REVIEW: The Design of Us by Sajni Patel

The Design of Us by Sajni Patel: Bhanu is the very embodiment of happiness and sunshine, she brings big energy to everything she does, especially when it comes to securing a new promotion at work. Her only real competition being Sunny, a total grump and kill joy, however Bhanu is not worried about the promotion or having to face Sunny’s less than sunny demeanour seeing as she is about to head to the beautiful island of Hawaii for some much need R&R with her family. The very last person that she expected to run into at the hotel is Sunny, or for her impulsive decision to claim to be his girlfriend inform of his ex… if ever there was a person that rubs Sunny up the wrong way it would be the ever chipper Bhanu, but the last thing Sunny wants to do is cause drama at his friends wedding, so if that means he needs to fake date Bhanu for a few days then so be it… the only problem with faking it with Bhanu is the very real attraction that begins to form… so what happens when you don’t quite hate your nemesis anymore? Could this fake holiday romance turn into the real thing once they are back to real life?

I absolutely loved reading this book, The Design of Us was a cute, fun and playful enemies to lovers, fake dating holiday romcom, This book was exactly what makes me enjoy reading a Sanji Patel novel, cute and easy to love characters, a catchy story and loads of funny moments. Also how can you not instantly be drawn to this book with the bright and attractive cover, totally setting the scene for what was a fun beachy read.

I just adored Bhanu, she was such a boss lady! I really liked how protective she was over Sunny even while they were not on the best terms, her kind and compassionate nature only made me love her character all the more. I have to say I liked the fact that we got to experience her anxiety and that this made her more relatable. Now for our hero, well Sunny was totally working the quiet hot nerd vibe and I loved getting to unwrap our hero as the book progressed. I just loved the fact that Sunny was not afraid to apologize for his short comings. Once we got to know the guy behind the grump it was hard not to love Sunny, he was funny and sensitive and once he loves he loves hard.

The chemistry between Sunny and Bhanu was perfect. There was so much of bantering and bickering that had me cracking up more than a few times. I loved how natural the progression of their relationship felt and how they supported each other when they truly needs a shoulder to lean on. I absolutely loved the fact that Sunny went out of his way to make sure that Bhanu was okay, even when that meant he had to step out of his comfort zone. While they might have started out hating each other due to a misunderstanding there was no denying their connection once they both let their guards down.

One of the things that I really loved about this book was the Desi representation. Patel does a great job in highlighting the traditions and culture throughout the story. I really liked the way Patel blended both the Desi culture with the Hawaiian culture to add so much of life and colour to this book. I absolutely loved Bhanu’s family, they were big and loud and in your face, and I loved the way they welcomed Sunny.

If you are looking for a cute, funny, banter filled enemies to lovers, workplace, holiday romcom then I would highly recommend reading The Design of Us!

Book Info:

Publication: July 16, 2024 | Berkley |

One impulsive lie leads to a weeklong adventure of fake dating for two bickering coworkers in this swoony destination wedding rom-com.

Sunshine incarnate Bhanu brings big UX energy to whatever she does, including going for the promotion where her only serious competition is her work nemesis, AKA Sunny, the grump with the Denzel voice. She expected to get a reprieve from him while visiting her family in Hawai’i, but the universe has other plans. When Bhanu runs into Sunny at the hotel and witnesses his ex criticizing him about being single, Bhanu does the first thing that comes to she impetuously claims to be Sunny’s girlfriend just to get some peace and quiet. Except Sunny is on island for a friend’s wedding and his ex has already texted the entire wedding party about this mysterious girlfriend.

Bhanu truly is the bane of Sunny’s existence. But the last thing he wants to do is cause tension during his friend’s wedding festivities, much less be the object of their pity. He has no choice except to play along, if only he and Bhanu can put aside their quarreling and act like a real couple.

Between Bhanu’s hilariously meddling family and Sunny’s ecstatic friends, the two are pushed closer together, even as stress mounts over the impending promotion.

They say what happens on island, stays on island. But as Sunny and Bhanu let their guards down, will either of them be able to resist this romantic getaway without crossing the line?