Can't Help Faking in Love

A Novel

By: Swati Hegde

Narrated by: Mehr Dudeja

"Hegde is one to watch!" –Amy Lea, international bestselling author of Exes and O’s

A young woman with Bollywood roots hires a barista to act as her boyfriend for her cousin’s wedding—only to learn you can’t fake chemistry like theirs—in this desi romance from the author of Match Me If You Can

Harsha Godbole has never felt love from her family, but she’s always been surrounded by their Bollywood business mogul wealth. Now back in Bangalore after studying in America, Harsha is ready to start her adult life without their money. But that becomes impossible when everything she’s worked so hard for comes crumbling down. Fearful of showing up to her cousin’s upcoming wedding as a failure—and worse, a single failure—Harsha decides to put her trust fund to good use . . .

Veer Kannan does everything for his family. He even gave up his dreams of becoming a Bollywood star to get a more consistent gig . . . although working as a barista wasn’t really the big break he was hoping for. It’s a humble life, but a happy one, nonetheless. Then financial aid falls through for his brother’s first year in business school, so now Veer needs to come up with a large sum of money, and fast.

Harsha’s outlandish plan to hire her favorite barista as her fake boyfriend for the weekend-long wedding bash is received surprisingly well by Veer, who hopes this will be his ticket to Bollywood. But Harsha and Veer get way more than they bargained for in this heartwarming journey to finding unexpected love and courage.

Critic reviews

“Hegde’s sophomore novel is joyful, fun, and heartfelt. I will read everything Swati Hegde ever writes!”—Hannah Bonam-Young, author of Out on a Limb

“I couldn't help falling in love with this story. Can't Help Faking in Love is the kind of romance that leaves you kicking your feet and grinning ear to ear. Hegde has crafted a love story that feels like a first kiss—you'll love it!”—Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting and Technically Yours

“A fake-dating delight with all the warmth and charm of a classic Bollywood movie! I adored Harsha and Veer, and rooted for them every step of the way!”—Naina Kumar, bestselling author of Say You’ll Be Mine

“A sweet and funny love story with so much heart. I was rooting for these characters all the way through.”—Aisha Saeed, author of The Matchmaker

“The vibrant Bangalore setting is an appealing backdrop for this thoroughly enjoyable closed-door, fake-dating romance.”—Library Journal

“Hegde takes on the fake relationship trope in her solid, Bangalore-set sophomore novel.”—Publishers Weekly

Perfect DESI Rom Com!

From the different voices to the storyline, I really enjoyed this! Can’t wait to read/listen to more of the another’s work!