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Helen Tsang is tired of the pitying looks. From her parents, her friends, and even the bubble tea shop guy, who recognized her from the video. Almost one year ago, some loser couldn’t mind their own damn business and filmed an unsuspecting Helen's very public break-up during what was supposed to be a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. A video of her ex-boyfriend saying, "It's not me, it's you. You're holding me back" went viral. Desperate to give everyone something else to talk about and with Valentine’s Day approaching once again, she asks her long-time friend Taylor Li to be her fake boyfriend, just to prove that she's moved on and hasn’t sworn off love. (Spoiler alert: She's totally sworn off love.) Taylor is the perfect option—single for once, and for some godforsaken reason, he loves Valentine’s Day. But Helen didn't expect was how easy it would be to get Taylor on board, fitting right into the boyfriend-shaped hole in her life. All she wanted was a couple sickeningly sweet dates to fill her social feeds, not corny text messages of silly heart-shaped cakes, and bouquets of flowers that harbor hidden meanings. Wanting to be around his sunshine attitude and delicious forearms all the time? That definitely wasn't expected. With February 14 quickly approaching, it's getting increasingly difficult to ignore her feelings, especially when she starts wishing it wasn’t all an act. Oh God. What has she done?
Publication Year: 2023
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0High school friends to lovers fake dating. She's a non-demonstrative woman who is still reeling from a Valentine's Day break up gone viral last year. He's her HS lab partner who's remained a good friend in the decade+ since HS.
Aspects of this book that make it unique: Both MCs are Asian Canadian. Both are short (he's 5'5"). At the beginning of the book, she's not attracted to him. He hasn't been pining after her since HS, though his feelings shifted about a year ago.
If you've read a Jackie Lau book, you know that food is a huge part of it, and this is no exception. From heart shaped cakes to wonton soup, food is a player in this story.
This is a heartfelt story, but the thing that holds me back from loving it is Helen's voice. The character is constantly thinking about fake dating and internally making excuses for her thoughts and feelings. Like, a little too much for my taste. But it's a cute story and a fast read for Valentine's and/or Chinese New Year.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
0Thank you to NetGalley, Kobo Originals & Jackie Lau for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was so adorable! I read this book so quick because I just enjoyed it that much.
It has the following tropes: friends to lovers and fake dating
The main character Helen was relatable, easy to like, and her close relationship with her family and friends was really sweet.
The love interest Taylor is the ideal boyfriend/friend. He said and did all the right things and showed with his actions how much he listened to Helen when she spoke about the things she enjoys.
Overall if you're looking for a cute, and quick read for Valentines day, this is the book for you!
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