Review Detail

After quitting modeling, Leah Zhang is not sure what to do with her life. After a disastrous event at her cousin's wedding, her mother suggests she attend a two-week travel program in China. To Leah's horror, the boy who ruined her life is also there. Only Cyrus isn't what she thought. Or is he? Little by little, the sarcastic boy she knew opens himself up. To not only himself but also Leah.

What worked: Adorable romance set in China, where a former classroom nemesis shows up and slowly melts the barrier between them. This is a cute romcom that is sure to appeal to fans of LOVE BOAT, TAIPEI.

Leah breaks the stereotypical 'mean' girl mold that people assume of models. If anything, anxieties hide insecurities. It doesn't help that rumors of her expulsion from a previous school haunt her. I really like how the author shows the inner turmoil Leah goes through by not only trying to make her perfectionist mother proud, but also trying to 'fit' in at her new school. Leah's insecurities do hold her back at first, but slowly she learns to open up around others, including Cyrus.

The best part of this novel has to be, hands-down, the dialogue between Cyrus and Leah. It's punchy and the pacing is great! The romance starts as enemies and grows into something much more. Cyrus has his own insecurities. Leah and Cyrus's relationship is believable and one to cheer on!

I loved the Chinese backdrop as well. Leah is exposed to her culture in more ways than just the language. I also loved the contest where the students set off to use their Mandarin skills in the local areas.

Great pacing, a sweet romance that is sure to appeal to those who love books set in foreign lands.