This book did not disappoint, the other books were super cute and light. This was just like those but better! Pinky is my favorite character, she’s strong willed, sassy, sarcastic, independent, smart and angsty for all the right reasons. Samir is that cute, smart, kind hearted and well organized guy that every girl needs. This book is also heartwarming and has some depth to it, making it the perfect balance for a summer read!

Passionate and uproarious Pinky Kumar may be protesting, fundraising, and using her voice for good, but that’s not winning her any points with her corporate lawyer mother. Pinky’s riot grrl flair doesn’t always come across as contained or pleasant, after all. Homeschooled and carefully monitored Samir Jha has been the apple of his mother’s eye for many years, so much so that he’s thrilled to go away for a summer internship at a prestigious law firm. When that internship is suddenly canceled, his dreams are crushed. 

Thankfully, Pinky’s simultaneous epic blowout with her mother leads her to form a brilliant plan: studious, responsible Samir can join her family at their summer house on Cape Cod… as long as he pretends to be her boyfriend and convinces her parents that she’s capable of making at least one decision that they’d find impressive. Once they “break up” at the end of the summer, she’ll help him score an elusive internship at her mother’s law firm. Meanwhile, Samir’s mother will be none the wiser about his nixed internship and he can get away. What could go wrong?!

10 Things I Hate About Pinky marks the first time Sandhya Menon’s Dimpleverse dives into the frenemies-to-lovers waters and it navigates that territory rather successfully. This novel had a little more intrigue and potential for chaos than Menon’s two previous books in the series, while still maintaining the same wit and charm. The story also finds a focal point beyond the dating concept as Pinky and Samir get caught up in an effort to protect a beloved local landmark against real estate developers. The tilt toward spontaneity, the two very different characters working together to find common ground (and maybe something more,) and the added plot line really elevated 10 Things above the rest!

This novel also does a much better job finding the line between realism and sincerity. One of my biggest peeves with the previous books was that the characters tended to spill their guts earnestly and often, in a way that didn’t feel accurate for a mature adult, let alone a teen. 10 Things manages to subvert that trend. Pinky and Samir open up to each other when it’s important, but it isn’t overabundant or grating.

If there’s one criticism I had about the novel, however, it would be that it’s a bit one-sided. We’re surrounded by Pinky’s story and family and other than talking about how his mother’s cancer has affected his need for control, we don’t really dive into Samir’s life. The first that it’s his first summer of freedom isn’t really touched upon, nor is the fact that he’s lying to his mother about where he is the whole time. Pinky’s world is definitely an interesting one that held my interest (there’s a pet opossum, for goodness sake!) but Samir’s more subtle story deserved additional consideration.

10 Things introduces a couple great new characters into the fold, including Pinky’s cousin Dolly, who is her best friend but also her polar opposite– High-achieving, praised, and adored. But Dolly is having a summer all her own as she attempts a little rebellion, with which even Pinky can’t get on board. If the Dimpleverse continues, Dolly is the next logical main character and this novel sets that up well. I also loved Pinky’s hilarious, ultra-competitive dad and even Pinky’s mom, who is more complex than she gets credit for.

If you’ve enjoyed Sanhya Menon’s other novels and love a little bit of unexpected, topsy-turvy summer romance, you’ll have a lot of fun with 10 Things I Hate About Pinky. In fact, the novel stands on its own and you don’t even need to know the other books in the series to read it. I think it’s a great backy read and my favorite of the author’s books so far!

I love the edge to Pinky. However I feel for her in regards to her relationship with her mother. I always tend to take the side of the child. 

So this starts off as just a means to an end. Pinky needs a boyfriend, well pretend boyfriend that her mother would be shocked about, shocked in a good way. Samir happens to need an internship after his went belly up. So a win win for both of them. But will they grown to love each other or despise each other even more? You will have to read the book!

This book was playful with a dash of serious. Thank You for this ebook. It was enjoyed!

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.  Menon takes us back to one of our favorite members of the gang!  I absolutely loved pinky in the other books.  I'm so glad Menon have her a book.  Menon tackles tough topics, events, emotions, and situations... She gives us realistic situations and outcomes.  Like her other stories, they aren't cookie cutter perfect, but they are certainly sweet.  I love love love diving into her diverse world of complex issues!  More Menon, More!!!!

10 Things I Hate About Pinky was one of my most anticipated books of 2020. I liked When Dimple Met Rishi and I absolutely LOVED There's Something About Sweetie (it was one of my favorite books of 2019). We met both of our main characters--Pinky Kumar and Samir Jha--in Sweetie and when I heard it's a hate-to-love and a fake dating trope I already knew it was going to be a good one.

And I was right!

Now, I didn't love it as much as I did Sweetie because that book really pulled at my heart and I related to it on a deep level that I haven't had in a long time. BUT, out of all the three books--Dimple, Sweetie, and Pinky--Pinky was the most funny and entertaining one. I was laughing from start to finish! Pinky and Samir were hilarious! They were funny on their own and I absolutely love their banter. And that whole thing about the possum--that was gold!

Pinky was much more light-hearted than the previous novels, but like the other novels, one of the biggest conflicts was Pinky's contentious relationship with her mom. In this case, her mom sees her as a screw-up and always assumes the worst about Pinky. This had Pinky wanting to show her mom that she's wrong, and hence getting good boy Samir to be her fake boyfriend for the summer after his internship fell through. My fake-dating trope loving heart was much amused and very entertained, and the hate-to-love element (because Pinky and Samir were like oil and water) added some fun banter-y friction and got Pinky and Samir into some funny situations.

I'm giving 10 Things I Hate About Pinky 4 stars because while I was much entertained and I love the characters and the trope and plot, I thought the resolution and how everything tied up was kind of surface level--it didn't have that impact that would hit me emotionally and stay with me after I turned the last page. Also, the story is focused on Pinky and her relationship with her mom, but I would've loved to have gotten Samir and his mom's story because they have an interesting dynamic and a complicated relationship too, and we didn't get anything at all about that.

10 Things I Hate About Pinky was an all-around great time! I had a wonderful time reading it and it kept me entertained all the way through. I'm looking forward to more by Ms. Menon. If you're looking for a fun, rom-com-y YA contemporary, or if you need a funny, romance-y read in between your darker books (because we all need those sometimes), 10 Things I Hate About Pinky would be a great choice.

Sandhya Menon's books always make my heart happy. The characters are always real and authentic, that are easy to connect with. The latest installment in the Dimple and Rishi universe focuses on Pinky and Samir, an enemies to lovers summer romance that almost made me cry at times. Menon's characters always have heart and touch on the insecurities we all have. This is another astounding addition to Menon's collection and I am already looking forward to the next one!

10 Things I Hate about Pinky was a great addition to the Dimpleverse. Sandhya Menon has done a wonderful job creating this community of characters and I have thoroughly enjoyed the character carry-over from other books in this series. 

At first, Pinky is a character who is difficult to love, but as the story progresses, her shell begins to crack and you get to meet (and fall in love with) the real Pinky. Menon does a terrific job of depicting a rocky mother/daughter relationship and the way that she brings them back together is organic and not forced. The best part, however, is the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic that Menon does so well.

I must admit that I have a weird feeling from 10 Things I Hate About Pinky. On one hand I loved a lot of it. I thought Pinky and Samir were great together. I loved their relationship and their banter and how they were completely opposites but kind of brought out the best in each other. And I loved the setting. It felt like summer and summers I remember on Cape Cod. But on the other hand something felt a little off and I can’t place what it was. I wasn’t a fan of Dolly for some reason. And I hated how Pinky and her mother’s relationship was handled, it almost felt rushed. Something was just off but in all fairness it could be because I loved Dimple and Rishi and Sweetie and Ash’s stories. I honestly don’t know. But what I do know is that I found the book enjoyable and a pretty quick read once I got into the story. I would definitely recommend reading this companion series.

I'm so heartbroken that this is the end of the Dimpleverse series but, it ended on such a high note.
Pinky is this hardheaded, multicolored deviate girl but she has a heart of gold and the want to save everything her heart wants.
Samir is very organized and meticulous about everything. Plans each day and makes lists for everything.  He has a heart of steel for the ones he cares about.

They couldn't have more than opposite of each other but, those differences are what makes them whole and perfect for each other. 

The relationship between Pinky and her mom was pretty heartbreaking but, came.to the perfect conclusion as well. If you have read all of Sandhyas books this is one you definitely don't want to miss out on.

I adore this series. Plus any fake relationship turned into love is a favorite for me. Excellently written and executed.

Knowing me, I definitely wanted to read this for the fake dating trope and I got so much more.

In Sandhya's classic style, she takes two people who do not seem like they could be together, but under certain circumstances, she makes it work. This applies to Pinky and Samir. Pinky is your token social justice warrior who is off to New England for the summer, and Samir wants total control over his life and that begins with heading to an internship in Washington, D.C. in a law firm. When you read this book, you will fall in love with the spontaneity Pinky holds in her hands and how it totally knocks off Samir's jurisdiction over his life.

It's something you can read over and over again because Menon provides a deal of magic that you can only find within stories like these! I can assure you, through all of the story, I cried a handful of times. Her story is wonderful like that. Her world building and plot are well planned out and intricate. The side characters, like Dolly, and her mother and father, contributed to the story and I loved how they were included. Though I found Dolly to be annoying at first, she quickly grew onto me and I'd love to see more about her in the future!

I really loved when there were scenes with just Pinky and Samir. You can tell how the words Sandhya Menon chose represent Pinky and Samir's love for one another and the blooming relationship they develop over the course of the novel. The characters balance each other out and make each other better, which is the main goal!

I recommend you read it because if you're looking for a feel good book, you'll find it right here in Sandhya Menon's 10 Things I Hate About Pinky. She definitely knows how to get down into the deep parts of the novel and will get you out with a grin on your face and maybe even a tear slipping down from your eye. This third novel of her series is nothing short of wonderful!

I received an e-arc of this book for exchange of a review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon Pulse for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This isn't my favorite book in the "series" from this author, but it's definitely a fun, lighthearted read that is perfect for its target audience of teenagers. Pinky needs a fake boyfriend for the summer to prove a point to her demanding mother, and that's where Samir comes in. They start out barely tolerating each other, since their personalities couldn't be more different, but as the summer progresses they realize that they have real chemistry. At times I felt like the personalities of Pinky and her mother were written in a way that was too extreme, but I got over it. If you enjoyed the other books by Sandhya Menon, odds are good you'll like this one as well!

Review posted on Goodreads on August 2, 2020.

I really enjoy Sandhya Menon's books.  They always leave me feeling happy.  This book is no exception and while it is YA, I think it is completely appropriate for a middle-grade audience as well. Samir and Pinky are complete opposites.  Pinky is a wild-child who is tired of her family thinking the worst of her.  Samir is the type of guy that all parents love.  When his internship at a law-firm falls through and Pinky lies to her family and tells them she has a new boyfriend, a scheme is hatched.  Samir with come stay with Pinky's family for the summer at their Cape Cod house and Samir does not have to go home to his over-protective mother. Of course, they both start to develop real feelings in their fake relationship.  
This was a fun read that didn't quite have the same chemistry as Dimple and Rishi.  It may be that I related less because Samir and Pinky are high school students.  Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book.  3 stars.

A true tale of oppsites attract. Pinky is a well written unapologetic, confrontational teen  with a marshmallow heart hidden beneath. A great addition to the series

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT PINKY is a cute YA romance that features a fake-turned-real relationship and opposites-attract couple. Pinky is spending the summer with her family at their vacation home, when the barn burns down. Pinky's mother immediately accuses her of doing so- likely with an irresponsible paramour, and to defend herself, Pinky says she has a totally responsible boyfriend. However, she does not actually have one.

Then, Pinky hears about Samir and how his summer internship with a DC law firm fell through. Samir has everything in his life planned and is exactly the kind of guy her lawyer parents would love. She asks him to come spend the summer with her as her fake boyfriend and says she can help him get an internship with her mother, the Shark, during the school year. It seems like a win-win situation.

Even after the truth about the barn comes out that it was definitely not Pinky, Pinky is still eager for her parents' approval, something that Samir brings her. As she and Samir spend time together, they find that they are opposites in pretty much everything- and that can definitely attract. Together, they launch into Pinky's summer project- protesting the razing of the Butterfly Habitat she loves in favor of a condo complex.

What I loved: I really enjoy that the girl here has the "bad boy" vibe, even though Pinky's rebellions are activist projects and adopting an opossum. The romance heats up the pages, and its easy to cheer for Pinky and Samir, even as they seem to be fighting about everything early on. Their respect for the other's opinions- even when they don't agree- and their insight into each other's personalities really makes this a great romance read.

I also really loved the view on activism, the legwork of it, and its importance to a community and making voices heard. Pinky is a passionate character, and I loved seeing that passion and determination build towards something great (even if her parents were not on-board). I also appreciated the growth of Pinky, Samir, and Pinky's relationship with her mother throughout the book. The characters here are really great.

What left me wanting more: I would have liked some more focus on Samir and his relationship with his mother (especially what happened when she found out he was lying)- we don't really get closure on that, except a couple comments at the end.

Final verdict: Great for romantic comedy fans, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT PINKY is a cute summery read with a couple that is easy to cheer for! With extra themes of activism and dealing with parental expectations, this is a great YA contemporary read.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC*

I would give this book 3.5 stars. 
I will totally admit that romcoms are not really my thing. That being said, I find Menon's books enjoyable. She has really cornered the market on diverse YA romance. She uses romantic comedy tropes really well, and at times has spun those tropes on their heads. Her characters are extremely likable and realistic.  I appreciate that her female characters in particular are strong and outspoken, and are not always stereotypical boy-crazy teenage girls. 

The pacing of this book sort of threw me off; there didn't seem to be a lot of consistency to it. I also felt it was far too predictable, although that did not make in unenjoyable.

If you're familiar with my reviews, you know that I liked Dimple and Rishi and I absolutely ADORED Sweetie and Ashish, so I was expecting to really fall for Pinky and Samir. As it turns out, I only fell for one of them. 
     Pinky always tries to help those things that can't help themselves. From raccoons to opossums, she tries to help them all. Another thing she loves is making her parents angry. Then there's Samir. He's completely nice, buttoned up and just a great individual. But when the two make up a plan to be fake boyfriend and girlfriend, they start realizing there is more to both of them than they let on.
     When I heard Samir was getting a book, I was SO HAPPY. I have liked him since Sweetie's book. I remember writing in the review of Sweetie that I wanted a Samir book and then Menon made it happen! And this book made me all over again. I thought he was easy to get along with and just an all around good kid. I liked seeing him get his happy ending. As for Pinky, I was not a fan. She just seemed so mean and angry all the time and I didn't like how she treated Samir. I mean it's one thing to fake date, but even while doing that she was so mean to him. Idk, maybe enemies to lovers isn't for me. Whatever the case may be, this one did not work for me. 
     Then there was the plot. I feel like this book went on and on, but it was so repetitive that nothing happened. They kept doing the same things: go to the country club, fight/argue, get over it, repeat. Because of this I wasn't as into it as the others. It took me 10 DAYS to read a book this size. I just kept picking it up and putting it down. I definitely didn't think it was up to par with the others. 
     The main plot point, the romance, was almost non-existant as well. I think this may be another reason I didn't like Pinky. They argued all the way up until like 80%. And in that last 20% they did the break-up before the happy ending, and THEN they got together. And by that time, it was already the end of the book. I know we (readers) always say we want a slow burn, but we also want some romance in our romance. I think I would have been more ok with it had they been trying to get it right at like 60%. 
       This wasn't as great as the others that I loved, but Menon just knows how to write a book to keep you entertained. This one wasn't my favorite, but I still want to read anything Menon writes. I hope this isn't the end of Dimple & Rishi's universe! 

Real rating 2.5

This was a fun summer read! I loved the Cape Cod setting and Pinky’s activism. I felt like Dolly’s story kind of petered out so hoping the next book is about her!

3.5 stars

I’ve been a fan of Pinky since the first time we saw her and I was quite excited for the fake dating slash hate to love...sadly, for me this one wasn’t up to the same level at the other two books. 

Pinky and Samir are both good characters. She’s passionate and he’s steadfast and there’s so much damn potential between them. I didn’t quite see their connection between them and found myself setting the book down more often than not. 

Plot wise, it was okay. There’s a bit of repetitiveness and the entire plot arc with Dolly seemed to be filler rather than relevant. Honestly, I could have overlooked these things if the chemistry between the two of them felt authentic. 

Overall, I did enjoy the story and there were some sweet moments, but honestly, I wanted so much more for these two. 

**Huge thanks to Simon Teen for providing the arc free of charge**

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT PINKY is the first book by Sandhya Menon that I’ve read. I’ve heard great things about her other books, and have meant to read them, so when I got the chance to read this one, I was super excited.

First off, if you’re unfamiliar with Menon’s books (like I was), you can read this one without having read the others. There are some references to characters from the other books, but this book stands on its own.

I think this book totally lived up to the series hype. I loved Pinky’s quirkiness and passion and Samir’s awkwardness and insightfulness. I loved the fake dating. The family relationships were great, too. I especially loved the way the story explored Pinky’s relationship with her mom and things Pinky didn’t even realize she was doing to make that worse.

Also, the dramatic opossum! I love that Pinky rescues her and names her and walks her in a harness. It was weird and adorable and just SO Pinky.

The story has a lightness to it that I definitely need in my life right now. I found myself giggling and grinning through scenes and staying up to read just one more chapter (and another and another).

I think readers who love romantic comedy with family presence will love this fun, fake dating adventure.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.