The Stand-In

A predictable yet interesting read...I liked all the key characters - Gracie, Fangli and Sam and most of the secondary characters as well. An interesting mix of characters that were developed very well.The story was as expected and I did have several questions and comments (it deals with several heavy and sensitive areas).But it was written well - especially for a debut book.Definitely looking forward to more from this author.

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.

Loved the biracial viewpoint and dealing with real life problems. It gave depth to the female lead and made her more relatable. Loved the author’s sense of humor and dialogue between the characters. Loved the Chinese and Korean drama references!Didn’t like the depiction of casual sex. So many young writers treat sex casually, when it’s something that should be special between a husband and wife.It’s a lighthearted and funny, yet heartfelt romcom. I just wish she’d had the main leads get married.

Gracie was super relatable. I can appreciate a good list. Her realizations throughout the book and character growth felt realistic from a high pressured situation. I can also relate to her wanting to speak up and second guessing. Gracie was a multi-faceted character which continued to make this story interesting. The relationship with Sam Yao developed over time and was believable and I liked how the tension in the story was not over dramatized. I was pleasantly surprised by the climax and resulting plot of the story. Which the end was what I expected, but the journey not so much. I always love when one of the authors' themes are mental health and they make not such a stigmatized topic. Gracie's mom story was heart breaking. Great read.-Reviewed by Dani, from Date with a Novel Podcast

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