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A review by danaslitlist
Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and and Sher Lee for sending me an advanced E copy of this book in exchage for an honest review, you all helped kick this year off to a great start!
Fake Dates and Mooncakes was one of my most anticipated books of 2023 and I couldn't believe that I had the chance to read it before it officially came out. I was also nervous because I was afraid that I had hyped it up so much in my mind that there wasn't any way it could compare. However, I'm happy to report that I had just as much fun and enjoyed it as much as I had hoped.
In this touching romantic comedy we follow Dylan Tang's mission to win a mooncake festival to honor his recently deceased mother and to help his Aunt Jade keep her restaurant open. In the process he meets and falls in love with Theo, a rich boy from a world that feels miles apart from Dylan's. Through a series of touching and sometimes hilarious ups and downs their relationship is tested.
Fake Dates and Mooncakes is truly a wonderful mixture of romance and comedy that doesn't only focus on the blossoming relationship between Dylan and Theo, but also highlights the importance of family and heritage. Some of my favorite moments in the book were when we were together with Dylan's aunt and cousins learning about the history of Singaporean Chinese food. I love the message of food being so powerful that it brings people together from all walks of life and how food is an universal bridge to one's past.
I also appreciate that the romance felt fleshed out and healthy especially given that the two main characters are 17-18. I know many young, queer people will be picking this book up and to know that they'll see a healthy relationship depicted makes me really happy.
Fake Dates and Mooncakes was one of my most anticipated books of 2023 and I couldn't believe that I had the chance to read it before it officially came out. I was also nervous because I was afraid that I had hyped it up so much in my mind that there wasn't any way it could compare. However, I'm happy to report that I had just as much fun and enjoyed it as much as I had hoped.
In this touching romantic comedy we follow Dylan Tang's mission to win a mooncake festival to honor his recently deceased mother and to help his Aunt Jade keep her restaurant open. In the process he meets and falls in love with Theo, a rich boy from a world that feels miles apart from Dylan's. Through a series of touching and sometimes hilarious ups and downs their relationship is tested.
Fake Dates and Mooncakes is truly a wonderful mixture of romance and comedy that doesn't only focus on the blossoming relationship between Dylan and Theo, but also highlights the importance of family and heritage. Some of my favorite moments in the book were when we were together with Dylan's aunt and cousins learning about the history of Singaporean Chinese food. I love the message of food being so powerful that it brings people together from all walks of life and how food is an universal bridge to one's past.
I also appreciate that the romance felt fleshed out and healthy especially given that the two main characters are 17-18. I know many young, queer people will be picking this book up and to know that they'll see a healthy relationship depicted makes me really happy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Car accident, and Cancer
Minor: Racism