Definitely more fiction/rich people drama over romance but there was a lil rom to this.

Lata has infiltrated the rich and is getting invitations to things she has never before felt welcome at only she isn’t the Lata people think they are inviting.

Sometimes the lying got a little stressful but overall it was fast paced and a pretty fun read.

Thanks to netgalley and grand central pub from an eARC.

I think this book was just too hyped-- every review and the jacket inside made it seem like this would be unique, funny and unreadable. I just found it sad, albeit well written. It was interesting but not unique to me. Still, a good beach read - give it a try!

The Other Lata comes out next week on April 1, 2025 and you can purchase HERE.

I blame August in New York. The dullest month of the year, and the hottest and most miserable. Anyone who could afford to flee the city's swampiness had already done so, and the people who remained behind were too poor to do anything but await the arrival of that most blessed month of possibility and beautiful weather, September.

An intriguing story of disguise, glamour, and searching for the truth! The plot that weaves its way through this book is so unique, though at times a little bit hard to follow. I found myself rooting for Lata while simultaneously judging some of her choices, as she faces the pull of societal approval and belonging. This is a great story for those who know fashion (which is not me) and enjoy the drama of high society life. I did enjoy the human connections and humor of Lata’s adventures, but sometimes felt a little bit lost in the details and turns of the plot. Overall, I was entertained and definitely wanted to know how it would turn out in the end! Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I haven’t read Kirthana Ramisetti before, but The Other Lata sounded right up my alley. I love books that satirically explore the lives of the uber-rich, and the premise of this one, mixing with the mistaken identity trope, sounded rather juicy.
And in some ways, it definitely is. I loved exploring the excesses of high-society life through Lata’s eyes, as well as the lengths she took to keep up the charade and reckon with “the Other Lata,” to whom this life actually belongs. And despite the seediness of it all, I Lata is nonetheless sympathetic in how she rationalizes it, given her comparatively poor origins.
But what starts as a very fast-paced and exciting story got bogged down in the second half by a very muddled timeline. One week later then, one month, and then another two months, and yet another three months passed, and it just really killed any momentum the story had built up at that point.
And where was the romance? I guess there is something between Lata and Rajeev, but it’s barely consequential. But with publishing calling everything a “romcom” these days even if the characters look at each other, and Rajeev not being super-prominent in the blurb to begin with, my expectations weren’t super-high in this department to begin with.
However, there is a good book in here, in spite of its flaws, and you might enjoy it if you enjoy fairly light stories around an average person “faking it” to navigate high society and all the shenanigans that ensue as a result.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Other Lata reminded me of the dramatic plots of the early 2000s where socialites and the culture of striving came together in lighter thrillers that were always fun to read. A slightly older sister to the YA and New Adult of those times, this story was fun but had enough darker elements to keep me intrigued.

Lata is in her early 30’s struggling to understand why her New York City life isn’t the one she dreamed about as one of the few minority kids in her youth in Connecticut. One a particularly boring day after finding out her BFF is leaving town and being over her job not going anywhere (or paying much), she accepts an invite intended for another Lata and opens the door to a year of seeing how ‘the other half’ parties and lives. While her life seems to get more charmed she’s not escaped the notice of the other Lata who has plans for her that don’t exactly look as sparkly as our Lata hoped.

I was curious how the story would spin up not just hoodwinking acquaintances of the two women into thinking there was only one but also how it would transform into a bit of a mystery. Well done, is all I can say. While this story could have gone deeper it was perfect brain candy with its blends of light nostalgia (gossip girl, anyone?), romance, and intrigue.

3.5 / 5 Stars

This was a cute book with a nice dash of mystery and suspense! In “The Other Lata,” Lata Murthy’s life is just fine. She has a job that isn’t particularly fulfilling. She affords her rent but has a shopping habit that is putting her into debt. She hasn’t dated in a long time so she watched Food Network marathons with her friend instead. Her life isn’t dire – it is just fine. But there is another Lata Murthy who has a fabulous life. This Lata knows because she keeps getting emails meant for the other Lata. The other Lata gets invited to cool parties for nepo baby jewelry designers and soirees in the Hamptons where the houses are filled with weird sculptures. So this Lata decides that she’ll indulge and go to a few of these parties as the other Lata. And it’s fun and not as hard as she thought. She makes friends, she gets a better job, she moves into a better apartment, all because these rich folks think she’s the other Lata. She even falls for a handsome fashion designer. It’s all a teetering house of cards but it’s working.

Until the other Lata reaches out and she is not too happy. The other Lata starts blackmailing this Lata. The blackmail is weird at first, like requests to wear ridiculous clothes to a party or talk about herself in the third person to friends. But soon, other Lata becomes vengeful and her demands start becoming more nefarious and more illegal. How will this Lata handle it without losing her friends, job, apartment, and new love?

I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this book. I liked that it was written as Lata telling the story of all of this whole adventure and she would reference moments that changed her life or changed her trajectory. It was a fun device to get you hooked. I didn’t find the romance all that compelling but I found Lata’s backstory about her life growing up and her relationship with her parents to be super enthralling and it helped explain why she would continue with this ruse for as long as she did. It’s an easy read that keeps you hooked and folks that care about clothes and designers will love those details!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.

Interesting concept and really liked the thriller-esque second half once the two Latas made contact. The latter half surprised me and had me turning the pages from suspense. Lots in this book about identity (stolen, forged, born) and privilege and the diaspora experience. The ending surprised me and I liked the way Lata’s journey concluded, and how she was left feeling about the Other Lata.

My main gripes were that the dialogue & humor felt a bit unnatural/dated/cringey. The first half and middle dragged a bit for me, and yet still seemed to brush over some parts—I wanted more of Lata figuring out how to be Other Lata (messing up, catching herself, needing to think quickly). I also think the transition between pretend and real friendship with Keiko & crew was glossed over. Loved the subplot with Rajeev but not sure he felt like a fully-formed character.

Overall though, I enjoyed this read!

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central for the ARC!

This one wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t get into it. It was a fun concept, but just didn’t work for me.

This was a fun one! I was getting Gossip Girl meets Bollywood vibes, and I was here for it.

Lata was a relatable, flawed, and lovable character. I felt bad for her at times, but also appreciated how resourceful she was. Seeing how she navigated the unfamiliar world of the wealthy New York elite was really interesting, and as things progressed and she got deeper into it, I had to know what would happen next, and how the other Lata would fit into it all. The romance was a fun addition to the plot, and the other side characters really rounded out the story.

This is good if you’re in the mood for a funny, contemporary, kinda mysterious story.

I really really enjoyed reading this book, so much so that I finished it in a day. The concept is so much fun, and the fact that the leads are Indian makes it much more relatable to me than other stories in the same vein. I loved that Lata is such a complex character too, by taking “the other Lata’s” place, you know what she’s doing is wrong but you actively find yourself rooting for her, which is compliments of good writing.

I’ve read Kirthana Ramisetti’s other books also, and I think I liked this one the best. I would LOVE to see this adapted on screen, it’s made for it!

THE OTHER LATA was a fun and twisty ride which explores the complex nature between the haves and have nots. Between the author’s ability to create likable unlikable female characters and the setting of high society New York City, this book was a great read that not only has a bit of mystery, but makes you think.

What I love about this author is her ability to write about people who are morally grey and humanly flawed, but ultimately their motives and their actions are more multifaceted as being right or wrong. Lata, the FMC, is a complex character who is benefitting from another and doing some pretty ethically icky things. But the author does such a great job with her character that you find yourself rooting for her rather than condemning her.

And the book is a fun mix of mystery, character centered narrative, and deep critique at the absurdities of the wealthy. I didn’t know where it was going, and that was refreshing. And all the while, New York City serves as the background to facilitate all these aspects. I think that they are done well where they seamlessly work together to create the central story.

This is a really interesting novel about race, class, and womanhood. If you like morally ambiguous female characters, New York City settings, character development, and some twists, read this.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Would you step into someone else’s life if you were invited?

When Lata Murthy keeps receiving emails addressed to her – but not her, just someone with the same name – she decides to accept the invitations. What harm could it do? Committing to a year of yes, Lata begins her Cinderella journey into the world of socialites and wealthy influencers. It’s a dream come true until Other Lata comes on the scene.

I enjoyed this book for what it was – entertainment – but some of the parts felt a little over the top and forced. I started finding myself irritated with Other Lata, who was making some seriously dangerous and illegal demands. Nevertheless, it was a fun book that satisfies your cravings for what it’s like to be wrapped up in a world of want, desire and envy.

Thank you to Kirthana Ramisetti, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a gifted digital copy for an honest review.

This was a fun, fast-paced romp through the lives of the wealthy in New York. When Lata Murthy starts getting swanky invitations meant for another, richer, Lata Murthy, she decides to add some excitement to her life and start attending the events. She makes friends and embraces the good life, but as we know, lies always eventually start to fall. While there were a few questions that were never answered, there were many things I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this and look forward to more by this author! Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance digital copy!

Kirthana Ramisetti's "The Other Lata" is a highly entertaining high-society romp that deftly blends humor, identity, and social commentary.

The story follows Lata Murthy, a down-on-her-luck trivia company employee in Connecticut who stumbles upon a life-changing opportunity through a case of mistaken identity. Accidentally receiving invitations meant for her mysterious and glamorous namesake—a Mumbai-born heiress—Lata is drawn into a whirlwind of wealth, deception, and escapades.

The plot is a delightful mix of comedy and tension, and Ramisetti maintains an enjoyable momentum as Lata's double life grows increasingly elaborate and precarious. The impending threat of her facade unraveling adds an undercurrent of suspense that keeps readers hooked, even as they revel in the character's audacious exploits.

What truly makes the novel shine are its vivid and dynamic characters. Lata is a wonderfully flawed and relatable protagonist, whose desperation, resourcefulness, and wit make her both endearing and frustrating. The supporting cast of fashion designers, models, and socialites adds flair and intrigue, while the enigmatic Other Lata looms as a tantalizing presence throughout the story. Their contrasting lives serve as a fascinating lens through which issues of class, identity, and ambition are explored.

Ramisetti's humor sparkles on every page and the mix of wit and heartfelt moments makes for an immensely satisfying reading experience. "The Other Lata" is a joy to read, blending comedy and drama in a way that leaves you laughing, cringing, and reflecting on the cost of reinvention.

I loved the Confessions of a Shopaholic vibes this had going on. But just like with that the lying keeps me so on edge and anxious.

I think this is going to be a popular beach read this year because it is fun with a little mystery and also some depth.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think I’m in the minority of readers for whom this book fell flat. I (maybe not-so-secretly) enjoy reading about the “rich lifestyle” and hidden lives of the rich, but Lata’s impostering really got under my skin. She often flashes back to the Indian-conservative life she had growing up and uses it to contrast the life she lives now, full of designer labels and credit card debt. The premise for her discovering the high-fashion life — a prom date who purchased an Armani gown for her…who does this?! — in addition to other situations that cropped up throughout the book (like the antics the Other Lata forced on her) made the story not only improbable but also practically-unreadable for me.

The story wanted to resemble Anna Delvey’s journey, but with heart, and it just didn’t work for me. Would be good for someone more interested in this lifestyle who is able to turn off the cynicism. I enjoyed the author’s debut (Dava Sastry’s Last Day) and will still continue reading her work.

It’s one thing to have imposter syndrome. It’s totally another to actually BE an imposter.

Lata Murthy knew she shouldn’t have opened the email that appeared in her mailbox. She didn’t know anyone who could possibly have invited her to such a prestigious event. But Lata opened it. Then she compounded the situation by attending.

The nerve! What if the “real” intended guest also attended? Hi, Lata; I’m Lata?

Our Lata gets increasingly bold and attends more and more. She finds new friends among the other guests. Then Lata is trapped by a mysterious correspondent who has been stalking her. The story takes off like a rocket and doesn’t slow down until it resolves at the end.

I liked Lata. She had her problems but that made her seem real.

The author, Kirthana Ramisetti, was new to me. After reading “The Other Lata” I would like to read her other books.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy. This is my honest review.

This hooked me IMMEDIATELY! I absolutely LOVED Kirthana's writing voice. She writes like I think and like I talk, she writes about things that are relevant and really relatable. I loved all the pop culture references or city references or lingo references, it really made the book real for me. There were a lot of characters, however, they were all really well written that I could tell them all apart. I also loved being able to see more into Indian/Indian-American culture and how there can be biases, just like in other cultures. This is something I experience myself with my own culture. There were a few slow parts and I wish we had more interaction with the Rajeev romance storyline, I wanted something to really hold onto.

However, I really enjoyed this one and I look forward to more from this author!

Thank you Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for the arc.

First read by this author.

I thought it was just okay. The very beginning and a few chapters in afterwards had me excited. “Poor” Lata was a vibe, realistic and fun. As the story started moving towards the middle the pace seemed to drag. While also having a lot going on that could have possibly been cut out. Things got a little interesting when “Rich” Lata came on the scene. Good getting insight on her. I liked the titling of the chapters. Maybe someone more fashion forward would love this book. Wish it would have stayed light, fun, with that exciting feeling throughout.

Fast paced book that was okay. It was a fun read but just didn't resonate with maybe because I'm just didn't care about that rich lifestyle.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC