SANSKARI SWEETHEART

A time-loop story centering on Bollywood dance, emotional growth, and finding true love.

In this stand-alone companion to 2023’s Kismat Connection, Raina Iyer faces the most important weekend of her senior year of high school. She’s not just competing for the last time in nationals of a Bollywood dance competition and trying to secure her third championship title, she’s also determined to win the event scholarship and prove to her mother that she can successfully pursue a career in dance. But things go haywire from the beginning, tanking Raina’s performance: Aditya Kumar, her boyfriend of four years and dance team co-captain, unexpectedly breaks up with her, and later she sustains a head injury mid-dance. All seems lost, but when she wakes up the next morning, Raina discovers she’s got another chance at living through the same day. Devarajan’s sophomore novel is a delightful romp through the competitive dance world, replete with nerves, sabotage, and oodles of romance. Raina and Aditya’s interactions crackle with chemistry, as Indian American Raina tries and tries again to save their relationship—all while facing the scrutiny and commentary of various aunties. Romantic tension and a range of emotions are on display as the duo work through their issues with heartfelt conversations—and lots of kissing. Raina’s journey to self-realization is enjoyable, and readers will feel invested in her.

A charming and illuminating romance filled with swoony, timeline-altering chemistry.