Scan barcode
A review by justinlife
Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
This was one of the sweetest books I've read all year. It's a quick read and when I finished it, I immediately went back and reread passages and events. The book was kind, lovely, ridiculous, over the top, and campy- all in the best ways.
In this story we have Dylan, a teen who recently lost his mom and works at his aunt's takeout business. His path crosses with Theo, ultra rich son of a tycoon who falls for Dylan. After some ridiculous scheme to get them to be fake boyfriends, the story shifts into high gear. Lee introduces Dylan to Theo's world while asking all the questions one would think, like "why is this dude into me, but also hello, we're from two different worlds!!" She introduces the characters smoothly and nothing felt out of place.
What I loved about this was that the obstacles the couple had to overcome had nothing to do with homophobia or really xenophobia. Homophobia doesn't really exist in this world. Everyone is fine with them being gay, just some people have a problem with them being from different classes.
The ending feels like something that came from a Disney afternoon movie, but it didn't feel out of place. It felt very HEA. It was over the top and the final confrontation is everything you would expect from that type of movie.
This novel also contains a lot information regarding Singaporean traditions and Chinese culture that aren't usually found. If you are unfamiliar like I am, you'll be educated. If you already know about the things she talks about, then it might feel like she's going too far. It's hard to find that balance and I think she was successful
Overall, I would read this again and would read a sequel. These characters are fun. The story was solid and her pacing was on point. It hit all the notes. It didn't shy away from going big, instead it leaned in. One could say it makes a bit corny, but come on, what romcom isn't? Highly recommend this one.
In this story we have Dylan, a teen who recently lost his mom and works at his aunt's takeout business. His path crosses with Theo, ultra rich son of a tycoon who falls for Dylan. After some ridiculous scheme to get them to be fake boyfriends, the story shifts into high gear. Lee introduces Dylan to Theo's world while asking all the questions one would think, like "why is this dude into me, but also hello, we're from two different worlds!!" She introduces the characters smoothly and nothing felt out of place.
What I loved about this was that the obstacles the couple had to overcome had nothing to do with homophobia or really xenophobia. Homophobia doesn't really exist in this world. Everyone is fine with them being gay, just some people have a problem with them being from different classes.
The ending feels like something that came from a Disney afternoon movie, but it didn't feel out of place. It felt very HEA. It was over the top and the final confrontation is everything you would expect from that type of movie.
This novel also contains a lot information regarding Singaporean traditions and Chinese culture that aren't usually found. If you are unfamiliar like I am, you'll be educated. If you already know about the things she talks about, then it might feel like she's going too far. It's hard to find that balance and I think she was successful
Overall, I would read this again and would read a sequel. These characters are fun. The story was solid and her pacing was on point. It hit all the notes. It didn't shy away from going big, instead it leaned in. One could say it makes a bit corny, but come on, what romcom isn't? Highly recommend this one.