#AmReading YA

A Pho Love Story
Loan Le
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

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?

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.

Bao and Linh had always kept their distance due to their family's pho restaurant rivalry. Neither had forgotten their brief childhood encounter, and when circumstances brought them together, they recognized a shared connection. As their friendship grew, so did the stress of sneaking around, and it was just a matter of time until it all unraveled. 

The mention of food and a love story had me quite interested in this tale, and it didn't disappoint. It was fun, cute, and heartwarming, while also shedding light on many aspects of Vietnamese culture.

The relationship that developed between Linh and Bao definitely took center stage, and I adore it! They had a lot in common and could related to one another in a way many others couldn't. Both had family, who had made harrowing journeys to escape Vietnam, and both grew up in their family restaurants. They understood the commitment and responsibilities involved with having a family business, as well as the importance of family and community. 

I liked watching their friendship grow and change. The review "dates" were such a brilliant way to force them together. I looked forward to each new location, where Linh and Bao would have the opportunity to get to know each other better. I honestly wish there had been more of these excursions, because they were wonderful. 

The romance was definitely a big part of the story, but it was also about self discovery. Linh loved art, but knew her parents saw it as a hobby, so she hid her passion. She wrestled with following her heart or living up to her parents' expectations. In the meantime, Bao was just coasting, and with the help of Linh and a few others, he actually discovered something he not only had a natural flair for, but was also passionate about. While they both experienced some doubt, they supported, encouraged, and pushed each other along the way. 

This story also had a strong family focus. The obstacle to this romance was a feud between the two families, but each family was very loving and only wanted the best for their children. There were some really beautiful moments shared between Bao, Linh, and their respective families, and many other characters also reinforced this theme of family. 

I came for the romance, but was treated to so much more in this book. The mix of humorous, emotional, and heartwarming moments along with food, friendship, and family made this a rather delightful reading experience. P.S. I dare you to read this book and not be lusting for Vietnamese food after indulging in the fantastic food descriptions. 

Hot British Boyfriend
Kristy Boyce
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads

After a horrifying public rejection by her crush, Ellie Nichols does what any girl would do: she flees the country. To be more precise, she joins her high school’s study abroad trip to England. While most of her classmates are there to take honors courses and pad their college applications, Ellie is on a quest to rebuild her reputation and self-confidence. And nothing is more of a confidence booster than getting a hot British boyfriend.

When Ellie meets Will, a gorgeous and charming Brit, she vows to avoid making the same mistakes as she did with the last guy she liked. Which is why she strikes up a bargain with Dev, an overachieving classmate who she’s never clicked with, but who does seem to know a lot about the things Will is interested in—if he helps her win over her crush, then she’ll help him win over his.

But even as Ellie embarks on a whirlwind romance, one that takes her on adventures to some of England’s most beautiful places, she still needs to figure out if this is actually the answer to all her problems…and whether the perfect boyfriend is actually the perfect boy for her.

After suffering public humiliation, Ellie was looking for a way to escape it all. When an opportunity to study abroad became available, she jumped at the chance. Not only would she be able to put an ocean between her and what happened, she would be able to explore England and find herself a hot British boyfriend. 

This book started off with an over-the-top classic teen rom-com moment, which immediately had me feeling for Ellie. I didn't blame her from wanting to get away from it all. And I have to say, the change of scenery did wonders for her. Ellie not only got to experience living in another country, she also fell in love and learned a lot about herself. 

Ellie was a recent transplant and really only had one friend. In England, she met and was embraced by a new circle of friends, and this was probably my favorite part of the story. I love seeing characters find their "people", and these were such a great bunch to be a part of. They were accepting of Ellie and all her quirks, but more importantly, they supported and encouraged her when she doubted herself. 

I also had a great time touring London and Venice with this bunch. Boyce did a wonderful job incorporating the sights, and I always love "going places" when I read. 

HOT BRITISH BOYFRIEND was sweet and fluffy, and I had a delightful time reading it. Though I classify this as pure fluff, there was a message of finding and being true to yourself in there. The focus on friendship, the fantastic setting, and the sweet romance were all pluses for me, and I enjoyed getting to take this trip abroad with Ellie. 

**ARCs received in exchange for honest reviews.

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