The Stand-In

I did not hate this book, I liked the concept of the story, but there was something that moved slowly about this book and I kept losing interest. I would put it down and pick it back up and it took me longer than it should have to finish. Maybe it was Gracie’s character and how she handled things.

At first, I didn’t like Gracie. I thought she was weak and I’m one to like my female characters strong. But I enjoyed watching her grow. I disliked Sam in the beginning as well just because I didn’t get his side of the story. I didn’t get the chemistry between them at all. It wasn’t until I was 60% in the book that it was super cute. The chemistry finally hits towards the end and I really enjoyed the ending even if it were a bit predictable. It came together strongly.

I enjoyed this book. I would recommend. It's captured my interest to see a case of mistaken identity in a sense.

This book is so well written! I enjoyed every character, and the storyline was amazing. So definitely a two thumbs up!!!

This was such a fun story that sucked me in right away. Gracie is sexually harassed at work and wrongly fired as a result which leaves her desperate to make some money so she can move her mother into a better care facility. In a wild twist of fate she is approached by China’s superstar acting couple, Wei Fangli and Sam Yao. What they want to pay her to do is unbelievable. Gracie and Fangli could pass for twins and they want Gracie to stand in for Fangli at her public appearances, including pretending to date Sam, while Fangli takes a break from the spotlight for her mental health.Following Gracie while she learns to navigate fame and the paparazzi is interesting to read, even if it did stress her out so much she forced Sam to do something he is not at all comfortable with. That being said, Sam is also a real jerk sometimes. But they are all only human and once Sam warms up to Gracie he is hilarious and adorable, especially with his dad jokes. I love that Gracie is such an advocate for Fangli to seek medical treatment for depression. Overall this was a very enjoyable book.3.5

It was cute, and obviously a fantastical storyline. I could easily see it being made into a drama show. However maybe it's the month I've had, it sometimes felt kinda flat. That's a reflection on me as a reader and not on the author and their story. I felt like I was reading a book, not experiencing a book. Maybe that'll make sense to someone else. And while I saw quite a few of the plot points coming, that didn't detract from the story at all. My rating reflects my enjoyment not the quality of the book.

I hesitate to buy books that promise to be “charming…rom-coms” because they frequently turn out to be so silly I can’t finish them. Although light and with all the expected elements of a rom-com, this book had more depth in plot and characterization than I expected. A great debut.

I wasn't sure what to expect from The Stand-In, but it was all a good read. Gracie is a likeable person, and she is relatable. I liked how she treats Fangli and Sam. The ending with Gracie mother was absolutely unexpected, and it made me love the story so much more.

This book was everything I wanted! Beautifully written rom-com with amazing characters and so much love between them (friendships as well as romantic relationships).Not only are there light and heartfelt moments, it also tackles serious issues like depression. This book makes you laugh, it makes you think and it makes you wish Sam Yao were real.I absolutely recommend reading this gem. It's a wonderful story and has everything you could want in a romance book and more 💖

Loved this book and can't wait for the next one from Lily Chu. It was fun to read and be transported into their world.