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A review by what_karla_reads
A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5/5 stars
0 spice/YA romcom
This was a cute romcom with Romeo & Juliet vibes between two rival Pho restaurants and the Vietnamese families that run them. I loved the MCs and how they didn't continue the cycle of rivalry and instead tried to be open and friendly despite their family's animosity for some unknown reason.
Tropes:
Rivals to friends to lovers
Artist FMC
Writer MMC
Forced proximity
Secret relationship
Vietnamese culture/rep
Family drama
Dual POV
Despite the romcom aspect, there are some pretty heavy topics mentioned. Both families experienced immigrating to the US because of the war in Vietnam. Both families had to deal with the hardships, racism, prejudice, and pressures to make a successful life in the US. The family dynamics are very relatable and have a clear sense of community amongst their friends. I really enjoyed listening to the language used and all the different foods they ate. I got a really big craving for pho now lol
Overall, I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy YA/clean romances with the angst of a secret romance. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrators.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Racism/racial slurs
0 spice/YA romcom
This was a cute romcom with Romeo & Juliet vibes between two rival Pho restaurants and the Vietnamese families that run them. I loved the MCs and how they didn't continue the cycle of rivalry and instead tried to be open and friendly despite their family's animosity for some unknown reason.
Tropes:
Rivals to friends to lovers
Artist FMC
Writer MMC
Forced proximity
Secret relationship
Vietnamese culture/rep
Family drama
Dual POV
Despite the romcom aspect, there are some pretty heavy topics mentioned. Both families experienced immigrating to the US because of the war in Vietnam. Both families had to deal with the hardships, racism, prejudice, and pressures to make a successful life in the US. The family dynamics are very relatable and have a clear sense of community amongst their friends. I really enjoyed listening to the language used and all the different foods they ate. I got a really big craving for pho now lol
Overall, I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy YA/clean romances with the angst of a secret romance. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrators.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Racism/racial slurs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs