First Comes Like

Bookseller recommendation

“Alisha Rai has continued to deliver another relevant, swoon-worthy romance with First Comes Like. This book is perfect for readers who love a slow burn or fans of You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria. I enjoyed seeing the perspective of a contemporary Muslim woman in a way that wasn’t sensationalized or exoticized. Rai has written a book that is still sexy, even when the characters aren’t having sex. Jia, the heroine, is a ball of sunshine toward whom I instantly gravitated for her open, generous heart, big dreams, and strong work ethic. Reading about her journey to conquer self-doubt taught me a little bit about reframing my own flaws and accepting myself, too.”

— Stephanie Otani-Sunamoto • The Novel Neighbor

Bookseller recommendation

“The third installment of Alisha Rai's Modern Love series might just be her best. Jia is a practicing Muslim who has been communicating with soap star and son of Bollywood royalty, Dev Dixit. Dev has recently arrived in Hollywood with his niece and Uncle in tow to make his crossover attempt in the American television market and he has no idea who Jia is. Through a series of events that only Rai could conjur, the two go from a horrifying catfishing situation to fake dating as they attempt to live up to their family expectations. Only, might they be falling for each other? First Comes Like is an insanely steamy yet almost completely sex-free novel that somehow manages to seamlessly fit all the tropes -- from fake dating to arranged marriage to only one bed -- and I could not love it more.”

— Faith • Page 158 Books