As such, it can be taboo for Indians, especially female Indians, to pursue relationships that aren’t sanctioned by their families. Sima Aunty from Netflix’s Indian Matchmaking had it right when she said that marriages in India (and in the diaspora) are either arranged marriages or love marriages, with the former generally considered to be the default. I say this because a common theme in many of these books is people trying to go against the cultural norm of arranged marriages and find love on their own. I’m not here to knock on arranged marriages, because there are plenty of folks who still want one because it makes them feel like they’re part of something bigger. But for those seeking that Bollywood romance, the conflict then arises about being dutiful children while not shaming their respective families. Again, gross generalization, as several books here feature families who just want their loved ones to be happy. However, this tension makes for some great romance and family shenanigans, which are a way of life for Indians. To be fair, there are plenty of serious fiction books that address Indians trying to escape arranged marriages, find love in arranged marriages, or live their normal lives amidst arranged marriages (or even love marriages). That said, Indian romance books are specially suited to talk about marriages in Indian society because they do so in a fun, engaging way that showcases that Bollywood romance with a nod to tradition and culture. In my opinion, they’re the best way to critique the institution of arranged marriages (and really marriage and romance in general) while also acknowledging why it has been so long lasting and even beneficial to many Indians. Either way, whether people find love via an arranged marriage or love marriage or any committed and/or I-don’t-know-what-we-are relationship, I’m sure Sima Aunty would somewhat approve, even if some of these matches aren’t written in the stars by a panditji. Note: I specifically selected more lighthearted Indian romances because the topic of marriage can be very intense in the Indian community, and I wanted to showcase the joy it can bring. That said, this decision does mean that I sadly could only find one queer romance. Hopefully, this list will be outdated soon and more can be added.
Adult Indian Romance Books
Let’s start with adult Indian romance books. Seeing as I’m in the age group of most of these characters, I personally found many of these stories to be truly delightful. Many of these showcase working professionals trying to balance their professional, personal, and family lives. In fact, family will be a common theme in many of these books because Indian society is very much family oriented, meaning that families don’t just hang back and wait to be asked for advice. No. They’ll happily shove their noses in the lives of loved ones. In reality, this can be annoying. As a reader, it makes for some great chicanery. But seriously, beware the aunties.
Young Adult (YA) Indian Romance Books
Although adult Indian romance novels feature characters who’ve already ticked off many boxes that their families expect, YA Indian romance novels feature teenagers who’re still in the process of checking boxes. This makes for some great romance because while many of these characters have familial obligations they’re just learning to navigate, they’re also learning about the obligations they have to themselves (and their hearts). Not enough romance for you? I don’t blame you one bit. Check out the story of the rise of the Indian romance novel, learn how romance novel covers are made, and/or decide if romance novels ruin relationships. I also want to shout out this unapologetic book cover with a brown girl looking like she’s enjoying that iced coffee. It was a revelation for me after years of only seeing light-skinned girls on the covers of YA novels.
