“The world is a lonely place full of lonely people. If you find someone you can connect with, someone who can take you out of yourself and bring you joy, you can’t let it go.”
Are you a fan of the fake dating trope? Hate to love romance? Well then Sara Desai’s new novel The Dating Plan is the right book for you! After publishing The Marriage Game in 2020, Sara Desai is back with a new light-hearted novel set in the same world but with new characters as the main focus of the story. Even though the characters from one book can also be found in the other, each is independent and can be read without having read the other.
In The Dating Plan we follow the relationship between Daisy and Liam. Daisy Patel is a software engineer and she has her routines and always follows logic. She analyses everything and doesn’t allow herself to get too involved—whether it’s with a partner or with work colleagues— as it’s better that way in case they leave, or in case she does. On the other hand, Liam works as an investor and is still affected by old wounds. Coming from an abusive household, Liam used to spend his time at Daisy’s house when he was a kid. He was Daisy’s brother’s best friend and was treated like family. That’s why when Liam stood Daisy up on her prom night, things changed completely. Liam disappeared and Daisy’s heart was crushed.
Years later, Daisy’s family is pressuring her to get married and are preparing an arranged marriage for her. Meanwhile, Liam needs to get married to inherit his grandfather’s distillery. That’s why when Daisy and Liam bump into each other at her office, they decide to come up with a plan to get both of their families off their backs by pretending to be engaged. Even though 10 years have passed since prom night, Daisy still hates Liam with a passion and Liam still secretly likes her. Daisy loves a good plan and schedule so she comes up with the dating plan. They will go on a series of dates to make the relationship seem genuine in the eyes of other people and they establish a set of rules to not steer off the plan: no feelings attached, no sex, and things they each of them wants from this arrangement. But, when do things go according to plan? This couple is in for a ride…
Even though the plot is nothing groundbreaking and it’s a very typical one, it’s the themes it discusses and the interesting characters that set it apart. Both Daisy and Liam have some trauma issues as Daisy’s mother left their family and she’s always thought it was because of her as she was weird for the things she liked. On the other hand, Liam is quite lost and struggles with self worth, his dad was abusive and repeatedly told him he was worthless. The reactions and habits from each character were realistic for someone with trauma. Their flaws are one of the main focuses of the stories and so is their personal development. Both Daisy and Liam went through a big change throughout the story, and it’s great to see them grow confident by the end of the book. Their relationship is nice and cute and they balance each other out. Speaking of balance, the author did a great job balancing the more serious topics with the light-hearted and romantic moments. The tragic and deep topics are not explored in great lengths though, just enough to understand why each character is the way they are and chose the paths that they did.
The book is also very family-oriented as The Patels are such a big family, very close with one another. Daisy’s aunties can be a bit annoying when trying to set her up with men she doesn’t want anything to do with, but it’s understandable since it’s something that exists in some cultures; however, they obviously mean no harm and their heart is always in the right place. On the other side, Liam’s family is more complicated and they are also a big family, but they’re dealing with old problems as well as grief and inheritance issues, which is never easy. But throughout the book, we see how the relationships change and progress for the better.
All in all, The Dating Plan is a cute and fun read that will distract you from reality for a little while. Predictable at times but perfect for those who may be looking for something light to read!
The Dating Plan is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of March 16th, 2021.
Will you be picking up The Dating Plan? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Daisy Patel is a software engineer who understands lists and logic better than bosses and boyfriends. With her life all planned out, and no interest in love, the one thing she can’t give her family is the marriage they expect. Left with few options, she asks her childhood crush to be her decoy fiance.
Liam Murphy is a venture capitalist with something to prove. When he learns that his inheritance is contingent on being married, he realizes his best friend’s little sister has the perfect solution to his problem. A marriage of convenience will get Daisy’s matchmaking relatives off her back and fulfill the terms of his late grandfather’s will. If only he hadn’t broken her tender teenage heart nine years ago…
Sparks fly when Daisy and Liam go on a series of dates to legitimize their fake relationship. Too late, they realize that very little is convenient about their arrangement. History and chemistry aren’t about to follow the rules of this engagement.
