Sajni Patel has become one of my favorite authors. The description above gives you all you need to know about this book. If you like relationships that start out fake for appearances sake but end up real and/or if you like enemies-to-lovers tropes then this is the book for you.

Bhanu has gone to Hawaii to visit her sister for a much-needed vacation. She works hard, and even on vacation, she finds it difficult to put work away. She's dedicated, and she's good at what she does. So good that she's up for a promotion. The only problem is, that Sunny, her work nemesis, is being criticized by his ex-girlfriend right in front of her. Not only is the hate ruining her vacation vibes, but she also doesn't think Sunny deserves to be treated like that. She has to take up for him. The only problem is that she puts them both in a situation that will only further embarrass him...and possibly her, too.

Sunny wishes that Bhanu had kept her nose in her own business. But it does take the pressure off a little to have her join in his friend's wedding activities. It keeps him from being the odd man out and everyone feeling sorry for him that his ex is with someone else but rubbing it in his face.

If I'm honest, I did it again. I read this book THREE MONTHS before writing my review of it. And I've read 24 books since this one. So, I don't remember all of the particulars. I do remember being annoyed with Bhanu's tourist hate. Bhanu's sister lives in Hawaii, and so she regularly visits. Despite technically being a tourist, she has such an aversion to tourists which I find odd. Her sister's entire job is dedicated to tourists. The islands themselves depend heavily on tourism for their economy. Of course, tourists won't know what the locals know. But how can you be so annoyed by their ignorance? How can you expect people to understand what they don't know? Some of the tourist issues that Bhanu and her sister noted were just people being rude and disrespectful, but I have a feeling that's just who those people are at their core and not because they're tourists specifically. Once people know better, they can do better. But until then, your harsh judgments of them aren't helping matters.

I didn't highlight anything except references to the tourist hate I mentioned above.

I read The Design of Us really quickly. It's the perfect summer or beach read. Hey, if you're going to Hawaii on vacation it'd be a great choice both for entertainment value and for some information on what locals find annoying about tourists. I loved Sunny and Bhanu's relationship journey. I'm a sucker for fake dating and enemies-to-lovers tropes anyway. The Design of Us gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Design of Us? What did you think? Let me know!

I really enjoyed reading this book!

I loved the chemistry between Bahnu and Sunny. Her sunshiny personality perfectly complemented his grumpiness. She really brought light into his life. I appreciated how the author addressed both of their individual issues with respect. Initially, I couldn't understand why Bhanu and Sunny didn't get along, but learning about her social anxiety made things clear. However, I do wish this was revealed earlier in the story, as it would have saved time. Sunny's responsibilities as the oldest son in his family were well depicted. I liked how the author explained things from an Indian cultural perspective. Speaking of which, the author did a fantastic job portraying Hawaii and its culture - the land, the food, and the portrayal of tourists were all amazingly done. It's evident that the author respects the island and its people.

The family dynamics were also well portrayed. I enjoyed exploring both Bhanu’s and Sunny’s families. I will say the slow progression of their relationship almost put me off, but then I realized that it actually fit well with the perspective issues they were dealing with. On a separate note, his ex deserved to have cake smashed in her face. I'm glad Bhanu stood up for Sunny because that lady was doing to much. Overall, I think "The Design of Us" is a great read and should definitely be added to your summer reading list.

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Fake dating co worker rivalry treat!

I love when there is fake dating all around a wedding atmosphere. The stakes are high, the acting has to be as well, then put in nosy exes and family members and you have a perfect rom com!
I also love the setting in Hawaii and the grumpy sunshine dynamic!

At times its felt that the book was juggling almost too many elements, but I will say that when you have such a complicated back story and such intertwined family/friend group... juggling will happen.

Great story!

Two rival coworkers end up fake dating during a vacation at a destination wedding... only things are beginning to feel very real. Bhanu is sunshine incarnate, she's determined to get the promotion at work but her only serious competition is her work nemesis, Sunny, the grumpy guy with a fantastic voice. When Bhanu goes on vacation to Hawaii to see her family, she thinks she's finally escaped Sunny ...only to run into Sunny at the hotel and witness his ex criticizing him for being single... so Bhanu does the first thing that comes to mind: pretend to be Sunny's girlfriend and stop the scene from escalating any further. But the big issue is that Sunny is on the island for a friend's wedding and his ex has now told the entire wedding party about Sunny's "new girlfriend." While Bhanu and Sunny might not get along the best Bhanu decides to agree to the charade to help Sunny out of pity. Yet the more Sunny and Bhanu spend time together the more they are beginning to realize that all their bickering might just have been leading to romance all along... if only they can survive the wedding, Sunny's obsessive ex, and Bhanu's meddling family. This was a really cute summer read and I liked the dynamic between Bhanu and Sunny. While they might be opposites and bicker a lot, they genuinely have fun together and seem to even each other out. This would make such a cute rom com movie and it's an easy sweet read!

Release Date: July 16, 2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I wanted to enjoy this book but found the reason the characters were rivals was trivial. There was potential chemistry between the two main characters, but I did not feel that it was genuine enough to be acted upon outside of proximity. The side of the story had the makings of being really interesting, but the writing did not allow me enough to want to finish this book.

I was super excited to win a giveaway from Berkley . I loved the 2 books that I’ve read by Sajni Patel.

The beginning was a little rough when it was going through what user experience was all about. And it really didn’t add a lot to the story.

After all of the user experience description the story took a turn for the best. I liked the banter between Bhanu and Sunny. Although they could have used more sexual tension between them.

I also liked that they weren’t put it the position to have to fight each other to advance in their careers.

The story made me laugh and really want to go to Hawaii. And while there save some Honus.

This book is for anyone who likes fake dating and wants to escape to Hawaii.

Spice level: 🌶️

Thanks again to Berkley and Netgalley for a copy of The Design of Us in exchange of an honest review

This is the second Sajni Patel title that I've read and I particularly liked that she gave a nod throughout the story to (what I assume) was The Trouble With Hating You, which was also a enemies-to-lovers story (I do love an Easter egg and I liked that one :)).

This story is a fun, light-hearted romance with perfect summer vibes and I do love a good enemies-to-lovers/fake dating trope. Sunny and Bhanu's constant bickering makes for great banter which then leads (and adds) to the heat that slowly builds in the book. Their understanding of each other develops as they go on the fake-dating escapades and that understanding reaches a pinnacle at the point when clarity is received for the interaction that caused them to dislike each other originally. This coupled with the care and consideration they demonstrated toward each other (even while they still hadn't fully called a truce) added welcome texture to the narrative.

The story rounded out well with payoffs and callbacks to details mentioned at the beginning and throughout, which is something I particularly appreciate in a story.

Given the build-up I would've loved if the steamy scenes had been a bit more detailed; notwithstanding that didn't dampen by overall enjoyment of the story.

I highly recommend this one. It would absolutely make a great summer read!

My thanks and appreciation to Berkley for providing the eARC!

This book was fake dating, coworker rival, dual POV, vacation romance goodness that sees Bahnu and Sunny, two UX techies up for a project manager job find themselves staying at the same Hawaii resort on their vacation and end up sharing a room with only one bed and pretending to date to show off for Sunny's ex while they are both guests at the same wedding.

Convoluted plot? Maybe a little but I loved it anyways! I especially liked the women in STEM, mental health (social anxiety) rep and Bahnu's family members' part in the storyline and the way the two main characters learn to appreciate one another the more time they spend together.

What started off as a favor quickly has Bahnu developing real feelings for Sunny and wondering whether they can make an actual relationship work IRL when they get back from vacation. Great on audio, this slow burn, steamy romance is perfect for fans of Denise Williams's book, Technically yours.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! This was a perfect summer beach read with a fantastically GORGEOUS cover to boot!

I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope! I liked their banter and the over protectiveness of each other *heart eyes*

The Design of Us was a delightful romcom between two Indian American tech workers. I liked how they were both on the “grumpier” and how it’s both their similarities as well as their differences that have them butting heads at first. Despite their initial first impressions of each other not being the best, once they have a common goal (that is faking a relationship to Sunny’s friends) they are able to accommodate one another and learn more about each other.

Their similarities both facilitate but also get in the way of them growing closer, both of them being more introverted in some sort of way. They both try to put on some sort of mask when they’re around other people but it’s not their natural state. I especially like how Bhanu’s social anxiety is integrated into the story, how it figures into her relationships as well as the plot. I appreciate even more seeing how Sunny learns to accommodate her and her anxiety, and how once he learns the source of her standoffishness is more considerate of her.

I found the use of the setting really interesting as well, as you can see the author’s care for the locale and parts of the culture. It was also interesting to see how this figured into contrasting Sunny’s ex from Bhanu, in how they treat their surroundings with less or more care. I was a bit hesitant when I first saw the book took place mostly in Hawaii but I think the story overall handled it pretty well even if it wasn’t the main focus of the story.

The story does take place in a short time period, but the main characters’ past history helps make them falling for each other more believable, especially since early on there are hints dropped that a lot of Sunny’s “combativeness” and teasing were to get Bhanu’s attention. I feel like readers’ mileage may vary as some people don’t always like that trope, but I don’t mind it in the way it was executed here.

Overall this book was a great beach read that centered on a type of couple I don’t get to read about often.

This book was super fun to read. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the characters weren't very likeable but the overall plot and romance was enjoyable to read. Sunny and Bhanu's work rivalry felt like a rip-off of The Hating Game. But the tension the two was excellent. Their flirting and banter had me turning the pages.

This is a solid 3 stars. I have loved a lot of this author's books but this one didn't completely work for me. There were a few issues. The main one being the main characters were not very likable. The chemistry felt forced and so I wasn't on board with their relationship. There was also a lot of talk about UX. While I understand this was their jobs, it was just a lot of technical stuff that if you aren't in that world, it's over your head and kind of takes up unnecessary space in the story.

I think the best part of the book was the setting in Hawaii. It was so well described. You felt like you were there experiencing all of it. It also brought up a lot about the environment and I thought that part was very well done. Additionally, the conversation around mental health and anxiety was done quite well. While I didn't like the main characters, Bhanu's sister and boyfriend were a joy and I loved when they were on the page.

While it didn't completely work for me, there were a lot of positives about this book. I think it's something where you'd have to just read for yourself and decide.

This book was some solid fun.

Was it very predictable? Yes. But I ate it up.

I will admit I didn't really care much about either of their jobs. I was 100% just in it for the romance. Sunny and Bhanu's work rivalry is amusing more than anything. This is a bit of a slow burn, but the tension is excellent. Their flirting and banter had me smiling and kicking my feet.

A little cuteness:
“That’s considerate.”
“You’re welcome.”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “Thanks, Bane. You’re all right.”
I shoved the pillow between us into his face. “I thought I was pumpkin and edible.”
- - -
A little spice✨:
“To be perfectly clear,” he added, treading kisses over my breast, “I’ve been dying to taste you for days, Bane.”
I grabbed a fistful of his hair and nudged him lower. “Then taste me.”
“Fuck . . .” he muttered.
“Language . . .”

I wish the characters were a little more fleshed out, mostly Sunny because at least in Bhanu's case we got to see her social anxiety and how that affected her, but overall I had a fun time. I finished it in a day and have zero regrets.

Tropes: Fake-dating, rivals to lovers, one-bed/room 😉

Perfect romcom!

The Design of Us is the perfect summer read, especially since it takes place in Hawaii. There's witty banter, workplace rivals, fake dating and a slow burn romance. What's not to like about that?

I found the characters to be entertaining, especially Bhau. She was very lively. Definitely the sunshine to Sunny's grump. I thought their banter was hilarious too. The romance builds slowly (this is a slow burn after all) which helped make the romance feel it developed naturally.

I think my main gripe with the story was how the third act break-up went about. It seemed rushed.

I did like the Desi representation as well.

Overrall, a fun, summer romcom!

DNF at 51%

I was so looking forward to this book because I really enjoy the tropes mentioned along with its cultural representation. But this book did not deliver what I hoped it would. With its muddled stream of conscious narrative for majority of the first half, I felt so disinterested in the female main character especially after her love for pumpkin spice lattes is brought up at least 10 times. The two leads felt very one dimensional and the premise for their rivalry was so weakly constructed and based in very juvenile reasoning, which made their relationship very difficult to infuse with chemistry. When the fake dating element was introduced, it was so random and suggested so flippantly that I feel like this watered down what could have been a really strong story! So much promise but very weakly executed.

*On a more personal note, the author at one point equates juvenile behavior to Barbie within the pov of the female main character and in light of the positive messaging of strength within womanhood from the Barbie film, this read as extremely internally misogynistic making it unbearable to read the female main character’s points of view.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley/Penguin Random House for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've been trying to get into this book since March 26th and I just couldn't do it. The premise is so promising and I think it's just the timing on my end. So for now, this is a soft DNF. I plan on picking it back up again.

This was a perfect book to add to my Rom-Com Summer reads.
It was such a great book, we have kinda enemies to fake dating to friends to real feelings.
They have a past with their work relationship, and it wasn't what they thought and they both were definitely not what they thought each other thought they were as people.
Main characters are Sunny and Bhanu (aka Bane; Sunny's nickname for her).
These two didn't know that they both were gonna be in the same place on their trips. Bhanu went to Hawaii to visit her sister and Sunny went to be part of his friend's wedding. His ex was part of the wedding also and boy is she trying to cause him some problems. Bhanu hears her making a huge stink and treating Sunny horribly (and interrupting her calm) and she has to just step in and tell his ex that she is his girlfriend. This is where the fake dating relationship started and ohmygosh the rest of this book was fantastic. So many lol moments, the flirty bickering, the emotions, the looks and it all.
All the characters in this book are amazing and add so much to this book, the families, friends and ohmygosh Bhanu grandma is awesome!!!!
I fell in love with these characters and was so happy to see their journey through it all.
I loved this book so much and read it sooooo fast.
A must-read book this summer!!!
The only reason I say summertime is bc it gives all the summertime vibes that you want in a good summertime read :)

Bhanu and Sunny are work enemies in the Seattle area. When coincidence puts both of them in Kona, Hawaii, things get interesting. Sunny is there for a friend’s wedding, but also has to interface with his ex. Bhanu is there to relax, recharge, and spend time with her sister, who works at the resort.

When Bhanu hears Sunny in an uncomfortable exchange with his ex, she jumps in to try to “save” him, and says she’s his girlfriend. One little lie snowballs as the pair have to fake date throughout the wedding weekend, bringing them closer together.

In a word, this book is cute. I personally like a fake dating trope, so this appealed to me. I liked that both Bhanu and Sunny have depth as characters, and there’s more to them besides being drawn to each other. The fringe characters are fun and funny as well, especially Diya and Kimo.

Only thing that didn’t really work for me is that the reason they “hate” each other feels a little flimsy, and it really isn’t fully explained til much later in the book.

All in all, an enjoyable rom-com that is perfect casual summer reading. Thanks NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

I love a good Hawaii story! So much banter had me giggling and kicking my feet. And who doesn’t love a slow burn?

I absolutely loved this fake dating, rivals, coworkers romance! It’s set on a resort in Hawaii where Bhanu and Sunny both happen to be for different reasons. Sunny is there for a friends wedding and Bhanu is visiting her sister. Sunny’s ex is the worst and Bhanu blurts out that she’s Sunny’s girlfriend. Obviously real feelings get thrown in and they end up falling for each other. I loved how Sunny was so protective of Bhanu and vice versa. Bhanu was always standing up for Sunny and supporting him. They got to know each other better and listened. I flew through this book and would definitely recommend!