April 1, 2022
When her former childhood best friend-turned-K-pop star returns home, Lulu starts to fall for him. Lulu Li is done with high school and can't wait to spend the summer before entering Rutgers with her two best friends, going to Hersheypark, dining in New York City, and getting a tan at the beach. She's ready to leave the past behind, but things change when her childhood best friend comes back from South Korea after becoming a K-pop idol four years ago. Kai Xu, who is known as Kite, returns home after his group announces he'll be taking a break for medical reasons. When they run into each other, Lulu can't help longing for their lost friendship. As their bond grows, Lulu finds herself falling in love with Kite. Between her growing feelings, Kite's mysterious break from performing, and trying to keep his presence at home a secret, Lulu and Kite must learn to be honest and open with others as well as themselves in order to move forward. This cute story portrays a summer of teenage fun while also depicting the ups and downs of being an idol. Because Kite avoids public places, Lulu's friendships and familial issues are almost as prominent as the romance. Topics such as anger toward a divorced parent, Korea's seniority culture, social media toxicity, mental health, and privacy are addressed. Bisexual Lulu is the daughter of immigrant parents from Taiwan; Kai is Chinese American. A sweet rom-com about connection and growth. (Romance. 13-18)
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July 4, 2022
Taiwanese American Lulu Li, 17 and bisexual, reconnects with her childhood best friend, who’s now a K-pop idol, in Lin’s heartening debut. Determined to avoid her estranged father, Lulu packs her last summer before starting college at Rutgers with epic activities for her and her friends, including gorging on chocolate at Hersheypark, tanning at the Jersey Shore, dining in N.Y.C., and, she hopes, attending K-pop boy band Karnival’s rumored premiere world tour. Her concert-going dreams are dashed, however, when Karnival announces that one of its members—Lulu’s Chinese former best friend, Kai Xu—is going on medical leave. Upon his return to their shared New Jersey hometown, the duo reconnect, but must keep his presence there secret from his growing fan base. Together, they navigate their growing feelings for each other and respective interpersonal challenges, such as Kai’s difficulties adjusting to idol-dom and Lulu’s tense relationships with her divorced parents. Though conflicts surrounding Kai’s struggles balancing his superstar persona and his more reserved songwriter personality resolve quickly, Lin’s gentle second-chance romance handily tackles the impact of fame and toxic fan behavior on one’s mental health. Ages 12–up. Agent: Lynette Novak, Seymour Agency.
Starred review from September 1, 2022
Gr 9 Up-Lulu Li's last summer before college is all planned out. With her best friends Ester and Stephanie, Lulu will be going to the beach, Hersheypark, and New York City. Things change when Lulu's childhood friend and first crush, Kai, comes home for the summer. Kai is now known as Kite, and he's part of the K-pop supergroup Karnival. Lulu loves Karnival and is even a Firework, a member of the official Karnival fan group. Kite and Lulu quickly pick up their friendship, but it soon becomes clear that they both have romantic feelings for each other. Romance is difficult due to Kite's life in K-pop and some fans who don't understand boundaries. Together they must navigate first love in one precious summer. Lin's characters are wonderfully engaging in this quick-paced and addictive K-pop rom-com. While the story is lighthearted, Lin also explores toxic fandoms in a unique but fun way. Some readers may find the story ends too abruptly, but the overall experience is heartwarming and satisfying. Great for fans of K-pop and readers who enjoy books by authors such as Jenny Han. VERDICT An engaging and fun read perfect for fans of contemporary romance.-Kaetlyn Phillips
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