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chapterobsessed's review
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? Yes
5.0
Another hit by the amazingly talented Suzanne Park!
Jessica Kim returns home after being let go from her job and has to start over and better, stuck living with her parents. Could things get any worse? Enter Daniel Choi, Jessica’s childhood nemesis. 😉
I was so excited to get to read this book. I love a good enemies to lovers and this one didn’t disappoint. I read it all in one sitting as I have with all of Suzanne’s books! Honestly, she can do no wrong. Auto-buy author for LIFE!!
Things I loved:
- Childhood nemesis.
- Yummy Korean food.
- Lovable characters.
- YouTube Cooking Videos.
- Fast-paced/binge-worthy.
- Did I say FOOD?!
Things I didn’t like:
- Men who can’t comprehend sexual harassment.
- Men who think women shouldn’t be paid the same as them and using Korean stereotypes.
- The book ended. 🥺
Thank you Netgalley, Suzanne Park, Avon and Harper Voyager for the wonderful opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment, Racism, and Misogyny
allisonwonderlandreads's review
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This is a very millennial romantic comedy, which I say as a compliment. When Jess loses her Wall Street job in cuts across the bank, she moves home to live with her parents in Nashville while she faces the questions that always lurk in the void: what do I want from life? what will I do next? All of this occurs under the crushing pressure to seem successful and happy and completely in control. Obviously, it's all lies (millennial, remember?). Worst of all, Jess' middle school nemesis, smug know-it-all Daniel Choi, is also back in town, with the whole community ready and waiting to measure her against him to determine her value.
My problem with this one is how business-y it is. It's one of the least interesting topics to me, so I had a hard time making myself pay attention as Jess concocts a start-up. I was more entertained when Jess records live cooking demos from home, and her mom's uninvited interruptions steal the show. However, this was only a couple of scenes, so it failed to fully cure my torpor.
Also, the love story didn't inspire me. It's fine that it was only a small portion of the plot, but Daniel didn't win my trust. All the initial reasons Jess had for not liking him in the beginning still lingered with me. It's not that he's a bad person, but he exudes that over-confident man energy that pushes my buttons. Ultimately, I didn't feel I knew him well enough to summon any empathy or wish him on Jess, who is a total badass. This also fits in with the larger theme that all the relationships felt a bit rushed. I would have loved more opportunities to connect with Jess' friends and family in a meaningful way. However, the business and its progress were front and center, not the human elements.
I will always love and appreciate the author's willingness to call out structural racism and sexism. I think this book lacked the sharp humor I adored in Loathe at First Sight, but it stands tall on the social commentary.
At the end of the day, I still love this author, but this particular book wasn't for me. If you enjoy a little entrepreneurial spirit or are looking for a story about finding a path forward after major setbacks, you should check it out.
My problem with this one is how business-y it is. It's one of the least interesting topics to me, so I had a hard time making myself pay attention as Jess concocts a start-up. I was more entertained when Jess records live cooking demos from home, and her mom's uninvited interruptions steal the show. However, this was only a couple of scenes, so it failed to fully cure my torpor.
Also, the love story didn't inspire me. It's fine that it was only a small portion of the plot, but Daniel didn't win my trust. All the initial reasons Jess had for not liking him in the beginning still lingered with me. It's not that he's a bad person, but he exudes that over-confident man energy that pushes my buttons. Ultimately, I didn't feel I knew him well enough to summon any empathy or wish him on Jess, who is a total badass. This also fits in with the larger theme that all the relationships felt a bit rushed. I would have loved more opportunities to connect with Jess' friends and family in a meaningful way. However, the business and its progress were front and center, not the human elements.
I will always love and appreciate the author's willingness to call out structural racism and sexism. I think this book lacked the sharp humor I adored in Loathe at First Sight, but it stands tall on the social commentary.
At the end of the day, I still love this author, but this particular book wasn't for me. If you enjoy a little entrepreneurial spirit or are looking for a story about finding a path forward after major setbacks, you should check it out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexism
Minor: Sexual harassment
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