Pune, India — April 2025 — In a literary world often flooded with fairy tales and flawless romances, comes a story that is refreshingly real, hilariously honest, and unapologetically bold. “Half-Baked Love”, the much-anticipated new novel by Dr. Pooja Darda, offers readers a delicious slice of life, love, and self-discovery—fresh out of the oven.
Set in the vibrant city of Pune, Half-Baked Love follows Radhika Gupta, a former high-flying marketing executive turned accidental baker, whose picture-perfect life crumbles overnight when her husband chooses his secretary over their vows. Left reeling with a toddler, a fractured heart, and an uncertain future, Radhika finds herself not just rebuilding a career, but reinventing her entire identity.
But don’t expect your typical “damsel in distress finds Prince Charming” story here. Radhika’s journey is not about being rescued. It’s about rising—from flour-dusted countertops to Instagram stardom—as she whips up magic from her kitchen and turns her pain into pastries. Her homegrown bakery, Cinnamon Bliss, becomes a symbol of her resilience and a viral sensation, proving that sometimes, starting over tastes a lot like cinnamon rolls and sass.
A Heroine Who’s Anything but Half-Baked
In a world obsessed with perfection, Radhika is unapologetically flawed, fierce, and real. She’s labeled by society—divorced, single mom, too loud, too much. But as Half-Baked Love reminds us, those labels don’t define her. Her grit does. Whether she’s facing off against judgmental aunties, fielding awkward DMs from overly enthusiastic admirers, or explaining to her toddler why cake can’t be dinner (again), Radhika’s life is anything but ordinary.
And just when she’s sworn off love entirely, Nakul Malhotra enters the scene—charming, grounded, and emotionally literate (a rare breed indeed). He’s not the hero who saves her. He’s the one who sees her, supports her, and, just maybe, shows her that vulnerability can be strength in disguise.
A Love Story… and So Much More
Half-Baked Love is as much about self-love and second chances as it is about romance. With razor-sharp wit and deep emotional intelligence, Dr. Darda crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who’s ever had to start over with nothing but shaky hands and a spark of hope.
The novel explores:
- Motherhood in its messiest, most beautiful form
- Divorce and stigma in modern Indian society
- Female entrepreneurship and the hustle behind “overnight” success
- Mental health and healing through creativity
- Romance that values equality, communication, and genuine connection
Dr. Darda brings her signature voice—equal parts heart and humor—to create a protagonist who is deeply relatable, irresistibly witty, and quietly powerful. Readers will laugh, cry, cheer, and maybe even text their exes a thank-you for letting them go.
Meet the Author: Dr. Pooja Darda
Dr. Pooja Darda is a powerhouse of insight, wit, and authenticity. A marketing professor with a sharp eye for storytelling, she is also the voice behind the widely loved blog Super Single Mumma, where she shares unfiltered reflections on single motherhood, life’s chaos, and the quiet strength that comes with starting over.
Her first book, #Own Your Story, positioned her as a leading voice in personal branding, helping individuals embrace their unique narratives with confidence. With her latest fiction novel Half Baked Love, Dr. Darda brings her signature blend of humor, heartbreak, and empowerment to life—capturing the beautiful messiness of love, loss, and rediscovery.
Praise for Half-Baked Love (Early Reviews)
“A book that feels like a warm hug and a reality check, all in one. Radhika is every woman who’s been told she’s ‘too much’—and proves that she’s just enough.”
— Advance Reader, Bookstagrammer @WordsWithWit
“Dr. Darda writes with sharp humor and even sharper insight. A brilliant debut into fiction that empowers as much as it entertains.”
— Anjali Joshi, Author of The Spice Route
Perfect for Fans Of:
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
- One Day by David Nicholls
- Rom-coms with real bite, honest heroines, and soft cinnamon rolls
Availability
“Half-Baked Love” will be released in English on April 7, 2025, and will be available through major online platforms. E-book and paperback formats available globally.
In a world that’s quick to box women in, Half-Baked Love is the breakout story that throws out the recipe and writes its own rules. Warm, wise, and wickedly funny—this is one book you’ll want to devour in one sitting.
