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Mohrbooks Literary Agency
Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English
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THE KNOCKOUT

S.A. Patel

A funny Young Adult contemporary romance that's part WHEN DIMPLE MET RISHI, part Rocky Balboa.
If seventeen-year-old Kareena Thakkar is going to humiliate and alienate herself from the entire Indian community, she might as well do it gloriously.

At least that's what Kareena is telling herself now that she has finally come clean about being a Muay Thai fighter -- and landing an invitation to the biggest Muay Thai competition in the country, which could lead to a spot on the first ever Muay Thai Olympics team. Something she believes the Indian community will frown upon.

Which is inconvenient, since she's starting to fall for the likes of Amit Patel. Amit could possibly be the world's most perfect Indian: a model son, student, and temple-goer. He's also a genius-level programmer whose abstract mind may have just unlocked the next biggest tech development since the smartphone. As far as Indians go, he's a gift to the community -- and very, very handsome.

Admitting to feelings for Amit will cost Kareena more than just her pride -- she'll have to face her disapproving parents, battle her own insecurities, and maintain her focus before the big fight.

If she can pull it off, then the Olympics might be within reach.

THE KNOCKOUT features girls in both sports and STEM. Not only is Kareena a champion Muay Thai fighter, but she's a brilliant coder -- not to mention a good friend and wonderful daughter. The kind of multifaceted protagonist who is easy to root for whether she's in the ring or in class.

This is Patel's debut Young Adult novel. Her Adult romance, THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU, will be published by Grand Central in 2020 under the name Sajni Patel.
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Published 2021-01-26 by Flux

Comments

... compelling... The beauty and power of being a high-school girl, an Indian woman, and a female athlete are all showcased in this triumphant novel.

Kareena is the kind of badass heroine I would've loved as an Indian-American teenager!

Sajni Patel has created a knockout in Kareena Thakkar, a lovable Muay Thai champion who fights for her family, her friends, and fierce girls everywhere.

Kareena's story is both an inspiring glimpse into the world of Muay Thai, and also a bold manifesto for today's teens about embracing friendships and community while finding the courage to be unapologetically yourself. A true knockout of a book!

Patel's THE KNOCKOUT is exactly that--a knockout of a smart, heartfelt rom-com with a driven, practical heroine. The love story is sweet, the family relationships are tender, and the martial arts competition is fierce. Plus, just the right amount of high school drama keeps the pages turning!