How to Read Ananya Devarajan’s Books
As of right now, Ananya Devarajan’s catalog consists of two standalone contemporary Young Adult romance novels and a contribution to a college-themed anthology. Because her novels are independent stories set in different universes with distinct characters, there is no strict continuity or overarching narrative you need to follow. You can pick up whichever premise calls to you first.
However, we recommend reading her books in publication order. Starting with her debut allows you to experience her development as a writer and appreciate how she handles her signature blend of second-generation Indian American experiences, romance, and speculative twists.
Recommended Starting Point: Kismat Connection
For the best introduction to her writing style, start with her debut novel, Kismat Connection (2023). This book established her voice in the YA romance space, showcasing her ability to weave traditional Indian cultural customs, family expectations, and modern teenage struggles into an engaging narrative. It is a classic friends-to-lovers story utilizing the popular fake-dating trope, but with a unique astrological spin.
Next Up: Sanskari Sweetheart
Once you have finished her debut, move on to her sophomore novel, Sanskari Sweetheart (2025). This book takes her signature cultural depth and raises the stakes with a high-concept time-loop plot. It is a second-chance romance that explores the intense world of competitive Bollywood dance and the pressure of satisfying family expectations while finding your own path.
Ananya Devarajan Books in Publication Order
If you want to read her works exactly as they were released, here is the chronological list of her publications, including her anthology contribution:
- Kismat Connection (June 13, 2023) – Her debut standalone novel published by Inkyard Press.
- Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation (March 7, 2023) – A Young Adult anthology edited by Aashna Avachat and published by Feiwel & Friends, containing a short story by Devarajan.
- Sanskari Sweetheart (May 20, 2025) – Her second standalone novel published by HarperTeen.
Note: While the Study Break anthology was released shortly before Kismat Connection, her debut novel is the ideal entry point to her solo work.
Deep Dive into the Books
Kismat Connection (2023)
This novel centers on Madhuri Iyer, a senior in high school who is determined to defy her mother's astrological predictions. Her mother’s charts dictate that Madhuri will find her true love before graduating, but Madhuri wants control over her own destiny. In an attempt to prove the stars wrong, she convinces her childhood best friend, Arjun Mehta, to enter a fake relationship with her. Madhuri plans to fake-date him, break up, and prove that fate can be rewritten. Naturally, real feelings quickly complicate their arrangement. The story is told through dual points of view, giving readers insight into both Madhuri’s internal struggles with family expectations and Arjun’s long-standing, secret affection for her.
Sanskari Sweetheart (2025)
In her second novel, Devarajan introduces Raina, a talented dancer who is determined to win a scholarship on the National Bollywood Dance Circuit. However, on the day of the competition, everything goes wrong: she loses her boyfriend, her dance partner, and her shot at the scholarship. Instead of moving forward, Raina wakes up the next morning only to realize she is stuck in a time loop, forced to relive the disastrous day over and over again. To break the loop, she must team up with her ex-boyfriend Aditya, confront their unresolved past, and navigate the high-stakes pressure of the dance circuit. The book integrates elements of magical realism with the emotional weight of second-chance romance.
Study Break Anthology (2023)
For readers who want a smaller taste of her storytelling, Devarajan contributed a contemporary short story to the anthology Study Break. Edited by Aashna Avachat, this collection features stories by various Gen Z authors, tracking the transition from high school graduation through the college experience. Devarajan’s contribution showcases her ability to write relatable, banter-heavy dialogue in a shorter format.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Ananya Devarajan’s novels, here are a few key elements that define her writing:
- Second-Generation Desi Identity: Both of her main novels feature Indian American protagonists navigating the balance between their parents' cultural expectations and their own desires. Her stories highlight specific cultural elements, such as Vedic astrology, Bharatanatyam, and Bollywood dance, without treating them as mere background dressing.
- Speculative Twists on Contemporary Romance: Rather than writing straight contemporary realism, Devarajan loves adding a touch of the extraordinary to her stories. Whether it is a curse tied to astrology predictions or a literal time loop, these elements serve as metaphors for the characters' struggles with fate, agency, and personal choices.
- Dual Perspectives and Banter: Devarajan utilizes multi-perspective formatting to let readers fully connect with both leads. Her characters are known for their quick-witted banter, making the romances feel energetic and modern.
- Reading Level: Her books are classified as Young Adult (YA) contemporary romances, making them perfect for teen readers and adults who enjoy sweet, low-spice, and high-emotion stories.