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Love Under Cover
Ananya Tripathi is running out of time. She is unemployed, broke, and under pressure to return home and get married. When her dream job slips through her fingers, she's offered a lifeline – a job assisting a young COO, Jai Advani.
The catch? She has to spy on him.
Jai is everything she should privileged, impossible, and far too tempting. On working alongside him, though, she discovers a man driven by passion and integrity, and a connection she can't ignore.
But the closer they get, the more dangerous Ananya's secret becomes. Because, if the truth comes out, it could cost Ananya her career, her dreams…and the only man she can't afford to lose.
The catch? She has to spy on him.
Jai is everything she should privileged, impossible, and far too tempting. On working alongside him, though, she discovers a man driven by passion and integrity, and a connection she can't ignore.
But the closer they get, the more dangerous Ananya's secret becomes. Because, if the truth comes out, it could cost Ananya her career, her dreams…and the only man she can't afford to lose.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 14, 2026
bland characters, no build up and ch*tgpt name drop, im sorry i was giving the author grace for being a debut in the first 40ish % of the book but it's unbearable by the end, also please stop making other women bad just to make your fmc look nicer
September 7, 2026
This was my first time reading from an Indian author and this book was really good. The Indian touch and setting given along with the story it was actually nice.
Overall it was a good contemporary read for me.
Thank you for the read 🌸✨
Overall it was a good contemporary read for me.
Thank you for the read 🌸✨
September 5, 2026
Love Under Cover follows Ananya, an unemployed fashion designer who takes a job as assistant to Jai, the intense COO of House of Advani. The catch? Jai's mother hires her to secretly spy on him. As they work together, Ananya starts falling for the one man she is supposed to deceive.
I really enjoyed reading this book! The secret spy angle kept me super hooked and made the whole story such a fun thrill to read through.
My only issue was how fast they fell in love. It happened so quickly in the first few chapters, which felt a bit unnatural and made the chemistry feel missing for me. Still, it’s a solid, entertaining read!
I really enjoyed reading this book! The secret spy angle kept me super hooked and made the whole story such a fun thrill to read through.
My only issue was how fast they fell in love. It happened so quickly in the first few chapters, which felt a bit unnatural and made the chemistry feel missing for me. Still, it’s a solid, entertaining read!
August 14, 2026
Dnf at 40% just no chemistry between the main characters and what’s a romcom without chemistry?
The romance went from 0 to “oh we’re running out of pages, they NEED to fall in love” in what felt like the first five chapters itself. Added to that the main characters were pretty one dimensional making it really hard to visualise why they should be together and root for either of them. Also the fmc was just acting plain stupid the mmc? decent. (wannabe yearner but coming off as overly eager)
Overall the story had potential, but it consistently gave a whole lot of NOTHING that makes a romcom actually work. Cute premise ngl just not enough chemistry, charm, and most importantly no character depth to keep me going.
The romance went from 0 to “oh we’re running out of pages, they NEED to fall in love” in what felt like the first five chapters itself. Added to that the main characters were pretty one dimensional making it really hard to visualise why they should be together and root for either of them. Also the fmc was just acting plain stupid the mmc? decent. (wannabe yearner but coming off as overly eager)
Overall the story had potential, but it consistently gave a whole lot of NOTHING that makes a romcom actually work. Cute premise ngl just not enough chemistry, charm, and most importantly no character depth to keep me going.
August 3, 2026
3 days after finishing 'Love Under Cover', Jai still lives rent-free in my mind—and in the best way possible.
While the central romance setup might feel familiar, Aastha Roy’s writing brings a fresh, vibrant energy that sets it apart. The pacing and book length are spot-on, and the smooth, simple language makes it an effortless read. It's a genuinely sweet book that leaves you with a warm, happy feeling long after you turn the final page.
Jai is truly the ultimate book boyfriend, and Ananya is his perfect match. Their chemistry is electric, and the supporting cast adds just the right amount of masala to round out their story.
Waiting to read Yuv and Arjun's books next and mayb Ayaan's too in the near future 💖
While the central romance setup might feel familiar, Aastha Roy’s writing brings a fresh, vibrant energy that sets it apart. The pacing and book length are spot-on, and the smooth, simple language makes it an effortless read. It's a genuinely sweet book that leaves you with a warm, happy feeling long after you turn the final page.
Jai is truly the ultimate book boyfriend, and Ananya is his perfect match. Their chemistry is electric, and the supporting cast adds just the right amount of masala to round out their story.
Waiting to read Yuv and Arjun's books next and mayb Ayaan's too in the near future 💖
September 3, 2026
Boaring...... With NO chemistry...no no no
July 14, 2026
truly lived up to every expectation I had.
A strong FMC, a hot MMC, workplace romance, forced proximity, no unnecessary miscommunication, and mature love, this book had everything I wanted.
From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The cover is absolutely gorgeous..it instantly pulls you in—but the story itself makes sure you stay.
Jai and Ananya were everything I wanted in a couple. Their relationship was built on mutual understanding, honest confessions, care, and unwavering support. They communicated like adults, and it was so refreshing to read a romance without unnecessary miscommunication.🤭🤭🫶🏼🫶🏼
Jai… what a man. He was hot, calculating, charming, and a man who reads books—what more could I ask for? Even after learning that Ananya had been spying on him, he couldn’t bring himself to hate her. Instead, he chose understanding over anger. The way he constantly showed up for her, respected her choices, and always stood for what was right set the bar impossibly high. Despite carrying his own burdens, he never stopped being patient, mature, and dependable.😤🩷
Ananya was equally amazing. Coming from a middle-class Indian family, she was ambitious and determined to achieve her dream career. She knew spying on Jai wasn’t the right thing to do, yet she still held on to her morals by refusing to reveal every secret to his manipulative mother. She wasn’t the typical FMC, and that’s exactly what made her stand out. Her family was the perfect chaotic Indian family—messy, emotional, loving, and ultimately supportive.🥹🤍
The spicy scene was balanced and it doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable. Sure can skip if you don’t want to read it won’t affect at all.🫣🫣🫣
This is easily one of the best workplace romances I’ve read by an Indian author. The writing flowed so naturally that I completely lost track of time.🥰🔆
I was awake until 2 a.m. because I simply couldn’t put this book down. It had me screaming, cursing, giggling, blushing, and kicking my feet at the same time. It was emotional, romantic, funny, and incredibly addictive.💋💋😭
Highly recommended for anyone who loves romance with heart, heat, and healthy communication and importantly workplace romance where she is spying him.💅🏻💅🏻
A huge congratulations to the author on such an amazing debut novel. This was absolutely fabulous, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next.🌷🌷
A strong FMC, a hot MMC, workplace romance, forced proximity, no unnecessary miscommunication, and mature love, this book had everything I wanted.
From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The cover is absolutely gorgeous..it instantly pulls you in—but the story itself makes sure you stay.
Jai and Ananya were everything I wanted in a couple. Their relationship was built on mutual understanding, honest confessions, care, and unwavering support. They communicated like adults, and it was so refreshing to read a romance without unnecessary miscommunication.🤭🤭🫶🏼🫶🏼
Jai… what a man. He was hot, calculating, charming, and a man who reads books—what more could I ask for? Even after learning that Ananya had been spying on him, he couldn’t bring himself to hate her. Instead, he chose understanding over anger. The way he constantly showed up for her, respected her choices, and always stood for what was right set the bar impossibly high. Despite carrying his own burdens, he never stopped being patient, mature, and dependable.😤🩷
Ananya was equally amazing. Coming from a middle-class Indian family, she was ambitious and determined to achieve her dream career. She knew spying on Jai wasn’t the right thing to do, yet she still held on to her morals by refusing to reveal every secret to his manipulative mother. She wasn’t the typical FMC, and that’s exactly what made her stand out. Her family was the perfect chaotic Indian family—messy, emotional, loving, and ultimately supportive.🥹🤍
The spicy scene was balanced and it doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable. Sure can skip if you don’t want to read it won’t affect at all.🫣🫣🫣
This is easily one of the best workplace romances I’ve read by an Indian author. The writing flowed so naturally that I completely lost track of time.🥰🔆
I was awake until 2 a.m. because I simply couldn’t put this book down. It had me screaming, cursing, giggling, blushing, and kicking my feet at the same time. It was emotional, romantic, funny, and incredibly addictive.💋💋😭
Highly recommended for anyone who loves romance with heart, heat, and healthy communication and importantly workplace romance where she is spying him.💅🏻💅🏻
A huge congratulations to the author on such an amazing debut novel. This was absolutely fabulous, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next.🌷🌷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
"One job. One secret. One man she was never meant to love."
I have a soft spot for desi romances, and Love Under Cover truly lived up to every expectation I had. A workplace romance, hidden agendas, slow burn, family drama, healthy communication, and characters who felt so incredibly real—this book had everything I wanted and more.
Ananya Tripathi is running out of time. Unemployed, broke, and under constant pressure from her conservative family to return to Banaras and get married, she's desperate to land her dream job. But when that opportunity slips away, she's offered another one—with one condition.
Spy on her new BOSS.
Simple enough... until she actually gets to know him.
Let's start with Jai because...
THIS MAN. 🥵🫣
Jai Advani has officially raised my standards. He's ambitious, patient, thoughtful, incredibly attractive, and a man who READS BOOKS. But what made me completely fall for him wasn't any of that—it was the way he loved.
He listened, respected Ananya's choices, communicated, and never tried to control her or make decisions for her. And even when everything came crashing down, and the truth came out...
"If you had just told me the truth sooner," I cut her off, my voice low, "I would've put a stop to it. I would've protected you. I would've given you the job you wanted." My throat burned. "I would've given you the world."
MY HEART.
The hurt in that moment absolutely broke me because even after discovering she'd been spying on him, his first instinct wasn't revenge or anger.
It was protecting her.
Then we have Ananya.
One of my favourite things about her was that she wasn't perfect. She made mistakes. She accepted a job she knew wasn't morally right because she was desperate to hold onto the future she'd worked so hard for. And honestly? I couldn't even blame her.
Coming from a middle-class Indian family, carrying the weight of expectations, and constantly feeling like time was running out made her choices feel so understandable. I also loved that despite everything, she never completely lost sight of her values. She questioned herself, struggled with her decisions, and genuinely tried to do the right thing whenever she could.
And together...THEY WERE EVERYTHING.
Their relationship wasn't built on grand gestures or unnecessary drama. It grew through trust, quiet conversations, mutual admiration, and simply learning who the other person really was. The slow burn was SO worth it, and I loved that they actually communicated instead of dragging out misunderstandings for the sake of plot.
It was refreshing.
I also loved how unapologetically desi this story felt. The family dynamics, the constant conversations about marriage, the chaos at home, the expectations placed on daughters, and even Rekha's manipulative behaviour all felt incredibly believable. Nothing felt exaggerated—it simply felt real.
My only small issue was the time jumps. I completely understand why they were needed to cover the eight-month timeline, but there were moments where they pulled me out of the story because I had to stop and figure out how much time had passed.
Other than that? I was completely hooked.
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, smiling like an idiot, getting frustrated, and rooting for Jai and Ananya from beginning to end.
"Be mine, Ananya," I murmured, "Or I'll lose my goddamn mind."
EXCUSE ME???
This is easily one of my favourite desi workplace romances. It's sweet, emotional, funny, heartwarming, and full of healthy communication, slow-burn tension, family drama, and two characters who deserve all the happiness in the world.
Huge congratulations to Aastha on such a wonderful debut. I genuinely can't wait to read whatever she writes next. 💗🫶
October 13, 2026
Love Under Cover by Aastha Roy is a contemporary Indian workplace romance that brings together two things: the quiet tension of a slow-burn relationship and the reality of love coexisting with career, family, expectations, and personal ambitions.
The story follows Ananya Tripathi, who is unemployed and trying to make a name for herself in the world of fashion. So when she gets the opportunity to be Jai's assistant at House of Advani and has to spy on him, she grabs it. Jai, on the other hand, is COO of House of Advani, leading the family business with passion and precision. It doesn't exist if it's not perfect.
What follows is the beginning of a mistake: falling in love, resisting vulnerability, and navigating tempting chemistry.
I loved how Aastha captured Ananya's 'small town girl with big dreams' character arc. As a reader, I could often see how the little things lit up Ananya's face.
Jai, on the other hand, seemed like perfect partner material—the concern, admiration, and honesty were so attractive to read. As a boss, he might be ruthlessly passionate; as a lover, he's breathtaking. But beyond all that, Jai was also a human being with a complex childhood, seeking understanding. Their relationship had this suspended silence and an alarming question: If someone came into my life with an intention they never told me about, but somewhere along the way their feelings for me became real, would I be able to separate the lie from everything genuine that happened afterwards? Would knowing the truth change the way I remembered our relationship, or would I still believe that some feelings are real even when they begin for the wrong reasons?
Aastha Roy's writing is straightforward and readable, which worked well for this kind of contemporary romance. That made it particularly bingeable.
It has the kind of narrative energy that makes you think, 'I'll just read one more chapter,' only to realize you've read several more.
I personally wanted more time for the yearning and emotional build-up.
I wanted more stolen glances.
More moments when neither of them quite understands what they are feeling.
More internal conflict.
Love Under Cover gives us a driven heroine, a charismatic hero, workplace proximity, secrets, family drama, friendship, career aspirations, and enough romantic tension to keep the pages turning.
Sometimes I simply want a story that gives me butterflies, makes me root for the characters, frustrates me occasionally, makes me smile at their interactions, and leaves me with that warm feeling when I finally reach the last page.
Love Under Cover did that for me.
If you enjoy Indian contemporary romance, workplace romance, boss-assistant dynamics, hidden secrets, family expectations, career-driven heroines, slow-burn chemistry, and emotionally satisfying romance, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.
The story follows Ananya Tripathi, who is unemployed and trying to make a name for herself in the world of fashion. So when she gets the opportunity to be Jai's assistant at House of Advani and has to spy on him, she grabs it. Jai, on the other hand, is COO of House of Advani, leading the family business with passion and precision. It doesn't exist if it's not perfect.
What follows is the beginning of a mistake: falling in love, resisting vulnerability, and navigating tempting chemistry.
I loved how Aastha captured Ananya's 'small town girl with big dreams' character arc. As a reader, I could often see how the little things lit up Ananya's face.
Jai, on the other hand, seemed like perfect partner material—the concern, admiration, and honesty were so attractive to read. As a boss, he might be ruthlessly passionate; as a lover, he's breathtaking. But beyond all that, Jai was also a human being with a complex childhood, seeking understanding. Their relationship had this suspended silence and an alarming question: If someone came into my life with an intention they never told me about, but somewhere along the way their feelings for me became real, would I be able to separate the lie from everything genuine that happened afterwards? Would knowing the truth change the way I remembered our relationship, or would I still believe that some feelings are real even when they begin for the wrong reasons?
Aastha Roy's writing is straightforward and readable, which worked well for this kind of contemporary romance. That made it particularly bingeable.
It has the kind of narrative energy that makes you think, 'I'll just read one more chapter,' only to realize you've read several more.
I personally wanted more time for the yearning and emotional build-up.
I wanted more stolen glances.
More moments when neither of them quite understands what they are feeling.
More internal conflict.
Love Under Cover gives us a driven heroine, a charismatic hero, workplace proximity, secrets, family drama, friendship, career aspirations, and enough romantic tension to keep the pages turning.
Sometimes I simply want a story that gives me butterflies, makes me root for the characters, frustrates me occasionally, makes me smile at their interactions, and leaves me with that warm feeling when I finally reach the last page.
Love Under Cover did that for me.
If you enjoy Indian contemporary romance, workplace romance, boss-assistant dynamics, hidden secrets, family expectations, career-driven heroines, slow-burn chemistry, and emotionally satisfying romance, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.
July 19, 2026
Six years ago, Ananya Tripathi moved from Banaras to Mumbai to chase her dream of becoming a fashion designer. But after getting fired and facing a string of rejections, she is desperate for a win. Failure means going back to Banaras, where her parents are eager to marry her off to a family friend. When she arrives at House of Advani (HoA) for an interview, she discovers the assistant role she wanted is already taken by the COO’s preferred candidate.
A chance meeting with Rekha, the COO’s mother, changes everything. Rekha offers Ananya a temporary role as an assistant to her son Jai Advani, promising it will lead to her dream design job later. But the deal came with a condition; Ananya should secretly report Jai’s daily work, meetings and his projects to Rekha, as Rekha thinks Jai who recently became the COO is new to the role and there have been discrepancies at HoA. Desperate to stay in Mumbai, Ananya accepts Rekha’s offer.
As she begins working as assistant to the handsome, confident and hard working Jai, will Ananya be able to spy on him as his mother expects, forms the rest of the story.
What follows is a slow burn workplace romance layered with secrets, family expectations, and the curiosity to know where Ananya’s character will reach. Ananya is a likeable, relatable protagonist, who is ambitious but not ruthless, torn between the practical need to survive in Mumbai and the growing guilt of deceiving a man she is starting to fall for. Jai is written with enough depth to avoid feeling like a serious boss character as he struggles to prove himself as the new COO and step out of his family’s shadow that give him real stakes beyond just being a love interest.
The office setting works well as a backdrop for the romance, letting the author build tension through stolen glances and forced proximity. The subplot with Rekha adds an interesting moral complication and depth in the climax when the real reason for her actions are revealed. Where the book really shines is in the pacing of the reveal. The reader knows from page one that Ananya’s secret cannot stay buried forever, and the author does a good job of drawing out that inevitability without making it frustrating. When the truth does come out, the fallout feels earned rather than rushed, and the path to reconciliation is satisfying.
If you enjoy office romances with a dash of family drama, a girl you can root for, and a man who is more than just a pretty face in a suit, Love Under Cover is a fun, breezy read. It does not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises, charm, chemistry, and a happily-ever-after worth waiting for.
A chance meeting with Rekha, the COO’s mother, changes everything. Rekha offers Ananya a temporary role as an assistant to her son Jai Advani, promising it will lead to her dream design job later. But the deal came with a condition; Ananya should secretly report Jai’s daily work, meetings and his projects to Rekha, as Rekha thinks Jai who recently became the COO is new to the role and there have been discrepancies at HoA. Desperate to stay in Mumbai, Ananya accepts Rekha’s offer.
As she begins working as assistant to the handsome, confident and hard working Jai, will Ananya be able to spy on him as his mother expects, forms the rest of the story.
What follows is a slow burn workplace romance layered with secrets, family expectations, and the curiosity to know where Ananya’s character will reach. Ananya is a likeable, relatable protagonist, who is ambitious but not ruthless, torn between the practical need to survive in Mumbai and the growing guilt of deceiving a man she is starting to fall for. Jai is written with enough depth to avoid feeling like a serious boss character as he struggles to prove himself as the new COO and step out of his family’s shadow that give him real stakes beyond just being a love interest.
The office setting works well as a backdrop for the romance, letting the author build tension through stolen glances and forced proximity. The subplot with Rekha adds an interesting moral complication and depth in the climax when the real reason for her actions are revealed. Where the book really shines is in the pacing of the reveal. The reader knows from page one that Ananya’s secret cannot stay buried forever, and the author does a good job of drawing out that inevitability without making it frustrating. When the truth does come out, the fallout feels earned rather than rushed, and the path to reconciliation is satisfying.
If you enjoy office romances with a dash of family drama, a girl you can root for, and a man who is more than just a pretty face in a suit, Love Under Cover is a fun, breezy read. It does not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises, charm, chemistry, and a happily-ever-after worth waiting for.
August 6, 2026
just finished the book yesterday! and it was a great read: the perfect mix of rom-com, plot and distinct characteristics of all the characters!
first off – the setting!! i loved it 🎀 Mumbai was shown beautifully <3
it was so refreshing to see a FMC with her individuality and her own dreams and ambitions instead of a dry doormat FL!! and Jai Advani, that man is NOT the typical CEO/COO style guy. he's literally the ideal man!! 🎀 loved how both of them complemented each other without losing one self.
their romance build up was one of my favourite things about this book.
Ananya and Rhea's friendship – i am a sucker for healthy female friendships and their girlhood was so beautiful! i was initially very wary of Rhea because my first thought was what if she is like the typical toxic bestie but i was so so wrong. they're the best! and the little moments of Rhea and Jai was adorable too!
Arjun — sold. please. have you read that guy? he was barely there for, what – max to max 10 pages? even that's an exaggeration. but i really loved his character! wish to see him in other works by the author.
(i actually wanna see more of Parth asw because...because) Parth just has that good guy energy who was unfortunately wasn't chosen but he wasn't upset about it. ngl, the whole time, i was quite imagining him as Jimmy Shergill (his roles are infamous for unfinished weddings aren't they 👽)
Yuvraaaajjjjj the chefff!!! if he didn't share the same name as one of my ex-classmates who i absolutely despised, i would've loved him. (who am i kidding? i love the fictional Yuvraaj regardless)
Ayaan – okay thoughts. he was genuinely so good? nothing like his mother. i could literally feel his care and love and (respect) for Jai. despite not being blood brothers, Ayaan never treated him like otherwise.
the whole fashion line thing was so fresh and unique, because personally, i haven't read ANY book like this and it was a great experience.
the Banaras setting (one of my favourite places of all time!) was so nostalgic?? to read!
loved how everything turned out at the end✨
eagerly waiting for the next book!! <3
perfect for readers who enjoy a soft romance in one sitting as it's binge-able, (non-cringe) and doesn't revolve around only romance.
first off – the setting!! i loved it 🎀 Mumbai was shown beautifully <3
it was so refreshing to see a FMC with her individuality and her own dreams and ambitions instead of a dry doormat FL!! and Jai Advani, that man is NOT the typical CEO/COO style guy. he's literally the ideal man!! 🎀 loved how both of them complemented each other without losing one self.
their romance build up was one of my favourite things about this book.
Ananya and Rhea's friendship – i am a sucker for healthy female friendships and their girlhood was so beautiful! i was initially very wary of Rhea because my first thought was what if she is like the typical toxic bestie but i was so so wrong. they're the best! and the little moments of Rhea and Jai was adorable too!
Arjun — sold. please. have you read that guy? he was barely there for, what – max to max 10 pages? even that's an exaggeration. but i really loved his character! wish to see him in other works by the author.
(i actually wanna see more of Parth asw because...because) Parth just has that good guy energy who was unfortunately wasn't chosen but he wasn't upset about it. ngl, the whole time, i was quite imagining him as Jimmy Shergill (his roles are infamous for unfinished weddings aren't they 👽)
Yuvraaaajjjjj the chefff!!! if he didn't share the same name as one of my ex-classmates who i absolutely despised, i would've loved him. (who am i kidding? i love the fictional Yuvraaj regardless)
Ayaan – okay thoughts. he was genuinely so good? nothing like his mother. i could literally feel his care and love and (respect) for Jai. despite not being blood brothers, Ayaan never treated him like otherwise.
the whole fashion line thing was so fresh and unique, because personally, i haven't read ANY book like this and it was a great experience.
the Banaras setting (one of my favourite places of all time!) was so nostalgic?? to read!
loved how everything turned out at the end✨
eagerly waiting for the next book!! <3
perfect for readers who enjoy a soft romance in one sitting as it's binge-able, (non-cringe) and doesn't revolve around only romance.
August 18, 2026
🍁Book:- Love under Cover
🍁Author:- Aastha Roy
🍁Publication:- Bloomsbury India
🍁Printed Price:- Rs. 350/-
"Happiness wasn't always at the end of a long race, but it was in the present."
"Love Under Cover" by Aastha Roy is a charming desi romance which immerses its readers in the happening world of the fashion industry where invisibility is equal to death and no connection means zero opportunity to stand out. Ananya Tripathi has come to Mumbai from Banaras in order to fulfill her dream of being a fashion designer and avoid the trap of marriage. Since she has seen the opportunity to work as assistant of Suraina Mukherjee, a leading personality in fashion, she is hell bound to grab that position but after reaching the venue, she has been offered the position of the assistant of Jai Advani, the COO of The House of Advani on the basis of the term that she has to spy on him. What is the reason behind it?
Roy's storytelling is natural and evocative, portraying a vibrant scenario of a famous fashion house, the competition in the market, making of the prestigious events, discussion of fresh ideas, endless meetings and workload which is the proof that people only witness a mere drop in the ocean. Her knowledge in the background is praiseworthy. On the other hand, the protagonists are relatable and close to the heart, in spite of not being flawless. Their chemistry is built not like a fairytale and ignoring their responsibility; rather it is fueled by the arguments, misunderstanding, dismay and huff.
The relationship with their families and their raw version of personal lives add emotional richness to the story. The other characters are mainly grey-shaded, particularly Rekha, whose personality and steadfast actions in the important areas are the strength of this book. From the emotional resonance of the lovebirds and family dynamics to the bustling city life of Mumbai and the friendship - this book is a promising approach to Aastha's writing career.
"Victims. Both of us. Different cages, same bars."
🍁Author:- Aastha Roy
🍁Publication:- Bloomsbury India
🍁Printed Price:- Rs. 350/-
"Happiness wasn't always at the end of a long race, but it was in the present."
"Love Under Cover" by Aastha Roy is a charming desi romance which immerses its readers in the happening world of the fashion industry where invisibility is equal to death and no connection means zero opportunity to stand out. Ananya Tripathi has come to Mumbai from Banaras in order to fulfill her dream of being a fashion designer and avoid the trap of marriage. Since she has seen the opportunity to work as assistant of Suraina Mukherjee, a leading personality in fashion, she is hell bound to grab that position but after reaching the venue, she has been offered the position of the assistant of Jai Advani, the COO of The House of Advani on the basis of the term that she has to spy on him. What is the reason behind it?
Roy's storytelling is natural and evocative, portraying a vibrant scenario of a famous fashion house, the competition in the market, making of the prestigious events, discussion of fresh ideas, endless meetings and workload which is the proof that people only witness a mere drop in the ocean. Her knowledge in the background is praiseworthy. On the other hand, the protagonists are relatable and close to the heart, in spite of not being flawless. Their chemistry is built not like a fairytale and ignoring their responsibility; rather it is fueled by the arguments, misunderstanding, dismay and huff.
The relationship with their families and their raw version of personal lives add emotional richness to the story. The other characters are mainly grey-shaded, particularly Rekha, whose personality and steadfast actions in the important areas are the strength of this book. From the emotional resonance of the lovebirds and family dynamics to the bustling city life of Mumbai and the friendship - this book is a promising approach to Aastha's writing career.
"Victims. Both of us. Different cages, same bars."
August 21, 2026
💘 LOVE UNDERCOVER 💘
🧚🏻♀️ Aastha Roy
🖨️ Bloomsbury India
I had absolutely NOOO idea I would end up loving this book so f**king much 😭
You know those rom-coms you can rewatch a hundred times because they make you ridiculously happy even though you already know exactly what's going to happen?
💕Love Undercover💕 felt like WATCHING one of those.
✨TROPES✨
💘 Desi Contemporary Rom Com
✨ Dual POV
💘 Workplace Billionaire Romance
✨ Hidden Agendas
💘 Slow Burn
✨ Forced Proximity
💘 Delicious Banter & Chemistry
✨ Family Drama
💘 Healthy Communication!!
✨ Beautiful Female Friendship
💘 Characters that feel incredibly REAL
✨ Lots of chaos, feelings & rom-com goodness
I absolutely LOVED the main characters.
Not just them together, which, YES, I was obviously rooting for .. but them individually too.
They weren't these perfectly curated romance-book characters who always knew exactly what to say or do.
They were messy. They had their own sh!t going on. They made decisions that actually felt HUMAN.
And I think that's one of the biggest reasons I got so attached to them.
And yes 🩷JAI🩷 is my new favourite book bf!
And then there was the FMC's BFF 🥹🫶🏻
I LOVEEE when female friendships are actually given space in romance books and the best friend isn't just a conveniently placed side character whose entire personality is giving relationship advice.
I genuinely loved her just as much!!
Add in all the family drama, the hidden agendas, the workplace shenanigans and that delicious sloooow build-up between the two of them...
I WAS INVESTED.
It's funny without trying too hard.
Romantic without feeling cheesy.
Dramatic without becoming exhausting.
And somehow amidst all the chaos, the characters just felt so incredibly REAL.
Basically, I picked up Love Undercover expecting a cute workplace romance...
And ended up sneaking in chapters between patients like my life depended on it. 😭
So yeah.
Safe to say I f**king loved this one.
Thank you soo much @bloomsburyindia and @authoraastharoy for gifting me this absolutely STUNNING book 💕
🧚🏻♀️ Aastha Roy
🖨️ Bloomsbury India
I had absolutely NOOO idea I would end up loving this book so f**king much 😭
You know those rom-coms you can rewatch a hundred times because they make you ridiculously happy even though you already know exactly what's going to happen?
💕Love Undercover💕 felt like WATCHING one of those.
✨TROPES✨
💘 Desi Contemporary Rom Com
✨ Dual POV
💘 Workplace Billionaire Romance
✨ Hidden Agendas
💘 Slow Burn
✨ Forced Proximity
💘 Delicious Banter & Chemistry
✨ Family Drama
💘 Healthy Communication!!
✨ Beautiful Female Friendship
💘 Characters that feel incredibly REAL
✨ Lots of chaos, feelings & rom-com goodness
I absolutely LOVED the main characters.
Not just them together, which, YES, I was obviously rooting for .. but them individually too.
They weren't these perfectly curated romance-book characters who always knew exactly what to say or do.
They were messy. They had their own sh!t going on. They made decisions that actually felt HUMAN.
And I think that's one of the biggest reasons I got so attached to them.
And yes 🩷JAI🩷 is my new favourite book bf!
And then there was the FMC's BFF 🥹🫶🏻
I LOVEEE when female friendships are actually given space in romance books and the best friend isn't just a conveniently placed side character whose entire personality is giving relationship advice.
I genuinely loved her just as much!!
Add in all the family drama, the hidden agendas, the workplace shenanigans and that delicious sloooow build-up between the two of them...
I WAS INVESTED.
It's funny without trying too hard.
Romantic without feeling cheesy.
Dramatic without becoming exhausting.
And somehow amidst all the chaos, the characters just felt so incredibly REAL.
Basically, I picked up Love Undercover expecting a cute workplace romance...
And ended up sneaking in chapters between patients like my life depended on it. 😭
So yeah.
Safe to say I f**king loved this one.
Thank you soo much @bloomsburyindia and @authoraastharoy for gifting me this absolutely STUNNING book 💕
September 21, 2026
You are in love, not only with your boss but you are also spying on him 🫠
Ananya Tripathi has a plan: find a job in Mumbai, build a life of her own, and stay away from the marriage her family keeps insisting she needs. Then comes an opportunity she cannot afford to refuse, a job with Jai Advani, along with a secret assignment to spy on him.
The trouble is, Jai isn't supposed to become important.
Ananya's deception gives the romance an interesting complication because the reader knows something Jai doesn't. We watch her get closer to someone while knowing exactly what she is keeping from him. The more their relationship develops, the more difficult that secret becomes to compartmentalise.
I liked Ananya's ambition being allowed to exist alongside the romance. She isn't waiting for someone to rescue her from an unhappy life; she is trying to make one for herself. Jai has his own set of expectations and family pressures, giving their relationship more to negotiate than attraction alone.
And then there is the inevitable question of the lie.
If you fell for someone while hiding the reason you entered their life in the first place, would the truth make everything that came before it meaningless? Or can genuine feelings grow out of an arrangement that wasn't genuine to begin with?
That question quietly follows Ananya and Jai through the story.
There is plenty here for readers who enjoy workplace romance, chemistry, banter, family dynamics and the gradual shift from pretending to feeling. But the part I found myself thinking about was the fragile line between privacy and deception, and how quickly that line disappears once another person's heart is involved.
Love Under Cover is a light, contemporary romance with a secret at its centre, but underneath the romance is a story about ambition, choices and the consequences of being honest a little too late.
Ananya Tripathi has a plan: find a job in Mumbai, build a life of her own, and stay away from the marriage her family keeps insisting she needs. Then comes an opportunity she cannot afford to refuse, a job with Jai Advani, along with a secret assignment to spy on him.
The trouble is, Jai isn't supposed to become important.
Ananya's deception gives the romance an interesting complication because the reader knows something Jai doesn't. We watch her get closer to someone while knowing exactly what she is keeping from him. The more their relationship develops, the more difficult that secret becomes to compartmentalise.
I liked Ananya's ambition being allowed to exist alongside the romance. She isn't waiting for someone to rescue her from an unhappy life; she is trying to make one for herself. Jai has his own set of expectations and family pressures, giving their relationship more to negotiate than attraction alone.
And then there is the inevitable question of the lie.
If you fell for someone while hiding the reason you entered their life in the first place, would the truth make everything that came before it meaningless? Or can genuine feelings grow out of an arrangement that wasn't genuine to begin with?
That question quietly follows Ananya and Jai through the story.
There is plenty here for readers who enjoy workplace romance, chemistry, banter, family dynamics and the gradual shift from pretending to feeling. But the part I found myself thinking about was the fragile line between privacy and deception, and how quickly that line disappears once another person's heart is involved.
Love Under Cover is a light, contemporary romance with a secret at its centre, but underneath the romance is a story about ambition, choices and the consequences of being honest a little too late.
July 8, 2026
"One job. One secret. One man she was never meant to love."
I received this book today... and finished it within a few hours. That's how addicted I was.
Love Under Cover was one of my easiest and most enjoyable reads of the year. As someone who absolutely loves desi romances, this book gave me everything I was hoping for and more. The corporate setting, the slow-burn romance, the emotional tension, the family dynamics, and the secrets all came together beautifully.
Ananya and Jai completely won my heart. Their chemistry felt natural, their conversations had me smiling, and the emotional push and pull between them kept me glued to the pages. The romance wasn't rushed—it was built on trust, admiration, misunderstandings, and vulnerability, making every moment feel worthwhile.
There were so many scenes that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The only thing I wished for was a little more accountability for a certain character. But then I realized that the ending reflected a reality that's common in many Indian families—we often forgive our elders despite the hurt they've caused. It wasn't the ending I wanted, but it was one that felt authentic.
Overall, this book made me laugh, swoon, get frustrated, and even cry. It's sweet, emotional, heartwarming, and filled with the kind of romance that slowly sneaks into your heart.
If you're looking for a desi corporate romance with slow burn, workplace tension, family drama, emotional depth, and characters you'll genuinely root for, Love Under Cover deserves a spot on your TBR.
I can't recommend it enough. ❤️🌸📖
I received this book today... and finished it within a few hours. That's how addicted I was.
Love Under Cover was one of my easiest and most enjoyable reads of the year. As someone who absolutely loves desi romances, this book gave me everything I was hoping for and more. The corporate setting, the slow-burn romance, the emotional tension, the family dynamics, and the secrets all came together beautifully.
Ananya and Jai completely won my heart. Their chemistry felt natural, their conversations had me smiling, and the emotional push and pull between them kept me glued to the pages. The romance wasn't rushed—it was built on trust, admiration, misunderstandings, and vulnerability, making every moment feel worthwhile.
There were so many scenes that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The only thing I wished for was a little more accountability for a certain character. But then I realized that the ending reflected a reality that's common in many Indian families—we often forgive our elders despite the hurt they've caused. It wasn't the ending I wanted, but it was one that felt authentic.
Overall, this book made me laugh, swoon, get frustrated, and even cry. It's sweet, emotional, heartwarming, and filled with the kind of romance that slowly sneaks into your heart.
If you're looking for a desi corporate romance with slow burn, workplace tension, family drama, emotional depth, and characters you'll genuinely root for, Love Under Cover deserves a spot on your TBR.
I can't recommend it enough. ❤️🌸📖
August 29, 2026
Aaaaackkk I seem to be having a new guilty pleasure in book genres : desi romcoms and romances. It's not really the sickly sweet love and romance that I enjoy in these books, it's the simple life lessons I get from them. From this book, the author has given us a wonderful message to live by : have dreams and have the guts to follow them.
From the start of the story I really could relate with Ananya. A girl from a traditional background and a bit overbearing family, having dreams not acknowledged by family, paving her own way towards her life goals all without anyone's help, and most importantly, having a strong sense of morals and ethics in this world full of red flags and manipulative people. When Rekha, the wife of a top fashion company's CEO, asks Ananya to spy on the COO, Jai, I could understand what an impossible situation it was for her : give up her dreams and be forced to get married by her parents or take a chance and see if it all works. She chose the second way, the harder choice but the right one. Of course it led to soooo many unexpected bad stuff, but it was THE road for her - because it led her to her dreams.
I really enjoyed the story, especially the drama. Along with the romance, there was a constant temsion in the air because of Ananya's spying. I prefer my favourite love stories to be slowburn instead of the instant attraction stuff that happened between Jai and Ananya, but I did enjoy them working on their relationship together, along with their own dreams. Jai's story arc was surprisingly good and I found myself rooting for his dreams too!
Overall, it was a very fun breezy Friday read. Recommending it to all of you romance readers!
From the start of the story I really could relate with Ananya. A girl from a traditional background and a bit overbearing family, having dreams not acknowledged by family, paving her own way towards her life goals all without anyone's help, and most importantly, having a strong sense of morals and ethics in this world full of red flags and manipulative people. When Rekha, the wife of a top fashion company's CEO, asks Ananya to spy on the COO, Jai, I could understand what an impossible situation it was for her : give up her dreams and be forced to get married by her parents or take a chance and see if it all works. She chose the second way, the harder choice but the right one. Of course it led to soooo many unexpected bad stuff, but it was THE road for her - because it led her to her dreams.
I really enjoyed the story, especially the drama. Along with the romance, there was a constant temsion in the air because of Ananya's spying. I prefer my favourite love stories to be slowburn instead of the instant attraction stuff that happened between Jai and Ananya, but I did enjoy them working on their relationship together, along with their own dreams. Jai's story arc was surprisingly good and I found myself rooting for his dreams too!
Overall, it was a very fun breezy Friday read. Recommending it to all of you romance readers!
August 10, 2026
✨ LOVE UNDER COVER — AASHTA ROY ✨
I genuinely don’t know how to put my feelings about Love Undercover into words. 🥹❤️ This book was such an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every second of it.
From the very beginning, I was completely hooked. The chemistry, the emotions, the tension, the little moments of vulnerability… everything had me SO invested. There were moments when I was smiling like an idiot, moments when I wanted to scream at the characters, and moments where my heart genuinely hurt. 😭❤️
What I loved most was how real the emotions felt. The characters weren’t just fictional people on pages—they felt alive. I found myself rooting for them, worrying about them, getting butterflies because of them, and eventually feeling like I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. 🥺Aastha, your writing made it so easy to disappear into this story. The way you balanced romance, emotions, secrets, and those swoon-worthy moments was absolutely beautiful. ✨Love Under Cover cover is the kind of book that gives you butterflies while reading and a massive book hangover after finishing it. 😭📖❤️I finished the book, but honestly… I’m still not over it. The characters are still living rent-free in my head, and I already miss their world. 🥹
Thank you, Aastha, for giving us this beautiful story. 🤍 If you love romance that makes you feel everything, add Love Undercover to your TBR. You won’t regret it. 🫶🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 — emotionally attached, completely obsessed, and absolutely not ready to move on. 😭❤️📚
I genuinely don’t know how to put my feelings about Love Undercover into words. 🥹❤️ This book was such an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every second of it.
From the very beginning, I was completely hooked. The chemistry, the emotions, the tension, the little moments of vulnerability… everything had me SO invested. There were moments when I was smiling like an idiot, moments when I wanted to scream at the characters, and moments where my heart genuinely hurt. 😭❤️
What I loved most was how real the emotions felt. The characters weren’t just fictional people on pages—they felt alive. I found myself rooting for them, worrying about them, getting butterflies because of them, and eventually feeling like I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. 🥺Aastha, your writing made it so easy to disappear into this story. The way you balanced romance, emotions, secrets, and those swoon-worthy moments was absolutely beautiful. ✨Love Under Cover cover is the kind of book that gives you butterflies while reading and a massive book hangover after finishing it. 😭📖❤️I finished the book, but honestly… I’m still not over it. The characters are still living rent-free in my head, and I already miss their world. 🥹
Thank you, Aastha, for giving us this beautiful story. 🤍 If you love romance that makes you feel everything, add Love Undercover to your TBR. You won’t regret it. 🫶🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 — emotionally attached, completely obsessed, and absolutely not ready to move on. 😭❤️📚
August 26, 2026
Looooved this book so much! ❤️📖
I honestly didn’t expect to get THIS obsessed with it. The storyline, the romance, the chemistry, the whole undercover setup—I was completely hooked. It had that perfect combination of an interesting plot and a romance that actually keeps you invested in the characters.
I was so engrossed in the story that I missed my metro, got late to the office, and ended up pushing back every other task because apparently nothing was more important than finding out what happened next. 😂😭 That’s how you know a book has got you.
What I loved most was the romance. The relationship development, the tension, the little moments between the characters, and the way the story kept making me want more of them—it was exactly the kind of romance I enjoy. 🥹❤️
And now I have a serious problem: I WANT MORE. 😭
I would absolutely love another book with the same storyline/vibe, but honestly, I’d be equally excited to get books set in the same universe—especially Arjun’s, Ayaan’s, or Reah’s story. There are so many characters I’m curious about now, and I’m definitely not ready to leave this universe yet. 👀
Overall, such an addictive read. If a book can make me forget my schedule, miss my metro, and still make me want to pick it up again immediately, I’d say it did its job. 😂❤️
5/5 for the obsession, the romance, and the “just one more chapter” trap. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I honestly didn’t expect to get THIS obsessed with it. The storyline, the romance, the chemistry, the whole undercover setup—I was completely hooked. It had that perfect combination of an interesting plot and a romance that actually keeps you invested in the characters.
I was so engrossed in the story that I missed my metro, got late to the office, and ended up pushing back every other task because apparently nothing was more important than finding out what happened next. 😂😭 That’s how you know a book has got you.
What I loved most was the romance. The relationship development, the tension, the little moments between the characters, and the way the story kept making me want more of them—it was exactly the kind of romance I enjoy. 🥹❤️
And now I have a serious problem: I WANT MORE. 😭
I would absolutely love another book with the same storyline/vibe, but honestly, I’d be equally excited to get books set in the same universe—especially Arjun’s, Ayaan’s, or Reah’s story. There are so many characters I’m curious about now, and I’m definitely not ready to leave this universe yet. 👀
Overall, such an addictive read. If a book can make me forget my schedule, miss my metro, and still make me want to pick it up again immediately, I’d say it did its job. 😂❤️
5/5 for the obsession, the romance, and the “just one more chapter” trap. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 5, 2026
Wowwwww wowwww wowwwww...... I loveeeee thisssss booooookkkk omgggggg
....
Are you kidding me?!!!!
I love the story, genre, characters - mmc & fmc... Tbh I see myself in ananya.... But where's my jai advani?
I love the genre.
Ananya wanted to work with suraina mam, but ended up becoming jai's assistant by his step mom rekha- under the threat. It was false promise, betrayal, enemies to lovers. She was asked to spy on jai and give updates to rekha but ended up falling in love with him. Under the multiple threats by rekha, ananya had no option but chose to save her relationship.I
Good comedy. Kicking my feet while reading. Giggling, laughing out loud while in metro.... I love how author wrote so beautifully. She writes in such a way that you are in their feet.
Every detailed... Including emotions, tension scene between jai and his family... Honestly everything. Including romance. If you feel anxious, lump in your throat while reading the scene, but also that romance that made you feel all lovey-dovey, you know author has done a good job!
Had an amazing time reading this book!!!!!
....
Are you kidding me?!!!!
I love the story, genre, characters - mmc & fmc... Tbh I see myself in ananya.... But where's my jai advani?
I love the genre.
Ananya wanted to work with suraina mam, but ended up becoming jai's assistant by his step mom rekha- under the threat. It was false promise, betrayal, enemies to lovers. She was asked to spy on jai and give updates to rekha but ended up falling in love with him. Under the multiple threats by rekha, ananya had no option but chose to save her relationship.I
Good comedy. Kicking my feet while reading. Giggling, laughing out loud while in metro.... I love how author wrote so beautifully. She writes in such a way that you are in their feet.
Every detailed... Including emotions, tension scene between jai and his family... Honestly everything. Including romance. If you feel anxious, lump in your throat while reading the scene, but also that romance that made you feel all lovey-dovey, you know author has done a good job!
Had an amazing time reading this book!!!!!
September 25, 2026
Finished and it was a good read! 🫶🏻
It was sweet, cute, real and nice! The story was a little too fast paced for me.
I really liked the characters and their development throughout the story. The chemistry worked for me even though it felt a little short and maybe a bit too instant? The romance was good but I just wish there was a little more tension between them.
I picked this up because of the workplace romance trope and it was also something new for me since I got to read about a fashion designer! I also really liked how relatable some parts felt, especially the whole marriage thing.
I do feel like the hate could've been portrayed a little better and more? Maybe because the story was so fast paced, some of the tropes felt a little short and I wanted to see more of them. If the pacing was a little slower and certain things were given more time, I think they would've stood out even more!
I'd definitely recommend it to new readers or anyone who enjoys fast paced stories! 💗
Also... his morally grey best friend 👀 caught my attention more than I expected AND I'm hoping we get his story because I NEED to know more about him! ✨
It was sweet, cute, real and nice! The story was a little too fast paced for me.
I really liked the characters and their development throughout the story. The chemistry worked for me even though it felt a little short and maybe a bit too instant? The romance was good but I just wish there was a little more tension between them.
I picked this up because of the workplace romance trope and it was also something new for me since I got to read about a fashion designer! I also really liked how relatable some parts felt, especially the whole marriage thing.
I do feel like the hate could've been portrayed a little better and more? Maybe because the story was so fast paced, some of the tropes felt a little short and I wanted to see more of them. If the pacing was a little slower and certain things were given more time, I think they would've stood out even more!
I'd definitely recommend it to new readers or anyone who enjoys fast paced stories! 💗
Also... his morally grey best friend 👀 caught my attention more than I expected AND I'm hoping we get his story because I NEED to know more about him! ✨
August 6, 2026
I read love under cover due to its very interesting blurb, and ngl it was soo worth it.
I honestly do not have words to appreciate how beautiful the book really was. The characters, the setup, the plot, everything was fab! I seriously devoured the book! it was such a cute read and i felt so connected with the characters as if ive known them since ages. let's not even begin about Jai because i can literally yap about how perfect he is <3 like he's such a beautiful character he's so cutee and sweet in his own way, and Ananya — she's literally so niceee like omg i loved the vibe and everything.
after i finished the book i just wanted to read more and more about them. it's like just get me more bonus chapters or wtv but i wanna read more about them😭
and i am super excited for whatever new book the author's planning to write next because the writing>>>
i also hope that she writes a book for arjun because he literally caught my eye within the short span of time he appeared for!
it was a short and nice read, specially if u dont wanna read something which gets TOO much.
I honestly do not have words to appreciate how beautiful the book really was. The characters, the setup, the plot, everything was fab! I seriously devoured the book! it was such a cute read and i felt so connected with the characters as if ive known them since ages. let's not even begin about Jai because i can literally yap about how perfect he is <3 like he's such a beautiful character he's so cutee and sweet in his own way, and Ananya — she's literally so niceee like omg i loved the vibe and everything.
after i finished the book i just wanted to read more and more about them. it's like just get me more bonus chapters or wtv but i wanna read more about them😭
and i am super excited for whatever new book the author's planning to write next because the writing>>>
i also hope that she writes a book for arjun because he literally caught my eye within the short span of time he appeared for!
it was a short and nice read, specially if u dont wanna read something which gets TOO much.
August 14, 2026
Hey, I'm not sure if you'll read this, but still dropping this msg..
I stumbled upon your book yesterday while scrolling and thought why not give this a try.. so I found the book online and started reading.. I'm a huge Ana Huang fan, I've read all her books, and after off campus, I read all of Elle Kennedy's books too..
Honestly, your book felt like an Indian version of whatever they write, it felt soo good to read the same stuff with Indians in it, cuz you're only like the 3rd Indian author I'm reading.. okay I'm too excited now and I've gone off track..
Soo I started reading thinking I'll see how it feels, and I didn't even realise when I'd finished!! I'm running out of words to express how it felt.. I'll just tell you this, I completed the book in 3 hrs, in one sitting 🥹
I was ssly waiting for rekha to come out in the open.. I knew she was plotting smtng the minute she took Ananya out in her car.. I slept at 3.30 yesterday, since I was soo lost in the book.. Jai is like the guy every girl dreams of..
I stumbled upon your book yesterday while scrolling and thought why not give this a try.. so I found the book online and started reading.. I'm a huge Ana Huang fan, I've read all her books, and after off campus, I read all of Elle Kennedy's books too..
Honestly, your book felt like an Indian version of whatever they write, it felt soo good to read the same stuff with Indians in it, cuz you're only like the 3rd Indian author I'm reading.. okay I'm too excited now and I've gone off track..
Soo I started reading thinking I'll see how it feels, and I didn't even realise when I'd finished!! I'm running out of words to express how it felt.. I'll just tell you this, I completed the book in 3 hrs, in one sitting 🥹
I was ssly waiting for rekha to come out in the open.. I knew she was plotting smtng the minute she took Ananya out in her car.. I slept at 3.30 yesterday, since I was soo lost in the book.. Jai is like the guy every girl dreams of..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2026
I just finished reading this book and I genuinely loved it ❤️
When I reached the last page, my first reaction was honestly, “Wait, that’s it? I need more!” 🥹 I got so attached to the characters and their story that finishing the book left me with that weird mix of happiness and sadness that only a really good book can give you.
What I loved most was how real everything felt the characters, the emotions, the conversations, all of it. There were moments that made me smile, moments that made my heart ache a little, and so many parts that stayed with me even after I put the book down.
The writing was so engaging that I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” and somehow ended up reading way more than I planned to every single time.
This is definitely one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. If you’re thinking of picking it up, consider this your sign to do it.
When I reached the last page, my first reaction was honestly, “Wait, that’s it? I need more!” 🥹 I got so attached to the characters and their story that finishing the book left me with that weird mix of happiness and sadness that only a really good book can give you.
What I loved most was how real everything felt the characters, the emotions, the conversations, all of it. There were moments that made me smile, moments that made my heart ache a little, and so many parts that stayed with me even after I put the book down.
The writing was so engaging that I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” and somehow ended up reading way more than I planned to every single time.
This is definitely one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. If you’re thinking of picking it up, consider this your sign to do it.
July 18, 2026
I initially picked up this book because of its gorgeous cover and intriguing blurb and I'm so glad it lived up to my expectations. The story offers a complete romance package with intelligent characters, a well-developed plot, and beautiful chemistry between Ananya and Jai. I appreciated that although Ananya was manipulated at the beginning, she wasn't naive and quickly realised the truth for herself. And Jai? He was a pleasant surprise to me as I expected the typical grumpy, arrogant COO but instead found a kind, mature, and genuinely caring hero, which made the romance more beautiful. One thing I particularly loved was the ending. I don't want to give any spoilers but it avoided the usual family drama and overused conflicts which made the story refreshing and realistic. There wasn't a traditional villain in the story, instead it was the circumstances and misunderstandings that drove the conflict.
August 22, 2026
Loved every bit of it! 💗 5/5*
I absolutely loved this book! It felt so personal and so real.
The way Ananya stands up for herself is so inspiring, and Jai? He's like that lush green forest - raising the bar for all the boys with every single chapter 😭 He is the ultimate green flag!
The family angle was so on point and relatable, and don't even get me started on the friendship. That's the kind of friendship every girl and boy wishes for. They literally have it all and it was written so beautifully.
Every page gave me something new to think about. I couldn't stop reading - finished it in one go, even in office! 🤭
I loved the meaningful happy ending you gave Jai and Ananya. It made me feel like a teenager in love all over again. Their chemistry felt SO real and raw. Just loved it! 🧿
And low-key manifesting Arjun and Reha together next - one full of chaos, one so calm. They would be the perfect pair!
Can't wait for next book!
I absolutely loved this book! It felt so personal and so real.
The way Ananya stands up for herself is so inspiring, and Jai? He's like that lush green forest - raising the bar for all the boys with every single chapter 😭 He is the ultimate green flag!
The family angle was so on point and relatable, and don't even get me started on the friendship. That's the kind of friendship every girl and boy wishes for. They literally have it all and it was written so beautifully.
Every page gave me something new to think about. I couldn't stop reading - finished it in one go, even in office! 🤭
I loved the meaningful happy ending you gave Jai and Ananya. It made me feel like a teenager in love all over again. Their chemistry felt SO real and raw. Just loved it! 🧿
And low-key manifesting Arjun and Reha together next - one full of chaos, one so calm. They would be the perfect pair!
Can't wait for next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2026
I really love a book that can grip my attention from the beginning and that too from an Indian romance was so unexpected.
I mean fashion designer insides, coo falling for his assistant..take money 💰
I mostly loved the second part of the book because it was so nicely done every bit of felt like m really reading something from a foreign author writing.
But the first part of the book was a little off for me because i wanted more like wtf they just talked twice and wanted to date.. where is the angst where is yearning where the fuck is stealing glances and self realisation of the love... I really wanted all those in the first part..
So yeah it's good bt not I like oh my god oh my god .. good for someone exploring indian authors bt not for one who has already explored foreign authors.
I mean fashion designer insides, coo falling for his assistant..take money 💰
I mostly loved the second part of the book because it was so nicely done every bit of felt like m really reading something from a foreign author writing.
But the first part of the book was a little off for me because i wanted more like wtf they just talked twice and wanted to date.. where is the angst where is yearning where the fuck is stealing glances and self realisation of the love... I really wanted all those in the first part..
So yeah it's good bt not I like oh my god oh my god .. good for someone exploring indian authors bt not for one who has already explored foreign authors.
October 3, 2026
Hi Aastha! ❤️
I just wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading your first book. And Jai, oh my god, what a man! The way you’ve written him, his subtle nature, the way he communicates, gets straight to the point without unnecessary drama or nonsense in between. Truly, a man written by a woman. 🥹
And Ananya! I absolutely loved her. Her effortless way of being, her passion for her work, and the depth you’ve given her character made her so easy to connect with.
I had almost finished the book a while ago but deliberately left a few chapters unread because, honestly, I didn’t want it to end. But I finally finished it today, and I just had to tell you how much I loved the entire experience.
There’s something so special about characters you aren’t quite ready to let go of, and Jai and Ananya were exactly that for me. ❤️
I just wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading your first book. And Jai, oh my god, what a man! The way you’ve written him, his subtle nature, the way he communicates, gets straight to the point without unnecessary drama or nonsense in between. Truly, a man written by a woman. 🥹
And Ananya! I absolutely loved her. Her effortless way of being, her passion for her work, and the depth you’ve given her character made her so easy to connect with.
I had almost finished the book a while ago but deliberately left a few chapters unread because, honestly, I didn’t want it to end. But I finally finished it today, and I just had to tell you how much I loved the entire experience.
There’s something so special about characters you aren’t quite ready to let go of, and Jai and Ananya were exactly that for me. ❤️
October 21, 2026
Love under cover—Aastha Roy
I picked this up because my friend said it’s quite good. She is a freaking romance reader. It’s been awhile since I read romance. It was quite an interesting read with spying-kind of stuff.
Ananya, who is in the last chance to secure a job under Sukraina Mukherjee’s assistant. But eventually she was offered to be an assistant for Jai Advani, the coo of the House of Advani. His mother has offered her this to spy on him. She agrees to it.
I finished it in two hours. Not the kind of swoon-worthy type. But I loved how the fashion industry kept alive its karigars. Only part I felt fastened how they fell in love with each other too soon. And their patch-up too felt a bit unreal. Overall, it was a great read.
I picked this up because my friend said it’s quite good. She is a freaking romance reader. It’s been awhile since I read romance. It was quite an interesting read with spying-kind of stuff.
Ananya, who is in the last chance to secure a job under Sukraina Mukherjee’s assistant. But eventually she was offered to be an assistant for Jai Advani, the coo of the House of Advani. His mother has offered her this to spy on him. She agrees to it.
I finished it in two hours. Not the kind of swoon-worthy type. But I loved how the fashion industry kept alive its karigars. Only part I felt fastened how they fell in love with each other too soon. And their patch-up too felt a bit unreal. Overall, it was a great read.
July 18, 2026
It’s a 5 star read for me.
Loved every bit of this book it had me hooked I couldn’t keep it down and finished it in less than 24 hrs . The chemistry between the characters is too good the way in which the story picks up is really good. This doesn’t feel like a debut novel cause it’s beautifully written and the dialogues are written so well they feel so natural.
I can’t get Ananya and Jai out of my mind.
It’s the best romance novel I’ve read in a really long time and it’s very different from any other Indian romance novels available in the market.
Go for without thinking too much I’m sure you won’t regret it!!!
Loved every bit of this book it had me hooked I couldn’t keep it down and finished it in less than 24 hrs . The chemistry between the characters is too good the way in which the story picks up is really good. This doesn’t feel like a debut novel cause it’s beautifully written and the dialogues are written so well they feel so natural.
I can’t get Ananya and Jai out of my mind.
It’s the best romance novel I’ve read in a really long time and it’s very different from any other Indian romance novels available in the market.
Go for without thinking too much I’m sure you won’t regret it!!!
August 31, 2026
Hii! I just finished reading your novel and I genuinely had to come here and tell you how much I loved it. 🥹💗 Your writing completely pulled me into the story, and I found myself getting so attached to the characters and their journey. There were so many moments that stayed with me even after I finished reading.
You have such a beautiful way of telling a story and making the emotions feel so real. Thank you for writing something that gave me so many feelings and made reading it such a wonderful experience. 🫶🏻
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of your work! Keep writing and creating these beautiful stories. 🤍✨
You have such a beautiful way of telling a story and making the emotions feel so real. Thank you for writing something that gave me so many feelings and made reading it such a wonderful experience. 🫶🏻
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of your work! Keep writing and creating these beautiful stories. 🤍✨
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