Ten writers. Ten stories. One steaming cup of love.
Romance in My Coffee is not your typical young adult anthology—it’s an experience brewed with warmth, complexity, and the bittersweet flavours of first love. The book brings together ten talented voices who stir in their own perspectives on what romance means to today’s young adults. It’s the first in the brand-new In My Coffee anthology series from HarperCollins Children’s Books India, designed for young readers who love both coffee and stories that linger long after the last sip.
Contributor Andaleeb Wajid captures the emotional intensity of youth perfectly. “At seventeen, I was asked to draw something that represented myself,” she recalls. “I drew a coiled mess of lines because that was how I felt—mixed up, unsure, and on the edge of everything feeling like the end of the world. That’s the feeling I try to convey in my YA books. Adding romance to the mix makes it worth going through again, even if only vicariously.”
Meanwhile, K Vaishali brings a sharp, contemporary edge to the collection. “In my story, I wanted to hold a mirror up to the kind of male entitlement that often masquerades as ‘romance’ today,” she says. “Sometimes, the biggest tease isn’t the girl playing hard-to-get—it’s the reality check waiting for the person who thinks they already have her.”
Together, these voices—and eight others—make Romance in My Coffee a captivating collection that proves young adult love isn’t just one thing. From track-and-field crushes to non-binary love stories, and even subversions of tired heteronormative tropes, this anthology celebrates the full, beautiful spectrum of modern relationships.
Tina Narang, Executive Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books India, shares the inspiration behind the series: “The new In My Coffee anthology series was built on one simple fact—young adults love coffee. So, what if we mixed in something extra to make the coffee frothier and more special—like romance! This first book in the series contains ten brilliant romance-themed stories, making it an invigorating brew you can’t ignore.”
Aparna Kapur, the editor of the anthology, echoes the excitement: “Dream casting the writers and editing their stories was such a pleasure. I’m proud to have put together a book that respects the complex inner lives of young adults. This collection is as eclectic, honest, and distinctive as its supremely talented contributors.”
About the Book
Romance in My Coffee marks the beginning of an ambitious new series that aims to capture the many shades of youth—love, confusion, friendship, rebellion, and discovery. For young adults navigating the maze of emotions, In My Coffee offers comfort and clarity through heartfelt storytelling.
Featuring a stellar lineup of contributors—bestselling authors Jerry Pinto and Andaleeb Wajid, beloved voices Meera Ganapathi and Nisha Susan, emerging talents like Gankhu Sumnyan and K Vaishali, award-winning short story writers Riddhi Dastidar and Aravind Jayan, poet Suniti Namjoshi, and photographer Anurag Banerjee—the anthology blends fiction, poetry, and art into a delightful experience.
Each story captures a different side of love: shy confessions, bold declarations, and the quiet realizations that change everything. Whether it’s a fleeting crush or a lasting connection, these narratives resonate with authenticity and depth.
About the Authors
- Jerry Pinto is a Mumbai-based writer known for his poetry, prose, and children’s fiction.
- Nisha Susan is a writer and editor, currently Consulting Editor for The Third Eye.
- Andaleeb Wajid, author of over 35 novels, writes across romance, YA, horror, and speculative fiction.
- Meera Ganapathi is a poet, author, and founder of The Soup, an independent publication.
- Gankhu Sumnyan teaches English in Arunachal Pradesh; his story Local was featured in The Best Asian Short Stories 2021.
- K Vaishali is an author, speaker, and activist known for Homeless: Growing Up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India.
- Riddhi Dastidar is a neuroqueer journalist and researcher working on disability justice and culture.
- Aravind Jayan is a writer from Kerala whose work has appeared in The Hindu, Out of Print, and Helter Skelter.
- Suniti Namjoshi FRSL is a poet and fabulist whose work spans India, Canada, and England.
- Anurag Banerjee is a Shillong-born photographer based in Mumbai.
With such a diverse mix of voices, Romance in My Coffee serves as a rich, heartwarming reminder that love is never just one flavor—it’s an ever-changing brew that speaks to everyone in its own way.
☕ A perfect read for anyone who believes love, like coffee, should be savored—one sip at a time.
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