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The Love Arrangement
Some deals are made to be broken…
Independent and free-spirted Annika has no plans to settle down anytime soon… if only her parents felt the same way. But when her father unexpectedly falls ill, she’ll do anything to make things better. Even if it means suddenly blurting out she has a boyfriend.
The only issue is, he doesn’t exist.
Then, by chance, she bumps into handsome entrepreneur Rav, and she can’t believe her luck. He’s single, sworn off relationships and looking for a date to attend work events with. He’s the perfect solution to her troubles. Or is he?
Because there’s just one slight catch – he also happens to be her childhood nemesis.
It was only ever supposed to be a simple, temporary arrangement. Nothing more. Certainly love was never part of the terms and conditions. But Annika’s about to discover that some deals are made to be broken…
Independent and free-spirted Annika has no plans to settle down anytime soon… if only her parents felt the same way. But when her father unexpectedly falls ill, she’ll do anything to make things better. Even if it means suddenly blurting out she has a boyfriend.
The only issue is, he doesn’t exist.
Then, by chance, she bumps into handsome entrepreneur Rav, and she can’t believe her luck. He’s single, sworn off relationships and looking for a date to attend work events with. He’s the perfect solution to her troubles. Or is he?
Because there’s just one slight catch – he also happens to be her childhood nemesis.
It was only ever supposed to be a simple, temporary arrangement. Nothing more. Certainly love was never part of the terms and conditions. But Annika’s about to discover that some deals are made to be broken…
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2022
13 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
August 18, 2022
From a cute cover to a well constructed plot and good writing, this book had it all. I thought that the romance was cute, I enjoyed the part where Rav & Annika had to fake date. Annika thinks of Rav as her childhood nemesis but it was all in her head because Rav was a really sweet and understanding guy. There wasn't much of a banter between them but they grew to genuinely enjoy each other's company throughout the entire time they spent together. While it was a fun read, it didn't have anything different or extraordinary and I felt like something was missing. There were certain cultural aspects that I liked but I think the book lacked in humor which is why I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would after reading the blurb tbh.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
August 27, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and The Publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I didn't felt the chemistry between them. Their relationship felt forced. Also I needed a dual pov. I wanted to get to know him.
I felt that the author was forcing the characters to have sex to develop their fake dating arrangement. I love fake dating trope but this one was really not represented well. Also author stated that they were nemesis but they were never nemesis. Annika just hated him because her parents always compared her to him, so she started to think him as enemy which is ridiculous.
As an Indian I felt many similarities. But for me it was kind of awkward to read Indian Names. Also to be honest I didn't liked the parents of both of them. Rav mom was kind of rude.
I don't think they were attracted to each other. Their whole fake dating relationship was messy. I hated both the MCs.
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I didn't felt the chemistry between them. Their relationship felt forced. Also I needed a dual pov. I wanted to get to know him.
I felt that the author was forcing the characters to have sex to develop their fake dating arrangement. I love fake dating trope but this one was really not represented well. Also author stated that they were nemesis but they were never nemesis. Annika just hated him because her parents always compared her to him, so she started to think him as enemy which is ridiculous.
As an Indian I felt many similarities. But for me it was kind of awkward to read Indian Names. Also to be honest I didn't liked the parents of both of them. Rav mom was kind of rude.
I don't think they were attracted to each other. Their whole fake dating relationship was messy. I hated both the MCs.
Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
August 15, 2022
This was just not for me. There was way too much explaining and repetition... we get it... we don't need a man to be happy... we can focus on our career and not want to give it up and settle down for a man.
The love interest just did not do it for me at all, he was rigid and stilted and his interest in our MC didn't feel genuine at all.
It was a DNF as I got about halfway through and I just couldn't carry on.
There was some humour in there and I think the story had potential but it just didn't hit the mark for me.
The love interest just did not do it for me at all, he was rigid and stilted and his interest in our MC didn't feel genuine at all.
It was a DNF as I got about halfway through and I just couldn't carry on.
There was some humour in there and I think the story had potential but it just didn't hit the mark for me.
October 20, 2025
Whilst this is another fake-to-real romance, this story grabbed my interest mostly because of all the Asian cultural references. For me, this makes the story stand out to similar books and I think it added another layer to the plot.
Annika and Rav’s fake relationship is due to work pressures from him, and a desire to keep the parents satisfied for her. For Annika, travel and independence is the key to her happiness but this seems to have come at a cost: her parents are concerned that she is nowhere near settling down. Offering to help find a suitor, Basu exposes the pressures faced to marry and have children – something seen all the world over.
As the summer progresses, the fake couple attend a range of events for each other, presenting a convincing united front which gradually leads to genuine feelings developing. I enjoyed reading about the Indian wedding that took place as well as the traditions and dress involved. The story highlighted a culture that I know little about and I loved being able to understand it more.
Not only that, I appreciated seeing Annika transform as a result of Rav’s loyalty. Initially she convinces herself that this fake relationship is for the sake of her family but, over time, she looks inwards and re-evaluates what is important to her. I enjoyed seeing this process and thought Annika at the end of the book was more likeable as a result.
An enjoyable, light-hearted read that I sunk into, this was a sweet romance with a pleasing happy ending.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Annika and Rav’s fake relationship is due to work pressures from him, and a desire to keep the parents satisfied for her. For Annika, travel and independence is the key to her happiness but this seems to have come at a cost: her parents are concerned that she is nowhere near settling down. Offering to help find a suitor, Basu exposes the pressures faced to marry and have children – something seen all the world over.
As the summer progresses, the fake couple attend a range of events for each other, presenting a convincing united front which gradually leads to genuine feelings developing. I enjoyed reading about the Indian wedding that took place as well as the traditions and dress involved. The story highlighted a culture that I know little about and I loved being able to understand it more.
Not only that, I appreciated seeing Annika transform as a result of Rav’s loyalty. Initially she convinces herself that this fake relationship is for the sake of her family but, over time, she looks inwards and re-evaluates what is important to her. I enjoyed seeing this process and thought Annika at the end of the book was more likeable as a result.
An enjoyable, light-hearted read that I sunk into, this was a sweet romance with a pleasing happy ending.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2025
It was cute and I liked the slow burn, however the writing style was too explanatory. It sometimes felt like every chapter was the same internal monologue.
August 18, 2023
I loved this writing style, and the characters really made it come to life.
Rav and Annikas chemistry was fab.
I love the fake dating, enemy to lover vibes and wish I'd got round to reading this sooner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Rav and Annikas chemistry was fab.
I love the fake dating, enemy to lover vibes and wish I'd got round to reading this sooner.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
October 26, 2022
The repetitiveness and over explaining made me want to end it all 🥲
August 1, 2022
Blog: https://clife.blog/2022/08/01/book-re...
If you love novels that involve: Fake dating, enemies to lovers, grumpy dating happy vibes, look no further.
This novel is going for a cute light funny read. With some ramblings at times as Annika is unsure of this arrangement at times (which can be annoying but understanding) we see the long winded story of where Annika actually falls for Rav, the guy that her parents always used to show off about to make the children work more. It only makes sense. But they don’t actually know Rav.
So when they randomly meet as adults one day at a hotel and then they get to talking and have a purpose to spend time together it is only natural things start to escalate between the two.
Annika’s parents love Rav and are so happy she has found someone like him. A little background to Annika’s job: she travels as a consultant all over the world based on the projects she takes on she could be gone for months at a time. Annika goes on and on about her freedom and so forth but really, it isn’t freedom when you have to rely on people to hold your extra things so how is that liberating?
The main character is a little naive and immature in this way as shes very stubborn to believe that only her way is the right way and that she doesn’t need to do everything the way her sister has. Annika is hurt that everyone is trying to force her to do things in a particular way that is why she is very adamant in her decision to travel and be away from London / and home as much as possible.
Anyway, both of them manage to trick their families and work colleagues that they are in a real relationship. However Rav on the other hand seems to think he can plan every single moment in terms of how he can manage to find a woman to start his family that does not yet exist as he doesn’t even have a woman.
.
These two opposites manage to find themselves in a real romance. Dispute this novel being a bit repetitive on different topics at times it was nice to have a romance read at last if you’re going through a slump. So thank you to the publishers for sending me this novel in exchange for my honest review.
If you love novels that involve: Fake dating, enemies to lovers, grumpy dating happy vibes, look no further.
This novel is going for a cute light funny read. With some ramblings at times as Annika is unsure of this arrangement at times (which can be annoying but understanding) we see the long winded story of where Annika actually falls for Rav, the guy that her parents always used to show off about to make the children work more. It only makes sense. But they don’t actually know Rav.
So when they randomly meet as adults one day at a hotel and then they get to talking and have a purpose to spend time together it is only natural things start to escalate between the two.
Annika’s parents love Rav and are so happy she has found someone like him. A little background to Annika’s job: she travels as a consultant all over the world based on the projects she takes on she could be gone for months at a time. Annika goes on and on about her freedom and so forth but really, it isn’t freedom when you have to rely on people to hold your extra things so how is that liberating?
The main character is a little naive and immature in this way as shes very stubborn to believe that only her way is the right way and that she doesn’t need to do everything the way her sister has. Annika is hurt that everyone is trying to force her to do things in a particular way that is why she is very adamant in her decision to travel and be away from London / and home as much as possible.
Anyway, both of them manage to trick their families and work colleagues that they are in a real relationship. However Rav on the other hand seems to think he can plan every single moment in terms of how he can manage to find a woman to start his family that does not yet exist as he doesn’t even have a woman.
.
These two opposites manage to find themselves in a real romance. Dispute this novel being a bit repetitive on different topics at times it was nice to have a romance read at last if you’re going through a slump. So thank you to the publishers for sending me this novel in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2022
I love to read anything with an Indian connection to it, and I enjoyed Ruby Basu's previous novel, so was excited to be given the chance to read this one, too!
Annika is in a good place in her life, however, expectations from her family and those around her are making her do things she isn't entirely comfortable with.
With a doting father whose health is ailing, she decides that the best thing to do to stop him from worrying is to find someone to be in a fake relationship with, so her parents don't have the worry about her 'settling down' on their minds.
What she wasn't expecting was for the help to come from a childhood nemesis.
Rav Gohil is the perfect child, growing up. Getting all the grades, the school, and university places, the ideal, well-paying job: well, he is the person all the Indian families compare their own children to.
A chance meeting at a singles event sets cogs turning that would never have even touched, before, and Annika and Rav embark upon a mutually beneficial fake romance, with a not-so-fake ending.
I must say, I did want to shake Annika a few times though when Rav was giving off such obvious signals with things he said and did. They could have been settled and happy even faster, but then again that would have meant the story finished too soon!
This was a lovely, easy-to-read romance. Good clean fun with a liberal sprinkle of different Indian cultures within.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC in exchange for an honest review,
Annika is in a good place in her life, however, expectations from her family and those around her are making her do things she isn't entirely comfortable with.
With a doting father whose health is ailing, she decides that the best thing to do to stop him from worrying is to find someone to be in a fake relationship with, so her parents don't have the worry about her 'settling down' on their minds.
What she wasn't expecting was for the help to come from a childhood nemesis.
Rav Gohil is the perfect child, growing up. Getting all the grades, the school, and university places, the ideal, well-paying job: well, he is the person all the Indian families compare their own children to.
A chance meeting at a singles event sets cogs turning that would never have even touched, before, and Annika and Rav embark upon a mutually beneficial fake romance, with a not-so-fake ending.
I must say, I did want to shake Annika a few times though when Rav was giving off such obvious signals with things he said and did. They could have been settled and happy even faster, but then again that would have meant the story finished too soon!
This was a lovely, easy-to-read romance. Good clean fun with a liberal sprinkle of different Indian cultures within.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC in exchange for an honest review,
August 15, 2022
This book was absolutely fab!! If you love Fake Dating this one is absolutely for you, it's one of my favourite tropes and I loved the way it was executed in this. They were also childhood rivals and grew up together so they had a bunch of history and memories and it was just great to see their relationship develop. Annika is a very independent, career orientated woman who doesn't want a relationship but needs someone to pretend to be her long-ish term boyfriend to take to family events. Which is when she accidentally bumps into Rav, they grew up in the same community and she felt as though she was always competing with him. He is a serious Business Man and she is a fun extroverted woman, who loves her job and knows what she wants from life. There is the usual 'just don't fall in love with me' 'as if that would ever happen' vibes and it is just GREAT. I loved their dynamic, I loved the way they interacted I LOVED THE ENDING!! The sex scenes are fade to black which tbh I think some tasteful spice would have possibly made it a 5 star but I understand that not all authors want to or feel comfortable writing scenes like that so totally fine. Overall a super enjoyable quick romance read.
Thank you to netgallery and HarperCollins UK HQ for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to netgallery and HarperCollins UK HQ for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 21, 2022
First, I want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources as part of this blog tour in exchange for my honest review. I also want to thank Rachel for inviting me to participate in this tour.
I love romance. It's probably the thing I read the most. It doesn't have to be a full-on romance either. If there's a romance in a book you better believe I am going to attach to it immediately. I'm also easily sucked in when it comes to romance, and it takes a lot for a romance to disappoint me. Luckily this one was not a disappointment.
This is a fake dating romance and I love that trope. Honestly, I love all of the romance tropes, but I digress. I loved the romance between Niki and Rav. It progressed naturally and it was believable. I loved learning about the Indian culture as well.
My only complaint about this book is that it was a little too repetitive for my liking and I wish it wasn't fade to black when it comes to the romance side of things but that's just a personal preference and doesn't really affect my rating.
If you are in the mood for a clean fake dating romance, I definitely recommend you give this one a go.
I love romance. It's probably the thing I read the most. It doesn't have to be a full-on romance either. If there's a romance in a book you better believe I am going to attach to it immediately. I'm also easily sucked in when it comes to romance, and it takes a lot for a romance to disappoint me. Luckily this one was not a disappointment.
This is a fake dating romance and I love that trope. Honestly, I love all of the romance tropes, but I digress. I loved the romance between Niki and Rav. It progressed naturally and it was believable. I loved learning about the Indian culture as well.
My only complaint about this book is that it was a little too repetitive for my liking and I wish it wasn't fade to black when it comes to the romance side of things but that's just a personal preference and doesn't really affect my rating.
If you are in the mood for a clean fake dating romance, I definitely recommend you give this one a go.
December 26, 2023
I liked the pacing, but the style was quite repetitive. Often the author was constantly repeating the same things in only vaguely different words, without actually adding any depth. I got the urge to skip paragraphs.
September 29, 2024
It was alright but very repetitive and typical :(
June 17, 2023
This book is underrated! It is a very good and easy read. I was able to connect with the characters very easily and loved both Rav and Annika! This book is such a good read and without a doubt shows a great example of why women should not have to settle for a man or not want to better their career due to a man. It also shows how more men could be more understanding towards this type of situation instead of wanting to take control and only care about their own career, disregarding their partners. This book without a doubt melted my heart!
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November 15, 2022One dimensional characters
August 17, 2022
Annika is an independent and ambitious woman who lives for her travelling job that she loves in the beginning of her thirties. Her parents started to worry about her that she won’t settle down and get married or have a long term relationship. After that Annika came up with that idea that she needs to find a fake boyfriend who helps her out in her situation (Annika doesn’t believe in long distance relationship after she failed with that in the past). Here comes Rav in the picture, an old family friends who is the perfect husband material in every parents eyes.
This was a solid read. I loved the Indian theme with the weddings and cultures. I was happy that between Rav and Annika were no cringe scenes with this fake dating idea and they planned out everything well. The only problem was the chemistry, that they couldn’t show psychical affection and through the book I didn’t really feel the connection between them. There was no showing of the feelings just the telling and I felt like I needed to be convinced as well that they’re together. The writing tried to be too professional and I really missed reading about how they felt. But overall it was quick and enjoyable fake dating read.
This was a solid read. I loved the Indian theme with the weddings and cultures. I was happy that between Rav and Annika were no cringe scenes with this fake dating idea and they planned out everything well. The only problem was the chemistry, that they couldn’t show psychical affection and through the book I didn’t really feel the connection between them. There was no showing of the feelings just the telling and I felt like I needed to be convinced as well that they’re together. The writing tried to be too professional and I really missed reading about how they felt. But overall it was quick and enjoyable fake dating read.
December 29, 2022
I feel like this started really strongly but just lost steam as it went on.
There was so much potential but this suffered a real curse of telling rather than showing. You are telling me that they’re falling in love but you’re not especially showing it.
I want to see the banter and conversations that brings them closer not just hear that they had a good conversation. This really stopped me from being able to connect with the characters and their love story.
I just have to take the authors word for it that they have chemistry?
A real shame because the plot was interesting and the characters were interesting and I could’ve really loved them if I was given more than a surface level insight into them.
There was so much potential but this suffered a real curse of telling rather than showing. You are telling me that they’re falling in love but you’re not especially showing it.
I want to see the banter and conversations that brings them closer not just hear that they had a good conversation. This really stopped me from being able to connect with the characters and their love story.
I just have to take the authors word for it that they have chemistry?
A real shame because the plot was interesting and the characters were interesting and I could’ve really loved them if I was given more than a surface level insight into them.
October 24, 2022
Let’s get my biggest frustration out of the way “a week later”. By the later chapters of this book I was screaming at those 3 little words. Just as part of the story became somewhat interesting, the timeline cut to a week later. There were so many instances where the story could of been embellished, and the connection between the characters could of progressed, but the author chose not to.
I’ve read slow burn books but this was next level. Slow burn normally leads to something exciting in the plot and character development, but every single event these characters attended ended in exactly the same outcome. A kiss on the head and a walk in some park.
I respect the fact that the Annika is a career focused individual, but I was so sick of hearing about it. To this day, I still don’t know what she actually does, even though her work was spoken about on nearly every page…
Rav honestly sounded like a decent guy. He seemed kind, caring and had something going for him. But the whole fake relationship thing was just frustrating, and the revelation that he never needed her help in the first place seemed like such a cop out.
Annika claimed she was not a selfish person, but even the last chapter where he mentions possibly wanting kids, she’s like totally against it unless they’re flexible so she can still do whatever she likes. I felt absolutely no fireworks in the supposed “love” she felt for Rav. He was just happy to be her doormat.
Let me make this clear, this IS NOT enemies to lovers. It’s not even childhood frenemies to lovers. It’s 2 people who knew about each other in the Indian community who never even spoke.
Although this book was only circa 250 pages, it honestly felt like a chore to read, which in turn made it seem like 600 pages!
I’ve read slow burn books but this was next level. Slow burn normally leads to something exciting in the plot and character development, but every single event these characters attended ended in exactly the same outcome. A kiss on the head and a walk in some park.
I respect the fact that the Annika is a career focused individual, but I was so sick of hearing about it. To this day, I still don’t know what she actually does, even though her work was spoken about on nearly every page…
Rav honestly sounded like a decent guy. He seemed kind, caring and had something going for him. But the whole fake relationship thing was just frustrating, and the revelation that he never needed her help in the first place seemed like such a cop out.
Annika claimed she was not a selfish person, but even the last chapter where he mentions possibly wanting kids, she’s like totally against it unless they’re flexible so she can still do whatever she likes. I felt absolutely no fireworks in the supposed “love” she felt for Rav. He was just happy to be her doormat.
Let me make this clear, this IS NOT enemies to lovers. It’s not even childhood frenemies to lovers. It’s 2 people who knew about each other in the Indian community who never even spoke.
Although this book was only circa 250 pages, it honestly felt like a chore to read, which in turn made it seem like 600 pages!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2022
3.75 stars
I love me a good romance book with fake dating. Especially when there's any kind of history in their past! Annika and Rav were so so cute!
The book is very lighthearted and it was obvious it was going for a fun vibe (it would've benefited with more banter between the main charachters). I loved the Indian representation although it always irritates me the family pressure in books with South Asian characthers. While I'm well aware of cultural differences and different family values, I need more romance books with South Asian chracters that have less toxisity in their family lives.
That aside, I enjoyed the book. It was just a typical fake dating romance book and it didn't give anything surprising with its content. At times I felt like wanting to sit Annika down and open her eyes, as Rav was quite obvious with his feelings. I do understand her worries over the arrangement, so I guess that's okay.
Rav had been the perfect example as a child that Annika's parent used to shove in her face. It was funny how she thought of him as her childhood nemesis. They randomly meet in their adult lives and embark on this "love arrangement" that with time evolves into a beautiful relationship. As I've said, Annika has some setbacks even when everything was so obvious, but it made the book longer, so that's okay.
I think this book is a lighthearted funny romance with beloved tropes and representation. While I do enjoyed it, I think it's more of a "I have some spare time to read after work book" than "clear my whole schedule, imma read" book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I love me a good romance book with fake dating. Especially when there's any kind of history in their past! Annika and Rav were so so cute!
The book is very lighthearted and it was obvious it was going for a fun vibe (it would've benefited with more banter between the main charachters). I loved the Indian representation although it always irritates me the family pressure in books with South Asian characthers. While I'm well aware of cultural differences and different family values, I need more romance books with South Asian chracters that have less toxisity in their family lives.
That aside, I enjoyed the book. It was just a typical fake dating romance book and it didn't give anything surprising with its content. At times I felt like wanting to sit Annika down and open her eyes, as Rav was quite obvious with his feelings. I do understand her worries over the arrangement, so I guess that's okay.
Rav had been the perfect example as a child that Annika's parent used to shove in her face. It was funny how she thought of him as her childhood nemesis. They randomly meet in their adult lives and embark on this "love arrangement" that with time evolves into a beautiful relationship. As I've said, Annika has some setbacks even when everything was so obvious, but it made the book longer, so that's okay.
I think this book is a lighthearted funny romance with beloved tropes and representation. While I do enjoyed it, I think it's more of a "I have some spare time to read after work book" than "clear my whole schedule, imma read" book.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
October 19, 2022
"Many phrases aren't important. But a few phrases can mean everything to someone - that make the difference between an ordinary world and one filled with dreams and possibilities."
Annika is an independent and free-spirited woman with no plans of settling down anytime soon. She just wishes her parents could get on board. When her father becomes unexpectedly ill, she will do anything to lessen his stress; even claiming to have a boyfriend. The biggest issue: he DOESN'T exist and now her parents want to meet him. As luck would have it she bumps into entrepreneur Rav. Rav is single and has sworn off relationships, but he is currently looking for a date to attend work events with. Annika has encountered the perfect solution... or has she? After all, Rav is her childhood nemesis. Yet, it is only a simple temporary arrangement, that is until it isn't. Annika is about to learn that some deals are made to be broken.
The whole idea of this book just seemed fun and lighthearted to me and I wanted to read it. It did not disappoint in the slightest. I mean granted much of it was predictable because of the tropes, it was still a delightful fun and quick read. I enjoyed Annika's spirit and dedication to her work. She was very aware of who she was as a person. I also enjoyed the experience of reading a little about Indian culture as I don't know very much; I loved the way Ruby Basu included the importance of family in this novel. The only thing that keeps me from giving this book 5 stars is I wish I could have gotten Rav's perspective on things at points. If you want a quick, fun read you need to check this one out!
Annika is an independent and free-spirited woman with no plans of settling down anytime soon. She just wishes her parents could get on board. When her father becomes unexpectedly ill, she will do anything to lessen his stress; even claiming to have a boyfriend. The biggest issue: he DOESN'T exist and now her parents want to meet him. As luck would have it she bumps into entrepreneur Rav. Rav is single and has sworn off relationships, but he is currently looking for a date to attend work events with. Annika has encountered the perfect solution... or has she? After all, Rav is her childhood nemesis. Yet, it is only a simple temporary arrangement, that is until it isn't. Annika is about to learn that some deals are made to be broken.
The whole idea of this book just seemed fun and lighthearted to me and I wanted to read it. It did not disappoint in the slightest. I mean granted much of it was predictable because of the tropes, it was still a delightful fun and quick read. I enjoyed Annika's spirit and dedication to her work. She was very aware of who she was as a person. I also enjoyed the experience of reading a little about Indian culture as I don't know very much; I loved the way Ruby Basu included the importance of family in this novel. The only thing that keeps me from giving this book 5 stars is I wish I could have gotten Rav's perspective on things at points. If you want a quick, fun read you need to check this one out!
August 15, 2025
Annika needs a fake boyfriend to remove some of the stress from her sick dad. Then she runs into Rav, who she's been compared to since they were kids, so he's never been her favourite person. Rav needs someone to go to work parties with him, so they make a deal to fake-date each other. I didn't feel any chemistry from them al all, I think this definetley should have been duel POV.
This sounded like a great story but I really struggled to like Annika. She would not stop going on and on about how she doesn't need a man, and she is not willing to compromise on anything in order to have a relationship - it felt it was mentioned at least once every chapter.
Things were also over explained quite a lot. Thoughts were broken down and explainations given for almost everything, even when it wasn't needed, and teh implication was enough.
Annika and Rav were from Indian families, and I really enjoyed learning about the way the family and community worked. However, there is an expectation that you know about Indian food, clothing and customs because nothing from the culture was explained and I would have loved to have learnt more about the culture from this book.
I enjoyed Rav's character, he was interesting and was trying so hard to show Annika how he felt but she just kept brushing him off. When he talked about how he was treated by the other kids during his childhood, I felt really sorry for him and it made be like Annika even less.
Overall I don't think this story hit the mark at all, and to be honest, if I hadn't been listening to the audio on my commute I would have probably would hve given up on reading the ebook - ot at least skipped all the repeatition.
This sounded like a great story but I really struggled to like Annika. She would not stop going on and on about how she doesn't need a man, and she is not willing to compromise on anything in order to have a relationship - it felt it was mentioned at least once every chapter.
Things were also over explained quite a lot. Thoughts were broken down and explainations given for almost everything, even when it wasn't needed, and teh implication was enough.
Annika and Rav were from Indian families, and I really enjoyed learning about the way the family and community worked. However, there is an expectation that you know about Indian food, clothing and customs because nothing from the culture was explained and I would have loved to have learnt more about the culture from this book.
I enjoyed Rav's character, he was interesting and was trying so hard to show Annika how he felt but she just kept brushing him off. When he talked about how he was treated by the other kids during his childhood, I felt really sorry for him and it made be like Annika even less.
Overall I don't think this story hit the mark at all, and to be honest, if I hadn't been listening to the audio on my commute I would have probably would hve given up on reading the ebook - ot at least skipped all the repeatition.
October 18, 2022
This is a delightful, delicious book with a bit of everything! Fake relationship, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, summer romance... Here are some of the things I loved:
1) Annika's character growth. The story is told entirely from Annika's POV as she organises a mutually-beneficial fake relationship with her childhood nemesis Rav. She is convinced her beloved job co-ordinating projects in developing countries is incompatible with a relationship. I loved that this isn't simply resolved by her deciding that she no longer likes her job, but this book celebrates her drive, passion, and competence.
2) Rav. At first glance, Rav is stiff, organised, and the guy her parents (and everyone else's) would compare her to when growing up. As Annika gets to know him, not only does he unbend, but she realises her own perception of Rav might have been tainted by the whole nemesis thing. Poor guy.
3) The supporting characters, especially Annika's family. They have their own set of problems, not the least being her father's poor health, but there's no doubt they love and support each other, even though Annika has chosen a path so dissimilar to her siblings. Even the family issues seem universal, like constantly being compared to that one success story, or surviving family events as a single adult.
I could keep going, but the better option is for you to buy a copy and enjoy it yourself.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. For more reviews, check out my blog!
1) Annika's character growth. The story is told entirely from Annika's POV as she organises a mutually-beneficial fake relationship with her childhood nemesis Rav. She is convinced her beloved job co-ordinating projects in developing countries is incompatible with a relationship. I loved that this isn't simply resolved by her deciding that she no longer likes her job, but this book celebrates her drive, passion, and competence.
2) Rav. At first glance, Rav is stiff, organised, and the guy her parents (and everyone else's) would compare her to when growing up. As Annika gets to know him, not only does he unbend, but she realises her own perception of Rav might have been tainted by the whole nemesis thing. Poor guy.
3) The supporting characters, especially Annika's family. They have their own set of problems, not the least being her father's poor health, but there's no doubt they love and support each other, even though Annika has chosen a path so dissimilar to her siblings. Even the family issues seem universal, like constantly being compared to that one success story, or surviving family events as a single adult.
I could keep going, but the better option is for you to buy a copy and enjoy it yourself.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. For more reviews, check out my blog!
July 29, 2022
‘𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚔𝚎-𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚜𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚖𝚎, 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛.’
🍷🍷🍷.5 / 5
No spice :(
»»————-✼————-««
Review:
I finally finished this book tiday! Not because I was procrastinating (for once I actually wasn’t procrastinating pls can you all be proud mums thanks :) ) but because I’ve just worked 9 days straight 7am-9:30pm honestly I’m dead; but also I love my job and doesn’t actually feel like work (I am very lucky🥰). Also this ties into this book as our marvellous fmc is in love with her work and uses it as an excuse to keep her from settling down. Like most of us (me especially I feel Niki a lot) she had a few bad experiences with long-distance relationships and has used them as a way to bar her heart and then her dad has a health scare and she NEEDS to have a boyfriend to help ease his worries.
Then we have Raij the boy next door who everyone’s parents compare them too and who Niki despises who offers her a proposition she can’t turn down (eeek🥰).
I really enjoyed this book, it was an amazing insight into a sliver of Indian culture and honestly felt like Niki was my friend and we where just having a chat. Although slightly repetitive at times I thoroughly enjoyed this read! And I’m hoping for a sequel involving Greg🙏 so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be an arc reader🥰
For lovers of:
- Fake dating
- Enemies to lovers
- Grumpy jealous book boyfriends
- Grumpy x sunshine
- He falls first
🍷🍷🍷.5 / 5
No spice :(
»»————-✼————-««
Review:
I finally finished this book tiday! Not because I was procrastinating (for once I actually wasn’t procrastinating pls can you all be proud mums thanks :) ) but because I’ve just worked 9 days straight 7am-9:30pm honestly I’m dead; but also I love my job and doesn’t actually feel like work (I am very lucky🥰). Also this ties into this book as our marvellous fmc is in love with her work and uses it as an excuse to keep her from settling down. Like most of us (me especially I feel Niki a lot) she had a few bad experiences with long-distance relationships and has used them as a way to bar her heart and then her dad has a health scare and she NEEDS to have a boyfriend to help ease his worries.
Then we have Raij the boy next door who everyone’s parents compare them too and who Niki despises who offers her a proposition she can’t turn down (eeek🥰).
I really enjoyed this book, it was an amazing insight into a sliver of Indian culture and honestly felt like Niki was my friend and we where just having a chat. Although slightly repetitive at times I thoroughly enjoyed this read! And I’m hoping for a sequel involving Greg🙏 so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be an arc reader🥰
For lovers of:
- Fake dating
- Enemies to lovers
- Grumpy jealous book boyfriends
- Grumpy x sunshine
- He falls first
August 19, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher on netgalley.
The premise of the book was fun - not original, but it doesn’t need to be for me to like them as long as the romance and the characters are there. Annika is a freelancer who loves to travel and doesn’t like staying in one place too long, she doesn’t want to settle down but is feeling the pressure from her family and cultural background so she’s looking for a fake boyfriend to appease everyone while she’s home.
Fake dating, childhood nemesis to lovers, proximity. All the ingredients are there for a great story.
Where it didn’t work for me was the main character. I found her unlikable and she didn’t grow at all from start to finish. Yes, she mentioned she didn’t want to compromise for anyone but when everyone bends backwards for you, you should maybe try to help. She’s very set in her ways. She was also judging her friends for having “given up” and settling down which I didn’t necessarily appreciate..
The story was a bit repetitive. The amount of times sold elements were repeated word for word was actually wild. But then there are some storylines or events that are very abrupt even though you’d kind of expect for them to be elaborated on..
I was excited for it because fake dating is one of my favourite tropes but if they had decided to end the agreement, I wouldn’t have bat an eye.
Edit: also the way she keeps repeating that they’re “made love” even though she’s adamant there’s no feelings and it’s just benefits. Ick
The premise of the book was fun - not original, but it doesn’t need to be for me to like them as long as the romance and the characters are there. Annika is a freelancer who loves to travel and doesn’t like staying in one place too long, she doesn’t want to settle down but is feeling the pressure from her family and cultural background so she’s looking for a fake boyfriend to appease everyone while she’s home.
Fake dating, childhood nemesis to lovers, proximity. All the ingredients are there for a great story.
Where it didn’t work for me was the main character. I found her unlikable and she didn’t grow at all from start to finish. Yes, she mentioned she didn’t want to compromise for anyone but when everyone bends backwards for you, you should maybe try to help. She’s very set in her ways. She was also judging her friends for having “given up” and settling down which I didn’t necessarily appreciate..
The story was a bit repetitive. The amount of times sold elements were repeated word for word was actually wild. But then there are some storylines or events that are very abrupt even though you’d kind of expect for them to be elaborated on..
I was excited for it because fake dating is one of my favourite tropes but if they had decided to end the agreement, I wouldn’t have bat an eye.
Edit: also the way she keeps repeating that they’re “made love” even though she’s adamant there’s no feelings and it’s just benefits. Ick
August 18, 2022
The love arrangement by Ruby Basu
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to netgalley, HQ digital and Kay Ruby Basu for the opportunity to read this book.
I personally wouldnt say there was much of an enemies to lovers aspect here so if you're going into it expecting that you might be disappointed. Theres more telling than showing when it comes to this pair, the book tells us this guy is obnoxious and they don't necessarily like each other. But when they meet he's perfectly nice and it seems be a very one sided disliking.
I'm not sure how I feel about making them a no strings situation but then referring to it as making love. Seems like two different mind sets but it's a minor issue in the scheme of things.
I really enjoyed the cultural aspects of this book, especially the details about weddings and learning the dances. I also liked the way the books shows the value of compromise and expectations in a relationship. The ending keeps this theme going and fits the characters well.
In terms of the fake dating there's always a risk that the reasonings behind it will fall flat but both have a valid reason in this storyline and I really think that helps the romance aspect feel more real.
Overall I've given this 3.5 stars as the enemies to lovers wasn't quite as prevalent as I hoped but its still a good well written book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to netgalley, HQ digital and Kay Ruby Basu for the opportunity to read this book.
I personally wouldnt say there was much of an enemies to lovers aspect here so if you're going into it expecting that you might be disappointed. Theres more telling than showing when it comes to this pair, the book tells us this guy is obnoxious and they don't necessarily like each other. But when they meet he's perfectly nice and it seems be a very one sided disliking.
I'm not sure how I feel about making them a no strings situation but then referring to it as making love. Seems like two different mind sets but it's a minor issue in the scheme of things.
I really enjoyed the cultural aspects of this book, especially the details about weddings and learning the dances. I also liked the way the books shows the value of compromise and expectations in a relationship. The ending keeps this theme going and fits the characters well.
In terms of the fake dating there's always a risk that the reasonings behind it will fall flat but both have a valid reason in this storyline and I really think that helps the romance aspect feel more real.
Overall I've given this 3.5 stars as the enemies to lovers wasn't quite as prevalent as I hoped but its still a good well written book.
September 7, 2022
Do you think that love makes you sacrifice your life or adapt you to another person? This book puts you in the difficult position to make you decide; your freedom or a life with love? Not easy, am I right? Annika has an amazing life; a job she loves, a lot of friends and trips around the world. The only problem is that her parents want her married and she doesn’t want to sacrifice her freedom for another person, so she decides to have a fake boyfriend till the end of summer. And then she will tell the truth, when she thinks that her father is much healthier and at no risk. She never thought that her fake boyfriend would be her nemesis from her childhood, Rav Gohil, a man she never thought would accept her proposition. As you can imagine, these dates at the beginning are really weird, but as they start to know each other the feelings start to get more complicated… So, Annika will have to make a difficult decision, freedom or love?
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book, it’s a light read but with interesting facts about life and love that make the reader rethink their view about love.
I loved how Annika knows that she loves to travel and doesn’t want to sacrifice it for love, as it should be, we wouldn’t have to choose between what we want or someone we love, what we can have both? I think that with a good match, everything is possible, don’t you think?Are you ready for “The Love Arrangement”?
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book, it’s a light read but with interesting facts about life and love that make the reader rethink their view about love.
I loved how Annika knows that she loves to travel and doesn’t want to sacrifice it for love, as it should be, we wouldn’t have to choose between what we want or someone we love, what we can have both? I think that with a good match, everything is possible, don’t you think?Are you ready for “The Love Arrangement”?
August 19, 2022
I love a good fake dating trope and this did deliver. It is definitely a slow burn romance novel which personally sometimes I dislike cause it does drag.
I love the idea that it is also kind of an enemies-to-lovers trope although one sided. I think Niki and Rav were a cute couple but there were some parts of the book where I felt the relationship/chemistry felt a bit forced. It feels like they do fit as a couple but at the same time don't. In a relationship you do compromise but I felt Rav did all the compromising and Niki didn't do any which was a bit strange.
I did love Niki as a character but she needs to understand how to organise her life for the things she wants. It felt like in her mind it was the job or a love life but you can have both if you learn to prioritise and work at it.
Coming from a traditional asian home I expected more of the culture and background to be weaved into the book so was a little disappointed when it seemed slightly geared to a western audience.
I was a bit annoyed that there seemed like plot devices that happened that led nowhere like the two side characters of Tinu and Greg who just drop off in the middle of the book which was odd.
I would recommend the book, it was very easy to read, humourous in some parts and a cute story.
I love the idea that it is also kind of an enemies-to-lovers trope although one sided. I think Niki and Rav were a cute couple but there were some parts of the book where I felt the relationship/chemistry felt a bit forced. It feels like they do fit as a couple but at the same time don't. In a relationship you do compromise but I felt Rav did all the compromising and Niki didn't do any which was a bit strange.
I did love Niki as a character but she needs to understand how to organise her life for the things she wants. It felt like in her mind it was the job or a love life but you can have both if you learn to prioritise and work at it.
Coming from a traditional asian home I expected more of the culture and background to be weaved into the book so was a little disappointed when it seemed slightly geared to a western audience.
I was a bit annoyed that there seemed like plot devices that happened that led nowhere like the two side characters of Tinu and Greg who just drop off in the middle of the book which was odd.
I would recommend the book, it was very easy to read, humourous in some parts and a cute story.
September 21, 2022
I love an enemies to lovers and I love a fake dating. This checks all the boxes. The I thought you hated me, the one bed, the maybe we should practice physical intimacy so this is more believable....leading to the moment. You all know the moment. The oh no I caught feelings moment.
Despite the rocky meet not cute after running into each other for the first time in ages, Annika and Rav enter into very pragmatic fake dating arrangement. A certain number of events to attend on both sides, and an easily identifiable end date for their charade. Minus the inevitable ignoring of the feels, they had some of the best communication, they supported each other well and truly fought for each other from the beginning in a way that was above and beyond the means of their arrangement. They grew together from the get go, which made the third act break prior to the HEA, that much harder to anticipate.
There were some spots I would have loved a dual POV (Dubai anyone??) I also would have loved to spend more time on Annika's work, it was fascinating! The ending felt a little rushed, I would have loved an epilogue maybe from Rav's perspective a year later (or three...because, his timeline!) But overall, this was such a quick and fun read!
Thank you Netgalley and HQ for the ARC in exchange for my review!
Despite the rocky meet not cute after running into each other for the first time in ages, Annika and Rav enter into very pragmatic fake dating arrangement. A certain number of events to attend on both sides, and an easily identifiable end date for their charade. Minus the inevitable ignoring of the feels, they had some of the best communication, they supported each other well and truly fought for each other from the beginning in a way that was above and beyond the means of their arrangement. They grew together from the get go, which made the third act break prior to the HEA, that much harder to anticipate.
There were some spots I would have loved a dual POV (Dubai anyone??) I also would have loved to spend more time on Annika's work, it was fascinating! The ending felt a little rushed, I would have loved an epilogue maybe from Rav's perspective a year later (or three...because, his timeline!) But overall, this was such a quick and fun read!
Thank you Netgalley and HQ for the ARC in exchange for my review!
October 6, 2022
When I received the email with a place on this tour I couldn’t remember signing up! I’m glad I got a copy though as it was a nice easy read. I read it in a few hours today before work and enjoyed it.
I wouldn’t really say it’s an enemies to lovers. It’s more like Rav was a childhood annoyance to Annika, who she ignored as much as she could. I loved hearing about this from Rav’s point of view later in the story.
I really enjoyed the fact this was based in the Asian community. I loved hearing the details of the traditional wedding and the community as a whole. Also how different families have different views when they have been in the UK longer.
Annika was clear (quite rightly) that she didn’t need a husband or kids to be fulfilled. The problem was, she was expecting people to think that was what she needed, when not all of them were. She sometimes was not open minded but then she noticed small things that Rav did and I was so pleased that she did. At the end of the day, we might not need both but it doesn’t mean we can’t follow our own dreams but also have a significant someone in our lives. Sometimes we need more than we think we do.
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @authorrubybasu for the gifted copy for review.
I wouldn’t really say it’s an enemies to lovers. It’s more like Rav was a childhood annoyance to Annika, who she ignored as much as she could. I loved hearing about this from Rav’s point of view later in the story.
I really enjoyed the fact this was based in the Asian community. I loved hearing the details of the traditional wedding and the community as a whole. Also how different families have different views when they have been in the UK longer.
Annika was clear (quite rightly) that she didn’t need a husband or kids to be fulfilled. The problem was, she was expecting people to think that was what she needed, when not all of them were. She sometimes was not open minded but then she noticed small things that Rav did and I was so pleased that she did. At the end of the day, we might not need both but it doesn’t mean we can’t follow our own dreams but also have a significant someone in our lives. Sometimes we need more than we think we do.
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @authorrubybasu for the gifted copy for review.
July 22, 2024
This was cringy to read. The FMC never shut up and it got repetitive from the beginning. There was no chemistry between the MCs, it felt like the author just wanted them to sleep together and label sleeping together as love - but for that matter, the FMC’s kind of desperate for a physical relationship without being emotionally available. She was childish, immature and annoying, I hated her. I don’t get how the MMC liked her with her pessimistic attitude and outlook on everything. She wants one thing, says she doesn’t and then complains that things can’t be that way without putting in any effort or trying to change herself, cause it’s fine if the guy changes things for her, the ending barely counts as her changing it when she only wanted to switch her job cause her current one got repetitive and she still had no plans of not travelling or marrying or having kids, so the guy would let go of everything, plus travel around with her. Glad the guy’s mum said things as things as they are to her face but the girl’s parents on the other hand were next level fake, no-one’s parents, definitely no Asian parents are like that, all parents would tell you you’re wrong in life even if you don’t listen. At least it’s over now.
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