Sonali Devi is an award-winning romance author whose next book, What’s Lucky Got to Do with It, comes out February 9, 2027 from Lake Union Publishing. Below, she recommends four books to read for Diwali.

My favorite thing about fall is the fact that it kicks off the holiday season. For me, that starts with Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. Growing up in India, Diwali was a time for family, food, and firecrackers. The entire city of Mumbai twinkled with oil lamps and lanterns, and my mother sent me off to all the neighbors with platters of Diwali goodies. I feel a little bit like that today, bringing you a platter of book recommendations that feel every bit as sweet and satisfying as Diwali goodies.

Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai: A ruthless con woman and soft-hearted lawyer go on a wild ride across the country to save his brother, who might have been abducted by her family. It’s hilarious and fast-paced and comes with Alisha Rai’s signature razor-sharp banter and sizzling yet super romantic sexual tension.

Dina Gets Lucky by Uzma Jalaluddin: A fiery attorney is stuck hiding the news of her own divorce to keep from ruining her sister’s wedding. Then the ex—the one who got away—shows up. This one has three of my favorite things: a desi wedding, a second chance at love, and Uzma Jalaluddin’s smart and delightful writing.

The Second First Chance by Mona Shroff: Childhood best friends who were almost something more before a tragic fire separated them get a second chance in this deliciously angsty romance. She’s a firefighter now, hiding her profession from her family, and he’s a veterinarian obsessed with healing. If only he could see why she needs to do the work she does.

Illusions of Fire by Nisha Sharma: This one is perfect for romantasy and urban fantasy lovers. It’s fierce and complex and brings Hindu myths to modern-day Indian American life with some brilliant worldbuilding. A demigod demon hunter and the demon he is tasked with hunting team up to save the world. Sharma’s books always feel like a love letter to the culture, and everyone should meet her aunties.