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About The Book

An NPR Favorite Book of 2019
“Adorable, joyous.” —BuzzFeed
“I’m head-over-heels for this charming, funny, romantic, life-affirming book.” —Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Leah on the Offbeat

The irresistible companion novel to the New York Times bestseller When Dimple Met Rishi, which follows Rishi’s brother, Ashish, and a confident, self-proclaimed fat athlete named Sweetie as they both discover what love means to them.

Ashish Patel didn’t know love could be so…sucky. After being dumped by his ex-girlfriend, his mojo goes AWOL. Even worse, his parents are annoyingly, smugly confident they could find him a better match. So, in a moment of weakness, Ash challenges them to set him up.

The Patels insist that Ashish date an Indian-American girl—under contract. Per subclause 1(a), he’ll be taking his date on “fun” excursions like visiting the Hindu temple and his eccentric Gita Auntie. Kill him now. How is this ever going to work?

Sweetie Nair is many things: a formidable track athlete who can outrun most people in California, a loyal friend, a shower-singing champion. Oh, and she’s also fat. To Sweetie’s traditional parents, this last detail is the kiss of death.

Sweetie loves her parents, but she’s so tired of being told she’s lacking because she’s fat. She decides it’s time to kick off the Sassy Sweetie Project, where she’ll show the world (and herself) what she’s really made of.

Ashish and Sweetie both have something to prove. But with each date they realize there’s an unexpected magic growing between them. Can they find their true selves without losing each other?

About The Author

Photograph (c) Dana Foster Photography

Sandhya Menon is the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met RishiOf Curses and Kisses, and many other novels that also feature lots of kissing, girl power, and swoony boys. Her books have been included in several cool places, including TodayTeen Vogue, NPR, BuzzFeed, and Seventeen. A full-time dog servant and part-time writer, she makes her home in the foggy mountains of Colorado. Visit her online at SandhyaMenon.com.

Why We Love It

“It’s brilliant and beautiful and honestly a little life-changing.” —Jennifer U., Senior Editor, on There’s Something about Sweetie

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (May 14, 2019)
  • Length: 384 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534416802
  • Grades: 7 and up
  • Ages: 12 - 99
  • Lexile ® HL650L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

“Adorable, joyous.” BuzzFeed

“A love story that fans of When Dimple Met Rishi will adore.” Bustle

“Anytime your soul needs a hug, pick up a Sandhya Menon novel.” Book Riot

“Hits all the right notes.” Booklist, starred review

“Swoon-prone readers will wish the Patel boys came in six-packs.” BCCB

“An entertaining romance.” Kirkus Reviews

“There's something about the way Sandhya Menon writes love stories. I'm head-over-heels for this charming, funny, romantic, life-affirming book.” —Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Leah on the Offbeat

"A thoroughly delightful romance featuring a spirited, confident, and lovable heroine and an unexpectedly dashing romantic hero. Add to your must-read shelves!” —Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times bestselling author of Alex & Eliza and Love & War

“There’s something irresistible about Sandhya Menon’s novels—the romances are sweet and winning, the humor is cheerful and sly, and the families are warm and complicated.” —Stephanie Perkins, bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss and There’s Someone Inside Your House

Awards and Honors

  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List High School Title
  • Colorado Book Awards Finalist
  • Just One More Page Recommendation List
  • Tome Society It List Nominee
  • Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee

Resources and Downloads

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More books from this author: Sandhya Menon