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kate_brauning's review
5.0
So sweet and swoony-- truly funny, and the food made me hungry for days. Come for banter, stay for the feels.
emilyheart's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
emreadswhatshewants's review
4.0
Its kinda cute
My only thing is it kind of sounded like a translation? Maybe I didn't click with the author's writing exactly. Im not sure. The cultural annoyances in the book were too similar to my own to be enjoyable but definitely relatable. And it was weird being told stuff directly, I feel like theres a better way to do it idk. Still a cute fluffy read 3.5 stars
My only thing is it kind of sounded like a translation? Maybe I didn't click with the author's writing exactly. Im not sure. The cultural annoyances in the book were too similar to my own to be enjoyable but definitely relatable. And it was weird being told stuff directly, I feel like theres a better way to do it idk. Still a cute fluffy read 3.5 stars
alyabbs's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
storytimed's review
3.0
Cute! I liked Winnie a lot—girlish, slightly immature but not without charm. The bffs to enemies to lovers dynamic was fun too despite the slightly cringey attempts to make Mat Sexxxxxy.
Unfortunately this book falls into the same trap of setting up an interesting emotional conflict with the parents only to go psych! It was all in your head and your parents are perfect! Did not enjoy.
Also the plot unravels by the end with suspected cheating drama and jealousy and love declarations that are way too soon. Winnie is charming but she doesn't really seem to grow by the end of the novel.
I did like the Thai cultural content though!
Unfortunately this book falls into the same trap of setting up an interesting emotional conflict with the parents only to go psych! It was all in your head and your parents are perfect! Did not enjoy.
Also the plot unravels by the end with suspected cheating drama and jealousy and love declarations that are way too soon. Winnie is charming but she doesn't really seem to grow by the end of the novel.
I did like the Thai cultural content though!
theshenners's review
5.0
reposted from my blog:
I really love the cover for this book, and I’m happy to say that the story lived up to the expectations set by the cover.
Winnie was a lot of fun to follow because her character voice really animated the story. The reader is fully immersed in her head, experiencing the joys and pains of first love, the highs and lows of adolescence, the hopes and fears that drive Winnie’s decisions. She struggles to assert herself, inhibited by insecurities, and that aspect of her personality and character arc really resonated with me because I had a similar struggle when I was her age.
If you love childhood friends to enemies to lovers as a trope, then you’ll probably enjoy the romance in this book. It’s full of electric-charged romantic tension and barely suppressed yearning. Beyond simply physical attraction, Winnie and Mat have a long shared history together that complicates their feelings for each other. This is as much a story about rekindling friendship as it is a romance. Moreover, Mat plays an important role in pushing Winnie to be honest and communicative about her desires.
Central to the conflict and character development is Winnie’s family, her relationships with her parents and with her sisters. The love they share is evident in their interactions, which are a mix of good-humored teasing and more serious discussions. Even as Winnie defies some of her parents rules, she does try to understand where they are coming from and fears losing their love. While she adores her sisters, she also feels trapped in their shadow and unable to shine on her own. These complex feelings enrich the narrative.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is its celebration of Winnie’s heritage. It’s a love letter to the food, the language, and the traditions of Thai culture. Winnie’s narration is loaded with cultural references that lend it a unique texture, which is the kind of thing that I love about own voices books. Thai culture is an inextricable part of Winnie’s identity and facilitates her bonding with Mat as well as Taran, the rival love interest who is also Thai American. Her culture isn’t an obstacle to overcome or a burden to relinquish.
Last but not least, I really enjoyed how the author sprinkled in references to contemporary Asian American media, including To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Never Have I Ever, and Always Be My Maybe. Each reference felt like a special Easter egg for me as someone who’s watched all of the films/shows mentioned and knew exactly what it was alluding to. It’s always fun when pieces of media are in conversation with each other, even peripherally.
I really love the cover for this book, and I’m happy to say that the story lived up to the expectations set by the cover.
Winnie was a lot of fun to follow because her character voice really animated the story. The reader is fully immersed in her head, experiencing the joys and pains of first love, the highs and lows of adolescence, the hopes and fears that drive Winnie’s decisions. She struggles to assert herself, inhibited by insecurities, and that aspect of her personality and character arc really resonated with me because I had a similar struggle when I was her age.
If you love childhood friends to enemies to lovers as a trope, then you’ll probably enjoy the romance in this book. It’s full of electric-charged romantic tension and barely suppressed yearning. Beyond simply physical attraction, Winnie and Mat have a long shared history together that complicates their feelings for each other. This is as much a story about rekindling friendship as it is a romance. Moreover, Mat plays an important role in pushing Winnie to be honest and communicative about her desires.
Central to the conflict and character development is Winnie’s family, her relationships with her parents and with her sisters. The love they share is evident in their interactions, which are a mix of good-humored teasing and more serious discussions. Even as Winnie defies some of her parents rules, she does try to understand where they are coming from and fears losing their love. While she adores her sisters, she also feels trapped in their shadow and unable to shine on her own. These complex feelings enrich the narrative.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is its celebration of Winnie’s heritage. It’s a love letter to the food, the language, and the traditions of Thai culture. Winnie’s narration is loaded with cultural references that lend it a unique texture, which is the kind of thing that I love about own voices books. Thai culture is an inextricable part of Winnie’s identity and facilitates her bonding with Mat as well as Taran, the rival love interest who is also Thai American. Her culture isn’t an obstacle to overcome or a burden to relinquish.
Last but not least, I really enjoyed how the author sprinkled in references to contemporary Asian American media, including To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Never Have I Ever, and Always Be My Maybe. Each reference felt like a special Easter egg for me as someone who’s watched all of the films/shows mentioned and knew exactly what it was alluding to. It’s always fun when pieces of media are in conversation with each other, even peripherally.
ezoots's review
1.0
I don’t understand all the rave reviews...but like here we are...I have nothing more let alone nice to say..
randomly_kait's review
3.0
I liked the relationship that Win had with her sisters. And I liked how understanding her parents were towards the ending, although I was rather annoyed with them for about 89 percent of the book. They were the stereo-typical Asian parents that you see in the majority of YA novels. For once, I'd like to see them portrayed differently.
This book gave off strong To All The Boys I've Loved Before vibes, so if you're a fan of that I'd check it out.
Also, it gets bonus points for the pretty cover.
This book gave off strong To All The Boys I've Loved Before vibes, so if you're a fan of that I'd check it out.
Also, it gets bonus points for the pretty cover.
momalwaysreads's review
5.0
I devoured this book! In fact, I finished it in a single day. One of my favorite tropes is enemies to lovers, and this fun YA romcom has it down, while also mixing in another fave, fake dating.
Winnie and Mat are set up by their traditional Thai parents to "fake date" for their senior year. Although they were best friends for much of their lives, they've loathed each other for the past four years. Winnie just wants to be the "good Thai daughter" so she does what her Mama asks of her. but how can she spend time with her mortal enemy?
I would highly recommend this to any romcom lover! There are some kissing scenes that may be intense for some of the youngest YA readers, as well as a few mentions of a naughty bachelorette party. But I loved this book so much and I couldn't put it down!
Winnie and Mat are set up by their traditional Thai parents to "fake date" for their senior year. Although they were best friends for much of their lives, they've loathed each other for the past four years. Winnie just wants to be the "good Thai daughter" so she does what her Mama asks of her. but how can she spend time with her mortal enemy?
I would highly recommend this to any romcom lover! There are some kissing scenes that may be intense for some of the youngest YA readers, as well as a few mentions of a naughty bachelorette party. But I loved this book so much and I couldn't put it down!
seryuginan's review
3.0
ONE THING TO HIGHLIGHT: THIS BOOK HAS THE PUREST AND CUTEST KISS SCENE EVER.