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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
Sher Lee’s „Fake Dates and Mooncakes“ is a delightful, heartwarming YA rom-com that blends romance, cultural identity, and family dynamics into a charming story.
The novel follows Dylan Tang, a young aspiring chef working at his aunt’s struggling Chinese takeout in Brooklyn. Dylan dreams of winning the Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncake Competition to bring attention to the restaurant and honor his late mother’s legacy. However, things take an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Theo Somers, a wealthy, charismatic heir who enlists Dylan to be his fake boyfriend for a high-society wedding in the Hamptons. What starts as a simple ruse quickly turns into something more complicated—and maybe even real.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its rich cultural representation. Lee beautifully weaves in themes of Chinese heritage, food, and family tradition, making Dylan’s journey deeply personal and engaging. The food descriptions, in particular, are mouthwatering, adding a sensory depth that enhances the story’s emotional beats.
The romance between Dylan and Theo is sweet and full of swoon-worthy moments. Their dynamic—a contrast between Theo’s effortless charm and Dylan’s hardworking determination—creates an engaging push-and-pull that keeps readers invested. While some aspects of the plot follow familiar rom-com tropes, Lee’s fresh perspective and heartfelt storytelling make them feel new and exciting.
That said, some readers might find the story a bit predictable, and a few conflicts resolve a little too easily. However, the novel’s warmth, humor, and lovable characters more than make up for it. And I‘m way too obsessed with the protagonists.
Overall, „Fake Dates and Mooncakes“ is a delightful, feel-good read perfect for fans of fake-dating romances, LGBTQ+ love stories, and delicious food descriptions. It’s a book that leaves you craving mooncakes—and maybe your own unexpected love story.
The novel follows Dylan Tang, a young aspiring chef working at his aunt’s struggling Chinese takeout in Brooklyn. Dylan dreams of winning the Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncake Competition to bring attention to the restaurant and honor his late mother’s legacy. However, things take an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Theo Somers, a wealthy, charismatic heir who enlists Dylan to be his fake boyfriend for a high-society wedding in the Hamptons. What starts as a simple ruse quickly turns into something more complicated—and maybe even real.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its rich cultural representation. Lee beautifully weaves in themes of Chinese heritage, food, and family tradition, making Dylan’s journey deeply personal and engaging. The food descriptions, in particular, are mouthwatering, adding a sensory depth that enhances the story’s emotional beats.
The romance between Dylan and Theo is sweet and full of swoon-worthy moments. Their dynamic—a contrast between Theo’s effortless charm and Dylan’s hardworking determination—creates an engaging push-and-pull that keeps readers invested. While some aspects of the plot follow familiar rom-com tropes, Lee’s fresh perspective and heartfelt storytelling make them feel new and exciting.
That said, some readers might find the story a bit predictable, and a few conflicts resolve a little too easily. However, the novel’s warmth, humor, and lovable characters more than make up for it. And I‘m way too obsessed with the protagonists.
Overall, „Fake Dates and Mooncakes“ is a delightful, feel-good read perfect for fans of fake-dating romances, LGBTQ+ love stories, and delicious food descriptions. It’s a book that leaves you craving mooncakes—and maybe your own unexpected love story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Car accident, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting
As warm, delightful, and comforting as the titular mooncakes, this was a wonderful YA mlm romance between two teens, one wealthy and charming, the other struggling to help his aunt with her takeout restaurant. Top-tier fake dating and genuinely sweet and kind characters made this a real treat to read. Highly recommend!
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I’ve been in a bit of reading slump so I’m glad that I picked up this book out of the blue, it was just what I needed to remind myself of good lighthearted stories.
This was a very sweet romance story centred around heritage, family, lots of descriptions of delicious food (I want some mooncakes now) and just a really sweet love story about two supposed opposites that actually aren’t at all.
4.5 stars because the pace was kind of fast and I would’ve liked to enjoy them together more.
This was a very sweet romance story centred around heritage, family, lots of descriptions of delicious food (I want some mooncakes now) and just a really sweet love story about two supposed opposites that actually aren’t at all.
4.5 stars because the pace was kind of fast and I would’ve liked to enjoy them together more.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No