THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU is a standalone romance by Sajni Patel. This is a great book for readers who enjoy the “enemies-to-lovers” trope, and good character-driven stories. The book refers to some type of sexual assault but doesn’t describe it in any graphic terms, instead focusing on the fallout for the main character. Liya Thakkar is a biochemical engineer, and a strong modern woman living in a culture that is more reminiscent of nineteenth century England when it comes to the role of women in society. Liya and her family live in Houston, but she chafes against some aspects of her Indian culture. When, unbeknownst to her, her parents set her up for a dinner with the attractive and very eligible bachelor Jay Shah as a prelude to a possible engagement – it puts Liya on the defensive and sets up an “Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy” PRIDE AND PREJUDICE-type situation.

Sajni Patel tells this story from alternating perspectives so that the reader gets a better understanding of the two main characters. The author goes into detail explaining and describing the tragedy in both characters’ pasts that still leave a mark on them today. For Jay and Liya, their mothers are extremely important to them but their fathers couldn’t be more different. Liya’s father has no respect for his daughter and is not the fierce protector he should be. For Jay, his late father was amazing and died saving his sons. Their relationship with their parents gave them wildly different perspectives on marriage and family. After seeing the way her father rules the home with an iron fist, and little respect for the women in his home, Liya is in no rush to build a similar situation for herself. Although he isn’t rushing to get married, Jay has seen the loving relationships between his parents before his father’s death and his brother’s happy marriage. Although Jay is quick to defend Liya and avenge her, I like how Sajni Patel has Liya act with strength and defend herself as well.

THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU is an enticing concoction of tears, laughter, and romance. I couldn’t put this book down because the characters were too compelling. I was as eager to see justice for Liya as I was for her and Jay to finally get together and make a match between them work. The supporting cast of friends and Jay’s family members added an extra layer of depth and fun to THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU. I look forward to reading Sajni Patel’s next book.

Book Summary