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A review by hayjp8
I'll Be the One by Lyla Lee
4.0
4/5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! I wasn't sure if I would be able to get really into it because I have no real interest in K-pop, but it was all really easy to understand! Both Skye and Henry were really likable, and I was also interested in the side characters like Imani, Lana, and Tiffany. At times the writing was a little cheesy and out of touch with how teenagers actually talk, but what made up for it was the relationship between Henry and Skye. I rarely find myself really invested in the relationships in romance novels, but for I'll Be the One, this was not the case. It might be my favourite romance novel now! Their relationship was so sweet and I found myself actively rooting for them to get together each time they interacted. I appreciated the way they took it slow and how respectful and kind they were to each other.
Lyla Lee also touched on the tough topics really well. Essentially the entire main cast was both Asian and queer, which led to interesting and relatable conversations about what it means to be queer in an Asian household. The topics of fatphobia and being plus sized was also really important and intriguing. She also went into the intricacies of family relationships, specifically mother-daughter relationships. I think it was handled really well, and showed sometimes relationships can't be repaired and that's okay.
Even with focus on several serious topics, Lyla Lee managed to balance it with sweet and feel-good moments. I really hope she writes more young adult books, because I'd love to read them!
I really enjoyed this book! I wasn't sure if I would be able to get really into it because I have no real interest in K-pop, but it was all really easy to understand! Both Skye and Henry were really likable, and I was also interested in the side characters like Imani, Lana, and Tiffany. At times the writing was a little cheesy and out of touch with how teenagers actually talk, but what made up for it was the relationship between Henry and Skye. I rarely find myself really invested in the relationships in romance novels, but for I'll Be the One, this was not the case. It might be my favourite romance novel now! Their relationship was so sweet and I found myself actively rooting for them to get together each time they interacted. I appreciated the way they took it slow and how respectful and kind they were to each other.
Lyla Lee also touched on the tough topics really well. Essentially the entire main cast was both Asian and queer, which led to interesting and relatable conversations about what it means to be queer in an Asian household. The topics of fatphobia and being plus sized was also really important and intriguing. She also went into the intricacies of family relationships, specifically mother-daughter relationships. I think it was handled really well, and showed sometimes relationships can't be repaired and that's okay.
Even with focus on several serious topics, Lyla Lee managed to balance it with sweet and feel-good moments. I really hope she writes more young adult books, because I'd love to read them!