Tae is 25 years old and spends his time taking care of his aging parents and the Korean community doing small jobs and being a general dog's body. When he's asked by Julia's grandmother to help Julia better her dating skills, he jumps at the chance to get closer to his childhood crush.
This book was a sweet read, and I loved the childhood friends to lovers, the banter between Julia and her BFFs (my fav) and that Tae was younger than Julia! I also appreciated the focus on bigger issues - family illness, self-care, sense of duty, identity and self-worth.
But I feel like the story lagged in a few spots, particularly during the trio of dates and later when we get some friction between characters. This is when Tae lost his luster for me - his pettiness, whining and irrational behaviours were not attractive and the third act break-up that relied on miscommunication felt unnecessary.
I appreciate that I got to better understand the generational family pressures within an Asian-American family for both main characters, but I wish more time was given to making the connection between Julia and Tae. It was very slow burn romance until the spice went from zero to wowza!
Overall, an enjoyable, nicely predictable modern romance read with some spicy bits, great BFF banter and a focus on personal growth and identity that gives readers insight into Asian American community. It's in stores now!
Disclaimer: Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy of this book that was given in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 3 stars
Author: Susan Lee
Genre: Romcom, BIPOC
Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley
Publisher: Canary Street Press (HCC)
First Published: October 28, 2025
Read: Oct 22-28, 2025
Book Description from GoodReads: CEO seeks dating coach
Critically acclaimed and reader-favorite author Susan Lee’s hilarious adult debut is a shimmering and joyful look at the magnificent—and sometimes suffocating—weight of family, the ways we limit ourselves, and the irresistible power of love.
Julia Song, CEO of Starlight Cosmetics, is at the height of her career. Then why does she feel like such a failure? Maybe because she’s thirty and single, with a terrible track record at dating. And in the eyes of her Korean family, that is just unacceptable. It never really bothered her—that is until her beloved grandmother drops the bomb that she is sick and her dying wish is for Julia to get married. Impossible. So in a moment of weakness, Julia asks her family for help. Set her up on three dates to help her find The One. But it will never work—Julia is undateable. If only there was a coach for that…
Tae Kim knows about the weight of familial expectation. He’s currently unemployed, living in his parents’ basement to care for his ill father. Sure, he’s become somewhat of a fix-it man for the Korean community around town, but that’s not a real job. And the pressure to get his life together is getting to be too much. So when the Julia Song—his childhood crush—asks for his help, it may be just the distraction he needs. He’ll do whatever it takes, even coach her for these three dates. Problem is, the more time they spend together and the closer they get, the more Tae wonders if anyone is good enough for Julia…including him.
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