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Fake Dates and Mooncakes

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"Fake Dates and Mooncakes" by Sher Lee centers around two main characters, Dylan and Theo, who find themselves entangled in a web of fake dates. As they navigate this charade, readers are introduced to a rich tapestry of cultural elements, providing an immersive experience. Sher Lee's meticulous attention to detail shines through, making each cultural reference come alive on the pages. The story beautifully weaves together a captivating narrative with meaningful LGBTQ representation, exploring traditions, customs, and festivals seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

Dylan is just trying to help his Aunt keep the family take-out restaurant afloat, all the while still grieving the recent loss of his mother. Then in walks Theo, handsome, rich, and devastatingly charming, the polar opposite of Dylan. Yet, when Theo asks him to be his fake boyfriend for a family wedding, Dylan finds it impossible to refuse. Dylan is quickly thrust into the world of glitz and glamour, cagey relatives, and Theo's distant father, who is certain Dylan is nothing but trouble. explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, cultural understanding, and acceptance, intertwined with the development of Dylan and Theo's relationship.

Characters:

The main characters are relatable and undergo personal growth, navigating their contrasting backgrounds and family dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging with vivid descriptions, although it has uneven pacing that sometimes skimps on character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative explores a fake dating dynamic set against a backdrop of rich cultural traditions and family relationships, creating a light romantic comedy.

Setting:

Set in New York City, the narrative incorporates cultural influences and food as key elements of the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, featuring rushed sequences alongside detailed moments, which affects the overall narrative impact.

Notes:

The book features a fake dating trope between two main characters.
The story is set in New York City and explores dual cultural backgrounds.
Food plays a central role, specifically a mooncake cooking competition.
Dylan is grieving the loss of his mother while trying to support his family's restaurant.
Theo comes from a wealthy background and is charmingly flirty.
The narrative deals with themes of class disparity and cultural identity.
The writing style is described as immersive and engaging, making the story relatable.
The author, Sher Lee, is Asian and incorporates her cultural heritage into the story.
The book handles LGBTQ representation with sensitivity and authenticity.
Readers found the wedding scenes detailed and lengthy compared to other plot points.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of grief and family dynamics.

Has Romance?

The book features a high level of romance, focusing on the relationship development between Theo and Dylan.

From The Publisher:

Dylan Tang wants to win a Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake-making competition for teen chefs-in memory of his mom, and to bring much-needed publicity to his aunt's struggling Chinese takeout in Brooklyn.

Enter Theo Somers: charming, wealthy, with a smile that makes Dylan's stomach do backflips. AKA a distraction. Their worlds are sun-and-moon apart, but Theo keeps showing up. He even convinces Dylan to be his fake date at a family wedding in the Hamptons.

In Theo's glittering world of pomp, privilege, and crazy rich drama, their romance is supposed to be just pretend . . . but Dylan finds himself falling for Theo. For real. Then Theo's relatives reveal their true colors-but with the mooncake contest looming, Dylan can't risk being sidetracked by rich-people problems.

Can Dylan save his family's business and follow his heart-or will he fail to do both?

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (3)
 
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