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The Dating Game: A Best Friend's Younger Sister Contemporary Romance
A fake romance will solve all their problems
…And stir up a bunch of new ones!
Veterinary student Saira Rawal definitely believes in love. It’s just…not for her. Not when getting through her days without panic attacks is struggle enough. But at least she has Tyler Hart—her brother’s best friend, who has always been her safe space. He even takes her in when she and her disaster of a therapy puppy need somewhere to stay! So when she can return the favor, helping him save face with his brother by pretending they’re together, she steps right up. With a pretend relationship, it’s not like there’s any chance of someone really getting hurt…right?
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Once Upon a Wedding
…And stir up a bunch of new ones!
Veterinary student Saira Rawal definitely believes in love. It’s just…not for her. Not when getting through her days without panic attacks is struggle enough. But at least she has Tyler Hart—her brother’s best friend, who has always been her safe space. He even takes her in when she and her disaster of a therapy puppy need somewhere to stay! So when she can return the favor, helping him save face with his brother by pretending they’re together, she steps right up. With a pretend relationship, it’s not like there’s any chance of someone really getting hurt…right?
From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Once Upon a Wedding
- GenresRomance
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 31, 2025
The Dating Game by Mona Shroff
Once Upon a Wedding series #7. Harlequin Special Edition diverse category romance. Can be read as a standalone.
Tyler Hart is happy to be Saira Rawal’s best friend and sounding board. He wants so much more.
I was so happy to see this was Taylor and Saira’s story. Reading her brother’s story before this one (If You Can’t Stand the Heat), we already know Taylor has a thing for Saira. Getting to read the relationship become real was perfection. Especially with an adorable puppy! Panic attacks can be devastating and with the puppy and an understanding helping hand, managed. The subject added depth to the characters with compassion.
Plus a charming romance finally sealed after a bit of pretend. A chef’s kiss.
Once Upon a Wedding series #7. Harlequin Special Edition diverse category romance. Can be read as a standalone.
Tyler Hart is happy to be Saira Rawal’s best friend and sounding board. He wants so much more.
I was so happy to see this was Taylor and Saira’s story. Reading her brother’s story before this one (If You Can’t Stand the Heat), we already know Taylor has a thing for Saira. Getting to read the relationship become real was perfection. Especially with an adorable puppy! Panic attacks can be devastating and with the puppy and an understanding helping hand, managed. The subject added depth to the characters with compassion.
Plus a charming romance finally sealed after a bit of pretend. A chef’s kiss.
November 28, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5
I’ve been a long-time reader of Harlequin Romance Books, from purchasing them from the supermarket to subscribing to them so they could be delivered to my house. I still have some paperbacks. Mona Shroff’s The Dating Game was quite nostalgic to read, with its traditional cover, and I loved that. But what I was excited to read was the brother’s best friend trope.
Saira was such a fun and sassy FMC. She literally moved into Tyler’s life and ruffled it up. Saira needed a place to stay with her un-potty-trained puppy, so she temporarily moved into her brother’s best friend's place. The two have known each other since childhood, but there’s romantic tension between them. What makes this story even better is that Tyler needs a fake girlfriend. The whole thing escalates when people find out, and things get out of hand. There’s good use of humor woven throughout, making the overall story pretty light.
There is an underlying storyline that addresses Saira’s panic attacks and anxiety. The Dating Game is focused on romance between the two characters without the spice factor. Though that’s not what I typically read, I still enjoyed the story and thought the dialogue was well written.
Thank you to @hqn_shamelessromantics and Author Mona Shroff for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ve been a long-time reader of Harlequin Romance Books, from purchasing them from the supermarket to subscribing to them so they could be delivered to my house. I still have some paperbacks. Mona Shroff’s The Dating Game was quite nostalgic to read, with its traditional cover, and I loved that. But what I was excited to read was the brother’s best friend trope.
Saira was such a fun and sassy FMC. She literally moved into Tyler’s life and ruffled it up. Saira needed a place to stay with her un-potty-trained puppy, so she temporarily moved into her brother’s best friend's place. The two have known each other since childhood, but there’s romantic tension between them. What makes this story even better is that Tyler needs a fake girlfriend. The whole thing escalates when people find out, and things get out of hand. There’s good use of humor woven throughout, making the overall story pretty light.
There is an underlying storyline that addresses Saira’s panic attacks and anxiety. The Dating Game is focused on romance between the two characters without the spice factor. Though that’s not what I typically read, I still enjoyed the story and thought the dialogue was well written.
Thank you to @hqn_shamelessromantics and Author Mona Shroff for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2025
Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - November 17, 2025
Publication Date - December 30, 2025
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @harlequinbooks, @hqn_shamelessromantics and @netgalley!
The Dating Game is the last book in an interconnected series and you do not need to read the others to enjoy this one. This book has the brother's best friend trope, which is one of my favourites and it hits every time! With this one in particular, I like that the emotional connection is shown and starts right away. I also like that the author shows how suddenly and almost randomly a panic attack can happen, while using humour to address misconceptions about therapy and balancing those with the real benefits. If you like men who are certified lover boys, this is this book for you! Certain scenes had me giggling and there’s a bit of a mystery that added some depth to the plot. Overall, this is a quick and cute read, which is what I was looking for! If you enjoy fake dating romances with mental health rep, you might enjoy The Dating Game!
Get excited to read The Dating Game, available December 30! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Date Read - November 17, 2025
Publication Date - December 30, 2025
*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @harlequinbooks, @hqn_shamelessromantics and @netgalley!
The Dating Game is the last book in an interconnected series and you do not need to read the others to enjoy this one. This book has the brother's best friend trope, which is one of my favourites and it hits every time! With this one in particular, I like that the emotional connection is shown and starts right away. I also like that the author shows how suddenly and almost randomly a panic attack can happen, while using humour to address misconceptions about therapy and balancing those with the real benefits. If you like men who are certified lover boys, this is this book for you! Certain scenes had me giggling and there’s a bit of a mystery that added some depth to the plot. Overall, this is a quick and cute read, which is what I was looking for! If you enjoy fake dating romances with mental health rep, you might enjoy The Dating Game!
Get excited to read The Dating Game, available December 30! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
November 15, 2025
I received this as an ARC. I really really enjoyed this book. I love all of her books and I hate to say this, but I think this was my most favorite!!!
I loved the romance part and the friendship, but the dog part was so fun to read!! I enjoyed the roommate part. I also felt seen and acknowledged with the story line of anxiety issues. Then the part with parent issues and addiction. I felt like this book was a self help book in healing.
Way to go Mona!!!
I loved the romance part and the friendship, but the dog part was so fun to read!! I enjoyed the roommate part. I also felt seen and acknowledged with the story line of anxiety issues. Then the part with parent issues and addiction. I felt like this book was a self help book in healing.
Way to go Mona!!!
May 8, 2026
A good story about a brother's best friend falling for the off-limits little sister. Saira is a veterinary student currently under a lot of stress, juggling her upcoming graduation, the vet board exam, and a part-time job at a vet clinic. Her panic attacks have gone from occasional to frequent, which she treats by getting a "therapy" puppy. Unfortunately, her apartment doesn't allow pets, and when her landlord finds out, she is immediately evicted. Not wanting to be a third wheel in her newly married brother's house, she shows up at Tyler's apartment.
Tyler is Aneel's best friend and has always been part of Saira's life. She goes to him when she's in trouble or needs help. Tyler is a lawyer who mostly works from home. He has a twin brother, Colton. When their parents divorced, Colton went with their dad while Tyler stayed with their mom. His relationship with Colton is strained as he frequently feels looked down on.
The story opens as Saira's landlord confronts her about the puppy. She knows she can count on Tyler to take her in, so she lets herself into his apartment after texting him. Tyler, who hadn't seen her text, is not happy when he and his date find her there, bringing an abrupt end to his evening plans. I was with Tyler in his reaction. I felt that Saira takes advantage of Tyler, assuming he'll always be there for her. He gives in, as usual, so she is there when Colton shows up.
Things get complicated when Colton introduces his fiancée, who happens to be Tyler's ex-girlfriend. Saira, who is as protective of Tyler as he is of her, announces that she and Tyler are also engaged to keep things level. But faking an engagement opens up a bunch of new issues. Once the families find out they are "engaged," it's like a runaway train. Tyler and Colton's mom wants to throw a huge party. Saira's brother is furious - one, that he didn't know about it, and two, he thinks they aren't right for each other because of Tyler's reputation.
I enjoyed watching the development of Saira and Tyler's relationship. Saira has no idea that Tyler has been in love with her for years. He hides it well, not wanting to risk their friendship, but it becomes extremely difficult when they live together. I loved how he stands up to her brother about Aneel's overprotectiveness. His care and understanding during her panic attacks warmed my heart, as did his care for her "beast" puppy. Saira is much slower to realize her feelings for him. Surprised when she starts noticing him as a man, not just her friend, she's not quite sure how to deal with it. I enjoyed watching the changes in her as she accepted them and then shared them. But it isn't until after she handles several personal issues that she can trust herself with those feelings. I liked the ending and seeing how things turned out.
There are deeper issues and family drama that add further depth to the story. Saira and Aneel face the prospect of reuniting with their previously absent father. Revealed secrets create tension and questions that take time to resolve. Tyler and Colton's relationship undergoes big changes as they communicate honestly for the first time in years. I liked seeing their bond restored. The biggest issue was Saira's panic attacks. I liked the sensitivity and understanding that the author displayed in their portrayal. The puppy's antics were a sweet counterpoint to some of the harder scenes.
Tyler is Aneel's best friend and has always been part of Saira's life. She goes to him when she's in trouble or needs help. Tyler is a lawyer who mostly works from home. He has a twin brother, Colton. When their parents divorced, Colton went with their dad while Tyler stayed with their mom. His relationship with Colton is strained as he frequently feels looked down on.
The story opens as Saira's landlord confronts her about the puppy. She knows she can count on Tyler to take her in, so she lets herself into his apartment after texting him. Tyler, who hadn't seen her text, is not happy when he and his date find her there, bringing an abrupt end to his evening plans. I was with Tyler in his reaction. I felt that Saira takes advantage of Tyler, assuming he'll always be there for her. He gives in, as usual, so she is there when Colton shows up.
Things get complicated when Colton introduces his fiancée, who happens to be Tyler's ex-girlfriend. Saira, who is as protective of Tyler as he is of her, announces that she and Tyler are also engaged to keep things level. But faking an engagement opens up a bunch of new issues. Once the families find out they are "engaged," it's like a runaway train. Tyler and Colton's mom wants to throw a huge party. Saira's brother is furious - one, that he didn't know about it, and two, he thinks they aren't right for each other because of Tyler's reputation.
I enjoyed watching the development of Saira and Tyler's relationship. Saira has no idea that Tyler has been in love with her for years. He hides it well, not wanting to risk their friendship, but it becomes extremely difficult when they live together. I loved how he stands up to her brother about Aneel's overprotectiveness. His care and understanding during her panic attacks warmed my heart, as did his care for her "beast" puppy. Saira is much slower to realize her feelings for him. Surprised when she starts noticing him as a man, not just her friend, she's not quite sure how to deal with it. I enjoyed watching the changes in her as she accepted them and then shared them. But it isn't until after she handles several personal issues that she can trust herself with those feelings. I liked the ending and seeing how things turned out.
There are deeper issues and family drama that add further depth to the story. Saira and Aneel face the prospect of reuniting with their previously absent father. Revealed secrets create tension and questions that take time to resolve. Tyler and Colton's relationship undergoes big changes as they communicate honestly for the first time in years. I liked seeing their bond restored. The biggest issue was Saira's panic attacks. I liked the sensitivity and understanding that the author displayed in their portrayal. The puppy's antics were a sweet counterpoint to some of the harder scenes.
December 30, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
The Dating Game is a charming romance, the seventh title in the Once Upon a Wedding series. I’ve read some of the titles in the series and enjoyed myself in this world. I believe you can easily enjoy Saira and Tyler’s story on its own, but it may tempt you to go pick up the earlier books in the series. This one “feels” like the final story, but I’ve learned never to say a series is done because authors surprise me all the time. *grin*
One rambunctious puppy, who doesn’t quite get the idea of potty-training (or should be in Saira’s apartment to begin with), is the catalyst for Saira and Tyler to finally acknowledge the attraction that’s been brewing between them for years. But not before we’re taken on an adorable journey of puppy chaos, brother issues, and a fake relationship that turns out to be not so pretend after all. The subject of panic attacks is thoughtfully and respectfully addressed in a way that I appreciated.
I had such fun with Tyler and Saira, and one cute, mischievous puppy. Their story was well-written, full of emotion, with laughter as the key and heartbreak avoided. If you enjoy a friends-to-lovers trope, with a couple who are believable and totally cute, then you’d enjoy The Dating Game by Mona Shroff. I would not hesitate to recommend this one.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
The Dating Game is a charming romance, the seventh title in the Once Upon a Wedding series. I’ve read some of the titles in the series and enjoyed myself in this world. I believe you can easily enjoy Saira and Tyler’s story on its own, but it may tempt you to go pick up the earlier books in the series. This one “feels” like the final story, but I’ve learned never to say a series is done because authors surprise me all the time. *grin*
One rambunctious puppy, who doesn’t quite get the idea of potty-training (or should be in Saira’s apartment to begin with), is the catalyst for Saira and Tyler to finally acknowledge the attraction that’s been brewing between them for years. But not before we’re taken on an adorable journey of puppy chaos, brother issues, and a fake relationship that turns out to be not so pretend after all. The subject of panic attacks is thoughtfully and respectfully addressed in a way that I appreciated.
I had such fun with Tyler and Saira, and one cute, mischievous puppy. Their story was well-written, full of emotion, with laughter as the key and heartbreak avoided. If you enjoy a friends-to-lovers trope, with a couple who are believable and totally cute, then you’d enjoy The Dating Game by Mona Shroff. I would not hesitate to recommend this one.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
November 18, 2025
When their parents divorced, Tyler Hart spent more time with their mom, while Colton went to NY with their dad. Colton has always made Tyler feel inferior. When Colton makes a surprise visit with his new fiance, Tyler is shocked to realize that it's his ex, Rita.
Saira Rawal has grown up with her brother's best friend, Tyler. When she gets kicked out of her apartment for having a dog, she knows Tyler will let her stay with him temporarily while she studies to become a veterinarian.
When Colton arrives with Tyler's ex as his new fiance, Saira decides to pretend she and Tyler are also engaged. This causes all kinds of chaos and tension, especially between Saira's brother, Aneel, and Tyler. Saira and Tyler however, have been hiding their feelings for each other for years. Now, this lie has made them face their feelings.
This is supposed to be the last installment of Mona Shroff's Once Upon A Wedding series. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I've read by the author and this was no exception. There were some serious issues that were addressed in the story, mainly dealing with mental health. I appreciated how the topics were presented. I've really grown to love the characters from this series and hope there is more to their stories to come!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Saira Rawal has grown up with her brother's best friend, Tyler. When she gets kicked out of her apartment for having a dog, she knows Tyler will let her stay with him temporarily while she studies to become a veterinarian.
When Colton arrives with Tyler's ex as his new fiance, Saira decides to pretend she and Tyler are also engaged. This causes all kinds of chaos and tension, especially between Saira's brother, Aneel, and Tyler. Saira and Tyler however, have been hiding their feelings for each other for years. Now, this lie has made them face their feelings.
This is supposed to be the last installment of Mona Shroff's Once Upon A Wedding series. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I've read by the author and this was no exception. There were some serious issues that were addressed in the story, mainly dealing with mental health. I appreciated how the topics were presented. I've really grown to love the characters from this series and hope there is more to their stories to come!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 31, 2025
When Tyler’s twin announces his engagement to Tyler’s ex-girlfriend, family friend Saira announces she’s Tyler’s fiancé. Her lie escalates when her brother objects to the fake engagement and Tyler’s mom starts planning a joint engagement party for the twins.
I enjoyed the antics of Saira’s rescue puppy, her dealing with her panic attacks, her journey in becoming a veterinarian, her culture, her friends, and the way she attempts to reconnect with her estranged father. Her brother’s negative response to the engagement, her mental health issues, and Tyler’s complicated relationship with his twin provide conflict. Seeing the relationships between various characters strengthen over the course of story and Saira learning to manage her depression and anxiety make the novel a worthwhile read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Harlequin Enterprises ULC for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the antics of Saira’s rescue puppy, her dealing with her panic attacks, her journey in becoming a veterinarian, her culture, her friends, and the way she attempts to reconnect with her estranged father. Her brother’s negative response to the engagement, her mental health issues, and Tyler’s complicated relationship with his twin provide conflict. Seeing the relationships between various characters strengthen over the course of story and Saira learning to manage her depression and anxiety make the novel a worthwhile read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Harlequin Enterprises ULC for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
I picked up this ARC to support a fellow south Asian author. What I didn’t expect was the well fleshed out characters and the true in depth integration on Indian culture into the entire plot! Loved it!
✍️ “I’m not running. Not unless you’re running with me.“
What a beautiful representation also of the journey a person, and a couple, goes through when dealing with depression. It’s so rare to discuss mental health in the South Asian community and this book did a tremendous job of addressing the impact and survival from it. I just loved it!
Pick this one up if your go to romance tropes include brother’s best friend, fake dating, and cinnamon roll MMC. This is book is the perfect mix of those three with a touch of Indian culture to add that extra touch of sparkle.
🙏 Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Books for sending me an ebook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
✍️ “I’m not running. Not unless you’re running with me.“
What a beautiful representation also of the journey a person, and a couple, goes through when dealing with depression. It’s so rare to discuss mental health in the South Asian community and this book did a tremendous job of addressing the impact and survival from it. I just loved it!
Pick this one up if your go to romance tropes include brother’s best friend, fake dating, and cinnamon roll MMC. This is book is the perfect mix of those three with a touch of Indian culture to add that extra touch of sparkle.
🙏 Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Books for sending me an ebook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2026
Another in the Once Upon a Wedding series, in which veterinary student, Saira Rawal, is plagued by panic attacks and stands up for her best friend when Tyler Hart is confronted by his twin brother who has just become engaged to a woman Tyler dated years earlier. The fake engagement that Saira tries to pull off soon creates complications for both herself and Tyler and their respective families.
And then, she fails her boards which means she won't be able to be hired at the local vet clinic that she has always wanted to work at. How will all this play out? Can she pass her Boards next year and what about a job? Will she ever qualify for one? More importantly, what is she going to do when that fake engagement reveals how Tyler really feels about her?
And then, she fails her boards which means she won't be able to be hired at the local vet clinic that she has always wanted to work at. How will all this play out? Can she pass her Boards next year and what about a job? Will she ever qualify for one? More importantly, what is she going to do when that fake engagement reveals how Tyler really feels about her?
January 1, 2026
I think what I enjoy most about friends to lovers is the commitment that each has to maintaining the friendship. Saira Rawal and Tyler Hart end up in a fake engagement in the best possible way - seriously, as soon as Saira's brother's presence was made known, I *knew* that things were about to get real. The fake engagement makes them face their very real feelings. I love so very much about this story!!!
December 7, 2025
My first book by this author.
Brother’s best friend is one of my favourite tropes but this story wasn’t for me. The storyline dragged and I struggled to finish. The premise was interesting but I felt it could have been better, perhaps if written as a novella.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Brother’s best friend is one of my favourite tropes but this story wasn’t for me. The storyline dragged and I struggled to finish. The premise was interesting but I felt it could have been better, perhaps if written as a novella.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2026
This is a heartfelt, emotionally layered romance that blends family tension, fake engagement hijinks, and long-suppressed feelings. Tyler Hart has lived in the shadow of his older brother Colton since their parents’ divorce, constantly made to feel lesser. When Colton arrives unexpectedly with his new fiancée—who happens to be Tyler’s ex—the old wounds are instantly reopened.
Enter Saira Rawal, Tyler’s longtime friend and his best friend’s little sister. When she needs a place to stay after being evicted for owning a dog, Tyler steps in without hesitation. Faced with Colton’s smug visit and Rita’s presence, Saira impulsively claims she and Tyler are engaged, setting off a chain of emotional fallout and family drama. The fake engagement forces Tyler and Saira to confront the feelings they’ve both been carefully avoiding for years.
Shroff excels at balancing romance with depth, thoughtfully addressing serious themes—particularly mental health—without overwhelming the story. The chemistry between Tyler and Saira feels earned, rooted in years of friendship and quiet longing. As the final installment in the Once Upon a Wedding series, this novel is both satisfying and touching, leaving readers deeply connected to its characters and hopeful for more.
Enter Saira Rawal, Tyler’s longtime friend and his best friend’s little sister. When she needs a place to stay after being evicted for owning a dog, Tyler steps in without hesitation. Faced with Colton’s smug visit and Rita’s presence, Saira impulsively claims she and Tyler are engaged, setting off a chain of emotional fallout and family drama. The fake engagement forces Tyler and Saira to confront the feelings they’ve both been carefully avoiding for years.
Shroff excels at balancing romance with depth, thoughtfully addressing serious themes—particularly mental health—without overwhelming the story. The chemistry between Tyler and Saira feels earned, rooted in years of friendship and quiet longing. As the final installment in the Once Upon a Wedding series, this novel is both satisfying and touching, leaving readers deeply connected to its characters and hopeful for more.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews