The Design of Us

May 1, 2024

When two hostile coworkers run into each other on their individually planned Hawaiian vacations, a lie unravels their loathing relationship into something like love. UX design researcher Bhanu has earned the nickname Bane from her colleague and least favorite lead developer Sunny, who can't seem to peacefully coexist with her even when they're working remotely. While Bhanu is visiting her sister, Sunny is celebrating his friends' destination wedding alongside his vicious ex, who condemns him every chance she gets, angering Bhanu so much that she pretends to be Sunny's new girlfriend. In the island's sweltering heat, fake dating leads to blazing romantic interactions between Sunny and Bhanu. The stunning resort setting and delicious food mentioned will transport readers to paradise while the banter and romance provide an enjoyable story. Though the narrative occasionally gets repetitive, Bhanu's social anxiety and Sunny's struggles after a toxic, hypercritical relationship are well-portrayed. The main characters' passion for their tech fields is engaging, while the supporting cast of overeager friends and parents and a comically supportive sister are amusing. VERDICT Patel (Isha, Unscripted) expertly designs a modern beach read and a sassy rom-com filled with fun tropes and a gratifying slow burn.--Hazel Ureta

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 13, 2024
Patel (Isha, Unscripted) makes computer coding sexy in this winning enemies-to-lovers romance. Washington State computer programmer Bhanu is looking forward to a quiet vacation in Hawaii, away from work stress and her office nemesis, Sunny. As it happens, Sunny is also in Hawaii for a friend’s wedding. When Bhanu stumbles upon Sunny and witnesses his toxic ex-girlfriend cruelly berating him, her sense of justice forces her to step in, pretending to be Sunny’s new girlfriend to get the woman to go away. To keep up the ruse, she’ll have to attend all of the wedding festivities at Sunny’s side. Patel builds some serious sexual tension as the duo’s barbed banter turns increasingly flirtatious. With well-meaning yet meddlesome relatives conspiring to push these two together, their fake relationship soon turns very real. The supporting cast of Indian aunties charms, and the saltiness between the protagonists loses none of its oomph when it turns into sweetness. Readers will cheer for these two to find their well-deserved happily ever after.

June 1, 2024
When enemy coworkers Bhanu and Sunny unexpectedly find themselves at the same Hawaiian paradise on vacation, complex feelings ignite in Patel's (The Trouble with Hating You, 2020) fun tropical romance. Bhanu is hoping for a promotion, but suspects Sunny is also in line for it. She knows that he, like she, is a workaholic who loves to get lost in their UX work. Sunny is at a friend's wedding where his ex-girlfriend is a bridesmaid. After hearing his ex berate Sunny for showing up alone, Bhanu finds herself pretending to be Sunny's girlfriend. When she visits her sister, who works at the resort, Bhanu even invites Sunny to stay at the luxury villa after his ex changes his reservation. Sunny is continuously impressed by how well Bhanu manages events with his old friends, and finds ways to help her when she has heat illness and social anxiety. The two learn about each other, become friends, and then more. The lushly detailed Hawaiian setting provides a vivid backdrop to their delicious slow-burn romance.

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