Reviews

3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the beginning, but the story became quite repetitive as it went along. In the last third of the book, the writing got really clunky and did a lot of telling instead of showing. The dialogue just didn't feel natural either. I loved American Panda, but the writing has not improved in Chao's subsequent books.

amies808's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars! Not sure I’d reread it or that I feel like it changed me in some way (my personal criteria for 5 stars, which is why they’re pretty rare), but this was so cute and quick. I found it on a list that was called something like “books that feel like k-dramas” and this fit the bill perfectly, except the characters were Chinese American. It was cute and funny, predictable in all the right ways, and surprisingly insightful, with dimensional characters. I did feel like the end was a bit rushed in how it wrapped up, with more telling than showing, but overall a cute quick read.

sc104906's review against another edition

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4.0

I received this through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This novel addresses a unique custom in Tawainese culture that unmarried young women hire young men to pretend to be their boyfriends and get pushy parents off their back. I loved how Chloe and Drew come together to face off against her parents. This story felt real and provides an under-represented voice. I can't wait for more by this author.

lyrcheylap's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective 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? Yes

3.5

macky's review against another edition

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5.0

Such a cute book, loved every second of it. Had to hold back tears towards the end with the more deep moments, I'm a softy for daddy daughter moments. Definitely recommend if you need a sweet little book.