Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

The Stand-In by Lily Chu

31 reviews

apoppyinthewind's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed this one, it was exactly what I needed after my last read: A lighter yet heartfelt story with loveable characters. The plot of a random woman being asked to be a stand-in for a famous actress is far-fetched and I initially expected this book to be over the top but it was surprisingly grounded which was wonderful to read. Yes, there are decadent fashions and name-dropping of high-end designers but the majority of the story focuses on the relationships between characters Sam, Gracie, and Fangli. Also, much of the story focuses on the main character Gracie learning how to let people in and stand up for herself at the same time. 

This book deals with sexual harassment, Alzheimer's, parental loss, and caring for an elderly parent alongside the rom-com plot. I think the writer handles these subjects well and has a good balance between the serious aspects and lighthearted aspects of the story. Overall, I would recommend checking this book if you're looking for a fun read and I will be checking out more by this author.

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finnickdeservedbetter's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

For readers who like:


• celebrity romance
• fake identity
• dislike to lovers
• biracial (asian/white) MC
• first gen Canadian MC

The book was like a breathe of fresh air. I was kinda putting it off in favour of other books but I wish I hadn't. The characters are ao well-rounded and dimensional. They had flaws of course but I could relate to each one and honestly, see myself being friends with any of them.

This touched on a few big topics (like identity- being biracial and the child of an immigrant, mental health, and sexual harrassment to name a few) but all in a very accessible and approachable way. 

The only reason I didn't give it 5☆ is the unnecessary (isn't it always?)
third act breakup paired with miscommunication 🤢


Other than that tho, I really enjoyed this book and got through it all in one sitting. This is my first book by Lily Chu but it definitely won't be my last.

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_alyssar_'s review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5


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annadelreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

"Why is it so hard to say no to everyone except myself?"

Phillipa Soo once again delivered one of the best audiobook out there. She as the narrator is definitely a must hear! Her feelings whenever she delivers a line of Gracie's and even how she voices both Sam and Fangli! Especially Sam! With the British accent to boot! 

The story is good but nothing that would make me rate it high since it doesn't have that much staying power. Although I did enjoy this after the half mark, that's for sure. It's somewhat different from the current trends since it's about impersonating someone that looks like you (although plot twist:
they're actually sister so what else is the reasonable reason?
). 

It's more about family than it is romance for me, which I have nothing against since it's a good balance between the two topics. I love the relationship between Grace and Fangli a little bit more than Grace and Sam, although it's only a little bit! I love seeing friendship bloom especially if the other half is an actress.  

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juliacsmith's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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emfass's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Philippa Soo is DELIGHTFUL as the narrator. Lily Chu's writing is so entertaining, fresh, invigorating, and just so so good. The dialogue sparkles.

This was a closed-door romance which I usually do not go in for (personal preference only, happy for those that like it/don't mind it!), but the writing was so freaking great.

I had some issues with parts of the plot
(how one-dimensional the sexually harassing boss was, the mother leaving her daughter in another country and never ever being in touch, I mean UGH)
, but overall really enjoyed this book.

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aprilefoster's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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hayjay's review against another edition

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emotional funny relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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cozyduck's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted

4.0


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readsbyti's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Second audiobook of the year, narrated by the fabulous Philippa Soo great voice acting, great development between Gracie and Sam. The butterflies I got from his flirting? wow. Girly could've avoid a lot by simply talking to people instead of trying to fix things alone or running away. The plot twist of Wei Fangli being Gracies older half sister = mind blown. I would've gladly accepted doppleganers then I thought oh maybe separated twins. I liked the moments we saw Gracie and Fangli interacting outside of speaking about the deal they were so cute bonding .

That being said whilst Gracie was funny there was something that fell flat with her for me, she seemed extremely isolated (despite her speaking with Anjali) and didn't seem to take much initiative in her own life, sort of brushed things aside in fear of failure.

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