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this_momma_is_booked's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tightlyunraveled's review
4.0
Thank you Lisa Lin and Tule Publishing for an ARC of this book!
Socializing is not one of Rachel's strength but her awkward maneuverings immediately endeared her to me. I loved her tenacity and admired the heck out of her. She knew what her weakness was and made a plan of attack to overcome it. I mean it. The whole nine yards. And naturally, her pursuit for success led her to Luke. ๐
I loved seeing Luke help Rachel step out of her comfort zone and discover her confidence. Who here is a chronic apologizer? ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ Go put a dollar in the jar. And I appreciated that it gave Luke a chance for growth too. In pairing Rachel, who is Chinese, with Luke, who is white, it gave Luke a chance to reflect on some of the inherit privilege he possesed as they talked through their career trajectories. More importantly, it pushed him to think about how he could use that privilege to benefit other people.
My fav part of this story might be the friendship bc our gals Cecily and Adrienne reminded Rachel that she was enough as she was. It was so fun to see them playfully tease and interrogate Rachel bc isn't that the true test of a frienship? ๐ Haha, kidding but I loved that they went to bat for Rachel at a moment's notice. Equipped with ice cream and wine. ๐
If you've read The Year of Cecily, you'll remember the Asian families are... complicated. This rings true in The Rachel Experiment as well and what I liked about Lisa's depiction is that the resolutions are never perfect. Some things are worked out but at the end of the day, they accept that there are incompatibilities and move forward.
CN: open-door romance, toxic/complicated familial relations
Socializing is not one of Rachel's strength but her awkward maneuverings immediately endeared her to me. I loved her tenacity and admired the heck out of her. She knew what her weakness was and made a plan of attack to overcome it. I mean it. The whole nine yards. And naturally, her pursuit for success led her to Luke. ๐
I loved seeing Luke help Rachel step out of her comfort zone and discover her confidence. Who here is a chronic apologizer? ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ Go put a dollar in the jar. And I appreciated that it gave Luke a chance for growth too. In pairing Rachel, who is Chinese, with Luke, who is white, it gave Luke a chance to reflect on some of the inherit privilege he possesed as they talked through their career trajectories. More importantly, it pushed him to think about how he could use that privilege to benefit other people.
My fav part of this story might be the friendship bc our gals Cecily and Adrienne reminded Rachel that she was enough as she was. It was so fun to see them playfully tease and interrogate Rachel bc isn't that the true test of a frienship? ๐ Haha, kidding but I loved that they went to bat for Rachel at a moment's notice. Equipped with ice cream and wine. ๐
If you've read The Year of Cecily, you'll remember the Asian families are... complicated. This rings true in The Rachel Experiment as well and what I liked about Lisa's depiction is that the resolutions are never perfect. Some things are worked out but at the end of the day, they accept that there are incompatibilities and move forward.
CN: open-door romance, toxic/complicated familial relations
beyondevak's review
4.0
Quick Summary: A hilariously funny multicultural rom-com
My Review: The Rachel Experiment by Lisa Lin is book two in the From Sunset Park, With Love series. It is a fresh, contemporary love story with a boatload of family drama.
What I Loved About This Book:
- I loved the playful banter that existed between the leads. They had such a relaxed vibe and a beautiful connection.
- I loved that the author gave a colorful depiction of the family dynamics of both characters.
- I loved that the challenges and conflicts were realistic. It made the story that much more relatable.
- I loved that Rachel and Luke were imperfect. I could appreciate that they were each on journeys of growth.
My Final Say: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so lovely and very entertaining. Readers who want realistic fiction featuring an interracial couple will love this book.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Thanks to the author, to Dreamscape Media, and to NetGalley for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions.
My Review: The Rachel Experiment by Lisa Lin is book two in the From Sunset Park, With Love series. It is a fresh, contemporary love story with a boatload of family drama.
What I Loved About This Book:
- I loved the playful banter that existed between the leads. They had such a relaxed vibe and a beautiful connection.
- I loved that the author gave a colorful depiction of the family dynamics of both characters.
- I loved that the challenges and conflicts were realistic. It made the story that much more relatable.
- I loved that Rachel and Luke were imperfect. I could appreciate that they were each on journeys of growth.
My Final Say: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so lovely and very entertaining. Readers who want realistic fiction featuring an interracial couple will love this book.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Thanks to the author, to Dreamscape Media, and to NetGalley for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions.
andrea_author's review
4.0
Newly promoted to a management position, introvert Rachel needs to improve her people skills. Luke offers to help, in return for her advice in preparing a business plan for his new venture. What happens when they break the rules and develop feelings along the way?
I enjoyed most of this book, as well as the audiobook narration. Rachel appears to be on the autism spectrumโher POV deals a lot with her struggles to "fit in" and to understand what other people are thinking and feeling. She and Luke have a lovely, supportive relationship. I also enjoyed her friendship with Cecily.
Unfortunately, this book has the same problem as the first book in the series. It just falls apart at the third-act breakup. The reason for the breakup makes no logical sense. Luke doesn't even realize that they *have* broken up. Apparently, privileged white guys don't recognize that when you tell a woman you don't want to go out with her, and then you don't contact her for a week, that you've rejected her?
This is a problem that should be fixed during the editing process. If the author isn't getting the support she needs from the publisher, then she might want to hire a freelance development editor for help in this area. Emotional authenticity is super important in romance, and it's unfortunately lacking here. And if third-act breakups aren't your forte, then maybe replace that beat with a crisis in the external plot. Lots of readers don't like third-act breakups. You don't have to write them.
This author is an important voice and an amazing storyteller. I look forward to seeing her mature as a writer.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I enjoyed most of this book, as well as the audiobook narration. Rachel appears to be on the autism spectrumโher POV deals a lot with her struggles to "fit in" and to understand what other people are thinking and feeling. She and Luke have a lovely, supportive relationship. I also enjoyed her friendship with Cecily.
Unfortunately, this book has the same problem as the first book in the series. It just falls apart at the third-act breakup. The reason for the breakup makes no logical sense. Luke doesn't even realize that they *have* broken up. Apparently, privileged white guys don't recognize that when you tell a woman you don't want to go out with her, and then you don't contact her for a week, that you've rejected her?
This is a problem that should be fixed during the editing process. If the author isn't getting the support she needs from the publisher, then she might want to hire a freelance development editor for help in this area. Emotional authenticity is super important in romance, and it's unfortunately lacking here. And if third-act breakups aren't your forte, then maybe replace that beat with a crisis in the external plot. Lots of readers don't like third-act breakups. You don't have to write them.
This author is an important voice and an amazing storyteller. I look forward to seeing her mature as a writer.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
smalltownbookmom's review
3.0
Liked but didn't love this interracial romance that sees a socially awkward Asian American lawyer, Rachel taking a promotion across the country where she has to get out of her comfort zone and interact more with people than she's used to. Throw in a hot one night stand to kick off this 'new Rachel' and she ends up falling for the Texas transplant who helps her with her 'experiment.'
Cute but I was hoping for a little more emotional depth and chemistry between the two MCs if I'm completely honest. This one won't be super memorable for me unfortunately. Many thanks to @librofm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review! There were some fun cameos from the previous book but it definitely does work as a standalone. For fans of Jayci Lee or Jackie Lau.
Cute but I was hoping for a little more emotional depth and chemistry between the two MCs if I'm completely honest. This one won't be super memorable for me unfortunately. Many thanks to @librofm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review! There were some fun cameos from the previous book but it definitely does work as a standalone. For fans of Jayci Lee or Jackie Lau.
naturally_caffeinated_reader's review
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the free ALC in exchange for honest review. I had such high hopws for This as i really enjoyed book 1 and felt the narration was off slightly and thr story just didn't work for me. 3rd act break up is least favorite like misscommunication. I will check out the authira future work.
_ivi's review
3.0
Perfectly fine. A bit empty, wishfully and clinical in the way of descriptions and maybe a bit heavy handed with the attacking the white guy but it is honest to the Asian experience in many ways.
bandherbooks's review
3.0
Matter of fact and introverted financial planner Rachel discover she's being transferred to California, and management, where she'll be expected to up her networking and leadership skills. Except Rachel is a self-described awkward turtle who would much rather focus on her work, not chit chat. But, new coast, new chance to break out of her shell right? Add a hot as hell one night stand to the mix and Rachel is sure she's on her way to change, until she runs into the man who rocked her world and who she never expected to see again.
Luke Trudeau is the picture of a white, privileged Texas good boy who loves his mama, shines like a star, and is extroverted as all heck, plus a successful lawyer to boot. but also a lawyer who wants to put out his own shingle. Luke strikes up a deal with Rachel-she'll advise him financially and he'll help her with her people skills (all while keeping their clothes firmly ON, friends only). But, meddling friends and family and coworkers seem intent that neither Luke nor Rachel can "just be friends," especially not with the way they seem perfect for each other.
This was sweet, and I appreciated seeing Rachel be embraced by new friends and realizing she's perfectly loveable as she is, even if she can work on not being so apologetic for herself.
Overall, I did want more emotion, some more stakes. The writing was very rational, and the third act break felt a little lopsided because the characters were communicating so well just before. Also, a lot of the text is explain-y and sometimes I wish an editor would ask and edit out some minor things like clothing details, minute descriptions of ordered foods, etc. I will also say I wanted another steamy scene or two because it was really just the one night stand, a little tension, and then a fade to black.
THAT SAID i enjoyed the voice of this upcoming author very much. The family dynamics between Rachel, her bridezilla little sister, and parents was well explored.
Content Notes: parental and sibling fighting
**I am friends with the author online, this review is from a copy i checked out from the library
Luke Trudeau is the picture of a white, privileged Texas good boy who loves his mama, shines like a star, and is extroverted as all heck, plus a successful lawyer to boot. but also a lawyer who wants to put out his own shingle. Luke strikes up a deal with Rachel-she'll advise him financially and he'll help her with her people skills (all while keeping their clothes firmly ON, friends only). But, meddling friends and family and coworkers seem intent that neither Luke nor Rachel can "just be friends," especially not with the way they seem perfect for each other.
This was sweet, and I appreciated seeing Rachel be embraced by new friends and realizing she's perfectly loveable as she is, even if she can work on not being so apologetic for herself.
Overall, I did want more emotion, some more stakes. The writing was very rational, and the third act break felt a little lopsided because the characters were communicating so well just before. Also, a lot of the text is explain-y and sometimes I wish an editor would ask and edit out some minor things like clothing details, minute descriptions of ordered foods, etc. I will also say I wanted another steamy scene or two because it was really just the one night stand, a little tension, and then a fade to black.
THAT SAID i enjoyed the voice of this upcoming author very much. The family dynamics between Rachel, her bridezilla little sister, and parents was well explored.
Content Notes: parental and sibling fighting
**I am friends with the author online, this review is from a copy i checked out from the library
henriettaenam's review
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This began with a hot scene that kept me interested till the end
But my interest was not rewarded though My whetted appetite was not satisfied
Anyway I had pleasant laughable moments
But I think the FMC was too robotic and I just didn't care much for her
It was an okay read