Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel: A Novel

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, Young Adult Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published 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 4 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.

[har. [semi ia] · Rating 3 out of 5]

┆ ⤿ 🚗 ⌗ started: may 14, finished: may 18

3 star 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
⤿ MINI review with no spoilers.

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

𑣲⋆ arc no.1 of the summer!

"Rani. You can’t look at me like that in front of my mom."

⋆.˚ ★— buddy read this with the sweetest joni! 💌 i had sm fun reading this with you and giggling sm!! i love you bestie, here's to more brs!! 💗

tropes: ⋆˚࿔
.ᐟ childhood 'friends' to lovers
.ᐟ desi representation
.ᐟ eldest daughter rep

thoughts: ⋆˚࿔
rani deshpande takes the wheel follows rani as she tries to reinvent herself during the summer before transferring universities after a difficult freshman year. hoping to finally feel like she has everything together, she creates the “perfect” summer plan, balancing an internship, reconnecting with friends, learning how to drive, and figuring out who she wants to become. along the way, she’s forced into driving lessons with kush, her childhood family friend and former crush, and the story slowly explores their relationship against the backdrop of a close-knit desi community filled with family expectations, gossip, comparisons, and constant involvement in each other’s lives.

one of my favorite parts of this book was definitely the cultural representation. the hindu/desi elements felt really natural and authentic, and i loved how much family and community were woven into the story. there were so many little moments that felt relatable and comforting, especially the dynamics between parents, family friends, and the expectations constantly placed on rani. it gave the story a really warm feeling overall.

i also really enjoyed rani as a character. she felt messy, emotional, insecure, and very realistic for someone trying to figure herself out at nineteen. her struggles with comparison, feeling “behind” in life, and wanting to reinvent herself made her easy to connect with. the book itself was such a quick and fun read — light, sweet, and perfect for summer.

that said, i do think the romance fell a little flat for me personally. while rani and kush were cute together, i found myself wanting more emotional depth and more development in their relationship. i wanted to feel a stronger connection between them beyond the childhood-friends setup and driving lessons. some of the emotional moments felt a bit surface-level to me, and i wished we had gotten more vulnerability and deeper conversations between them. but at the same time, this is ya romance, so i understand that it’s meant to stay lighter and softer rather than becoming overly intense.

overall, though, i still had a really good time reading this. it was sweet, comforting, funny, and full of heart, especially when it came to the family and cultural aspects of the story. definitely a fun summer read if you enjoy ya romances with desi representation and childhood-friends-to-lovers vibes 💛

[joni ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── 3.85 stars

this book follows rani, who just finished her freshman year of college and is moving back home this summer and realizes she needs to take her driving test. of course her meddling family and friends decide that kush, the beloved son of her mom's best friend, is the perfect guy for the job! he's also her childhood crush turned nemesis.

i loved the bits and pieces of her marathi hindu culture woven into this story and i learned a bit about the foods and celebrations! desi rep alwaysss!!!! and your reminder is it aanpi month - u should read asian all year long!!!

there's some pent up resentment and frustration which is really fun to experience, every one of their interactions had me giggling.

i really loved the setting of seattle / washington esp after visiting over the holidays! id genuinely love to visit again!!!

kush was a bit complicated at the start, especially since her new friends have some beef with him and it's a mess. i really liked how the forced proximity of the driving lessons led to them understanding each other and becoming friendly

the pining and miscommunication was perfect! call me insane but i love relationships that struggle with miscommunication and angst, like that is my lifeline. it's so realistic and emotional!!!

if you're looking for a fun, desi filled, summer read, this is the perfect one!!!

thank you har for buddy reading with me! i had lots of fun <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

[Yusra ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

another arccc

rtc, this was adorable

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Wednesday Books for sending me a free copy!

3.75 stars

Rani Deshpande is 19 years old and home from her first year in college. She’s determined to finally get her driver’s license this summer but she’s gonna need someone to give her lessons first. Her childhood crush and now the guy she tries to avoid, Kush Khanna, is available to teach her how to drive a car. Rani’s mom and Kush’s mom are best friends and are pushing for this arrangement so Rani has no option other than accepting his help. Well, let’s see how this goes, shall we?

Beyond the romance aspect of the story there were other interesting things going on as well. Rani transferred schools and is working on a big project, she is frustrated at being forced into a third parent type of role to her younger brothers, she is close with her grandfather and he is recovering from a health issue, and she really wants to fit in and develop close relationships with her peers at her new school as that was an issue her freshman year. All of these things made for an enjoyable read but the romance itself needed more attention. Rani and Kush had some chemistry but it wasn’t off the charts, make me swoon every time there’s a scene with them type of chemistry.

It’s a good read overall but not a standout if you are judging it solely on the romance elements.

[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!

[Avani · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
This book was so cute and simple. I loved the Marathi and same last name representation 🤭. I just wish the characters had more bickering and tension to build up and establish the character dynamic but otherwise it was a cute read

[Simran Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly a really cute book and the pacing was perfect

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

4.5 stars rounded up!

[Dede · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that I read it in one sitting. I loved the characters and the storyline. I thought it was well written and I will be looking for more books by this author. I would definitely recommend this book. I thought it was funny in parts, especially when she was learning how to drive.

[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.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember requesting this book, but didn’t realize I’d be getting a finished copy, and it came right as it was being published, so I didn’t get the chance to read ahead of time. But I was able to fit it into my review schedule the next week and it was worth it. While it is listed as YA, I would say it is okay for my high schoolers, even though the characters are technically more what I consider New Adult age.

The cultural aspects of the story are ones that I always enjoy reading about and learning about cultures different than my own. I always end up going to look up all the different foods mentioned and start wondering where I can find them to try! One thing that did bug me a bit, and it is probably a cultural thing, is the way she would combine her parents names Aai Baba but not say Aai and Baba, leaving the “and” out, which bothered my plural/grammatical brain when reading.

Rani was definitely a character I enjoyed following her story to see her get her HEA. And while I did get my drivers license in high school, I was also late to get mine, as I waited till my dad got me my own car when I was 16 before I really started having someone teach me to drive, so I did understand her getting hers kind of late.

Of course she and Kush both had their own family issues to deal with, which made for good drama and characters that were ones you really liked and wanted to see together. Her friends were great, and seeing even the way she kept even with issues with them again made it very real. Rani’s college/class/paper problems were also ones I kind of connected with, not that I usually got that far behind on assignments for problems, but I did struggle with some things and using my time wisely back at that age. Going from acing high school, to struggling in college. I didn’t have the family problems like she did to be able to blame my struggles on though.

And again, both characters had parents that were sometimes the problem for them. Yeah, I know at that age sometimes the problems come from the person’s own immaturity and not understanding, but we could see that her mom and his dad were both a part of the problem, whether it was a normal parent thing, a cultural thing, or in the case of his dad – just not a great person at times.

There wasn’t anything particularly original to the story, it was your standard romance with kind of friends to enemies to friends to lovers – at a young adult steam level for sure. The reason they were enemies was the usual misunderstood/overheard comment that pushed them apart and an unanswered email that actually did get lost.

[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?

[Ridhima · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Thank you to Wednesday Books and the author for the gifted copy of the book!

Told in first person POV of Rani, a nineteen year Indian American who has big plans for her summer, the book gives us a sweet glimpse into young love with a dislike-to-lovers YA romance.

I loved how deeply rooted the characters of Rani and her family were in Indian culture, including family traditions, stereotypical aunties, and local cuisine/attire. Rani represented all the eldest daughters out there who end up becoming an extra parent to their younger siblings, and are often taken for granted. I liked Rani's friendship with her friends, both old and new, and how she grew to break out of the misconceptions planted in her mind.

As far as her relationship with Kush goes, it felt sweet and innocent, but I did feel something lacking in the chemistry between the two. This is obviously a very closed door and PG-13 teen romance, but I still expected some fireworks or heart fluttering confessions or moments.

Still, this was a quick and cute read, and definitely made me smile! A good representation of Indian protagonists is a win in my mind anyway, so I'd be down to read the author's future works as well.

[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!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up. Thank you to Arushi Avachat, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book was precious with so many things to enjoy. I loved seeing Rani’s culture play out through interactions with her family and community, and learning more about Indian culture than I did going into the book. Obviously the romance was adorable, but the friendships were also super sweet. I wish there had been more interaction between the MCs after they got together since we only got a tiny bit at the end, but otherwise I really enjoyed this.

POV: single first person

You can expect: childhood crush, forced proximity

Rep: Indian MCs, gay side character

[Faith Rodriquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 🌟
this was such a cute read! super nostalgic and #relatable. definitely a fun summer read.

[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.

[Sweena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours and Wednesday Books for this advanced finished copy.

I really liked how this was set in a made up suburb of my hometown Seattle. There’s even mention of University of Washington! I liked how this young adult romance was centered on learning how to drive during the summer with someone you dislike. There’s Indian representation, enemies to lovers, he falls first, summer firsts and found family.

[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!

[Pine Reads Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My whole life, my family has expected my labor as a sister and a daughter to be available and guaranteed.”

Rani Deshpande plans to spend the months before transferring colleges rebuilding her confidence after a rough freshman year. Determined to get her life together, she fills her summer with plans: a competitive internship, time with her closest friend from back home, and finally learning how to drive so she can stop relying on everyone else for rides. The catch? Her instructor ends up being Kush Khanna, the family friend she grew up with—and the boy she once had a crush on. In their close Desi community, Kush appears to have everything figured out while Rani constantly feels like she’s one move away from sinking under the pressure. Their personalities clash from the start, and being forced to spend hours together in a car only makes the tension worse. But as the lessons continue, Rani begins to see a side of Kush she never noticed before, and what started as an awkward arrangement slowly turns into something far more complicated than either of them expected.

I found Rani to be an incredibly relatable main character, especially when it came to her struggles after a difficult freshman year and the pressure of trying to figure out adulthood at nineteen. Watching her try to balance expectations, friendships, and family responsibilities felt very real, and I especially loved reading about her relationships with the people around her. Her family dynamics were a highlight for me, and I honestly wish we got to see even more of them—her brothers, Sanju and Nabhi, and grandfather were such fun additions whenever they appeared. Rani and Kush were very cute together, though I do think their romance could have used a little more development rather than leaning so heavily on misunderstandings. I was disappointed to learn this was another case of miscommunication that prevented them from pursuing each other in the past. Still, the smaller moments between them—like the driving lessons, the terrace moment at the party, and the dinners with their families—really showed their chemistry. The epilogue was also unbelievably adorable and felt like the perfect way to wrap up such a sweet story. I loved seeing a romance where both main characters share the same cultural background, since so many books tend to pair one Desi character with someone from a different culture. The feuding aunties also had me laughing more than once. Overall, Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel is a charming story, and a great read to pick up during AAPI Month.

Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel releases on May 19th, 2026.

Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel had all of the hallmarks of a great YA novel: a close-knit family, an obstacle to overcome (Rani’s desire to learn to drive), and a budding romance between childhood acquaintances, while balancing various summer obligations. However, unfortunately, the pacing and development of the characters just didn’t click for me. Not to mention the fact that Rani herself wasn’t a very endearing person.

Despite the fact that we have multiple commonalities— a passion for teaching and working with second-language learners (I am a Spanish teacher and ESOL Interventionist) and feeling as though we didn’t fit in— I struggled to relate to Rani. Perhaps this was because I am in a completely different life stage and was put off by a few questionable choices Avachat made in the storytelling. For example, while I am completely aware that underage drinking is rampant amongst teenagers and college students, I was concerned that Avachat chose to mention twice that Simran’s mothers ‘look the other way’ when she and Rani drank at home and at their art gallery. Maybe that’s just because I grew up in an area that was rocked by various news stories of alcohol-related incidents involving underage drinkers (a teenager driving drunk on the wrong side of the highway and getting into an accident that killed a family; parents arrested after a teenage attendee of a party they allowed their children to throw died of alcohol poisoning).

Separate of that concern, Rani’s growth was stagnant, though admittedly very realistic. She didn’t really learn anything by the summer’s end, as her faults and failures were quickly undone. Her chemistry with Kush was underdeveloped too, as the pacing of their relationship was a bit all over the place. While the foundation was relatively solid and enough context was provided to establish their interest in each other, Avachat didn’t focus on Rani and Kush enough. By the 70% mark, they had just reached the confidant/friends stage, despite some moments of romance, which meant that Avachat spent their occasional scenes together in the remaining third of the novel trying to jump ahead in their relationship. Indeed, at one point, Rani was with Kush during a companionable outing. With no pretext whatsoever, she suddenly became very aware of him without him doing or saying anything, nor Avachat describing any change either. Truthfully, I don’t think the characters should have been paired together.

All that said, I enjoyed the role family and culture played in Rani’s life. I honestly had to look up a few terms here and there, as I was not familiar with certain dishes or expressions. It made me wish that my own family partook in more customs as I was growing up (my father is Indian, but assimilated into the American way of life more than anyone else we know).

Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel was a very quick read. I do believe it will resonate with other readers— perhaps those who are more in the target demographic.

Thank you to Wednesday Books, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[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!

[Cammie (Bibliolater.alligator) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for a cute yet forgettable new adult romance.
Rani is a 20 year old who hasn’t yet learned how to drive (I was also one of these, and faced a lot less judgment about it, but I also wasn’t the lead in a romcom that required me to get a cute driver’s training teacher, so I’ll let this slide) and whose parents volunteer Kush as her driving instructor while he completes his hospital internship during the summer.
Rani and Kush were childhood friends, in forced proximity given their mothers’ friendship, and Rani developed quite a crush on Kush when she was younger. This fizzled out as he moved away, and when he returned, Rani developed a lil chip on her shoulder that Kush never kept in touch with her, despite his promises.
While I feel like the bones of this one were good, I never felt a deep pull one way or the other for any character or storyline here, and it all felt a little bit surface level. Even the romantic moments between Rani and Kush fell a little flat for me, and the times when they were opening up to each other about their personal problems always ended up being cut short and never fully developed. While I bought their attraction to each other, I wanted to feel a little deeper connection between the two of them to make me NEED them to get together.
Rani had a children’s book club at the library, her 25 page research paper, and her driving lessons all happening during the summer, and we didn’t get to spend enough time with any of them- as the focus of the book was her driving lessons, I wanted more actual time in the car with the two of them, rather than short recaps afterwards.
This definitely reads as a YA/new adult romance, with no spice other than kisses, and no profanity, although 20 year old Rani does use a fake ID to purchase and consume alcohol. When I reminded myself Rani was only 20 years old, some of the less mature moments she had were a little more easily acceptable. She had a realistic character arc as the oldest daughter who had a lot of adult responsibilities bestowed upon her without consent- I think most oldest daughters will relate to this aspect of her life.
I did really enjoy reading more about Indian culture and customs, and while my Kindle dictionary was severely lacking in definition lookup, I feel like I did learn about a few things I’d never heard of before. I think this one would adapt in a really fun way to an on-screen adaptation.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the physical ARC of this book.

[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!

[Shreya SB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

3.5/5 ⭐

I really loved this story. It delves into the life of Rani Deshpande, a 19-year-old rising sophomore who dedicates her summer to getting back on track. She feels behind on many aspects of her life, especially since her freshman year was a year riddled with anxiety and loneliness. She doesn't have her driver's license, and she feels like the summer back in Gilmore would be the perfect time to get her life together. However, much to her dismay, the role of driving instructor is assigned to Kush Khanna, her childhood crush but present archenemy. She is forced to endure his intimidating yet charming presence, and the book focuses on how their relationship grows.

There were many things I enjoyed about this story—first, Rani herself. I found myself relating to many of her characteristics, as the eldest daughter of my family. Her sensitive nature is something I can empathize with, and the role she is assigned to play in her family and how that affects her has been executed perfectly. Another thing would be the representation of Indian, specifically Marathi culture. It was truly wonderful to read about how Rani participates in her culture and takes pride in it, even though she is a second-generation Indian American. I caught many references to Indian cinema, cuisine, and festivals, and I was grateful for the proper representation.

However, there were some things that I felt could have been explored deeper. I personally found the growing romance between Kush and Rani to be a bit flat. I expected a bit more emotional depth, considering that they had known each other since childhood. I also felt that the issues presented at the end were resolved a bit too quickly, and I would have liked to see how she navigates conflicts with her loved ones in more depth.

I am grateful to Arushi Avachat, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for providing me with an e-ARC copy. I am disappointed that I didn't get to it earlier, but I truly did enjoy my time reading this book.

[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!