Picture a Texas lawyer by day, spinning heartfelt romance novels by night—meet Naina Kumar! This Indian-American author burst onto the scene with her 2024 debut, Say You’ll Be Mine, a rom-com that’s as charming as a Bollywood classic. With her knack for blending culture, family, and swoon-worthy love stories, Kumar is redefining contemporary romance with a fresh, authentic voice.
Kumar’s stories resonate with readers craving feel-good escapes laced with Indian-American experiences. Her books tackle arranged marriages, familial expectations, and modern love with humor and heart, earning her praise from heavyweights like Colleen Hoover. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore how this rising star became a literary sensation.
The Making of Naina Kumar
Born and raised in Texas, Naina Kumar grew up surrounded by her lively Indian-American family, whose antics she credits as endless inspiration for her writing. A lawyer by profession, Kumar’s passion for romance novels was a lifelong constant. During the pandemic, with extra time on her hands, she poured her heart into writing, crafting stories that blend her legal precision with a love for happy endings. Her debut, Say You’ll Be Mine, was penned in just a year, marking the start of a surprisingly smooth journey to publication with Dell at Penguin Random House.
Kumar’s love for rom-coms like When Harry Met Sally and her obsession with rewatching Gilmore Girls shaped her storytelling. She draws from her cultural roots and personal experiences, creating characters who navigate the complexities of identity and love with wit and warmth. This unique blend has made her a standout in a crowded genre.
Naina Kumar’s Unforgettable Stories
Kumar’s debut, Say You’ll Be Mine, is a national bestseller that flips the arranged marriage trope on its head. The story follows Meghna, a theater teacher, and Karthik, a grumpy engineer, who fake an engagement to dodge parental pressure and survive an ex’s wedding. Packed with humor, chemistry, and Indian-American cultural nuances, it’s been hailed as a modern When Harry Met Sally with a desi twist. Critics like Entertainment Weekly gave it an A-, praising its smart, sexy charm.
In 2025, Kumar followed up with Flirting With Disaster, a second-chance romance set in Houston. Meena, a high-powered lawyer, and her estranged husband, Nikhil, are trapped together during a hurricane, rekindling old sparks. The novel dives deeper into themes of ambition and Indian-American identity, earning accolades from authors like Ali Hazelwood for its emotional depth and steamy tension. Both books showcase Kumar’s signature style: vibrant characters, cultural authenticity, and a perfect balance of humor and heart.
Kumar’s writing stands out for its dual POV narratives, allowing readers to see both sides of the romance. Her stories weave in “brown” culture—think family drama, delicious food mentions, and the weight of expectations—while staying accessible to all readers. Whether it’s fake engagements or stormy reunions, her plots deliver slow-burn romance with a side of self-discovery.
Why Naina Kumar Matters
Naina Kumar’s impact lies in her ability to make readers feel “safe and seen,” as she puts it. Her novels offer an escape while tackling real issues like cultural identity and familial pressure, resonating with South Asian readers and beyond. By centering Indian-American characters in mainstream romance, she’s carving out space for diverse voices in a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. Her authentic portrayal of desi experiences has drawn comparisons to authors like Jasmine Guillory and Helen Hoang.
Kumar’s meteoric rise—two bestsellers in two years—signals a bright future. She’s not just writing love stories; she’s crafting narratives that celebrate courage, community, and the messy beauty of modern love. Her work inspires readers to chase their own happy endings, making her a vital voice in contemporary romance.
- Key Works: Say You’ll Be Mine (2024), Flirting With Disaster (2025)
- Hobbies: Walking her rescue dog, rewatching Gilmore Girls, shopping at H-E-B
- Achievements: National bestseller, USA Today bestseller
Snag Say You’ll Be Mine and dive into Naina Kumar’s vibrant, heartwarming world of romance! Trust us, you’ll be swooning by page one.