Love In Ruins: A Small Town Forced Proximity Romance

by Sudha Nair

274 pages, Paperback

Published March 16, 2026

About the author

I'm the author of The Menon Women Series books - The Wedding Tamasha, Priyamvada&Co., and About That Summer.

My debut novel, The Wedding Tamasha, a sweet romantic tale about love, family, and traditions, was a winner of the Amazon Pen To Publish Contest in 2017.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Also part of my story collection are short stories - The Girl With A Secret Crush, Three Of Hearts, Mr and Mrs Nambiar, and Ahoy Amrika.

You can find out more about me at: www.sudhanair.com

Reviews

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She Crashed a Wedding… and Fell for the Hotel Owner”
This book felt like watching a full Bollywood movie unfold inside a heritage hotel and I was fully invested in the drama 🍿

So first we have Abhay, the brooding owner of the Pink House. And when I say brooding I mean BROODING. The Pink House itself is a 200-year-old heritage hotel full of history, charm and slightly crumbling beauty. It honestly feels like a character in the story. Abhay is basically carrying the entire responsibility of saving this place on his shoulders while also dealing with a past mistake that people still gossip about. The man is stressed, tired, emotionally guarded and trying his best to keep this hotel from collapsing while the guilt from his past keeps haunting him 😭

And then enters Samantha. A travel journalist who decides the best way to write about the Pink House is to literally sneak into the hotel pretending to be a wedding guest. Girl really said investigative journalism but make it chaotic. So now she is stuck inside a huge Indian wedding trying to maintain a fake identity while secretly observing everything for her article.

And the Indian aunties in this book?? Absolutely legendary. The moment they see Abhay they basically activate their matchmaking instincts. They are asking questions, scanning people, analyzing relationships like detectives. If you have ever attended an Indian wedding you will know EXACTLY the type of aunties I am talking about 😭

Now let’s talk about the cookie scene because this was such a cute meet-cute. Samantha is sneaking around the hotel, a little lost and a little hungry, and suddenly Abhay catches her. Instead of being suspicious or rude he literally just shares cookies with her like it is the most normal thing ever. Sir??? Who gave you permission to be this charming.

And then comes the bathroom scene which honestly had my whole heart. Samantha accidentally gets locked inside the bathroom and starts panicking. Abhay is outside calmly talking to her through the door, distracting her and keeping her relaxed. And somewhere in that conversation he casually promises her tea and cardamom cake in the hotel library. At that moment I knew this book had me.

Meanwhile the tension keeps building because Abhay is constantly haunted by his past mistake. You can tell that whatever happened in the past still eats him up inside. It explains why he keeps his emotional distance from people and why he is so focused on saving the Pink House. That guilt makes you curious because you just want to know what actually happened.

And slowly Abhay starts noticing Samantha more and more. Not in a dramatic love at first sight way but in a quiet way. He notices her curiosity, her intelligence and the way she observes everything around her. She actually pays attention to the history of the Pink House which surprises him because most guests only care about the wedding or the luxury. He realizes he enjoys talking to her more than anyone else at the wedding which is very unusual for him because he normally avoids emotional connections.

Before he even realizes it he starts feeling comfortable around her, intrigued by her presence and slightly protective of her. And you can literally see the moment when the attraction slowly begins to grow 👀

Meanwhile Samantha is having a full internal crisis. At the end of the day she finally gets a moment alone and starts reflecting on everything that happened. Sneaking into the hotel. Meeting Abhay. Exploring the Pink House. Surviving the chaos of the wedding. And then it hits her. This assignment is not just work anymore. It has become personal.

And then the scary question appears in her mind.
What will happen when Abhay discovers the truth?

Because eventually he WILL find out that she lied about who she really is. And when that happens the trust between them could completely break 💔

And then comes my favorite moment in the entire book. The library scene.

Abhay finally keeps the promise he made during the bathroom conversation and invites Samantha to the hotel library. And this library sounds like a dream. Old books everywhere, wooden shelves, soft lamps, quiet corners and the comforting smell of old paper. Honestly I wanted to move in there.

And yes he actually brings tea and cardamom cake just like he promised ☕🍰

For the first time they sit together away from the chaos of the wedding and their conversation becomes deeper. They talk about literature, forgotten buildings, ruins, history and the memories attached to places.

That is when Abhay says something really beautiful. Ruins are not just broken buildings. They are places filled with memories, stories, emotions and the lives of people who once existed there.

And suddenly the title Love in Ruins makes perfect sense. It is not just about the hotel. It is about two people who are also carrying their own emotional ruins slowly finding connection.

By this point Samantha starts seeing Abhay very differently. At first he was just the owner of a hotel and the subject of her article. But now she notices his loneliness, his dedication to the Pink House and the pressure he carries every day. And of course that makes her secret feel even heavier.

Because reality soon interrupts everything. Samantha’s editor messages her again demanding updates about the hotel and suddenly she is reminded why she came here in the first place. She needs to write an article.

Now she has a dilemma. She can write a harsh article exposing the hotel’s problems or she can write something more sympathetic. But no matter what she chooses one thing is unavoidable.

Sooner or later Abhay will find out that she lied about her identity.

And when that truth comes out things are definitely going to get messy.

This book honestly gave me everything. A broody hero with guilt, a journalist with a secret identity, chaotic Indian wedding energy, aunties doing emotional surveillance, cookies, cardamom cake and a quiet library romance that completely stole my heart.

Safe to say the Pink House now lives rent free in my mind and I am not complaining 🫶📚

[Rechal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:
4.5 stars

“I know I’m the grump you’d never fall for… but I’ve fallen for you.”

This was such a sweet, wholesome small-town romance that genuinely surprised me.

The story follows Abhay, who owns The Pink House—a 200-year-old ancestral home turned hotel that carries generations of legacy. It’s not just a business to him; it’s home, and you can feel that in every detail. Samantha enters the story by quite literally crashing a wedding at the hotel to write a review that could secure her job.

But when a storm forces her to stay, what begins as a small lie slowly turns into something deeper—filled with quiet moments, growing connection, and forced proximity done right.

What I loved most was how immersive the setting felt. The hotel, the staff, the coastal town, the traditions—even the desi aunties and their matchmaking energy at the wedding—everything felt warm and lived-in. The Pink House truly felt like a character of its own.

The romance isn’t intense or high on tension—it’s soft, gentle, and genuinely heartwarming. Their interactions made me smile, and I especially loved how consent was handled with care. And that detail about Abhay clicking "three hundred and seven" sunrise pictures because he missed Samantha? Yeah… that melted me.

At its core, this story is about home, belonging, and second chances. However, I do wish Samantha’s character had been explored a bit more. Her past—especially the review that went wrong—had so much potential, and I would’ve loved to see what she intended versus how it was perceived. Similarly, her personal growth felt a little underdeveloped beyond the main plot.

But overall, this was such a comfort read—soft, charming, and full of heart. A fluffy, feel-good romance that feels like warm sunlight and sea breeze—perfect for when you want something gentle and healing.

[Rujuta Desai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this thinking “cute romance padhti hoon, chill rehta hai”…
Ended up feeling like I attended a full shaadi, got fed chai-biscuit, and caught feelings I wasn’t ready for

Love in Ruins by Sudha Nair is THAT kind of book.

Samantha really said “career bachana hai” and crashed a wedding like it’s no big deal absolute chaos energy and I loved it.And then there’s Abhay… brooding, जिम्मेदार, carrying family legacy + past guilt + entire hotel on his shoulders like a true eldest child.

Honestly, if you’re the eldest one at home… this man will hit you right in the heart.

Now imagine this:
– Storm hits
– They get stuck together
– She’s hiding a BIG secret
– Aunties are observing everything like CID officers

And in between all this chaos… something soft starts happening.
Not filmy love-at-first-sight.
But quiet, slow, real feelings.

The kind that shows up in small moments:
That cookie scene (I was smiling like an idiot)
That bathroom scene (my heart just melted)
And THE LIBRARY SCENE with chai + cardamom cake??? I am not okay

What I loved the most is how this story talks about “ruins”.
Not just the Pink House… but people.
Abhay carrying his past.Samantha stuck between truth and guilt.
And somehow, in all that brokenness… they find something real.

This book made me:
✨ Smile like a fool
✨ Feel warm and cozy
✨ And suddenly emotional out of nowhere

Full monsoon vibes. Full Bollywood feels. Full heart.
Also special mention to the Parambil family… loud, loving, feeding you constantly and fully invested in your life decisions

By the end, the Pink House felt like a place I’ve lived in. And honestly… I didn’t want to


If you love:
– Soft slow burn romance
– Forced proximity + secret identity
– Broody but soft Indian heroes
– Shaadi chaos + aunties
– Stories that make you giddy AND emotional
…this is your sign to read

[mithi._.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute and very beautiful book
So this book was about Abhay, who was a hotel owner. The hotel was built in 1800s, and it was very ancient for him it was not just a hotel but his home which was with his family since his grandparents and he gave his blood and sweet to run the hotel.

Samantha, who is a media journalist
She posts critical and honest reviews about old properties
So basically, Abhay doesn't want any media into his property because he doesn't want anyone to publish a bad review and endanger his property and Samantha is given a task to explore the property and write a review, so she crashes a wedding that is being held there and shows up as a guest
There she meets Abhays and is instantly drawn to him and the same is with Abhay as well
After the wedding is finished the next day all the guests were supposed to go back because a storm was coming and it was not a very nice storm, but Samantha stayed back and while being there at the hotel, she saw the real Abhay and the love he has for the hotel. She saw how lovely the people are there and how much they love the hotel
She was feeling very bad to lie to Abhay about her real identity so she decided to confront him, but then he came to know about her by some different sources, and the result was not very nice. They had a big argument and they both parted their ways.
But it's not the end

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the storyline. I loved Abhay and Samantha. For me the hotel was the main element in the story without which the story would have been incomplete. I would give 4/5 ⭐️ to this book and there was a little bit spicy scenes also, so 1/5 🌶️

[Deepthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have some mixed feelings about this book!

Its started out great until 50% of the book- The plot moved effortlessly and made be giggle and that slow burn everything worked out really well. The historic hotel that’s been in generations and the way Abhay puts his mind into saving it ( giving whole elder son energy) is amazing. Samantha is like sunshine personality and their chemistry was an instant hit for me. The whole family, even their staff, the horses and most importantly the landscapes just layered up perfectly giving the small town vibe. I really liked their first meet cookie scene, one where she meets his fam over banana fritters, horse riding!

What didn’t work for me is after 50% which fell flat. Even though their connection seemed genuine it gives you a nagging feel that something is going haywire. The thing about what are they as individuals isn’t explored enough ( we know what they are together but their characters as individuals isn’t done right). A honest and cut throat writer vs the meek woman who didn’t, that clash didn’t sum up FMC’s personality! At 70% how the plot veered off, something I have been expecting from the beginning and how it develops further didn’t sit well with me! Another thing is I feel the book focussed more on restoring the hotel instead of romance.

However the epilogue was a relief! If you are looking for some fast paced, small town, slow burn, force proximity romance this book might help u when ur in a reader slump.

[Vruksha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5
The moment I came across The Pink House Series, I just knew I was going to love it coz pink has always been my colour, ever since childhood. And Love in Ruins absolutely lived up to that feeling.
I still wonder if there is really a place like the Pink House somewhere? Because it felt so real, that it’s hard to believe it exists only on pages.
Love in Ruins is exactly what the title promises, love blooming amidst chaos and crumbling moments. From wedding madness to unexpected storms, from stealing cookies to quietly stealing hearts, the story flows so effortlessly that I didn’t even realise when I went from 10% to 50% to finishing the entire book.
Abhay and Samantha are just adorable. From Samantha getting locked in the bathroom to the simplicity of their horse rides together it makes every moment feel warm and real. Abhay’s constant effort to hold everything together, paired with their shared love for history and old places, adds so much depth to their bond.
And that Bollywood style bike ride in Pearl Grove? Pure magic. It’s the kind of moment every Bollywood lover dreams of.
But what stayed with me the most is the Pink House itself. It’s not just a backdrop or background it’s more than that it feels like a character. An old Dutch home, been in Abhay’s family for three generations, filled with memories in every corner. You can almost feel its warmth while reading.
By the end, it’s hard not to agree
MORE THAN A HOTEL,IT FEELS LIKE HOME

[Shrutika Tanawade (bookcultivation) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in Ruins is one of those books that quietly pulls you in and gently refuses to let go.

Set in a charming coastal town, the story revolves around the Pink House—a heritage hotel that feels less like a setting and more like a living, breathing character. The author does a wonderful job of bringing its history and emotional weight to life, making it central to the narrative.

The romance between Abhay and Samantha develops at a natural, unhurried pace. Abhay is the kind of character who carries responsibility and emotional depth with quiet strength, while Samantha brings in a sense of curiosity and warmth, even as she hides her own truth. Their dynamic feels grounded and believable, built through shared moments rather than dramatic declarations.

What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. From the coastal charm and family bonds to the subtle chaos of weddings and storms, everything adds layers to the story. The themes of legacy, belonging, and emotional healing are woven in beautifully without feeling heavy.

It’s not just a love story—it’s about places, memories, and how people become a part of them.

A comforting and engaging read, perfect if you enjoy slow-burn romance with strong setting and emotional depth.

[bavana preethi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for a romance that feels warm, cozy, and just a little bit addictive… this one might surprise you.

The story revolves around Abhay, the eldest son trying to protect his family’s property from being taken away through manipulation and sabotage.

Enter Samantha — a travel journalist hired to critically review the place.

As they spend more time together, their relationship slowly blossoms… but Samantha is hiding a secret that could change everything.

Alongside their story, we also see the people around them — Abhay’s supportive family and staff, and the realtor using questionable tactics to get what he wants — all adding depth to the narrative.

If you enjoy romance novels that are soft, emotional, and give you that cozy, ‘smushy’ feeling — this is definitely for you.

Especially if you like stories that feel realistic and keep you engaged till the end.

Overall, it’s a well-paced, heartfelt romance that makes you feel all the right emotions.

A perfect pick when you want something comforting… with just the right amount of tension and love.

[Lichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌸 Love in Ruins not only follows a love story but a legacy, history, knowledge of 1800s. The hotel is named Pink House managed and owned by Abhay (MMC) who is always busy in hotel works no matter how small or big it is. As the hotel is built by his grandfather, he tries his best to run it.

🌸 Samantha who is there for writing a review about Pink House stays or more like stuck during the storm. Starting from the first day she felt a pull towards Abhay, as the days continued things started to grow along with the secret she was hiding.

🌸 What I love how the hotel is not entirely portrays as a hotel but a home. Where a family lives, where a generation lives, where the people, staff and sunrises feel like home. The Pink House is not flawless, it faces issues everyday but with them all together they overcome it like a family.

❗I didn't expect it but I finished this in few hours. This definitely pulls me out of the reading slump.

[talebypurplenabiie · Rating 4 out of 5]

#arc
Love in Ruins was a late night read for me and I didn’t expect it to feel this quietly heavy. It’s not dramatic in an obvious way, but it lingers in that soft, emotional space where everything is left unsaid yet deeply felt.
Samantha and Abhay’s relationship felt real to me. Not perfect, not intense in a loud way, but shaped by distance, miscommunication, and emotions they didn’t know how to handle. That’s what made it hit harder.
I really loved the atmosphere throughout the book. The storm, the Pink House, the overall mood… it all added a layer of vulnerability that made certain scenes feel almost cinematic.
At the same time, I did wish the ending had slowed down a bit. The emotional buildup was strong, but I wanted just a little more time with the resolution.
Overall, it was a heartfelt and emotional read that stays with you in a quiet way 🤍


Overall it's a 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ for me 💞

[Poorvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in Ruins was such a warm , cozy and heartwarming read. it is set in the heritage hotel Pink House. Abhay, the owner of Pink House, is someone who takes the responsibility of his grandfather’s dream very seriously. He is always busy making sure everything in the hotel runs smoothly, no matter how small the task is. Samantha arrives there for her own reason, planning to write about the place, but a storm leaves her staying longer than expected. As she spends more time there, her connection with Abhay slowly begins to grow, even though she is hiding something important. I love these two so much. Reading about them slowly falling in love feels so soft and beautiful. I love the bike scene, library and the horse. I love each of their moments. omg and the cookie scene.

[MyBookNest7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I know I’m the grump you’d never fall for, but I’ve fallen for you.”

Well, we happen to quite like such grumps 🙈 and please, those pictures?! Any woman would melt. Melt 🫠🫠

After a run of intense reads, Love in Ruins by Sudha Nair was the perfect breath of fresh air for me. I was completely swept away by:
✨ The secluded, historical charm of The Pink House
✨ A hero that will absolutely steal your heart
✨ A “Grumpy x Sunshine” dynamic that hits all the right notes
✨ Lush, atmospheric vibes that make it more than just a hotel

I finished this in just two days! If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with a gorgeous setting and a lead you can’t help but root for, this one should be on your TBR!!

[Ishani Chowdhury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well… I loved this book. This was such an offbeat romance novel.

All I can say to describe this book is: cute. From the book cover to the entire plot, everything felt charming. This book has the potential to pull anyone out of a reading slump. It’s a fluffy romance that weaves in old family traditions, upheld by the eldest successor who is burdened with responsibilities, and who ends up falling for a girl who initially intended to bring down the very reputation he has struggled to maintain.

I really loved their innocence and the sweet, stolen moments they shared amidst all the chaos.

[Anushka Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in Ruins by Sudha Nair blends romance with chaos in a charming heritage hotel setting. Abhay, the overworked owner trying to save his family legacy, collides with Samantha, a determined journalist sneaking in for a story. Their first meeting—shared cookies and a bathroom rescue—sets up witty banter and simmering tension. The story balances humor, emotional vulnerability, and wedding-day chaos while hinting at deeper past regrets. It’s a light, engaging romance with strong atmosphere and slow-burn chemistry.

[Thahseena Banu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read a beautiful love story that felt so simple and refreshing. What I really loved was how neat and clean the writing was,there were no unnecessary elements, just a smooth and cozy flow throughout.

The pink house added a lovely charm to the story, and Abhay and Samantha’s relationship was heartwarming to follow. Even though they went through misunderstandings and emotional moments, it was their love and trust that brought them back together in the end.

I genuinely loved both the characters, and overall, it was such a warm and comforting read🥰❤️.

[Samiksha Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect cozy read coming this spring. Sudha Nair delivers a masterclass in atmospheric romance with Love in Ruins.

This novel beautifully blends romance, heritage, and small-town charm. The emotions feel genuine, the setting is vivid, and the love story is both tender and passionate. It’s the kind of book that wraps you in warmth and leaves you smiling long after the last page.

A must read Abhay and Samantha will keep you hooked with their chemistry till the end. A cozy , small town romance - loved it.

[Meg O'Hara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to meet Samantha and Abhay was a trip I was lucky to take! I absolutely loved the layering of romance, culture, and theme that created this story. Samantha is comfortable to relate to as she navigates several themes (honesty, self worth, letting go, and generosity) where Abhay is uncharacteristically deep for an MMC and I appreciated getting to see his love of his work as well as his duty to responsibility and how he learns to manage that in a healthy way. This was an entertaining, feel good read that I’m happy to recommend!

[Parin Desai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute cozy read for people who love beachy vibes. Samantha wants a story, instead becomes a story herself. Abhay is such a gentleman. It's small town X monsoon romance, secret identity, family legacy, historic coastal hotel, wedding crash, protective hero energy, big loving family, and a SECRET that could ruin everything. Loved the story so much so that I wanted more. Soft romance lovers you'll love it.