Akira Mishra is on a quest to absorb all of New York’s little quirks and breathe in the new found freedom she just acquired. After moving to New York for her masters, she experiences life for the first time without her large Indian family hovering right beside her, although getting here was not an easy process for Akira.

Her desi (Indian) parents had one condition for her to leave the warmth of Ahmedabad (A city in Gujarat, India). She must not get involved with a non desi boy. With that condition, or rather ultimatum, Akira packs her bags and enters Columbia University with a steaming cup of Starbucks in one hand, and her architecture stationary in the other; Akira finds herself constantly running into none other than Sam White; who you could guess, isn’t a desi boy. 

“Luv Shuv in New York” by N. M. Patel is a contemporary romance novel that will guarantee you some entertainment from Akira’s goof ball brothers, and will warm your heart when you see Sam’s family welcome Akira into their homes with open arms. 

Even after being thrust into the cement jungle of noisy New York; Akira is a relatable character with all the new things that she experiences. Akira is a comfort character because she refuses to change even though everyone around her is. She is witty and down to earth; which makes it interesting to read about New York from her point of view. As someone who romanticizes places; Akira’s lens on New York’s streets creates a tone for the entire book, which is filled with description and personification, almost making New York the third protagonist in the story. 

With her colorful anarkalis and encouraging Sam to come to their annual garba; the characters slowly start to meld together different communities, as they all collectively learn each other’s traditions. 

N.M Patel writes her books as an ode to Bollywood, with its dreamy characters and idealistic worlds. She writes strong female character led books, with swoon worthy romances that will make you remember that old Bollywood love that so many Indian teenagers look for. The author has another book called “Luv Under Starlight” which focuses on another interracial couple who find themselves living in India, forced to interact with each other, as they slowly start to fall for each other.

Here is my final rating of this book, broken down into four categories

• Plot: 6/10
• Characters: 7/10   
• Writing style: 9/10
• Logic: 6/10

Although the book isn’t a literary masterpiece, the book brought me comfort as someone who recently moved to the melting pot that is the United States. Although some of the storylines in this book are predictable, the book is short and sweet, and  I would collectively rate it a 7/10. Just know that reading this book will transport you into a sweet awe-worthy experience that will definitely leave a smile on your face.