Review Detail

Kisses, Codes, and Conspiracies is an action-packed YA romance with movie potential. The opening pages of the book are hot and steamy with Tan Lee and Winter Woo going back to his room after a fun prom. However, before things jump away from the YA standards for spice, Winter halts things realizing that with his family being her mom’s landlord she cannot risk a relationship with him. This attention-grabbing action did have me double checking to see if this was a sequel but it appears to be an engaging standalone.
They stay away from each other until their parents announce a joint adult only vacation for the week with the teens in charge of Tan’s five-year-old handful of a sister, Sana. Before things can get into a routine, his rich ex, Rebecca Tseng, shows up desperate for help. Having escaped her abusive boyfriend and billionaire parents she has stolen a comfy amount of money if she can just cash out. However, thugs are after her and they are quick to arrive at the house and they all must flee.
The group of teens plus Sana evade apprehension throughout the book in several martial arts fight scenes. They also receive help from an unlikely place. Tan’s established smarts with cyphers and codes puts him at extra risk because both Rebecca and the thugs need him to get to the money. The book also has tender moments as Winter and Tan finally admit to the depth of their feelings and Tan navigates Sana’s ideas of help.
The pacing of the book makes it feel like an action movie with over-the-top peril and last-minute saves. Overall, it is a fun read that is hard to put down. With themes of family, found family, and a bit of romance it is worth reading for anyone who likes action and adventure.