01 Feb / A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee [in Booklist]
Before Jayci Lee’s latest even hit shelves, Lost/Hawaii Five-0 heartthrob Daniel Dae Kim optioned the rom-com as producer and star. Before Kim goes celluloid, narrator Natalie Naudus whets your appetite with this delectably sweet happily-ever-after affair.
With his borrowed car broken down in tiny Weldon, California, celebrity food critic Landon Kim hoped to find culinary solace at the Comfort Zone bakery. Peanut butter and cream cheese might enhance a chocolate Bundt cake, but the gummy worms almost kill him. The unique creation was a 6-year-old’s birthday special order that somehow landed at Landon’s table – and he’s duty-bound to publicly share his near fatal encounter. Never mind that he (unknowingly) sleeps with the bakery’s owner later that night!
Comfort Zone was Korean American Aubrey Choi’s dream-come-true, but suddenly her flourishing business is on the verge of failing. Landon won’t retract his scathing review, but he returns with a tempting offer: to guest-chef on his best friend’s cooking show. The catch? They’ll be sharing a Wine Country villa for three weeks. Who’s hangry now?
Although Taiwanese American Naudus doesn’t speak Korean, her infectious energy makes Lee’s already enticing treat ever more satisfying.
Review: “Media,” Booklist Online, January 26, 2021
Readers: Adult
Published: 2020