Kisses, Codes, and Conspiracies

June 1, 2024
Seventeen-year-old Tan Lee thought living with his crush was awkward enough, until his ex-girlfriend showed up with stolen goods. After Winter Woo's dad died, she and her mom rented rooms in the Lees' house so they could stay in Palo Alto, California. Although the attraction between the Chinese American teens is mutual, Tan and Winter are mindful of their position as landlord and tenant and agree to remain platonic. When all three parents leave for a Maui vacation, Tan braces for a week of being around Winter with only Sana, his 5-year-old sister, as a buffer. Things go smoothly until the unexpected arrival of Rebecca Tseng, Tan's ex, whose wealthy, controlling parents whisked her home to Shanghai several months ago. Rebecca has run away with her father's Tang dynasty gold coins to pawn to fund her new life. But after Winter's 911 call--an attempt to get legal protection for Rebecca that instead draws the attention of men sent by Rebecca's father to capture her--they're all forced to flee. The ensuing chase takes the foursome around the Bay Area as they try to protect the coins--which are not what they at first seem--from their pursuers. Cryptography enthusiast Tan is better at cracking codes and ciphers than sorting out his feelings. His romantic dithering occasionally trips up the otherwise action-packed adventure, complete with hostages and an all-out rooftop showdown. A fun romantic thriller that offers plenty of excitement. (Thriller. 13-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 23, 2024

Gr 9 Up-Set in modern day Palo Alto, this novel is equal parts romance and adventure. Tan Lee has a crush on Winter Woo, who lives with her mom in rooms rented in his home. After going to prom together, the two decide to distance themselves for the sake of their families. In addition, Winter believes Tan still has feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Tseng. Then Tan's parents and Winter's mom take a trip to Hawaii together, leaving Tan and Winter at home to babysit Tan's little sister, Sana. To complicate matters, Rebecca reappears on his doorstep after ghosting him for months. She has three rare coins stolen from her father; she ran away from her parents and is trying to start a new life in California, and she needs Tan's help. Tan, Winter, Rebecca, and Sana soon find themselves on the run, trying to outsmart international hackers and get home safely before their parents return from Hawaii. Wen's story is thrilling and keeps readers engaged with intricately woven plot twists. The mix of high school drama with espionage is executed seamlessly, making the story both relatable and exciting. Wen's writing style is crisp and engaging, with a good balance of dialog and description. Her ability to convey the tension and excitement of espionage, as well as the emotional nuances of teenage life, makes the book a compelling read. VERDICT A must-read for any YA audience, but especially those who savor romance laced with a bit of mystery and action. Readers who enjoyed Brittney Morris's The Jump and Kayvion Lewis's Thieves' Gambit will appreciate this fast-paced, entertaining story.-Jeni Tahaney

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 19, 2024
In her first standalone romance, Wen (Loveboat, Taipei) sets up a roller coaster of an adventure that features relationship drama, international espionage, and a babysitting gig gone awry. After Chinese American 17-year-olds Tan Lee and Winter Woo share a passionate kiss following a romantic evening at prom, they agree not to let it change anything about their friendship. Though their parents are good friends, the Lee’s are also technically the Woo family’s landlords; following the death of Winter’s father, she and her mother moved into Tan’s family’s house. So while Tan and Winter have been attracted to each other for months, Winter worries that becoming involved could jeopardize her family’s living situation. Their resolve is tested when the adults vacate San Francisco for a tropical destination, leaving Winter and Tan alone to babysit Tan’s younger sister. The awkwardness between them only grows with the arrival of Tan’s ex-girlfriend Rebecca. what’s more, Rebecca needs their help: having fled from Shanghai with funds stolen from her wealthy and well-connected father, she’s now being pursued by his hired “thugs” to track her down. Wen’s authoritative approach to ciphers and codes—and Tan’s gradually developing belief in his own technological skills—add verve to quintessential rom-com conflicts, including a potential love triangle and a will-they-won’t-they romance. Ages 14–up. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary.