Multicultural Romance published by Berkley 09 Jun 20
In her debut novel, Ms. Desai treats us to a fresh, sparkling romance sure to brush off any doldrums left over from sheltering in place. Layla is pure chaos, a modern-day Indian-American who inhales donuts with her morning chai, while Sam Mehta is a neat freak with an aversion to all things Indian. Never shall the twain meet. I believe Layla’s father might have the truth of it when he tells her that relationships work because the differences between two people make each day new and exciting.
Layla is done with her rebellion. She’s done looking for that perfect romance, her Westley to sweep her off her feet like the Princess Bride. Other than the left-over blue streaks in her hair, she’s back home, ready to conform to an arranged marriage and jump start her own recruiting business. Her father offers her the office space above the family-owned Indian restaurant which he has, unfortunately, also leased to Sam Mehta, a downsizing consultant who is definitely not an office mate who fits in with her personality. Between Layla, her cousin Daisy, who fills in as their receptionist, and Sam, you’re in for a treat that will keep readers on their toes in anticipation of what the next chapter might bring.
Sam lives for revenge. His one goal is to win a contract that will put him in the position to downsize the staff in the the hospital where his sister’s ex-husband works. Layla’s plan to go through a series of dates with the arranged marriage candidates that her father has shortlisted raises the specter of bad arranged marriages, forcing him to accompany her to all the dates that she sets up. Each arranged marriage candidate will start you smiling and each date is like laughter beads strung together in an effervescent necklace that will leave you chuckling.
Despite their differences, the chemistry between Sam and Layla is off the charts and they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other, even in a public elevator in Sam’s apartment building. Sam’s neighbor gets quite the eyeful when the elevator opens and Layla has to shelter behind Sam’s broad back as she gracefully accepts the clothes that she left on the floor of the elevator.
Being Indian myself, I absolutely relate to all the cultural tropes in this story. The large extended friends and family circle, the shopping for Indian clothes, the fascination with matchmaking, particularly to an engineer or doctor, and let’s not forget all things Bollywood.
I can’t wait to see what delicious treat the author will serve up next.
Grade: A
Summary:
A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy.
After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office upstairs to start her new business and creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesn’t know he’s arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door…
As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he’s forced to share his space with the owner’s beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, and a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life.
As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm and sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam and Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game.
