"A charming, funny, and unique twist on challenging the laws and traditions that shape us."
—Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author of Yours Truly

A bride-to-be convinced she’s cursed in romance finds her luck changing—at exactly the wrong time.

Maya Mirza is so convinced she’s unlucky in love that she’s come up with a list of laws to explain it. Most importantly…

• Maya’s Law #1: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.

But that’s about to change. Maya’s headed to Pakistan for an arranged marriage with a handsome, successful doctor who ticks all the right boxes. First comes marriage, then comes love—she’s sure of it. Except…

• Law #4: When you think you’re lucky, think again.

From the start, Maya's journey is riddled with disaster, and the cynical lawyer seated next to her on the plane isn’t helping. When a storm leaves them stranded in Switzerland, she and Sarfaraz become unlikely travel companions through bus breakdowns and missed connections.

• Law #6: Trips are never smooth sailing.

And before long, Maya’s wondering whether she’s just experienced the ultimate in misfortune—finally meeting the right man a few days before she marries someone else. And Maya might just be the worst person to keep a secret.

• Law #18: If you’re overtired, you’ll always spill your guts.

But maybe, if she’s willing to bend some laws, this detour could take her somewhere totally—and wonderfully—unexpected.

"Rooted in Pakistani and Muslim culture and faith, this romance is a fun romp that features plenty of adventure and plot twists. Recommend to fans of Uzma Jalaluddin."
—Library Journal, starred review

Alina Khawaja is a Canadian-Pakistani author. She is a graduate from the University of Toronto with a BA in English, History, and Creative Writing, and from Toronto Metropolitan University with an MA in the Literatures of Modernity. Alina lives in Ontario, Canada. When she's not writing, she's either reading or trying to keep up with her endless list of K-dramas.

Alina Khawaja's profile page

"A charming, funny, and unique twist on challenging the laws and traditions that shape us."
—Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author of Yours Truly

"Just as sweet as the romance that blossoms between Maya and Sarfaraz is the satisfaction of watching Maya learn to prioritize her own desires. Figuring out what she really wants in life is tricky enough; throw in familial expectations, a possible curse, and the right man at the wrong time, and you’ve got a delicious recipe for an engaging, relatable, and rewarding read."
—Sarah Hogle, author of You Deserve Each Other

“Fans of the romantic slow burn will fall for Maya’s Laws of Love. The international setting provides the perfect backdrop for an emotional plot worthy of a K-drama, and readers will cheer Maya on through her many adventures (and misadventures!).”
—Lily Chu, author of The Comeback

"Funny, vulnerable, and heart-warming. A beautiful story for the people who are still figuring life out."
—Hannah Grace, New York Times bestselling author of Wildfire

"Maya's Laws of Love is a whirlwind debut you won’t want to miss. Khawaja marvellously crafts a hilarious, sweet romance with nuanced, fleshed out characters and excellent tension. A true joy, this is the type of comfort book you read again and again.”
—Aamna Qureshi, award-winning author of The Lady or the Lion

“Laugh-out-loud hilarious and gorgeously heartfelt, Khawaja’s cinematic writing will sweep you away and have you falling head over heels in this story about finding joy as you find your truest self. Whether or not you believe in curses at the beginning of the book, like Maya does, you’ll most certainly believe in love by the end of it.”
—Ann Liang, author of If You Could See the Sun

"Maya’s Laws of Love is the perfect enemies-to-lovers read, with a dreamy cinnamon roll hero at the center. Loved this!"
—Erin La Rosa, author of Plot Twist

“Khawaja understands yearning well as this couple navigates attraction and tension through their delightful journey. Her story reminds us that we must get out of our own way to make our own luck.”
—Charish Reid, author of Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up

"A captivating tale of a young woman's exploration of love, self-discovery, and a transformative romantic journey in this enchanting novel with so many heartwarming moments, it feels like I drank a warm cup of tea on a cool autumn day."
—Zoulfa Katouh, award-winning author of As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow

"Maya’s Laws of Love was a delight! Packed with charming banter and unexpected adventures, this page-turner is full of twists and turns and sizzling chemistry. Maya and Sarfaraz may have started on the wrong foot, but they quickly learn to rely on each other as they travel from Canada to Switzerland, and finally to Pakistan together. But what really shines in this book is Maya’s growth from a people pleaser who follows her family’s wishes, to finally following her heart and going after what she wants. A wonderful debut!"
—Farah Heron, Author of Jana Goes Wild and Accidentally Engaged

"I absolutely loved it! Alina Khawaja is such a talented writer, and the story had me hooked from page one. It's funny, clever and full of relatable characters I'm still thinking about. I'm officially a fan and can't wait for the next one from Alina."
—Lucy Vine, author of Seven Exes

"Rooted in Pakistani and Muslim culture and faith, this romance is a fun romp that features plenty of adventure and plot twists. Recommend to fans of Uzma Jalaluddin."
—Library Journal, starred review

"Khawaja has written a gem of a first novel. A heartwarming romp of love and self-discovery."
—Kirkus, starred review

"Sometimes silly and always sweet, fans of road trip romances will love the chemistry between Maya and Sarfaraz as they evolve from enemies into friends, and finally into something more."
—Booklist

"The author notes in her foreword that her goal is 'to show Pakistani Muslim women that they’re worthy of whirlwind, heart-fluttering romances'—and she succeeds in spades. Skillful plotting, appealing characters, and snappy prose mark Khawaja as a writer to watch."
—Publishers Weekly

“Packed with hilariously unfortunate incidents and swoonworthy moments, you can’t miss out on Alina Khawaja’s debut romance, Maya’s Laws of Love!”
—The Honey POP

"Maya felt like the most relatable character ever.... Truly a slow burn in the best way."
—Culturess