Hello readers! I wanted to make sure I shared some important information about the book with all of you, and this is my best chance at getting the info in front of your faces. Here’s the situation: both Kareena and Prem have reasons for needing to get engaged. They had what I would call a hot “partial” hookup, no spoilers, but what keeps Kareena from agreeing to Prem’s proposal of a fake engagement is their fundamental, philosophical difference on the matter of relationships. Kareena is looking for a Jeevansathi, a life partner. She believes in love marriages, like the one her parents had. Prem believes that what is mistaken as love is a fleeting biochemical reaction. He believes in arranged marriages based on compatibility, communication, and resulting in what to Kareena seems like a very businesslike relationship.As a result, Kareena only agrees to the fake engagement after she exhausts all her other online dating options before her 4 month deadline. Her Aunties, who are described as “progressive” in the novel (and definitely come across that way), help her in her journey. But like a Greek chorus, they know which way the wind is blowing. I should’ve taken today off,” she mumbled as she crawled out of bed and walked toward the adjoining bathroom. After she finished her makeup, she put on a white button-down collared shirt and a cobalt-blue sweater vest. She dropped a cute pair of floral heels in her tote bag that she’d wear when she finally got to the office. Dating Dr Dil from Nisha Sharma’s new romantic comedy features enemies to lovers, a cast of best friends, and a gaggle of aunties determined to make a match.

This story had fake dates/engagements, meddling with family members, funny jokes, strong female lead, emphasis on important issues, a bit of spice and romance. I had heard a lot about this book (and as always I was late for the train) but better late than never and I loved this book! Dating Dr. Dilis also a critique of the misogyny in Desi culture related to dating, marriage, and sexuality. There are moving scenes when Prem’s mother and Kareena’s father open up to their children about their own marriages.One character that never gets to “explain” themselves is Bindu, Kareena’s sister. She’s the bridezilla in the novel, the spoiled younger sister who is about to get married. I kind of saw her as another victim of the pressures highlighted in the novel, but I was never sure. Nisha Sharma’s new romantic comedy features enemies to lovers, a cast of best friends, and a gaggle of aunties determined to make a match. I feel like as someone who also grew up with immigrant parents, I always wanted to do my best at everything because I wanted to make sure that all of my parents’ sacrifices mean something, that I can show them that hard work pays off. Like Kareena, her family seemed to think marriage would be better for her if she found someone to settle down with, but Kareena wanted to marry for love, not convenience. Beta, the oldest daughter should be at least engaged before the youngest gets married. You should date more. Or we can find you matches. Rishtas. Maybe someone will want to marry a woman so independent at your age.”Even though they have warring interests, the more time Prem spends with Kareena, the more he thinks she’s might actually be the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. In this Taming of the Shrew re-imagination, for Prem and Kareena to find their happily ever after, they must admit that hate has turned into fate. Kareena felt like her family, her aunties—hell, the entire New Jersey South Asian population—had been preparing her for being thirty and single, but did she listen? Nope. More importantly, did she really have to be reminded first thing in the morning?

If you're interested in learning more about the genesis of the story, here is a Dear Reader letter to share some insight. Hi, I’m Dr. Prem Verma, host of the Dr. Dil Show. Prem means love, Dil means heart, and I’m a cardiologist. Don’t let my name fool you. I only fix broken hearts in the literal sense.Special shout out to the South Asian readers who have messaged me with so much love. I know that I'm only writing from my particular lens from the third diaspora, but I'm so glad you connected with the story. I hope that with each book, I continue to work at making you feel seen and supported. NINA: I’m so glad I hired you and Women Who Work! You’re really going to make my restaurant expansion dream a reality. And for those of you venturing into the book for the first time, I hope that it makes you laugh. <3 She opened her door, and instead of hearing the sizzling sounds of ghee in a hot pan, there was only silence. The delicious aroma of spices was missing. Usually, the smell of birthday paranthas permeated the house. Maybe Dadi was waiting for her? She hadn’t woken up particularly happy about her birthday, but damn it, she was really looking forward to those paranthas. And maybe even a moment that was about her. A moment that didn’t revolve around her sister or her sister’s wedding, or her sister’s YouTube channel.