Description

Two exes must revisit their past after their siblings start dating in this rom-com perfect for fans of Sandhya Menon and Morgan Matson. A Parade Best YA of the Year!

After Kiran Noorani’s mom died, Kiran vowed to keep her dad and sister, Amira, close—to keep her family together. But when Amira announces that she’s dating someone, Kiran’s world is turned upside down.

Deen Malik is thrilled that his brother, Faisal, has found a great girlfriend. Maybe a new love will give Faisal a new lease on life, and Deen can stop feeling guilty for the reason that Faisal needs a do-over in the first place.

When the families meet, Deen and Kiran find themselves face to face. Again. Three years ago—before Amira and Faisal met—Kiran and Deen dated in secret. Until Deen ghosted Kiran.

And now, after discovering hints of Faisal’s shady past, Kiran will stop at nothing to find answers. Deen just wants his brother to be happy—and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Kiran from reaching the truth. Though the chemistry between Kiran and Deen is undeniable, can either of them take down their walls?


  • Second Chance Romance: Three years ago, Deen ghosted Kiran. Now their siblings are dating, forcing them to confront their past and the sparks that never really died.
  • Forced Proximity: They can’t avoid each other at family dinners or holidays. The more they’re pushed together, the harder it is to deny their chemistry.
  • Dual Timeline: Unravel their past relationship and the secrets that tore them apart through flashbacks to three years ago, all while navigating their complicated present.
  • Secrets and Lies: Kiran is determined to uncover the truth about Deen’s brother, Faisal. But Deen will do anything to keep his family’s past hidden, even if it means breaking Kiran’s heart all over again.

About the author(s)

Farah Naz Rishi (she/they) is a Pakistani-American writer and voice actor. She received her B.A. in English from Bryn Mawr College, her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School, and her love of weaving stories from the Odyssey Writing Workshop. When she’s not writing, she’s probably hanging out with video game characters. You can find her at home in Philadelphia, or on Instagram/TikTok at @farahnazrishi.

Reviews

“Replete with desi and Muslim cultural references, this romantic drama offers an emotionally wrought story of owning one’s self and one’s past.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A multilayered coming-of-age narrative that addresses growth and identity, Islamophobia, struggles with faith, and capricious twists of fate (or divine intervention).” - Kirkus Reviews

“This coming-of-age tale deftly incorporates elements of desi and Muslim culture, grief, and overcoming trauma into a story about love and change, what it means to be a family, and how relationships can shift over time.” - School Library Journal

“High-stakes scheming is afoot in Rishi's second novel, which explores what two characters are willing to do to protect the people they love. A story that will entice many readers.” - Booklist (starred review)

“Rishi brings nuance and freshness to the familiar You’ve Got Mail dynamic with desi Muslim teenagers in this deftly layered novel.” - Publishers Weekly

More by Farah Naz Rishi

More Contemporary

More Romance

More Young Adult Fiction

More Diversity & Multicultural

More Romantic Comedy

More Dating & Sex

More Social Themes

More Siblings

More Family

More Own Voices

More Girls & Women

More Coming of Age

More Friendship