Disclaimer: I was given an eARC by Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the Publisher:
When
Dimple Met Rishi meets Ugly Delicious in this funny, smart romantic
comedy, in which two Vietnamese-American teens fall in love and must
navigate their newfound relationship amid their families’ age-old feud
about their competing, neighboring restaurants.
If Bao Nguyen had
to describe himself, he’d say he was a rock. Steady and strong, but not
particularly interesting. His grades are average, his social status
unremarkable. He works at his parents’ pho restaurant, and even there,
he is his parents’ fifth favorite employee. Not ideal.
If Linh
Mai had to describe herself, she’d say she was a firecracker. Stable
when unlit, but full of potential for joy and fire. She loves art and
dreams pursuing a career in it. The only problem? Her parents rely on
her in ways they’re not willing to admit, including working practically
full-time at her family’s pho restaurant.
For years, the Mais and
the Nguyens have been at odds, having owned competing, neighboring pho
restaurants. Bao and Linh, who’ve avoided each other for most of their
lives, both suspect that the feud stems from feelings much deeper than
friendly competition.
But then a chance encounter brings Linh and
Bao in the same vicinity despite their best efforts and sparks fly,
leading them both to wonder what took so long for them to connect. But
then, of course, they immediately remember.
Can Linh and Bao find love in the midst of feuding families and complicated histories?
Thoughts:
I
really enjoyed this book. It was a really cute Romeo and Juliet
retelling. I would suggest that unless you can speak Vietnamese to
listen to this as an audiobook because there are lots of parts that are
in Vietnamese and can be difficult to get through otherwise.
If you enjoy YA romance, this is a good quick read.
Rating: 4/5
