the plot was interesting, I felt that the sisters were doing the same rounds over and over again, bringing up old hurts and as a reader I am forced to choose who is in the right. It was tiring and after a while rather annoying.
November 30, 2025
#HowSimiGotHerGroomBack #NetGalley
Title: Excellent word play on the well known book and film.
Cover: Vibrant and eye catching.
Read: Just a so so one despite the horrific backstory of both Simi and Rupi that began in India and ended in the U.S. Their childhood was fraught with predators and an indifferent mother. Their adulthood was spent largely left leaving their past behind to start anew.
The writing style though does not create much empathy for Simi and just a tad bit more for Rupi.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Lake Union Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Title: Excellent word play on the well known book and film.
Cover: Vibrant and eye catching.
Read: Just a so so one despite the horrific backstory of both Simi and Rupi that began in India and ended in the U.S. Their childhood was fraught with predators and an indifferent mother. Their adulthood was spent largely left leaving their past behind to start anew.
The writing style though does not create much empathy for Simi and just a tad bit more for Rupi.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Lake Union Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Have read and loved all of Sonali Dev’s books for years now, but this might be my favorite. The character development is on point, and even peripheral characters are sketched vividly. There are many love stories in this novel, but my favorite was the warmth and comfort that develops between the boisterous Gupta family and the two neglected sisters, Simi and Rupi. I couldn’t put this one down!
Have read and loved all of Sonali Dev’s books for years now, but this might be my favorite. The character development is on point, and even peripheral characters are sketched vividly. There are many love stories in this novel, but my favorite was the warmth and comfort that develops between the boisterous Gupta family and the two neglected sisters, Simi and Rupi. I couldn’t put this one down!
November 30, 2025
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
I’ve read other Sonali Dev books, so I had a good idea what to expect. However, I found this one less fun to read because the storyline got pretty dark in spots, which wasn’t what I was looking for when I was reading this. If I had been reading this without those preconceptions, I probably would have enjoyed it more.
I’ve read other Sonali Dev books, so I had a good idea what to expect. However, I found this one less fun to read because the storyline got pretty dark in spots, which wasn’t what I was looking for when I was reading this. If I had been reading this without those preconceptions, I probably would have enjoyed it more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How Simi Got Her Groom Back by Sonali Dev was not quite the romance book I expected. Whilst it had romantic elements and ended on that note, it had deeper themes of familial relationships and sacrifice. I enjoyed the character development and liked most of the characters. An interesting read overall.
I got the ARC from Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley. This is my honest review
I got the ARC from Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley. This is my honest review
October 14, 2025
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This was a great read. You think this is a typical romance but it is much deeper than that and speaks a lot to the immigrant experience in the U.S. I really enjoyed this.
November 23, 2025
How Simi Got Her Groom Back by Sonali Dev
The story follows sisters Simi and Rupi as they navigate the secrets of their past and the circumstances of the present. Having escaped from a traumatic past in Mumbai, the lives of both sisters cannot be more different now that they are living in the US. However, is blood thicker in the end and can the sibling bond triumph? These questions form some of the basis of a plot that brings us some unexpected twists and turns. Told from alternating points of view, the author gives us insights into how the sisters think and brings out a contrast in their personalities through this style of storytelling.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship of the sisters and the bonds they form with those around them. I also loved the underlying concept of enduring love, through good and bad. There is quite a lot of dialogue to get through and sometimes it feels as though the spotlight is more on Rupi than on Simi. But, in the end, the story comes together beautifully, bringing us an ending that is unexpected, but worth the read. The author highlights the journey of people who move out of their country, what they face and how they try to make a small place for themselves.
I have always been a fan of the author's writing, and this book did not disappoint. I recommend fans of romance to join Simi on her journey to get her groom back!
The story follows sisters Simi and Rupi as they navigate the secrets of their past and the circumstances of the present. Having escaped from a traumatic past in Mumbai, the lives of both sisters cannot be more different now that they are living in the US. However, is blood thicker in the end and can the sibling bond triumph? These questions form some of the basis of a plot that brings us some unexpected twists and turns. Told from alternating points of view, the author gives us insights into how the sisters think and brings out a contrast in their personalities through this style of storytelling.
I enjoyed reading about the relationship of the sisters and the bonds they form with those around them. I also loved the underlying concept of enduring love, through good and bad. There is quite a lot of dialogue to get through and sometimes it feels as though the spotlight is more on Rupi than on Simi. But, in the end, the story comes together beautifully, bringing us an ending that is unexpected, but worth the read. The author highlights the journey of people who move out of their country, what they face and how they try to make a small place for themselves.
I have always been a fan of the author's writing, and this book did not disappoint. I recommend fans of romance to join Simi on her journey to get her groom back!
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