vanillabug's review against another edition
2.0
I am a sucker for quick romance that involves culinary aspects as part of the plot line. I just didn't really feel the chemistry between James and Liza. You could see where this novel was going the entire time and to be honest for the amount of characters and relationships this novel had it really didn't give the reader time to know any of them. They all honestly seemed like they were thrown together to make the novel and plot continue/end. Not a favorite but I would not mind checking out more from this. author in the future.
my_strange_reading's review against another edition
3.0
It was cute and I loved getting a tour of Houston Asian Town—all the yummy food—but something bothered me about the pacing and writing style, I can"t quite put my finger on it, but it just wasn"t my favorite.
kmc3050's review against another edition
4.0
4. Love a good Pride and Prejudice re-telling. I like the baking contest, too, but wish it took up more of the book.
I did receive an advanced reader copy of this book.
I did receive an advanced reader copy of this book.
bookjedi98's review against another edition
5.0
Such a cute read! A YA Pride and Prejudice retelling centered around baking!?! Two of my favorite things in one sweet story. Absolutely loved this one!
sandeevalley's review against another edition
4.0
[excerpt from my review which you can find at bookblubbs.wordpress.com]
“...Before I get into the review, there’s something I want to talk about regarding the other reviews for this book, especially the three-star reviews that disliked that the mother never changed and that she still remained stubborn and unrelenting. This is honestly one of the reasons why I don’t like it when people who aren’t privy to these things review it based on their own white backgrounds and how they have come to perceive how (white) parents should be.
I’ll give you a quick tldr: the mom DID change for the better. It’s minuscule, but it’s there. Trying to change an Asian parent in their ways is like trying to move a mountain. It’s literally impossible. Liza got through to her mom, and even though the mom didn’t apologize for shit (and they never do) the regret for how she’s treated Liza did show in the third or second to last chapter. Maybe it’s because I myself can see the changes due to being Taiwanese-American myself, but I’m glad that this book was realistic and not fantasizing on how parents in YA change attitudes overnight. In fact, I would’ve been pissed given that this book is supposed to reflect how it is to be living with that kind of mother...”
“...Before I get into the review, there’s something I want to talk about regarding the other reviews for this book, especially the three-star reviews that disliked that the mother never changed and that she still remained stubborn and unrelenting. This is honestly one of the reasons why I don’t like it when people who aren’t privy to these things review it based on their own white backgrounds and how they have come to perceive how (white) parents should be.
I’ll give you a quick tldr: the mom DID change for the better. It’s minuscule, but it’s there. Trying to change an Asian parent in their ways is like trying to move a mountain. It’s literally impossible. Liza got through to her mom, and even though the mom didn’t apologize for shit (and they never do) the regret for how she’s treated Liza did show in the third or second to last chapter. Maybe it’s because I myself can see the changes due to being Taiwanese-American myself, but I’m glad that this book was realistic and not fantasizing on how parents in YA change attitudes overnight. In fact, I would’ve been pissed given that this book is supposed to reflect how it is to be living with that kind of mother...”
readingwithabigail's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this ya romance. I am a sucker for Asian romances and this is absolutely perfect. I spent the whole time laughing and enjoying everything that was happening. I am most definitely a Sarah, but a bit better I hope, and I am recommending this to all of my friends. 10/10
becathefox's review against another edition
4.0
Super cute love story with an enemy to friends trope. Listened to the audiobook and it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
tortello_alla_zucca's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
books_coffee_yoga's review against another edition
4.0
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Would you believe I have never read/seen Pride and Prejudice? So, I went into this knowing I couldn't compare. Let me just say this: I'm HERE for the baking and cooking books as of late. I just love them. Food is my love language and I love to read about it.
This is a super cute YA book about a teenager (Liza) who have parents that work in a bakery. Every year, Liza's mother hosts a baking contest and Liza is asked to help judge the results... not realizing, at first, that it's really a set up by her mother to find her a date/true love. All the contestants are Asian young men.
I enjoyed the relationships and family dynamics in this book. They were much different from the way I grew up, especially between mother and daughter.
The only part of this book I felt was strange was how magically certain people kept running into each other! What are the chances that someone from Texas goes to NYC and runs into another friend from Texas (also visiting NYC) on the street? Have you been to NYC? Then these same people are in the baking competition and someone in the crowd (who lives across the country) who some of the bakers have known for a long time (and we learn have problems with) is in the audience? These things just don't happen. I digress...
It was a predictable book but that's okay, I knew it would be and most of the books I read are. I actually learned a lot about Asian baked goods, foods and the process of baking itself. Highly recommend for a cute read!
** A free ARC was provided by Penguin Teen in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own**
Would you believe I have never read/seen Pride and Prejudice? So, I went into this knowing I couldn't compare. Let me just say this: I'm HERE for the baking and cooking books as of late. I just love them. Food is my love language and I love to read about it.
This is a super cute YA book about a teenager (Liza) who have parents that work in a bakery. Every year, Liza's mother hosts a baking contest and Liza is asked to help judge the results... not realizing, at first, that it's really a set up by her mother to find her a date/true love. All the contestants are Asian young men.
I enjoyed the relationships and family dynamics in this book. They were much different from the way I grew up, especially between mother and daughter.
The only part of this book I felt was strange was how magically certain people kept running into each other! What are the chances that someone from Texas goes to NYC and runs into another friend from Texas (also visiting NYC) on the street? Have you been to NYC? Then these same people are in the baking competition and someone in the crowd (who lives across the country) who some of the bakers have known for a long time (and we learn have problems with) is in the audience? These things just don't happen. I digress...
It was a predictable book but that's okay, I knew it would be and most of the books I read are. I actually learned a lot about Asian baked goods, foods and the process of baking itself. Highly recommend for a cute read!
** A free ARC was provided by Penguin Teen in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own**
bookishends's review against another edition
4.5
I went into this book not knowing what it was about, so I was pleasantly shocked as Liza’s mom’s shenanigans with the baking competition unfolded. Her mother was a lot to handle, and I definitely could not have handled growing up with that kind of pressure, so kudos to Liza for still being a genuine person. I really enjoyed the focus on the relationships in the story, especially Liza’s friendship with Grace and Liza’s relationship with her sister.
I love guys that are a bit rude, not because they’re mean, but because their social skills aren’t typical and they have problems completely trusting others, so James was the best love interest. Overall, I found the plot very fun and the drama was top-tier, although it did get a tad confusing at times.
*Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own*
*Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own*