Loved the representation here and a quirky nerdy MC of color in a STEM field who was also cute and sexy makes me happy. Women can be smart, nerdy, and fashionable! Yay! The childhood crush to enemy to lover has been done before but this is really cute and the author did a great job creating chemistry and snappy dialogue. I think the big bust up was a bit overblown. I get that Liam has a trigger but I think his reaction didn't feel organic.

I actually enjoyed this so much I went back and read the author's first novel about the Patels. I was really impressed with how much the author improved and evolved in just her second book. I definitely look forward to reading the next installment!

Excellently plotted with great main characters. The chemistry between them is off the charts. Loved it!

Daisy was heartbroken when her prom date Liam stood her up and she never saw him again. A decade later they run into each other. Daisy still hates Liam and never wants to see him again but in a strange twist of fate, Liam is in need of a wife to access his inheritance and Daisy needs a reason to get her matchmaking aunts off her back. To make their engagement look authentic, they go on a series of dates where little by little they start to fall for one another. This was a fun chick lit book to read, not too sappy and with some funny moments along the way. I liked how the main character is proud of her Indian heritage and lots of mentions of her culture were mentioned throughout the story.

The Dating Plan was a fun read. Great characterization, witty dialog, and a caring yet eccentric cast of family members all make the fake engagement trope work. It is a plus when a romcom novel provides food for thought regarding human relationships along with the romance and humor. The Dating Plan delivers on that. However, I found it to be a little bit in my face toward the end. Excellent perspectives on life, success, friends, and family were (just a little) weakened by how much time we spent in the main characters’ heads as they pondered those lessons. Overall? This book was a delight.

I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I loved the dynamic between the two characters. The childhood crush and fake relationship made this story sweet. I loved Daisy's obsession with the Avengers, and Liam was swoonworthy.

Hey, you!

*waves*

Yes, you!

*gestures*

Yes, come over here!

*flails arms wildly*

I need you to listen to me when I say that PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING ON SARA DESAI'S WORK AND THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES.

I thoroughly enjoyed Desai's debut The Marriage Game earlier this year and couldn't wait to read Daisy's story. If you're someone who loves your rom-com hijinks high-key, your protagonists full of tension (and steam), and your side characters fun and lil bit outrageous, you're in for a treat with The Dating Plan. Liam was a broody little mess and Daisy was the perfect mix of smart and a touch quirky without going full-on Zooey Deschanel.

I know some folks want their romances to be realistic and serious, but if you appreciate theatrics (and/or who just needs a lighter read that has a few weighty moments), you're going to have fun with this series. Honestly, if someone doesn't make either of Sara Desai's books into a delightful Netflix film, I'm going to have to start yelling.

Content warning: Discussions of domestic violence, discussions of abandonment