Lee, Sher. Fake Dates and Mooncakes. Underlined, 2023. 978-0-593-56995-5. 272 p. $10.99. Grades 9-12.
Last year Dylan Tang lost his mom to cancer and since has been living with his Aunt Jade and cousins Megan and Tim above the family’s Singaporean Chinese takeout in Brooklyn. A true team effort means every member of the family contributes to Wok Warriors, but the small takeout still has its struggles. Though he wants to follow in his mom’s footsteps and become a veterinarian, Dylan shines in the kitchen, especially making xiao long bao. His mom and Aunt Jade have honored their culture and have taught Dylan and his cousins all about their heritage. When a delivery driver ends up with a flat tire, Dylan jumps on his bike and takes care of the delivery. At his last stop, Dylan meets Adrian, a customer who threatens legal action for including spring onions when he clearly instructed them not to, and Theo, an attractive guy who walks into the room wearing nothing but boxer briefs. Dylan gets out of there as quickly as he can while trying to save the restaurant’s reputation. When Theo shows up at the restaurant to smooth things over, he and Dylan have instant chemistry, but Theo’s wealthy life is worlds away from Dylan’s family’s struggles. Theo may be a distraction from Dylan’s plan to honor his mom’s memory by entering the Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncake-Making Contest. But after spending some time together, Theo convinces Dylan to pose as his boyfriend for a weekend family wedding in the Hamptons. Dylan doesn’t realize the family drama (and extent of a wealthy lifestyle) he’s about to step into. Can two guys who live very different lives but who have such a strong pull towards each other make it work, or will other forces keep them apart?
THOUGHTS: Mouth-watering descriptions of authentic Asian food and background on cultural traditions are plentiful throughout this sweet romance. Hand this title to foodie fans or readers who like family dramas or romances like A Pho Love Story, A Taste for Love, Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love, or The Way You Make Me Feel.
Romance