3.5

i have been a loveboat fan since i read the first book and this was such a nice ending to the trilogy. i actually enjoyed the read a lot more than the other two, i think pearl's journey was so heartwarming (and infinitely times less stressful than ever's. godbless i don't think i could have stomached another book like that) and was so perfect. pearl is so different from ever and i think her journey reflects that while keeping the charm that the loveboat experience provides <3. i loved seeing every character i missed and even though i hate love triangles i could look away from it because ALLL the topics discussed were so new and fresh and nice. i just love it so bad. unfortunately, it just didn't impact me as much as loveboat, taipei and i don't think any loveboat will anyway. this was still a great book and im happy i enjoyed the ride <3

Thank you Harper Teen publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own!

This story was my favorite of the series. I really enjoyed the plot of this story and the character development was top notch. I only gave it four stars for some personal preferences that I did not feel like needed to be apart of this story to make it amazing. I thought the main character learned a lot and brought up important topics.

Pearl is ready to jump into the professional musician life. She had her dreams just within reach but now she is having to stage a comeback all thanks to a Tiktok gone wrong. She decides to go to the Taipei summer program for elite students that her sister went to before her. She believes all it will take is to lie low and not bring any attention to herself. Instead, she finds herself in a love triangle that she has no idea how to navigate. All while learning more about her ancestors.

Content: Innuendo, Swearing, and make outs

Read if you enjoy:
Series
Taipei
Books that are TV Shows
Drama
Romance

This book was just “meh” for me. I felt like I was reading it because I had to finish it instead of reading it because I wanted to finish it. I can’t quite put my finger on what it was.

Like all the previous novels in this series (which are companions, but not reading them in order spoils a few character-related things), LOVEBOAT FOREVER was an immersive reading experience that had me engrossed in this story from start to end.

Readers follow a new main character -- Pearl Wong, sister to Ever from book one, as she winds up at Loveboat for the summer after a big social media blow-up. It's always a treat to see how this author unwraps the layers of her main characters, including what they are passionate about, what they're afraid of or struggling with and what they do in the face of all their new experiences, good or bad. These books have always been about life-changing times in the characters' lives, and it was a true honor to see Pearl find her way forward for her own life, career and passion while also finding those things that root her firmly in who she is and where she came from. I really enjoyed following along on this journey (despite the fact that there are definitely some teen shenanigans, though it really just made me shake my head and reminisce on old memories)!

(Major bonus to get Loveboat alumni cameos, especially from the main characters of the other books, who I absolutely adore! There was absolutely a lot of squealing involved, thank you very much.)

When music prodigy Pearl Wong’s perfect summer goes up in smoke, she needs to find a place to lay low and rebuild her image. Enter Chien Tan, the cultural summer program that changed the trajectory of her older sister Ever’s life years ago. But it might prove more than she bargained for as Pearl learns firsthand what exactly alumni mean when they call the program by its nickname—Loveboat.

After leaving the world of Loveboat after two books, it was a pleasant surprise to be able to return again, this time alongside the younger Wong sister! I absolutely love when a minor character gets their own book and Pearl was the perfect character to return to the world of Loveboat with. The choice to set the story six years after the events of the last book was not only necessary for the story to work, but it also allows for Pearl to really shine while still paying homage to the characters we’ve already fallen in love with.

On the surface, it does feel a bit like a repeat of Ever’s story from the first book—the love triangle and the brand new best friend(s)—but there is enough of a difference that, while predictable, the story is still a fun ride. Pearl, like her sister, goes on a journey of self-discovery and really grows throughout the story as she experiences more new things. And one of the best parts is that we not only see Pearl grow into herself, but we see the people around her grow as well.

Speaking of the people around her, fans of the earlier Loveboat novels will be happy to see the return of Ever, Rick, Sophie, and Xavier. While this story is focused on Pearl, it also acts as an extended epilogue to the previous books and is a beautiful sendoff to all the characters, both new and old.

One of my favorite elements of this story was the deep dive that Pearl did into her culture and her family history. As she learned more about her history, she found things that made her feel more confident and sure of herself, a feeling that was sorely lacking prior to her trip to Taiwan. The Pearl from the beginning of the book and the Pearl at the end of the book feel like two different characters and I love that it was because she finally leaned into her culture, something that she didn’t even feel like she had before Loveboat.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC

This book follows Pearl, who is the younger sister of the main character (Ever) of the first two books. It mostly has a new cast of characters, but there are still some of the old ones featured in the novel.

I honestly liked this book way more than the other ones, it seemed to focus more on Pearl’s self discovery journey rather than the romance. The other ones were really romance focused when I felt like they should be focusing more on Ever herself.

I loved all the characters in this so much!! The ones from the previous books got even better in this one, especially Xavier and Sophie.

This was a good third book in the series, and I’d love to follow more of the characters at Loveboat!! It’s such a fun and unique location, with many opportunities for a variety of characters and plots.

First, this book is ordered and will be on my library shelf. So good.

2nd, I almost threw out the book. A break of Ever and Rick? Absolutely no. I can’t go in that world.

3rd glad I stuck with because I LOVED these new characters and the feeling of returning to Taipei. I missed the people and the stories. And we got to see a little bit of Sophie and Xavier.

Pearl absolutely steals your heart but I constantly wanted to be like “Who cares about the stuffy/unsufferables at this program?! Live your life, have fun, and be you!” most of the book. Still though her character pulls you in and you have to know where she goes.

Kai! Ugh makes you fall for him with out even realizing. He also breaks your heart over and over. This guy! One of my favorite characters out of the entire love boat series. I adore him.

Read this book if you loved book 1 and 2. Read book 1 and 2 immediately if you have not and then return and read this book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

I was so excited to get my hands on the latest installment in the Loveboat Taipei series. It's been more than a minute & many books since I read the first two stories, but I think this worked out for the. best. This time around the book stars Ever's younger sister Pearl. In this story we're revisited from characters of past books but this could easily be read as a stand alone. I really liked the first two books, though and would recommend all three.

Seventeen year old Pearl Wong is a piano prodigy. Although she doesn't face the same parental pressures that her sister did, Pearl puts plenty enough on herself. Pearl is excited for the summer as the only pianist accepted into an elite summer symphony program. When a social media disaster happens Pearl's once in a lifetime opportunity is ripped from her hands. Now Pearl is forced to lay low this summer in hopes that time will help people forget. This is how Pearl finds herself in Taipei at the infamous Chien Tan which members lovingly call Loveboat. The last thing Pearl is looking for is a love connection. Can Pearl make it through the summer with her heart and reputation in tack?

This story is so much more than a teen romance. Loveboat Forever is about culture, family roots, deep friendships and learning what is truly important to you. What I love most about this story and the other books written by Abigail Hing Wen is how they focus on character development as well as relationships.. I often read books in this young adult stage of life because we all have to survive it to get to adulthood. In many ways it can be the hardest challenge in your life while at the same time the most impactful. Seeing how others maneuver through these years (even when they are fictional characters) can be inspiring to young adults as they face their own challenges. This was a fantastic example of finding your voice, your people and your strength. I can't wait to pass this story onto my teens.

I received an e-reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am choosing to leave this review here voluntarily.

As a major fan of these YA Contemporary series, Loveboat Forever is my favorite. Set six years after the events of the first two books, Loveboat Forever is, in many ways, a story about finding our way to love. For some characters it's about staying in love, reclaiming our love, and also about finding someone who challenges us. Too often in love we can try to find someone who seems like the 'right choice' but not often one who will push us. Loveboat Forever explores that and much more.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to review this book. This is the third book in a series. Where we followed Pearl Wong who is Ever Wong little sister. This is her story, Pearl is a very talent paino prodigy. I loved Abigail Hing Wen writing and how she include important topics an each one of her books. I actually like this one more than Ever story in Loveboat, Taipei. I'm so glad I was able to read and review this book. Also, was not expecting this to be a trilogy but glad it was.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.

I'm a sucker for this series. Each one has sucked me in to the drama and the relationships and the whole "finding yourself" trope that is portrayed so well at Loveboat, Taipei. This book was no different, and I absolutely loved the story of Pearl and the broody musician and reconnecting with her roots while also figuring out who she is and what she stands for. I also loved Kai and Pearl's friendship into relationship (hated Ethan though, as one should).

I also enjoyed how this wrapped up many of the other characters throughout the story, and the ending made me cry with the effort Pearl goes to in order to save Loveboat.

What worked: Satisfying conclusion to the coming-of-age romance set in Taipei. In this case, this story is about Pearl, the sister of Ever. Pearl is a music prodigy whose heart is set to attend the Apollo, an exclusive New York Summer Symphony. After a social media blowup, Pearl is canceled from the school. But she finds a chance to regroup by attending Chien Tan, the infamous 'loveboat' in Taipei.

What's fun about this trilogy is readers are able to see students at a summer school that embraces their Asian culture and the other parts that come along with it. The school isn't called the loveboat for nothing! There's hook-ups, parties, sneaking out into the city at night, heartbreaks, love connections, and more.

Pearl knows about the history of the school from her sister. She tries to follow her manager's advice and hang low so she can repair her reputation, but fate has other plans for her.

I really liked the cultural part of this book where Pearl learns that an ancestor of hers was famous for playing a traditional instrument. She goes on a hunt to find the instrument that went missing after her ancestor fled the country during a war. Pearl finds pride in her culture and who she is along the way.

There's also a love triangle. Ethan, another famous music prodigy and the elusive Kai with his own secrets. Add to that the secret dark parties and the hunt for a guy at the masked event who kissed her.

There's a lot of growth readers see in Pearl. She goes to the summer school feeling wronged to discover the truth about her own family and finally embrace that part of herself. She also learns to stand up for what she truly wants and not just fit in within the lines. Pearl finds her voice.

Sweet romance set in Taipei.

“Loveboat’s working its magic. Changing my life in ways I never thought of before.”

Pearl Wong, a 17-year-old piano prodigy, feels like she’s on top of the world when she receives an invite to the prestigious New York Summer Symphony. However, when one mistake leads to the symphony rescinding its offer, she jets off to Chien Tan, an elite summer program in Taipei. To stay in the good graces of her agent and her thousands of TikTok followers, she uses a different name and tries to shy away from any attention. When Pearl settles in, she discovers that the elite school is not what it seems. It’s filled with sneaking out, clubs, and parties. Stuck between wanting to please her agent and experiencing a new city, Pearl has to choose between living for herself or others.

When I first picked up the book, I didn’t realize it was part of a trilogy, so I read it as a standalone. However, I will definitely be reading the first two books! Even though Pearl was reluctant to go to Taipei, it ended up being the best option for her. She opened up to new friends, immersed herself in the culture, and learned more about her cultural identity. The vivid descriptions of everything from the clothes people are wearing to Pearl’s family’s village were awe-inspiring. I cannot visualize when I read, so having clear descriptions made understanding everything easier. I loved learning more about Chinese culture, especially the instruments. Pearl takes a class about traditional Chinese instruments and even picks up an instrument called the pipa. She discovers that her great-grandma played it, so she feels more connected to her family. One aspect of the story I didn’t like was the romance. Now, I am usually a sucker for romance and cannot read a book without it, but one trope I don’t like is a love triangle. Pearl is super indecisive and gets mad at the two love interests, Ethan and Kai, for hypocritical reasons, like not being honest with her. I am happy about who she ends up with, but that’s because the other character showed his true colors. Regardless, with brilliant, immersive descriptions about connecting with your culture, Loveboat Forever is a must-read.

I loved this wrap-up to the Loveboat series!

The third book features Pearl, the little sister of Ever, but other characters from the first two books make appearances too. Pearl is all set to spend the summer making music, but a TikTok gone viral in the wrong way sends Pearl to Loveboat instead. Where she discovers a whole new way to make music.

I loved the cultural exploration and the battle of Western and Eastern music, the discussions on colonization, and the discovery of family connections beyond the core unit. It was cool seeing other characters from previous books. I was so glad to see positive LGBTQ+ rep. One of the love interests in this one has a disability, and it was really wonderful to see how Pearl showed her support.

What a fantastic conclusion (or is it?) to this series! I absolutely loved seeing Sophie, Ever, Rick and Xavier again, but also getting to know Pearl. She was an absolute force. Her journey through Loveboat and Taipei was such a joy to read. I loved learning about the pipa and the classical music world. I also loved the themes of culture and family and forging your own path. Loveboat itself was just as magical as the first time I read about it in the first book. I absolutely loved Kai, Iris and Hollis. They were such wonderful characters. And the ending! So many great things happened for not only our MC, Pearl, but for the original group. I think fans of the series will be very pleased with this one.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperTeen for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't think I'd enjoy a story about Pearl (Ever's little sister), but here I am, a liar! I loved this, and thought it was the perfect way to end this series (it's a trilogy, right? Am I a total dork for assuming this?!)

Anyway, I really rooted for Pearl, and loved coming back to the Loveboat universe. Pearl's drama with the TikTok scandal is a perfect representation of the current zeitgeist, and I personally really enjoy when you can tell *when* a book is written lol.

I will continue to read anything Abigail Hing Wen writes!

Book Name: Loveboat Forever
Author: Abigail Hing Wen

ARC
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperTeen for an ARC of Loveboat Forever by Abigail Hing Wen

Stars: 4.5
Spice : 0 (YA)

Book 3 in the Series:
Fast Paced
FMC POV
Contemporary Romance
Tawaianesse and Chinese Representation

- Topics
- Homecoming
- Belonging
- Cancel Culture
- Colonialism
- Social Media and Branding
- Tropes
- Love Triangle
- Bad Boy vs Good Guy
- Secret Identity
- Thoughts.
- Fun
- Love Pearls “voice”
- Love and Drama Heavey
- Captures the Magic of the 1st Book
- Has some cotton candy vibes while talking BIG issues but I love this series for that reason, it doesn't feel like a manifesto it feels like escapist fiction.

This is the third book in the author’s romance trilogy. I’d never heard of this author until the first book was made into a Netflix movie. My husband and I enjoyed the movie so much, we read book 2 and now book 3. I hope to see movies made from these last two novels.

"Return to the sparkling world of Loveboat, this time with Pearl Wong, on an entirely new, romantic, whirlwind adventure from Abigail Hing Wen, New York Times bestselling author of Loveboat, Taipei, streaming now on Paramount+ (adaptation titled Love in Taipei).

Pearl was ready for a worldwide stage. Instead, she needs to stage a comeback.

Seventeen-year-old music prodigy Pearl Wong had the summer of her dreams planned - until a fall from grace leaves her in need of new plans...and a new image.

Where better to revamp her "brand" than at Chien Tan, the Taipei summer program for elite students that rocketed her older sister, Ever, on a path to romance and self-fulfillment years ago.

But as the alumni know, Chien Tan is actually Loveboat - the extravagant world where prodigies party till dawn - and there's more awaiting Pearl there than she could have ever imagined, like a scandalous party in the dark, a romantic entanglement with a mysterious suitor...and a summer that will change her forever.

Sweeping, glamorous, and deeply soulful, this companion to the New York Times bestselling novel Loveboat, Taipei and Loveboat Reunion will reunite readers with their favorite characters, in a thrilling new journey of romance, self-discovery, and empowerment. Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen."

But does she also have time to practice her music!?! Fun and games are all good, but you need some discipline occasionally...

Loveboat Forever is a captivating exploration of the profound impact that family and art can have on shaping our self-perception and our understanding of the world. This inspiring novel delves into the depths of these influential forces, revealing their immense power and significance.

With a keen focus on the strength of familial bonds, Loveboat Forever illuminates the transformative nature of these relationships. It beautifully portrays how our connections with loved ones can shape our identity, providing us with a sense of belonging and purpose. Through the lens of family dynamics, the novel delves into the complexities of human emotions, showcasing the resilience and unwavering support that can be found within the family unit.

Abigail Hing Wen skillfully highlights the profound role that art plays in our lives. The novel delves into the transformative power of artistic expression, demonstrating how it can serve as a mirror to our innermost thoughts and emotions. Through the characters' artistic journeys, readers are invited to explore the depths of their own creativity and the potential for self-discovery that lies within.

Loveboat Forever is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human experience. It masterfully weaves together the themes of family and art, showcasing their intertwined influence on our perception of ourselves and the world around us. This thought-provoking novel invites readers on a captivating journey of self-reflection and discovery, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.