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“A sharply observed exploration of love and belonging”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Evocative depictions of Indian cuisine, culture, fashion, and language permeate this simultaneously appealing romantic comedy and thoughtful coming-of-age drama.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Cultural details including strong sensory descriptions of life in Mumbai and pop culture references bring the setting to life.”

—Booklist

Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar

Written by Anahita Karthik
Published by HarperCollins

Krishna Kumar may have gotten into her dream college, but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped being a bi disaster. Even after spending her whole summer in India flirting with her gorgeous neighbor Amrit, she has nothing to show for it. And now, her fate is sealed: she’s destined to be the only freshman who’s never been kissed.

But when her flight home is delayed right as a distinctly flirty text from Amrit lights up her phone, Krishna is determined to seize her last chance at a perfect first kiss with Amrit, even if it means asking her cousin-turned-nemesis, Priti, for help. Because Amrit is miles away at a family wedding—and Priti’s best friend, Rudra Desai, is the only one with a car.

The unlikely trio set off on a road trip to crash a wedding and save Krishna’s summer. But as she starts to fall for the quiet yet irresistibly hot and charming Rudra, who everyone knows is unrequitedly in love with Priti, Krishna realizes her heart better catch up to her head before she skips right past her first kiss and falls directly into her first heartbreak.

Primary ISBN: 9780063341142
Publication Date: January 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 13 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: India (Mumbai, Goa)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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