The Romance Rivalry: A trope-filled delight with Heart, Humor, and Swoon-worthy chemistry. ARC review

Title: The Romance Rivalry

Author: Susan Lee

Number of Pages: 384

Publishing Date: 13 May 2025

Available format: paperback

Genre: Romance, Asian Literature, Young-Adult, Rom-Com, Coming of age

📝synopsis:

She’s read every romance…except her own…

Irene Park loves romance novels—so much so she’s made a career of them as an online book reviewer with a massive following. But Irene’s real life dating story? Non-existent. So when she starts her freshman year of college, she sets her sights on finding true love using the one thing she really understands…romance book tropes.

If only it were that easy.

Enter Aiden Jeon, Irene’s online book review rival and biggest nemesis. When Aiden challenges her to see who can find love-by-trope first, he becomes the one person standing in her way to getting everything she wants both professionally and personally, too. So when the competition takes an unexpected turn, forcing the two of them to have to partner in the ultimate trope, fake dating, Irene is not prepared for everything she believed about romance, and Aiden, to flip on its head.

As Irene tackles the challenges of college life, struggles to figure out what she really wants for herself, all while trying to win the race for love, Irene realizes the answers may not be found in a romance novel. Happily Ever Afters seem so easy on page. But for Irene to find her ultimate HEA, she’ll have to get her nose out of the book and become the main character of her own story.

📝review:

A book that takes the beloved rivals-to-lovers trope(it packs plenty of other reader-favorite tropes too) and gives it a literary twist. If you’re into stories about fierce rivalries, a sprinkle of mystery, and  a satisfying slow-burn chemistry, this one’s for you. It's filled with everyone's most favorite romance tropes, bookish banter, and a rivalry so intense and fun, it’ll have you flipping pages like your life depends on it, rooting for these two to find their way to each other.

📝characters:

We’ve got Irene Park, a die-hard romance reader who lives for happily-ever-afters—on paper, at least. In real life? Her love life is as silent as an empty library. But when she starts college, Irene decides it’s time to stop reading about romance and start living it. And because Irene’s a romance connoisseur, she’s got a plan: find her soulmate through tropes, obviously.

Enter Aiden Jeon, her snarky online book rival. He’s just as passionate about books as Irene but with a slightly annoying knack of challenging her opinions. Surprise surprise, he is now in the same college as Irene. When Aiden throws down a challenge to see who can find their trope-tastic love first, it’s game on. But the real fun starts when they’re forced into the ultimate trope: fake dating. Yep, the very thing Irene’s been dreaming about turns out to be her worst nightmare—and maybe her best dream come true?

📝Irene and Aiden:

Watching Irene tackle the highs and lows of college life, friendships, and her dreams—both romantic and academic—adds so much depth to her character. She grows from someone caught up in doubt and fantasy to a person who knows her worth and understands love beyond fiction.

And Aiden? Beneath his confident and outgoing exterior lies a deeply caring soul. Despite his own struggles (which I can’t spoil for you here!), he constantly prioritizes Irene. He’s the kind of book boyfriend who will make your heart race and leave you swooning faster than you can say "fake dating". His moments of vulnerability, paired with his unwavering attention, support, and care for Irene, make him unforgettable.

📝them and their friends:

Chemistry between Irene and Aiden is pure chef’s kiss. From the very first in-person interaction to the very end of the book, the chemistry and tension between them was off the charts. Their rivalry? hilarious, their banter? electric, the brief jealous moments and the slow realization that maybe they see each other as more than mere rivals/enemies? PERFECT. 

One can not talk about this book without mentioning Irene and Aiden's best friends –Jeanette and Charles– who were there to help and encourage our main characters at all times, providing unwavering support and some-much needed humor. It was so cute and adorable to see how they start from being supportive friends who end up as a sweet romantic pair of their own-such a delightful sub plot, all while betting on Irene and Aiden's love life.

📝what makes the book stand out: 

What sets The Romance Rivalry apart is it's ability to mix the swoony giggly moments with authentic real-life struggles. Susan Lee doesn’t just deliver a fun rom-com; she gives us a heroine who in the beginning, feels like an imposter in her own skin in the start and comes out out as someone who's not chained to the shackles of her insecurities anymore, and is a strong-headed and wise person by the end of the book. She also learns that love isn’t about following a formula. 

Aiden’s arc is equally powerful. Behind his charm and wit is a boy navigating the complexities of strict family expectations and personal hardship.

By the end of the book Susan Lee has made it very clear how, Irene and Aiden's journey isn’t just about love—it’s about breaking free from insecurities and embracing one's true self, taking risks, challenging norms, and finding beauty in imperfections.

📚Recommend for:

If you love rivals-to-lovers, fake dating, or books about people who love books, this one’s for you. It’s smart, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud funny. By the end, you’ll want to grab your favorite romance novel, cozy up, and maybe start plotting you own happy-ever-after.

The Romance Rivalry is a page-turner that will leave you smiling, swooning, and utterly satisfied. Don’t miss it!

ARC Review: Meet Me At Blue Hour by Sarah Suk

Title: Meet Me At Blue Hour

Author: Sarah Suk

Number of Pages: 288

Publishing Date: 1 April 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Young-Adult, Coming of Age, Romance, Second Chance, Childhood Friends to Lovers

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Yena Bae is spending the summer in Busan, South Korea, working at her mom’s memory-erasing clinic. She feels lost and disconnected from people, something she’s felt ever since her best friend, Lucas, moved away four years ago without a word, leaving her in limbo.

Eighteen-year-old Lucas Pak is also in Busan for the summer, visiting his grandpa, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. But he isn’t just here for a regular visit—he’s determined to get his beloved grandpa into the new study running at the clinic, a trial program seeking to restore lost memories.

When Yena runs into Lucas again, she’s shocked to see him and even more shocked to discover that he doesn’t remember a thing about her. He’s completely erased her from his memories, and she has no idea why.

As the two reconnect, they unravel the mystery and heartache of what happened between them all those years ago—and must now reckon with whether they can forge a new beginning together.

Review

This book's got the power to smash up your heart and put it back in one piece again!!!
A poignant and captivating tale of love, loss, and memory. Yena and Lucas's story will tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering the complexities of human connection. Sarah masterfully weaves together themes of identity, grief, and redemption, set against the vibrant backdrop of Busan, South Korea. The journey from disconnection to self-discovery is beautifully rendered, and her chemistry between the mcs is undeniable.

The exploration of memory and its impact on relationships is fascinating, and the supporting characters add depth and nuance to the narrative. The writing is evocative and immersive, making it easy to become fully invested in Yena and Lucas's story. The scenes and sounds of Busan are described in such a way that makes us feel as of we are living through those moments ourselves.

This book is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and anyone looking for a story that will resonate long after the final page is turned. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you smiling through tears.

ARC Review: I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang

 Title: I Am Not Jessica Chen

Author: Ann Liang

Number of Pages: 384

Publishing Date: 28 January 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Young-Adult, Dark Academia, Coming of age, Magical Realism, Romance, Asian Representation, Second Chance.

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Chen, rejected by every Ivy League school she applied to and burdened by the weight of her Asian immigrant parents’ expectations, makes a desperate wish: to become her smarter, Harvard-bound cousin, Jessica Chen. To her shock, her wish comes true—literally.

Now living as Jessica, Jenna has access to her cousin’s deepest secrets and journals, only to realize that being the top student at the prestigious Havenwood Private Academy isn’t the dream she imagined. As her parents, friends, and even Jenna herself start to forget who she truly is, she must decide if living out Jessica’s life is worth losing her own identity forever.

Review

I Am Not Jessica Chen is an emotional roller coaster that had me hooked from the very first line. Ann Liang captures the intense pressures and expectations faced by many Asian-American teenagers, making Jenna’s journey both heart-wrenching and deeply relatable. The story resonates on a personal level, exploring themes of identity crisis, family expectations, self-doubt, and the quiet grief that accompanies being “second best.”

Jenna’s transformation from rejected college applicant to embodying her cousin Jessica offers a poignant exploration of what it means to live in someone else’s shadow. Her journey through the cutthroat environment of Havenwood Private Academy is gripping, and as she uncovers the truth behind Jessica’s seemingly perfect life, we’re reminded that even those who appear to have it all are fighting their own battles.

Liang’s writing is both engaging and immersive, drawing readers into a world where the lines between reality and magical realism blur effortlessly. The pacing is masterful, with plot twists that compel you to keep turning pages, even if it means staying up until the early hours of the morning. The themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance are universal, making this novel a must-read for audiences of all ages.

Jenna Chen

Jenna’s struggle to navigate life as Jessica is portrayed with depth and nuance. Her internal conflict raises important questions about self-discovery, individuality, and the true cost of success. As Jenna grapples with the expectations placed upon her, the novel delves into the psychological toll of trying to live up to an idealized version of oneself, adding layers of complexity to her character.

Jessica Chen

At first glance, Jessica seems like the perfect daughter, friend, and student—the epitome of success. But as Jenna delves deeper into her cousin’s life, we see the cracks in Jessica’s seemingly flawless facade. Through Jenna’s eyes, we witness Jessica’s relentless struggle to maintain her “perfect” image, even at the risk of losing everything. This portrayal challenges the notion of perfection, highlighting the immense pressure that comes with being the best.

Aaron Cai

Aaron is perhaps the most vulnerable character in the story, embodying grief, self-doubt, and envy in a way that is both heartbreaking and relatable. Liang skillfully uses Aaron’s character to explore the consequences of loss and the drive to prove oneself in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Parents

From Jenna’s and Jessica’s parents to Aaron’s, Liang presents a diverse array of parental figures, each adding depth to the story. Whether it’s parents who prioritize their child’s happiness above all else, those who view success as the ultimate goal, or those who are consumed by their own grief, the portrayal of these relationships adds yet another rich emotional layer to the novel.