The Design of Us

By: Sajni Patel

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani, Vikas Adam

One impulsive lie leads to a weeklong adventure of fake dating for two bickering coworkers in this swoony destination wedding rom-com by Sajni Patel, author of The Trouble with Hating You.

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 mind: 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?

Critic reviews

"The perfectly designed romcom."—Ali Hazelwood #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically

"Patel (Isha, Unscripted) makes computer coding sexy in this winning enemies-to-lovers romance.... The supporting cast of Indian aunties charms, and the saltiness between the protagonists loses none of its oomph when it turns into sweetness. Readers will cheer for these two to find their well-deserved happily ever after."—Publishers Weekly

"Patel (Isha, Unscripted) expertly designs a modern beach read and a sassy rom-com filled with fun tropes and a gratifying slow burn."—Library Journal

"The lushly detailed Hawaiian setting provides a vivid backdrop to their delicious slow-burn romance."—Booklist

"Fake dating, office romance, witty banter... this book has everything... Binge this in a single sitting."—The Skimm

"Bhanu is the very embodiment of happiness and sunshine... 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."—Harlequin Junkie

Sajni Patel

I always enjoy books by Sajni Patel!! She has literally never let me down and is my top favorite author. This book was so cute and i love me a good enemies to lovers🧡