This book is a bundle of joy and sometimes cringeworthy levels of cheese - but I really enjoyed it. Romantic comedies are not usually my preferred genre but when I started hearing about this book , I knew I had to read it. I really wanted to read an #ownvoices book about two teens struggling to reconcile their strongly held Indian family/cultural beliefs with life as American teens.

What drew me to the book was how these teens navigated the waters between their two shared cultures. I loved the clash between Dimple's ambition and career, coupled with Rishi's belief in kismet and family values. The two of them together were just heartwarmingly cute. Their dialogue was sharp and priceless, and Rishi was just wonderful..

Dimple's relationship with her family was another high point in the book for me. She feels so much pressure to be what she is not, thinking that her family only want her to be quiet and submissive, and to find the Ideal Indian Husband. But her relationship with her mother especially opens up so much in this book, and we learn how badly she has misread them. Her parents, like Dimple, are full, multi-dimensional characters with sometimes conflicting wishes.

This book is primarily a rom-com, but I did appreciate the quiet commentary it made about nepotism, racism, misogyny and homophobia in the tech industry. It's a subtle theme in the book, but it's well done.

The reason I rate this book four stars instead of five, was there was a section of about fifty pages mid-way through where a lot of things sort of fell apart for me. I thought it picked up again after this, but there was an incident that just really didn't sit that well with me within these pages, where the only queer character is very overly sexualised. I also felt that the entire talent competition read a bit contrived? I couldn't figure out what relevance a dance or singing competition could possibly have to coding an app. Or why the organisers would draw a link between who won that contest and who would ultimately win Insomina Con. Dance ability has no link to coding ability whatsoever! I was just very confused by that entire section and would have preferred to have more pages spent on Rishi/Dimple actually developing their app.

Anyway, overall I really loved this book. It was more or less exactly what I expected it to be. If you are looking for a super sweet, diverse, summer romance that will absolutely make you grin, I recommend picking this one up.

This is a lovely YA book about a boy and a girl whose parents have arranged their marriage so to speak. Dimple is an only child and rebellious from some of the important things of her Indian culture. Rishi on the other hand is a traditionalist who wishes to follow his parents' advice about everything. He also feels that as the older son he needs to be a strong follower of Indian traditions. Not only that he feels he should do an engineering degree as it is useful.

It was a delightful read and I love how important the characters' culture played a part in their development, both as people and in their relationship with each other. The book could have had a more solid plot, thought, since I feel the coding camp was just a plot point to get the characters together instead of a real plot used effectively through the book.

I want to start this review by thanking NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this book, and state that although this book was received for review it will not effect my opinions about it.

The book told the story of a teenage Indian girl, who's an aspiring programmer and wants to create an app to help diabetics, and a teenage Indian boy who's a talented artist whose going to be studying Architecture at college to keep his father happy. It was a beautiful well written coming of age story about love, ambition and arranged marriage.

Dimple and Rishi are both strong determined and independent people. They also both really believed in the faith they belonged to although Dimple was trying to fight against the arranged marriage part of her faith.

I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed and they develop and maintain relationships with others at the summer programming programme. I really enjoyed seeing how Dimple although questioning herself about her feelings for Rishi she gradually falls for him and can see herself spending her life with him.

The romance in this book did get a little over cooked in the end and it would have been nice to have a little bit more about the programming and Programme side of things. I will say that the way that the book ended left it open for there to be follow up to it and I would have liked to see how Dimple and Rishi's relationship grew further as well as how their time at college went and how successful her app. became once it was created.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who is a tehcie and who enjoys romances as well as has an intersect in the culture of Indians. It is for these reasons that I gave it a five star rating.

The most adorable arranged marriage geeky rom-com novel I've read. It's the perfect summer read!

Ok, I'm back with some actual detail. I absolutely fell in love with both these characters. STEM-focused Dimple, who is focused on going to college and not her parents' ideal life for her, and 'The Good Son' Rishi, who wants to please his parents by finding the perfect Indian girlfriend and but does he really want to be an engineer? Between them, they addressed the issue that Asian kids (myself included), who grew up in a largely Western-influenced society, had to wrestle with while growing up -- the balance between pleasing your parents and pleasing yourself. I definitely saw a lot of myself in Rishi.

I'm also a huge fan of the arranged marriage trope, the hate-like-love development and just all the other cute, geeky things thrown into this story. As for the issues regarding 'physical abuse', this may be a cultural thing as well, but I grew up in a very touchy feely environment, and the occasional playful punch or slap on the arm or push was just a sign of showing affection, so it honestly didn't bother me in the slightest.

This is easily one of the sweetest books I have ever read. It was the perfect book to read to cheer me up when I was incredibly busy and everything seemed to be going wrong.

Sandhya Menon’s debut novel is extraordinary and contains all the factors of an incredible romantic comedy. When Dimple Met Rishi doesn’t feel like a forced love story instead it feels true to real life.

Dimple has her sights set on being a web developer, she is ambitious and cannot wait to design her own app. Much to the despair of her mother, Dimple isn’t at all interested in looking for her IIH (ideal Indian husband), she just wants to prove she can somewhere by being a web developer.

Rishi is following in the footsteps of his father but is hiding his talent and what he has a passion for from everyone. He is quite the romantic and wants to please his parents and their traditions by finding an Indian wife.

Dimple and Rishi are completely different but when they meet by a twist of fate (or very clever parent planning) the story that occurs is beautiful.

When Dimple Met Rishi is a perfectly simple romantic comedy that contains all of the right aspects. Loveable characters that you can’t help but relate to, interesting character development, nerdy moments, diversity, friendship, an exploration of family and family traditions and a love story you cannot help but smile at! Menon has written a love story that is heart-warming, fun, exciting and emotionally satisfying. I came out of reading this book with the biggest smile on my face. This book is the perfect YA contemporary. When Dimple Met Rishi will make you cry, laughing and then cry laughing. I am certain that I will be reading his book again.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to those who want something refreshing to read! If you are someone who loves contemporaries or wants a book to melt their heart then this is the book for you.

Thank you to Sandhya Menon, Hodder and Stoughton and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Words: Family, passion, attraction, friendship, ambition.

This was a really sweet read, a lovely story. I loved Dimple and Rishi.

I just didn't like the writing style.

This book had been hyped up so much that my expectations were sky high. I was expecting lots of tech and coding and I was a little underwhelmed by the lack of tech and coding. It was a lot more sweetness than I was expecting, especially with the fantastic start. I thought Dimple was going to be harder, stand up for her convictions a little stronger. She threw an iced coffee in Rishi's face and I practically cheered. But honestly, that was the high point of the story for me.

I liked the way the narrative switched between characters, showing both of their thoughts, their feelings. This was probably my favourite aspect of the writing. It was funny seeing all of the misunderstandings, and I liked the frustration of knowing more than the characters themselves.

I was a good book, a good story, and I would recommend it. I just didn't get on with the writing style, I found it a little too simple to stay engaged. My own high expectations likely lessened my enjoyment, and that's all on me.

I received a copy of this book from net galley in order for an honest review.

I don't quite know how I feel about this book, I enjoyed it, but I'm not ready to shout from the rooftops about it. I found Dimple to be quite an unlikeable character, and I found certain aspects of the book predictable and unrealistic. I however found it pleasant to read on an rare afternoon off, however I haven't got the 'book hangover' feeling from it.

3.5 stars

Dimple comes from a traditional family. Her mother wants her to marry a nice, Indian boy, but Dimple loves coding and wants a career.
Rishi is a romantic who is close to his parents and wants to be the dutiful first-born son and make them proud. His parents believe that Dimple would be a good wife for him, as do her own parents. Unknown to Dimple, they organise for Rishi and Dimple to attend the same summer program for aspiring web developers. The two meet but it doesn't go as Rishi plans.
Dimple doesn't want a relationship, but can Rishi persuade her otherwise?

When Dimple Met Rishi was a very cute read.
I enjoyed reading about an Indian protagonist(s) for a change. It was refreshing and interesting.
I really liked both Dimple and Rishi. They were relatable, believable and I wanted to be friends with both of them. I liked Celia and Rishi's brother as well.
The romance wasn't over the top and I thought Dimple and Rishi were adorable together.
The plot was good and held my attention, but I wasn't gripped. I found myself tearing up a few times (not good seeing as I was at work!).

Overall this was an enjoyable, unique read.

Amazingly diverse story! I love how the culture and religion was depicted and how unique the characters are too. It's great to see how that is balanced with their goals and how the story moved and flowed with them!

I adore the characters and how they worked through conflict and their feelings and fitting in when other people made them feel like they shouldn't. I value their strength and strength of character and hope to see more of them or more by this author!

I won't be reviewing this book this time, but thank you for approving me.

3.5 stars
I like that the book tackles some pretty important issues and that the characters are more diverse. I didn't completely get Dimple and Rishi's relationship, I felt it moved way to fast. I also wasn't a fan of the lack of actual coding app time that happens in the book, we get a little bit and then it just disappears only to reappear right at the end.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

This book has been one of my most anticipated debuts for this year, and I couldn't wait to have free time to read it. When I was deciding what to include in my holiday TBR, this was top of the list!

When Dimple Met Rishi tell the story of both Dimple and Rishi, from alternate POVs. They are both from Indian families, where arranged marriages are normal, and though Rishi is looking forward to marrying the women his parents chose, Dimple is decidedly not. She has no intention of even considering the possibility until she finishes university, and has a job. When she finds out there is a computing camp on in San Francisco over the summer, and the winner will get to meet one of her heroes, she immediately begs her parents to let her go, and, surprisingly, they do. What she doesn't know, though, is that Rishi, her prospective husband, will also be there, and it's the perfect opportunity for them to meet. Rishi, though a bit of a nerd, doesn't really care for computing, but knows that by going to San Francisco, he can meet Dimple, who he's heard all about. It's safe to say, however, that their first meeting does not go to plan.

Firstly, I loved learning about the different customs that both Dimple's and Rishi's family followed, and how both of them dealt with being a modern teenager in America, and still honouring their beliefs. Dimple's character was wonderful, and I don't understand how anyone can find anything wrong with actions. I mean, if someone walked up to me, and said he was my future husband, I would probably act in the same way - that is not a normal thing to do, no matter if you think Dimple knows about the arranged marriage. Rishi deserved being covered in coffee, and I don't have time for anyone who says otherwise. Also, Dimple was just normal - she didn't always have the best relationship with her parents, she enjoyed certain things more than others, and she had a plan for the future - a plan which was very commendable, and she should be applauded for it all.

Rishi was also really sweet. He knew from the moment he met Dimple that she wasn't on board for the marriage - I think the coffee was a bit of a giveaway - but he still wanted to be friends with her, and tried to help her win, anyway he could. He also found things that interested him, and a way to be able to do what he enjoyed, even though he never thought it was in the plan for him.

One thing I didn't really enjoy about the book were the secondary characters. Most of them were seriously annoying, and I wanted to punch them in the face, tbh. Rishi's brother, Ashish, was also a bit annoying, and I didn't really understand why he was in the book. Since reading it, I've discovered he'll be getting his own story, so I think he must've been there just to introduce him, but it didn't seem smooth, or right. Maybe I'll like him more in his own book?

Other than that, this book was a perfect summer read, and I loved the main characters. For a debut, I felt the book was amazing, and I can't wait to see more from the author.

This is a sweet book. It's incredibly cliche and predictable, but the storyline is a pretty easy read. While Dimple is an incredibly annoying character during the first half of the novel, I do like the friendship and relationship between Dimple and Rishi.

Also, how beautiful is the cover?? I think it's brilliant.

Dimple’s parents are keen on her finding a boyfriend when all she wants to do is focus on a career in coding. Rishi on the other hand is looking forward to settling down with a girl as per his parents’ wishes. So when the two meet at a summer camp and Rishi introduces himself as Dimple’s future husband you can imagine the chaos that ensues. I was really looking forward to reading this giving all the hype/praise it’s received over the past few months, however I have to admit to being a little disappointed in it. Yes it’s a cute summer contemporary with a good focus on technology and includes plenty of Hindi representation, but it was a bit too predictable and didn’t really offer anything special. I also struggled at times keeping up with the frequent switching between point of views within the same chapter.

Dimple Shah knows exactly what she wants to do the summer before starting college: go on this kick ass web developers summer programme. She wants to win the prize to meet her idol. The fact that it would get her away from her Mamma and her obsession with finding Dimple the perfect Indian husband. So she’s delighted when her parents allow her to go. Rishi Patel is also going on this programe, to meet the girl his parents are hoping to be his potential future wife. He’s excited to meet her but their first meeting doesn’t go to plan. Mainly because Dimple has NO idea who Rishi is and throws an iced drink in face! Will they get to know each other over the summer? Or will Dimple’s stubborness prevent her from warming to Rishi?

There has been a lot of hype around this book so I was excited to read it. I flew through it in two days because it was just so cute! I liked the characters, I’ve seen a lot of reviews complaining about Dimple but I thought she was strong, knew her own mind but yet grew too as the novel went on. Rishi is the perfect gentleman and is very sweet. I love that we get to see another point of view in this book when it comes to culture, it’s so refreshing to see diverse stories. This book has everything the perfect YA romance needs, a good plot, strong characters, humour and plenty of cute moments. Perfect summer contemporary!

~the backstory~
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was all over my timeline for a long time before it came out. It was pitched as the fluffy arranged marriage contemporary you didn't know you needed, and there is no truer description. I preordered it but when I saw it on Netgalley, I took a chance and requested.
Imagine my reaction when I got an email saying I had been accepted.
~the overall opinion~
This was the cutest, fluffiest contemporary romance I have ever read. There is no other way to say it. I adored it.
~the characters~
There are two POVs in this story. The first one is Dimple. She's an Indian-American girl, who sees herself more American than Indian. She just wants to code and change the world and be the best she can be. She doesn't like that her mother is always pressuring to find the Ideal Indian Husband whilst she's away at college.
I loved Dimple so much. She's feisty, intelligent, headstrong, but she's also shy in ways. She's used to being bullied and having comments made about her. She's struggling to find herself, whilst trying to prove to her parents that she can make them proud without getting married young.
Her growth throughout the novel, coming to terms with her feelings for Rishi and wanting to mainatin her independence. She was so real, I was just routing for her from the get-go.
Then there's Rishi. He was, without a doubt, my favourite. Even though I loved them both so much. There was just something so adorable about Rishi. He's hapless and adorable; he's the very definition of fluffy.
I also loved his struggled. Trying to do right, be traditional for his parents to make them proud, but be his own person and go his own way.
I adored every single second that I spent with these two.
I laughed out loud with them. I cried with them. I cheered with them. Honestly, they were the cutest couple ever.
The side characters, such as Celia, were fun too. Though I did have a wee issue with her potrayal. She's coded as being bisexual. She mentioned having a girlfriend before that "wasn't serious" and sleeps around a lot. Nothing wrong with either of those individually, but this a serious trope that us bisexual people are constantly fighting and I'd really like to less of it.
I also loved the inclusion of Dimple's and Rishi's family. Both of them were amazing and supportive and present, something we never really see in YA. I really enjoyed Rishi's younger brother Ashish and would honestly read something about him and Celia. No lie.
~the plot and setting~
The plot of this book is very much about the growing relationship between Dimple and Rishi, as well as them both trying to win the prize of Insomnia Con. I loved the Con and the way both Dimple and Rishi worked together - and how they each viewed the summer program.
I felt invested with them, rooting for them to win and win and win. I loved Dimple's idea (something like that really needs to exist omfg) and just how real the entire setting was. Especially that ending because wow. That really gave me all the feelings.
I will say one thing about this book however, which is the main reason it's getting four stars instead of the five my heart wants to give. Beside the harmful bi rep, there's a lot of casual ableism throughout the novel. Words like cr*zy and ins*ne are used frequently, which isn't the best thing for young adults to be reading - especially when some of them are going to have mental/psychotic disorders.
I loved how the Indian culture wasn't a huge thing. It was just part of their life. It didn't fall into any harmful stereotypes or cliches. It was just a part of them, and that was it.
The romance was a little insta-lovey but it was done in a good way, if that makes any sense, haha. It was insta-love you could believe, I suppose. Your first, wild, cheesy love. I am all for fluff and it was glorious but for some who are lesser inclined for such things, beware.
~the final thoughts~
This was the cutest contemporary novel I have ever read. I honestly think it's made me want to venture even more into the genre because I loved it so much. I wholly recommend picking it up!

An amusing romance for young adults dealing delicately with aspirations, career choices, arranged marriage, first love, competitiveness and family expectations. Though set in a San Francisco University summer school for keen teenage web developers, the technical content is dealt with lightly and the only language the reader may stumble over is (I think) Gujerati but the English meaning is always supplied.

It's been a long time coming for me to read this book. I've been excited, the worlds been excited about this book. If your a user of Twitter then you would have seen the hype around this book! After reading this book I can see what they're talking about when they say how good this book is!

I started When Dimple Met Rishi at the beginning of my New York trip and it was an absolutely perfect way to start it! This book  took me on a incredible journey through the lives of Dimple and Rishi making me laugh in places and informed in others.I learnt a lot about Indian culture while reading this book and it made it all the better. Another plus was that the families were present the whole way through the book

The writing of this book felt so carefree and easy to read, you couldn't possibly hate this book. From the moment Dimple met Rishi, this book had my heart.

This is an amazing debut that I would highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book!

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ultimately this just wasn't for me. Partly it's that contemporary YA romance is usually outside my genre preference. partly it just wasn't very well executed.


I did actually like parts of this book, certainly enough that I kept reading. I disagree with the castgation of Dimple - if someone sent me off to meet an arranged husband without telling me, I would blow a gasket too. Yes she was self involved and at times not that likeable but she's driven by ambition, she's a teenager who's just working out who she is and under tgat she's utterly terrified of life and the fact she can't control everything. She's no worse than Rishi who while he has sweet moments, is actually kinda boring, staid, and a bit spineless.

And that is as developed as the characters get. The rest of the characters are 2D and could be replaced with furniture. There's next to no confluct to drive the plot and I honestly don't know what the two MCs have learned from each other by the end.

One criticism leveled at Dimple is the 'not like every other girl trope'. I find that a rather depthless interpretation. Dimple likes different things to the majority of her sex. She has refused to compromise on this. That makes her an outlier and more importantly an outsider. The fact that a girl is tomboyish and cast as the hero and doesn't understand why other girls like maje up and boys etc is not the same as rubbishing others interests. I keep seejng this complain in YA and it's bollocks. Someone not fitting in the pack does not invalidate the choices of those who do. If Dimple has a chip on her shoulder about it then that's an understandable reaction to being made an outsider. True she does herself no favours but we shouldn't be required to fit in. Until we gain more afult social finesse a kick back reaction of taking tom boyishness to extremes is not unusual. Basically it's ok to be girly. It's ok to be not. It's fine to be anything in between. Yes Rishi saying Dimple is not like other girls is annoying but don't we all think our first love is different? special? If we didn't why bother, right?

Anyway this book failed to get me on board. Fascile writing, head hopping and trite dialogue. Not sure why it's described as a laugh out loud rom com - it really wasn't. It suffered from the things that always make me want to put down a contemporary YA book - flat, cardboard characters, thinly veiled attempt by author to advance own political agenda, USP disguised as 'diversity' when in fact it's neither a USP nor especially diverse. Just not my cup of tea. Others may like it more.