Book Review - How Simi Got Her Groom Back by Sonali Dev

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Title: How Simi Got Her Groom Back

Author: Sonali Dev

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: 3rd March 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Two sisters. One fake marriage. Zero chance of keeping the truth hidden.

The Naik sisters escaped their traumatic past in Mumbai to come to the States, but their journeys have been vastly different. Simi is working toward a bright future as a pediatric nurse in a small town in Kentucky when Rupi shows up at her door in distress, on the run, and as always, dragging trouble in her wake.

With Rupi’s safety in jeopardy, the sisters hatch a desperate plan to keep her in the country: Rupi must get married—and fast—even if it means Simi recruiting the man she’s been secretly dating as her sister’s groom. A perfect plan? Not quite. But there aren’t many alternatives.

As the big day inches closer, Simi and Rupi face a storm of wedding shenanigans and romantic surprises, not to mention sisterly jealousies. As the stakes and tensions rise, will their secrets tear them apart or will they find a way to risk everything for love?

I'm always a big fan of fake dating, so equally enjoy the idea of a fake marriage. But these are circumstances that I could never have dreamed of, but yet it's a sign of just how strong the love between Simi and Rupi really is.

For Simi is allowing her boyfriend Prem to marry Rupi, in order for her sister to get a green card, and Simi's own green card application is having a few issues itself. 

This is an eye opening story about the realities of immigration in America, and about how hard it must be for people to come to a new country, while fearing for their lives, or freedom back in their own country, 

It's a story of family love, even more so than romance, both from the sisters, but also of Prem's family the Guptas, who embrace Rupi as their own.  And Rupi who has never known these sorts of feelings has no idea how to cope with anything. 

There is plenty of arguing between the siblings, but at the same time, when you learn about their upbringing, and then just what Rupi has been subjected to since arriving two years ago in America, well my heart had to go out to them. 

It's no wonder the only way they believe they can keep each other safe is with this scheme, as what is clear is they dare not return to India.   Simi though struggles with her decision. 

I loved literally all the members of the Gupta clan, from the adorable baby triplets, to N&N, to Baba and especially Prem's mum too.  They are all just wonderful people and although some of the story felt a tad confusing at times, mainly in terms of who knows what, and who is meant to know what element of the truth etc...  it is absolutely wonderful. 

I was hooked on this story, This is the first book I have read from this author but I'm fairly confident it won't be my last. I think many people would certainly benefit from the messages  and sentiment of this story. 

Thank you to Lake Union and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.