Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel

by Arushi Avachat

Rani's summer checklist didn't include falling in love in this sparkling romance for fans of The Summer of Broken Rules and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.

Nineteen-year-old Rani Deshpande is on a mission to reinvent herself the summer before transferring to her new university. After a challenging freshman year, Rani can’t help but feel like she’s playing catch up. To that end, she’s crafted a packed summer to get back on track: a dream internship, adventures with her hometown best friend, and regular driving lessons so that she can finally lose her passenger princess reputation - even if it means learning from her aggravating family friend (and childhood crush), Kush Khanna.

Kush and Rani grew up together, but they couldn’t be less alike. Within their close-knit Desi community - a Jane Austen style cast of ridiculous, meddlesome families - Kush is the beloved model son; Rani is more the black sheep. Kush is pre-med; Rani plans to teach elementary school. Kush is cool and collected, bordering on reticent; Rani couldn’t keep her mouth shut if her life depended on it. So when their mothers first force the pair to drive together, the arrangement feels like a recipe for disaster. As the lessons progress, however, Rani discovers there’s more to the boy she’s known her whole life than meets the eye.

In Arushi Avachat's Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel, Rani must learn to course-correct, no matter how bumpy or windy the road – and even if it includes a detour right into love.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult Romance, Contemporary Romance

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Arushi Avachat is a writer from the Bay Area, California. She studied English, Political Science, and South Asian Studies at UCLA, where she was often found sipping caramel lattes and pretending to be productive at Kerckhoff Coffee House. A 2024 Marshall Scholar, Arushi received her MSt in English and American Studies at Oxford. Arushi loves dark chocolate, Jane Austen books, and California winters. Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment (Wednesday Books) is her first novel. Her second novel, Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel (Wednesday Books), releases on May 19. She is represented by the lovely Rebecca Rodd and Kerry Sparks at LGR Literary.

Reviews

[aira · Rating 3 out of 5]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 3.5/5

My reading at the end of the month is usually always somehow better than the rest of the month. I think that should be a topic of study, but anyways I enjoyed this book so much.

Rani and Kush were so cute together and I truly liked how this focused on the chemistry between them. It was in the little things, like the terrace moment in the party, the driving lessons, the dinners between their families, etc. Hehe, I wish we got to see more of Rani's family, especially her brothers and her grandfather because they were such a perfect addition to the story.

ok, bye that one scene where a string on her dupatta gets caught on his button...what does a girl gotta do to have those moments in real life? Like just once in life, I would like that. Such a classic Bollywood moment, I was blushing so hard.



and then the epilogue....omg the epilogue was so cute. Such a cute ending to a sweet book.

Overall, I love seeing books where the main characters share the same background as me with the proper representation...and the two feuding aunties made my day. It definitely got a few laughs out of me.

It gave wattpad flashbacks, but like in the best way possible. I remember reading books with the arranged marriage trope on wattpad or even like college love stories between indian people and I truly did get those vibes with this one. It's been a long time (maybe like 4-5 years) since I've been on wattpad, but this was truly something that reminded me of how awesome it feels to read about how vast Indian traditions and culture are.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this arc!!

---------------

pre-read: the cover for this is so pretty and I have the arc.

[joni ౨ৎ - interactive hiatus]

oh YES. i had lots of fun

if you want something that'll make u giggle at every interaction they have and have u speeding through the book to find out what this man really thinks PLEASE READDDDD!!! out may 19th <3



----


𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
i am tackling my arc tbr! this one comes out may 19 and i'm LOVING it!!! the indian rep + fmc wants to be a teacher!!! (twins) he's her childhood crush turned nemesis & now they're in college and he's giving her drivng lessons over the summer 🤭 this is so fun and very fast paced!!

my first buddy read with my fav har ily and can't wait to yap!! <3


thank you st martin's press for the digtal arc & wednesday books / colored pages book tours for the gifted copy

[har. (BACK!!)]

┆ ⤿ 🚗 ⌗ started: may 14

OUT ON MAY 19!

𑣲⋆ pre-read

ⓘ thank you st. martin's press, netgalley & arushi avachat for the e-arc in exchange for a honest review

summer has began which means its time to catch up with arcs! first br with the sweetest joni! 💌 i'm so excited to read this w you and yap nonstop <3 i've heard super good things about this book so i'm ready!! and from a desi author, which makes me even more excited!! 💐🫧

[Yusra ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

another arccc

rtc, this was adorable

[Sherwood Smith]

What I loved: the family dynamics, the cultural overlay, and how cultural differences clash and how they integrate.

What I found a hard time with: the central romance seemed a bit distant for me, built on small misunderstandings without emotional development, and I really wanted more of Rani's research instead of being told it was there. Less driving, more delving!

[Ayushi (bookwormbullet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

[Bonnie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rani's freshman year at a college away from her hometown is quite the disappointment for her. She transfers to a college near her home and plans a summer to start afresh. She and her best friend, Simram, have made their check lists for the summer. One of the items on Rani's list is to get her driver's license, something she has been putting off. It turns out she has to take driving lessons from her family friend, and childhood crush.
This delightful story of Rani's busy summer will keep you entertained and have you rooting for Rani.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wheel is quite an inspirational novel and any young person who is looking to reinvent themselves should take the opportunity to read this. The book shows that it is okay to change yourself if you want to better your life but if you do decide to change yourself don't make it to drastic because you don't want to give off a shallow complex. Overall I really enjoyed the story because the author managed to pull off a very important message while crafting a very enjoyable story.

We are introduced to Rani who decided after her freshman year of college to transfer schools. She decides that before the Summer is over that she will reinvent herself. One of het goals is to get her drivers license and the one to teach her is her childhood friend Kush. Will this be a summer that neither one of them will forget?

[snazzy pen ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Current rating: 3.5 stars!

This was really fun! It had a bit of a slice-of-life feel, which I enjoyed. Rani was such a relatable character, and I felt for her regarding her struggles with her freshman year of college, and just navigating various responsibilities and challenges as a 19 year old. I also loved reading about her relationships with her family and her new friends!

I did like Rani and Kush together, but the romance could have used a bit more development instead of all the misunderstandings that occurred. Still cute, though!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rani Deshpande takes the wheel is a friends to lovers YA romance. I love the South Asian representation. Rani Deshpande didn't feel like she fit in after a tough freshman year in college., she returns home for the summer with big goals in mind. Over the summer she learns a lot about herself, her family and that not everything or everyone are as they seen. Forced to take driving lessons from her family friend and childhood crush Kush Khanna. Rani and Kush have a quick witty banter. The driving lessons have a slow start. Rani wants to get out on the road right away, and Kush takes a more cautious approach. Spending time together in the car leads to them repairing past misunderstandings and rekindling their friendship.

Rani Deshpande takes the wheel is a delightful YA romance book about finding your own voice, falling in love, complexies of family and growing up. Rani's struggles can relatable: the pressures of being the eldest daughter in a South Asian family, live to her parents' expectations and finding her way through college.

[Sukie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read the ARC for Arushi Avachat's book Rani Deshpande Takes The Wheel!

I loved this book! And seeing as it's an ARC I will not be providing a few of my favorite quotes.

Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel is one of those books you pick up thinking “oh, this sounds pretty good,” and suddenly you’re 100 pages deep, obsessed with the writing, and shipping Rani & Kush so hard

As an Asian reader, this is the kind of story I would’ve loved in high school, but I’m so glad I get to read it now! I will be recommending it to everyone I know who struggles with the cultural differences and self identity navigation separation from cultural demand.

Rani’s character is EVERYTHING. As the eldest daughter, the emotional backbone of her family, and a super relatable human, I connected with her instantly. Her sensitivity, her heart, and yes… the fact that she cries when she’s angry made me relate to her even more.

The slow-burn romance with Kush? Absolute perfection. Their banter is hilarious, sweet, and wholesome, and watching their feelings grow naturally was my favorite part of the story

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartfelt YA contemporary with family, culture, self-discovery, and adorable romance… this one is it

[Vedika Awtani · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I truly loved this one! I definitely love brown girl representation in romance, and I love to support authors that showcase my culture so wonderfully on the page. This one, in particular, felt as though someone had taken the pages from my own life.

Rani is a formidable main character, caught in the natural ebbs and flows of university life (much like myself!). She is nowhere near perfect, and she has various challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities while navigating the throes of adulthood. Perhaps it is because we are both the same age -- and because I too cannot drive -- but Rani felt as though she was a perfectly crafted nineteen year old. She is set on achieving perfection professionally, but she makes the same mistakes we all do as we learn to be an adult. I think watching her navigate familial responsibilities, especially within her role as an eldest daughter, alongside a whirlwind romance and budding friendships was a fantastic representation of most university experiences. I also really enjoyed the overarching metaphor of driving being the semblance of control that she strives to and eventually achieves as she becomes comfortable in this new stage of her life.

Kush is an amazing character, and certainly one I was drawn to right from the start. While I never expected him to be as layered as he was, I think he was a meticulously curated character with flaws and a past that was addressed beautifully. I was flipping pages at the speed of light if only to know more about him as the chapters unraveled. I also think he is one of the best communicators I might have ever come across, and I think adding in his childhood connection to Rani was a perfect finishing touch. On another note, I loved the traditional social culture and fancy events as the backdrop for their relationship. And, hello? The chunni caught in the buttons moment? I screamed.

My only critiques for the novel would center around the pacing and overall conclusion for the relationship. The book is very much a slowburn, a facet that I appreciate and enjoy, but towards the end, I felt as though some things were slightly hasty as they were wrapping up. To me, Rani's conversations with her family are tied up nicely, but I feel as though I wanted to know slightly more about Kush and feel a stronger connection with their relationship. Although I know it had been building up for a while, the end still did not satisfy the craving that I had all throughout the book in seeing Rani and Kush's actual relationship, including how they interacted on campus, made it official, or navigated the topic around their friend groups. That said, I did still like the growth progression throughout the book, and I hope there is more about these two that I can dive into.

Overall, I really loved this one, and I cannot wait to get a copy to put on my shelf when it comes out!

[Zahra (Bookish_Platypus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was really sweet and is perfect for eldest daughters (especially those of immigrant families).

Rani has a lot going on during her summer break and is balancing work, schoolwork, familial duties, and learning to finally drive. But on top of all of that she wants to make friends at her new university and avoid Kush Khanna - her childhood crush who she resents. Unfortunately, Kush has been tasked with teaching her to drive so she's now got a summer filled with Kush.

The strongest parts of this book highlight Rani's culture and her role in her family - which has been hard on her because she's expected to handle so much as an eldest daughter even though she already has a full plate. I liked how Rani learned to communicate and set boundaries with the different people in her lives. Her relationships with her grandfather and her brothers were also very special. And of course this book had me wanting to go shop for pretty lehenga cholis.

I loved all the dynamics with Rani's various friendships and how nicely she's accepted into the friend group at her new school. I think the book could've used a better balance between the friend storylines and the other storylines though because there were just so many different friend characters and they didn't all get much actual time being friends. They had their moments, but it was often a scene thrown in every few chapters so we didn't forget the different friends existed. It was also a quick read so I don't think there was enough actual time/space to work more in either. It was just a lot to accomplish in a standard YA novel.

The schoolwork storyline is the one I felt suffered the most by this book being very full of plots. You almost could've left that part out of the book completely and had very little change, but the overall story relies on Rani being stretched too thin and overwhelmed so it feels like that was its main purpose. I do think the commentary on ESL readers is very important though and I appreciated the inclusion of it.

The romantic plot is woven in throughout the story. It's definitely more of a will they won't they slowburn of sorts but as a Friends to Lovers and Second Chance fan, I loved them together and adored the ending of the book!

While there is a lot going on in this book, the central theme of an eldest daughter stretched too thin is executed perfectly. I really enjoyed this and definitely recommend it!


Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books for the advanced copy!

[Zara Astrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel! This story had me hooked from the very first page, and I found myself completely invested in Rani’s journey. Rani is hardworking, responsible, and constantly trying to balance family obligations, school life, and figuring out who she is—something I think many readers will resonate with.

The story follows Rani as she transfers to a college closer to home and plans a summer full of personal goals, including finally getting her driver’s license. Of course, the twist is that her driving lessons are with Kush, a family friend and her childhood crush, which sets the stage for a summer full of growth, self-discovery, and some incredibly sweet romance.

Rani is such a relatable and well-rounded character. She’s ambitious and determined, but she also makes mistakes and struggles with feeling in control, which makes her journey feel authentic. Watching her navigate family expectations, friendships, and budding love felt real and heartfelt. The way the story uses driving as a metaphor for control and independence was clever and meaningful.

Kush is just as compelling - a layered, thoughtful character with charm, humor, and a past that slowly unfolds. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the banter between them had me grinning. I loved seeing their relationship develop gradually, with all the small, intimate moments that make a slow-burn romance so satisfying.

The cultural touches throughout (family dynamics, traditions, and even the small, humorous moments) added a richness that made the book feel vibrant and genuine. It’s a lovely representation of South Asian life.

Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel is fun, heartwarming, and totally charming. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m so excited to see what Arushi Avachat writes next. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a relatable protagonist, slow-burning romance, and a story full of heart and culture.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this E-ARC.

[kav · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

As a South Asian, I will always love seeing and reading about representation in books. Rani is back home for the summer and is working on all sorts of things: finally getting her license, working on a program at the library, and getting ready for a fresh start at a new university. Rani is a very realistic main character, and I found myself relating to her a lot, especially with how often and easily she cried lol. I loved watching her grow and be able to speak up for herself when it comes to family and her relationships, and just being more confident in herself in general. Rani's relationship with her different family members was another thing I loved to read, especially her relationship with Ajoba! Kush was also another amazingly written character, as he also had many flaws and sides to himself. The way Desi culture was embedded throughout the book was done so nicely and really made the book feel like I was literally reading about someone I knew. I especially enjoyed seeing Avachat talk about things that aren't really commonly discussed in the Desi community, like divorce and the expectations put on eldest daughters.

Kush and Rani have SUCH AMAZING chemistry, and I loved every single scene with them together. The scenes from their childhood added to their history and the slow burn. The only thing is that I wish there had been more development with Kush and Rani's romance. It felt kinda weak, and it was literally just a bunch of misunderstandings on top of more misunderstandings. I think the beginning of their relationship and the slow burn there was very nice, but it was mainly the ending where things felt rushed. I feel like the characters in the relationship had depth rather than the relationship itself, if that makes sense. The romance definitely felt like a sideplot, for me at least, but I still really loved this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me this ARC!

[nihaarika · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)

okay, this was so freaking cute!! rani deshpande takes the wheel feels like one of those books that you pick up and go, oh this sounds pretty good. and the next thing you know, you’re a hundred pages deep, in love with the writing style, and shipping rani and kush so hard. as someone who is south asian, this is the kind of story that i would have loved to read in high school, and i’m glad that i get to do it now. reading this reminded me of the iconic ya contemporaries from the 2010s, but with a desi twist, and i am so here for that.

the writing style was so captivating, and arushi avachat did such a great job at capturing the heart of a young, desi girl, who is also the eldest daughter and takes care of her siblings. as a fellow eldest daughter myself, i knew i was gonna love and connect with rani so quickly. and i did. it felt like her and i were the same person. her sensitivity and the fact that she cries when she’s angry made me love her so much more.

much of the story centres around rani and her tendency to take on a lot of work, to be the ever-reliant person for her family and friends, to fit in and find a place for herself. taking on the driving lessons with kush sets her on a path of self-discovery and change, and as the story progresses, she learns that it is okay to want to take a break.

the romance was so wholesome and cute and adorable!! rani and kush bantered hard, and in between those scenes, you could tell that feelings were slowly growing. the progression of their relationship was so well written, and probably was my favourite part of the story.

rani deshpande takes the wheel was such a fun read and i cannot wait to see what arushi avachat writes next!

thank you wednesday books for the e-arc!

[charmette.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rani Desphande Takes the Wheel is Arushi Avachat’s second YA novel, and it is a fun read. Rani is home for the summer after a challenging first year at college. She is determined to have a good summer, and plans to get an internship and learn how to drive. Her parents encourage her to have driving lessons with Kush. Kush and Rani are family friends, and she grew up alternating between annoyance with his success and crushing hard on him.

The driving lessons have a slow start. Rani wants to get out on the road right away, and Kush takes a more cautious approach. Spending time together in the car leads to them repairing past misunderstandings and rekindling their friendship. As kids, their families spent a lot of time together, and they were close. They grew apart for various reasons but will now be attending the same university and spending more time together.

Rani slowly makes progress with her driving skills as the summer continues. The more time she and Kush spend together, the more fun they have. Their romance builds slowly, and is very much a slow burn, which felt really authentic. The emotional depth of their connection allows them to confide in each other about academic pressures and family issues. This YA novel stands out to me because of the complex relationships between the characters, which made this book a rich and nuanced read.

I really enjoyed Rani and Kush’s summer adventures and loved seeing how each character grew and evolved throughout the book. The author weaves South Asian culture throughout the story, from the Maranathi language to traditional foods, holidays, and traditions.I recommend this YA novel to all readers who enjoy a sweet, low spice romance.

Thank you to Wednesday Books/MacMillan Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This is my first book by Avachat, and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed these characters and the flow of the narrative overall. Oh, and watching Rani take the titular wheel in all the literal and figurative ways.

Rani has recently completed her freshman year of college so may be leaning a little more toward new adult than YA for those of us who concern ourselves with these things, Things didn't go perfectly in year one - a vital, relatable situation that many readers in this audience should know happens to the best of us. Before Rani jumps back in to her schooling, she's reconnecting with her family, her best friend, and her desire to grow in other ways, like finally getting her license. This is where family friend, Kush, comes in. He'll be her driving instructor, which may be a little awkward, since they've had a long and at times challenging connection.

The relationship between Rani and Kush is central, but it's not ALL Rani is or cares about, and that is a real strength of this novel. Rani is layered, and so are her challenges. It's meaningful to watch her work through family nonsense, experience a rough patch with her best pal, and especially work through some of her own stuff (including but not limited to WAY too much crying). She's flawed but easy to root for, which makes her a compelling protagonist for this audience especially.

What capped off a strong read for me was Avachat's savage - in a good way - author's note. I loved it and must warn readers to absolutely not miss it.

I'm looking forward to more from this author!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Nissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC Netgalley!
Admittedly, Arushi Avachat's debut its still sitting on my desk waiting to have its turn on my TBR list, but after reading Rani and Kush's story, it is most definitely being move up.
I've just finished my first year at university, and like Rani, I've had a really hard time settling in. For her it was her grandfathers stroke leaving her ,mentally elsewhere and giving her issues making friends, for me my grandparents passing. I found this book at the perfect time, as Rani and I were going through the same struggles and both at the exact same point in our life just trying to make it out the other end. Arushi wrote Rani's issues at school and with all her friendships so well, and it was so heartwarming to see her finally making some new good friends because she was written in a way where I knew she deserved it.
Now the romance was amazing. Childhood friends to lovers, enemies to lovers and in a childhood crush way, second chance romance. Again I related to Rani so much because I also haven't yet gotten my licence, and her driving lessons were a great way to give the couple that forced proximity for the bicker flirting to begin. Rani's family dynamics and her push back against being the third parent were so nice to see and I loved how she always stood up for herself. The romance was so gripping, with great lines and chemistry on page that can so easily be messed up with enemies to lovers.
Highly recommend this book, and cant wait to read more from the author!

[Victoria Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. This is such a cute book, I loved the author’s debut and this one was just as enjoyable. There was real heart and lots to love in this story, as we followed Rani through the summer between her freshman and sophomore year of college. She navigates family challenges, boy troubles, a new job, school demands, and more in this sweet coming of age story. It was so enjoyable to be back in this story where these problems seemed large to Rani but, you knew as the reader that things would work out. I also enjoyed being within Rani’s world, her community and culture, and think that it only made the book that much better.

I think the author captures the teen voice and spirit well in this book and although there were a few bits of dialogue that felt unrealistic, it wasn’t overwhelming or annoying. There is believable character development in the story and well fleshed out relationships between the characters too, making it an overall joy to read and great mental escape. Plus, the chemistry between the main characters felt real and was slow built enough to truly enjoy the payoff at the end.

I’d continue to read books by this author and hope it gets the readership it deserves from a YA and even adult audience. I’d definitely recommend it to fans of young adult coming of age stories!

[Edlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a challenging freshman year, Rani Deshpande decides to transfer to a new university. Content with her choice, Rani is home for the summer and determined to turn things around. On her to-do list: pass her driver’s test, impress her independent study advisor, complete a successful internship, and spend time with her best friend.

Rani’s summer gets off to an awkward start when Kush Khanna, family friend and former crush, is tasked with giving her driving lessons. Although they have known each other since childhood and their families are extremely close, Rani and Kush are complete opposites. Kush is the model son headed for medical school, and Rani is the sensitive and reactive daughter who plans to become an elementary school teacher.

Rani doesn’t feel like she can relate to Kush; her parents’ unreasonable expectations, her struggles with finding her way at college, and the pressures of being the eldest daughter in a South Asian family are constant sources of stress for Rani. However, as they spend more time together, Rani begins to understand that there is more to Kush than his perfect facade and that he too deals with his own struggles. Kush makes Rani feel vulnerable and seen, which both scares and thrills her. Is he worth the risk?

Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel was a delightful young adult novel about growing up, finding your own voice, the complexities of family, and falling in love.

[neha · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am constantly seeking out south asian romance novels but i rarely leave satisfied. sometimes the references are overdone, or the relationship development is too fast or i just can’t connect with the characters despite having the benefit of shared culture. safe to say, this book doesn’t suffer from any of that. these characters are well written (the fmc more than the mmc, but he still appears to be fairly developed) and because of that, the development of their relationship feels natural. they have known each other for much of their lives but they spend a summer rediscovering each other after several misunderstandings and you truly do see the ice start to thaw to the point where they seek out each others company. they have their issues but they apologize and (eventually) talk it out. the fmc apart from that has a lot of other aspects that she needs to navigate, mostly suffering from eldest daughter of an immigrant household syndrome, but seeing her come into her own at the end is lovely. this all goes to say, i think this was a well balanced book with rom AND com, character development, fairly fleshed out plot lines… the works. i’d say it does good job of revealing the quirks of south asian diaspora culture and i found much of it comforting. very cute overall

(received an arc copy through netgalley)

[Aura C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the quiet confidence of this story. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t rush to impress but settles into its rhythm and lets the characters do the work. The pacing felt steady and intentional, and I appreciated how much space was given to growth that felt personal rather than performative.

Rani’s journey stood out to me the most. Her internal struggles around responsibility, expectations, and figuring out what she actually wants felt relatable, especially within the context of family and cultural pressure. Those moments landed with a lot of heart, and they were written with care. The family dynamics in particular felt lived-in and familiar in a way that added depth without overwhelming the story.

The romance was sweet and understated. I liked that it developed through shared history and small moments rather than big dramatic gestures. It wasn’t overly angsty, but it also wasn’t shallow, which made it feel genuine. The chemistry built naturally, and I found myself rooting for them without needing constant tension to stay engaged.

Overall, this was a comforting, thoughtful read with humor, warmth, and emotional honesty. It didn’t completely knock me off my feet, but it absolutely held my attention and left me smiling by the end. A solid four stars for a story that balances romance, family, and self-discovery really well.

[Danielle Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rani Deshpandi is 19 and has just finished her freshman year of college. She does not yet have her drivers license and is determined that this will be the summer she passes the test. Unfortunately by the time she tries to sign up the drivers ed class is full so her mom helpfully volunteers their family friend, Kush, to teach her. Kush is a year older and just so happens to be her childhood crush. They proceed to spend the summer together teaching Rani how to drive while she also tries to juggle a summer job, familial responsibilities, and independent study work.

I liked the unique storyline of the crush being guilted into teaching her to drive by their families. Rani is Marathi so there is a lot of Marathi culture pulled into the story which I enjoyed reading. As someone who has no prior knowledge on Marathi culture I never felt lost or confused about any of it.

Throughout the story there are a lot of things that a young adult audience will relate to, and the only “spice” was one kissing scene, making it perfect for a younger crowd. Rani has a hard time saying no and her family relies on her a lot, while not quite treating her like an adult. I remember being in her shoes at 19 and I related to her so much that I cried when it all exploded near the end of the story. This was the first young adult novel that I have enjoyed this much in a long time.

[juhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rani and Kush grew up together because their moms are best friends. As such, they faced all the classic troupes associated with long-time family friends: middle school crushes, one-sided arch-rivals, and the object for comparison by the other’s parents. The use of “driving lessons” as a matchmaking technique is a fun dynamic that puts a new spin on the forced proximity troupe.

Something I really enjoyed was getting to see Rani overcome challenges of speaking up for herself, dealing with burnout, and similar first generation immigrant child problems. Alternatively, Kush is similarly going through similar battles, but you only get to learn of them in Rani’s perspective when she is told about them. It creates a nice complexity to the different individual battles each character is facing in their young adulthood.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in a young adult romance with a South Asian twist. Side characters like the chaotic Shilpa Auntie, Rani’s voice of reason grandfather, more family and friends help create a fun environment rooting for Rani and Kush to realize their feelings for each other. Ultimately, a short, sweet, and fun summer romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy gifted to me, all thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

[Bianca (biancamoodreads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel is a fun, easy read about a 19-year-old girl returning home after her first year of college. As Rani learns how to drive over the summer, she also navigates personal growth, family dynamics, and a bit of romance.

The story touches on themes like divorce, managing anger rooted in past resentment, and the pressures placed on oldest siblings. It also weaves in Indian cultural commentary, highlighting both a strong appreciation for heritage and the cultural expectations often placed on families and their children. I did really enjoy all of the Indian culture woven throughout the book.

The writing, pacing, and style of the book align with typical Young Adult fiction—or at least I assumed it was meant to be YA. However, the age of the main character and the amount of underage/illegal drinking that went on (like, a lot of references to drunken nights and actual drunken nights) as well as sexual references (off page), made it feel a little more upper YA or even New Adult. Those themes with the writing style ultimately didn't match, and I felt confused about the type of reader this was intended for.

The plot also didn’t move very much and felt a bit repetitive at times. I wasn’t sure if the book was meant to be a coming-of-age story since the main character doesn’t experience much significant growth -- or a romance, as the romantic storyline wasn’t really the focus either although I think it was supposed to be?

Ultimately, the characters and the underwhelming plot fell flat for me but I still might recommend this to teens between the ages of 17-19 depending on the person.

Thank you to the publisher for the e-ARC via Netgalley!

[Monica Chhugani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for books that I can relate to on a cultural level and this book did not disappoint on that front.

From the casual use of Marathi and Hindi words in conversation, to the day to day dynamics of a brown immigrant household in a Western setting, Rani's family like (and Kush's for that matter) was entirely too relatable for me as a Third Culture Kid born in India.

I related to Rani's feelings of being taken for granted as the eldest daughter in an Indian family. I related to Kush's family always expecting the best of him without regard for his personal feelings, and I deeply appreciated the commentary on how domineering and critical Indian men from the older generation can be with Kush's dad's character. I loved Ajoba's character and his and Rani's relationship throughout the book.

Rani and Kush's dynamic developing from childhood was like a rollercoaster, but I loved Kush's quiet patience with her and Rani's openness to trying to communicate with him rather than icing him out. Overall, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the book because closed door romances rarely do it for me, but between the cultural aspects depicted beautifully and viscerally, and the palpable chemistry between Rani and Kush, I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

[Megan Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced e-arc.

Arushi Avachat's second novel is a cute summer break read. Here we meet Rani as she attempts to prepare for her sophomore year of college. She has transferred schools after feeling completely homesick during her year away and is trying to reclaim some pieces of herself by finally getting her license, starting a research program with a noted academic, and reconnecting with her friends.

Rani and Simran's best friendship was my favorite thing about this novel. I loved how real and silly they were with each other. I could see pieces of myself with my childhood bestie in here. Sometimes we don't want to have those hard confrontations, but we always have each other's backs.

The romance was a little light for my taste. I wanted more of Kush and Rani getting to know the small details about each other. I wanted fun dates, not them tip-toeing around each other. Romance could have definitely been stronger.

Another thing that I didn't really connect to was just how much drinking Rani and friends did over the course of the book. She uses a fake ID several times. That just didn't vibe for me.

Overall, this was sweet and fun and I could have handled more in the romance department.

[Flor Montiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

listen... if you're looking for a cutie patootie young adult romance perfect to read during the summer with an opposites attact trope, college-aged mc's, and phenomenal south asian rep, this book is perfect! 🧡

i had such a blast following Rani on her summer journey as she navigates her family's demands and expectations, her internship and research project, as well as learning how to (finally) drive with the childhood-friend-she-used-to-crush-on-but-definitely-doesn't-anymore as her teacher. 🤭

this story is quick-paced, fun to read and focuses on great topics, including research and academia (particularly as it relates to public education, state mandated exams, and dual language learners), eldest daughter syndrome, and family/friend dynamics. ✨

One of my favorite parts of this book were seeing Rani's relationship with her grandfather - it was so wholesome, their banter was incredibly funny, and some of their convos even left me a bit emotional... that's a lie, I ugly cried, you guys. 🥲

I had the best time reading Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel and highly recommend this adorable, summery ya romance! It releases May 19 so make sure to pre-order and/or request from your library! 🚘📚🧡✨

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed being drawn into Rani's world! There were a few things going on here, and I was interested in all of them - the romance and learning to drive, of course, but also Rani's relationship with her family, her relationship with her best friend and her newer friends, her aspirations about her future career, her transfer and wanting to find somewhere to belong. There's also her personal growth when it comes to her reactions and insecurities. The way she had a goal for the summer kept the story captivating the whole time. It did feel like a few of those things could have been more developed (for example, we never got her new friends' reaction about her dating Kush after it became a plot point early on). Also a few things felt kind of slow and choppy (like it seemed like some scenes/chapters abruptly ended in the middle). But all in all I greatly enjoyed the book and the romance. I don't mind a good misunderstanding plot, so I really liked Rani and Kush's relationship. I think the scene in the hot springs might have been my favourite between them! I liked when they let their walls down and opened up to each other!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!