Niro is a photographer who’s lost the joy of taking photos. Burned by a bad break-up, she’s in desperate need of inspiration.
Vimal is determined to win back his ex-girlfriend. When he hears she’s bringing her new boyfriend on a group holiday, he impulsively declares that he’s bringing a plus one too.
Their mutual friends have the perfect solution: Niro can pretend to be Vimal’s new girlfriend and join the holiday. Imagine the incredible photographs she could take in the Swiss alps…
She’s not thinking about love. He’s thinking about someone else. Can they fake a picture-perfect relationship – or will real feelings get in the way?
My thoughts: this was a fun and uplifting rom com set in a fancy lodge in the Swiss Alps. Vimal and Niro are thrown together by an interfering auntie (both are Sri Lankan, and like Asian aunties everywhere, they love to interfere). But Niro might just be able to help Vimal out with his ex-girlfriend, who’s also going to be on this trip.
There’s lots of romantic tropes to spot, and the characters are aware of them from rom-com movie nights. From the strangers to lovers, sharing a bed (awkward) and more!
There’s also some important messages about colourism, racism and privilege too, hidden in amongst the fun in the snow. It’s well done and subtle, but the author’s notes at the end remind you of their importance.
Niro needs to get her confidence back and Vimal needs to see he can move on from a relationship going nowhere. Both of them need a friend, and thankfully they’ve got each other and more in common than they thought.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.
ramblingmads 