This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What happens when romance meets real life—immigration, identity, and the courage to choose joy anyway?

In this episode, I sit down with Sonali Dev to talk about her latest novel How Simi Got Her Groom Back—a deeply emotional story about sisterhood, love, and what it really means to belong. We dive into the themes behind the book (including immigration and chosen family), plus a powerful conversation about romance as a tool for healing, self-worth, and rewriting the rules we’ve been given.

If you love romance with depth, second chances, and stories that make you feel something real—this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

How Simi Got Her Groom Back by Sonali Dev — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction

The Caste and the Star by Leylah Attar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Second Chance

Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Comedy / Second Chance / Heist Romance

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome back Sonali Dev
01:00 – Behind the scenes of her latest book release
03:00 – Writing process & juggling multiple books
04:30 – What How Simi Got Her Groom Back is about
06:30 – Immigration, legality vs. morality, and storytelling
08:00 – Why joy is an act of rebellion
10:00 – How books build empathy
11:00 – Romance novels and self-worth
13:30 – Raising your standards in love & life
15:00 – Choosing joy in everyday decisions
17:00 – Visibility, bravery, and showing up authentically
19:30 – What Sonali loves to read
21:30 – Reading across genres vs. sticking to romance
24:00 – Book rec: The Caste and the Star
27:00 – Book rec: Partners in Crime
30:00 – Where to find Sonali Dev

Join the Conversation

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read Next

Subscribe & leave a review!