A Library Reads pick for July 2022
One of She Reads' Best Romances Coming in Summer 2022
One of Buzzfeed's 27 New Romance Books Releasing In June, July, And August That Will Heat Up Your Summer
One of PopSugar's 36 New Romance Novels That Will Make You Fall in Love With 2022
One of E! News' 14 Books to Read in July
One of Book Riot's 8 of the Best Romance Novels Out in July
One of Los Angeles Public Library's Best of 2022: Fiction
"Lee seamlessly spins a tale that offers her readers laugh-out-loud moments, with touching pages of raw honesty and heartfelt passion. A romance full of heart and second chances." - Kirkus
"Lee has written another heartwarming, upbeat, rom-com featuring Korean American protagonists in the ultimate friends-to-lovers plot." - Library Journal
"Lee's novel shines." - Booklist
“BOOKED ON A FEELING is an emotional, enthralling story with brilliant dialog, a slowly, pleasurable romance, and unique characters that will truly mesmerize the reader.” - Romance Junkies
"Lee’s devoted fans will enjoy." - Publishers Weekly on The Dating Dare
"Lee's lush romance is a delectable delight." - Booklist
"A perfect balance of impeccable wit, laugh out loud hilarity, and off the charts chemistry. A Sweet Mess is a sinfully decadent romantic comedy!" —Helena Hunting, New York Times bestselling author
"A rich, vibrant romance that's a feast for all the senses!"- Lauren Blakely, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
"A wonderful twist on a classic romance...this is a fun summer read that is best enjoyed poolside or at the beach." - Lit Up, Southern California News Group
06/01/2022
Los Angeles lawyer Lizzy Chung is burned out. Years of overachieving and overworking have left her with increasingly unmanageable anxiety attacks. After fainting in the courtroom during her first trial, Lizzy takes a leave of absence to rest and recharge. She heads to Weldon, CA, home of her best friend, Jack Park, and rents a room above a local independent bookstore. Jack is thrilled to have his bestie in town, but he's worried that she'll find out he's been in love with her for the past twenty years. He knows he's not good enough, or smart enough, to be more than her friend. Reunited for more than a quick meal, all they've had time for in the past few years, Lizzy can't stop staring at Jack. When did he get so attractive? Lizzy and Jack are likeable characters, dissatisfied with the paths their lives have taken. Their challenges—career and relationship—are well-written, and readers will empathize with Lizzy's need for connection and Jack's desire to stand on his own. VERDICT Lee has written another heartwarming, upbeat, rom-com featuring Korean American protagonists in the ultimate friends-to-lovers plot. Her third "A Sweet Mess" installment is a solid purchase.—Heather Miller Cover
2022-05-11
When a beleaguered lawyer books a trip to visit her best friend, her three-week vacation turns into a trial run for their romance in Lee’s friends-to-lovers novel.
At 30 years old, Elizabeth Chung can’t help but feel the waning thrill of living a high-stakes, career-oriented life in the big city. As a senior counsel at top Los Angeles law firm Nelson Peters, Lizzy has a workaholic lifestyle that's placed her well on the path to becoming a partner. Although her choice of profession keeps her strict mother appeased, “conflict-averse” Lizzy can’t help but feel burned out despite her success. Lately, she only finds solace in two things: the nearby Hideaway Bookstore and the company of her best friend, Jack Park, a bookkeeper at his parents’ brewery. Little does Lizzy know that Jack has harbored a powerful, two-decades-long crush on her, but he would never risk their friendship by acting on his feelings. When Lizzy suffers a panic attack while reciting the opening statement at her first trial as lead counsel, she finds herself craving nothing more than Jack’s calming presence. She opts to take a three-week vacation and visit him in his hometown of Weldon, California, where they volunteer to revamp the quaint Sparrow Bookstore together. With Lizzy in town, Jack finds it even harder to conceal his infatuation, but could it be that his feelings are not as unrequited as he thinks? Lee’s third novel is delightfully mature; her lead characters communicate with ease and gratifyingly go for what they want regardless of the consequences for them. Her writing is the perfect combination of funny and joyful, with lines like “His eyes crinkled at the corners as his lips spread into a crooked grin, and an answering smile blossomed in her heart and spread across her face,” and “Jack with tools makes Lizzy a very horny girl.” Lee seamlessly spins a tale that offers her readers laugh-out-loud moments, with touching pages of raw honesty and heartfelt passion.
A romance full of heart and second chances.