Wednesday, August 13, 2025

"Hangry Hearts" by Jennifer Chen

Hangry Hearts (Mar. 18, 2025) by Jennifer Chen.
<This is a standalone novel.>
Move over Capulets and Montagues, because the Taiwanese American Wus and Korean American Hurs are here (here being Los Angeles) with their five-year-old feud that the families treat as though happened last week. The matriarch grandmas (ahma = grandma in Chinese and halmeoni = grandma in Korean) don’t talk about The Incident, but when Julie Wu and Randall Hur realize they’re crushing hard on each other, the divide the feud fuels feels even more gargantuan. Their families’ constant bickering at the Pasadena Farmers Market on Saturdays – easily the most coveted day to sell – briefly finds the Wus and their Yum Yum Dim Sum stand moved to Sundays, much to the Wus’ anger, placing full blame on the Hurs and their Sebae stand. Julie and Randall are paired together on a community-service project for school with ultra-rich London Kim, whose family sells the most popular soju (a Korean alcoholic drink that is clear like water). London is clearly crushing on Julie, but with Julie’s interest in Randall, she knows she’s got to let him down kindly. The drama comes to a head when Julie’s almost criminally snoopy brother discovers her and Randall’s relationship. Can these hangry hearts be mended or has the rift boiled over for so long that anything salvageable has long since melted?
            Food feuds and family-friend fallout simmer through much of this YA contemporary romance featuring Asian Americans, second chances and so many foods that I want to consume (like tteokguk, twisted taro buns, hakka mochi, scallion pancakes and ALL of the dumplings). Julie and Randall have a history, but it is complex. Julie knew Randall before he was trans, and they don’t want to disappoint their grandmothers, whom they love so much. This tale of star-crossed lovers will appeal to romance fans looking for transgender and/or POC representation. Young romance, family and food combine to create a lush story that’s made with skill, drama, and, oh yeah, love.
            P.S. I need to experience fan tuan (sticky rice rolls that are classically savory, but can be made sweet).

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