Harsha comes from a family of wealth and privilege, but it working hard to make it on her own as a photographer and independent woman. In order to save face with her family, she goes along with her cousin mistaking the local barista, Veer, for her boyfriend. Veer has Bollywood dreams, but works his coffee shop job in order to put his brother through business school. He proposes a deal with Harsha: he will pretend to be her boyfriend for the family wedding if she pays him 500 million rupees. She agrees, not knowing that along the way of fake dating she will behind to feel the chemistry growing between them.

Honestly, this story just didn’t click with me. The beginning encounters with Harsha and Veer were so off putting I don’t see how it was able to turn into love along the way. Their love story just wasn’t conveyed to me as the book progressed. In the end, I just didn’t believe and feel their happily ever after. They seem to have nothing in common other than fake dating, forced proximity, and a commitment to their mutually beneficial ruse. Harsha works hard to benefit herself and impress her family while Veer works hard to benefit his family. Their values just seem in complete opposite of each other. To me, the only reason they end up together is because the author wrote it that way. If I could give half stars, I’d give this 3.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Swati has very quickly become an automatic buy-author for me. swati has such a great way of writing stories you can easily play in your head and make you feel like you’re watching a romcom rather than reading one. while in Match Me if You Can, the FMC resembled the typical (and loveable) quirky stereotype (think Jessica Day), Harsha is much more of a Cece type, in which she picks and chooses where her soft spots land and she’s very protective of her own self (not to say she is selfish, do Not get it twisted). she is firm in who she is even if it doesn’t always work out for her. it’s always refreshing to read about a main character who knows what she wants, who is doing what she loves to do, and is firm to who she is throughout the entire book. she doesn’t compromise herself or her ambitions to make her life easier for anyone else.

ranting about women because it’s almost galentine’s day #oops let me love on my man Veer really quick because he is a DREAM. i think part of what makes this book and this couple work so well is because while harsha sort of has to take care and look after herself, veer’s role is taking care and looking after the people around him. i love a “i can do it myself” x “but you don’t have to do it alone” couple and this is very much what they are to me and i love them with all my heart <3

the perfect friends to lovers, fake dating book i’ve read in a long time and i cannot wait for more from swati!!

thank you @dellromance for the arc

This was such a sweet fake dating story. I really loved the nods to Bollywood and the Indian wedding. Veer and Harsha had such great banter and chemistry.

This a classic on the fake dating trope. We have our two main characters, Harsha who comes from a rich influential family, and Veer who is an aspiring actor working in a coffee shop. Harsha has rejected her family's money to try and make it on her own as a freelance photographer.. Veer is trying to figure out how to make extra money to pay for his brother's college now that the full scholarship was pulled. This is where the book actually starts to get good, as you expect, Harsha ropes Veer into being her fake boyfriend in front of her family and they fall in love through the shenanigans, It did take me a while to get into it.

This was mostly just fine, but I mainly feel like it didn't really achieve what it set out to do. Harsha starts off pretty unlikable with her spoiled rich girl vibes, and she simply doesn't go through enough character growth. She doesn't want anything to do with her parents if she doesn't have to, but when by the end her dad says he respects her wishes and he then cuts her off from his bank account, she's very hurt and offended. Like Harsha, I'm sorry, but you can't have it both ways. Either you're going to be independent and make your own money with freedom from your parents, or you depend on them, but either way, just make a consistent choice. I think as a reader I was meant to be proud of Harsha for how far she's come, but nothing in her behaviour felt consistent, so I just didn't know what to make of her and had a hard time sympathizing.

Harsha Godbole's boyfriend has dumped right before her cousin's wedding. All she wants is to prove to her wealthy family that she can be successful in life without their money or connections. That's why she moved to Bangalore, rather than near them in Mumbai. Her career as a professional photographer isn't going great and she was hoping that showing up with a successful boyfriend would at least prove to her family that she was doing fine on her own. At least her favorite coffee shop hasn't let her down and the barista there knows exactly how she likes her coffee, making it perfect every time.
Veer, the barista at Sunstag coffee likes making Harsha smile. He's got a tad bit of a crush on her, but he know she'd never date someone like him. He has bigger problems anyway. His brother's scholarship to a top university has fallen through and now he needs to figure out how they're going to pay the tuition.
When Veer is mistaken for Harsha's boyfriend, she decides to offer him a deal. She'll pay him to pretend to be her boyfriend and win over her family.
Veer, desperate for the money, agrees.

This was a cute little story. Harsha, thankfully, doesn't come off as a spoiled rich girl, in fact, I actually felt bad for her. All she wanted was supportive parents. Veer was a total green flag, he was sweet and understanding, I actually wish he'd had some slight flaws.

While the first half of the book built up Veer and Harsha's relationship, the second half felt a bit rushed to me. There were so many things that were either unresolved or casually pushed aside like they weren't a big deal. It left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. They weren't part of the main plot, but would have added a lot more depth the if given more space in the story.

Overall, this was a nice, quick read and a cute little love story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Bollywood + fake dating - I'm SOLD! This was absolutely adorable. The MCs had great chemistry and the thoughtful actions between them made me swoon over and over. Absolutely loved it!

Harsha needs a date to show off at two family functions. She is a photographer whose boyfriend just broke up with her to have an arranged marriage. Veer needs money to pay his brother’s tuition at business school. He is a barista who dreams of being an actor. When her cousin thinks that Veer is her boyfriend, she decides to pay him to pretend to be him. It was only supposed to be for six weeks.

I enjoyed the flow of this book. It was a very good fake dating story. They seemed to fall for each other naturally. The discovery of their deceit was right on time and not forced. And their happily ever after made sense. I liked this book a lot.

Can't Help Faking in Love was such a quick, fun, and fast-paced read! Harsha and Veer start fake dating when Harsha, freshly broken up with, needs a date for her cousin’s wedding. Veer, the cute barista, is also juggling taking care of his little brother and mother after being abandoned by his father as a teenager. He needs to make a lot of money, really fast, to pay his little brother's tuition.

The best part of this book is the yearning! It takes so long for these two to finally kiss, but the build-up is full of tender, intense moments. Their relationship feels incredibly wholesome and loving by the time they cross the boundaries of their fake dating arrangement.

I also really enjoyed the side characters. The friendships and family dynamics were touching, especially the evolving relationship between Harsha and her cousin. Their strained connection plays a significant role in the plot, and their resolution at the end was satisfying—though I wished we’d seen more of their interaction.

The writing style did leave me feeling like something was missing at times, but overall, this book was a lovely, enjoyable read that’s perfect for when you need something quick and fun.

This novel offers a lighthearted and entertaining take on the popular fake-dating trope, set against the vibrant backdrop of Indian family life and cultural expectations. Harsha Godbole, a privileged but emotionally neglected heiress, hires Veer Kannan, a hardworking barista and aspiring Bollywood actor, to pose as her boyfriend at her cousin’s extravagant wedding. What begins as a business deal soon evolves into something far more complicated as both navigate love, family, and their dreams.

One of the book’s strengths is its depiction of Indian family dynamics. The pressures of societal expectations, especially around success and appearances, are relatable and woven seamlessly into the story without overshadowing the romance. The grand wedding setting is richly described, full of colourful customs, rituals, and drama that bring the narrative to life. Harsha’s struggle to save face at the wedding as a “failure” will resonate with many readers familiar with the cultural importance of maintaining a polished image.

The romance between Harsha and Veer is sweet and satisfying, with the opposites-attract dynamic working well. Harsha’s guarded nature contrasts with Veer’s grounded personality, and their growing connection—moving from a transactional relationship to genuine care—is the highlight of the story. The chemistry between them feels natural and engaging, even if some of the emotional beats feel a bit predictable.

However, the book doesn’t quite deliver on its full potential. The pacing is uneven, with some parts dragging while others feel rushed. Harsha’s journey toward independence and Veer’s struggles with family responsibilities are only explored at surface level, and secondary characters lack depth, leaving some emotional moments feeling underwhelming.

Despite its shortcomings, this is an enjoyable rom-com with moments of heart and humour. While it doesn’t break new ground, it’s a cosy and charming read for fans of fake-dating romances, Bollywood-inspired settings, and feel-good love stories. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Wow oh wow did this book come out of left field in the best way!!! Swati’s writing is so captivating & with this being the second book of hers I’ve read, I’m even more inclined to see more from her!

This was a beautiful story of two humans just trying to figure it all out - and if that’s not relatable I’m not sure what is! Thank you to Swati and her team for the ARC - everyone should pick this up!

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for an eARC. A cute fake dating romance. Takes place India and enjoyed the cultural aspects of the story.

I liiked that the premise for this was a bit more unique than other fake dating books. It felt more organic and like it could actually happen. It gave the book a more readable factor that I really liked. And no third act break-up!!!!!

This was ultimately a quick, cute romance. The quotes opening each chapter were fun.
Fake dating is not my favorite trope in this genre.

This novel read more YA than adult.

Thank you, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell

A fake dating romance, the story of Harsha and Veer in Bangalore. I liked th the setting and how it was told from both points of view.

The chemistry between the 2 MC's is so palpable. It's what made this book so good. Harsha needs a date for her cousin's wedding to prove to her family she can make it on her own. Veer needs to pay for his brother's business school loan. They both flirt with each other constantly at the coffee counter. Ensue loads of family drama, with a Bollywood wedding as the backdrop and we have such a romantic story to tell.

My favorite part was that Harsha and Veer's story wasn't so over the top. Their love story was caught in the little moments they shared, in the train rides, in text messages, in late night conversations, because that's how real memories are made. I also really enjoyed the friend group.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

I enjoyed reading Can't Help Faking in Love by Swati Hegde. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

I love the fake dating trope and I read it A LOT. This book is everything I love about it at its very best. I loved Harsha and Veer and that they each had their own storylines going on separately while also being absolutely swoon-worthy together with the sweetest chemistry. I also love that it was set in India. Would love to see this made into a movie one day!

Can't Help Faking in Love is the delightful romance of Harsha and Veer who have an attraction but are bound together as Harsha pays Veer to be her fake boyfriend. Of course complexities abound and the author makes these characters appealing enough that you want to go travel with them.

I especially appreciated Harsha's growth as it relates to her relationship with her parents as she sees what real parental love includes. The Indian Family background is one that also appeals.

This was a fun read that I enjoyed returning to each day. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Can't Help Faking in Love in exchange for an honest review. This book is available now.

Veer meets Harsha at the coffee shop he works at, he is immediately drawn to her but isn't going to be doing anything about it. Until one day she comes in and he is mistaken for her boyfriend. Now she is willing to pay him to pretend to be her fake boyfriend to get her family off her back and go to some events with her. He doesn't do long term, and he needs money to help pay for his brother's college, so this seems like a win/win.
Harsha thinks this situation with Veer is going to help her, but of course she starts falling for him and he starts falling for her and things get complicated. I love a good fake dating scenario where they both catch feels and the pining is real.
There was lots of family drama and lots of longing and tension, which I didn't mind, but the ending was a little odd for me, but it quickly righted itself.
Thanks to Dell, Netgalley and Swati Hedge for an early copy.