A review by the_bookish_dachshund
The Design of Us by Sajni Patel

funny hopeful lighthearted

4.0

Work rivals to dating — fake dating that is. When Bhanu and Sunny both head to Hawaii for a long overdue vacation, the two rivals somehow find themselves in a fake dating conundrum while enjoying all Hawaii had to offer and a destination wedding…

I had an excellent feeling about this book from the beginning — the premise? Classic romcom fair. Tropes? Some of my faves. The look? Gorgeous - did you see those colors? 😍 Add to that it’s an author I’ve read and loved before and I was sold.

Ms. Patel did not let me down, delivering a story full of banter, fun, classic romcom moments and lots of feels. The really enjoyed both our mains, Bhanu and Sunny. I love that we got a dual POV - it always adds a bit more to a romance for me to be able to get a peek into the minds and feelings of both characters. Their banter was fun and I appreciated the slow turn from rivals to fake dating partners to more. 

The location was fun to read about and I felt seen to have a character that actually had to deal with heat issues. It feels like everyone always is miraculously fine in warmer climates, no issues or a one time one. It’s nice to ‘see’ someone balance struggle with it and still enjoying a new location and all it has to offer. I also loved seeing some anxiety representation, I’m always a big fan of realistic portrayals that show / talk about the experience and how it exists in someone’s everyday life / experience. I also loved a hero who was empathetic, and tried to be there and assist without trying to ‘fix’ it.

My only nitpicks or wishes in this case, would be one the inclusion of a brief epilogue or family meetings and two less Denzel voice references. On the voice reference it’s a minor nitpick, just felt unnecessary later on. For the other, I really enjoyed the ending, just would have liked to see their families get up glimpse their happiness up close 😊🤷🏼‍♀️

Overall, I really enjoyed the story - a fun, fast and light read that was easy to get swept up in. To those who care, there were a one or two spicier bits, though easy enough to read around. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.