Super cute and light book that is perfect for a weekend read. It was very well done with a main character that is adorable and relatable all in one.

I couldn't get through this title. It ended up not being for me, but I hope it finds a hope with other readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A fun, light story involving a struggling young woman who was mistaken for a famous actress, family secrets, and romance.

Very well written book. Really enjoyed this author, would definitely read more by this author and recommend on my book IG

I absolutely loved this story. Gracie is relatable and fun. The plot has familiar themes but moves well and leaves enough surprises to keep you reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more!

Gracie Reed is an exceptional main character. After getting mistaken for the world-famous actress Wei Fangli, her whole world changes. First she's fired, her mother's health is in decline, and then Fangli and Sam Yao (another mega star) approach her to hire her as a stand-in. She needs the money, but can she really pretend to be an actress? This story is such a delight. The friendship that forms between Fangli and Gracie, the romance with Sam, the complexities of pretending to be someone she's not...The Stand-In has it all. Highly recommend.

This leans much more women’s fiction than romance and unfortunately wasn’t for me.

Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for my chance to review.

As a whole, I think I enjoyed The Stand-In more than The Comeback, but I do still think this book had some flaws that need to be addressed.

I loved Gracie's character arc - it's iconic really. The way she grew into her confidence as she struggled to jump-start her life after her down-on-her-luck start. It was a well formulated and I loved how all the different experiences through the story change her and contribute to her growth. I also loved her friendship with Fangli - though I wish there were more moments with them together - that was really heartwarming. I appreciated the mental health talks, addressing the fact that it's so hard to talk about mental illness within an East-Asian sphere, as well as the fact that mental health isn't something you can necessarily cure. How it's work. It was really well done, and I appreciated the inclusion of that. Honestly, this could have been a friendship book, we could've thrown Sam out altogether, but it wasn't.

So, Sam. I liked their romance. I appreciated how Sam and Gracie help each other grow and see the world from different points of view. However, I did not love Sam's swinging personality. I feel like it went from bullying to reluctant friendship to general adoration way too fast. His personality felt like whiplash and I did not like how the end was handled (similar to The Comeback). There could've been more reflection and growth there, but alas. It was a third-act breakup that didn't feel necessary. One thing I did appreciate about this book though is that all the characters are a lot better at owning up to their mistakes and they apologize (except for one fairly dramatic thing Gracie did - she regrets it in her brain, but I feel like there wasn't a good resolution for that). The character growth for Sam otherwise felt unearned. I didn't see the development and didn't love how it progressed. Like I said, we could've thrown the whole man out and it would've been fine.

As a whole, I loved the concept and how each different event taught us something important about the characters. The events were fun and I loved the scenes where Gracie is trying to learn how to imitate Fangli. This book, outside of the big bad (who was really one note, by the way, I wish there had been a bit more depth there, too) and the mental illness talks, was very lighthearted and fun. The scenes when Gracie has to impersonate Fangli felt like we were in on something big and it gave shenanigan vibes that really lightened the book.

All that being said, the end was perfect and I adored how all the threads came together. It was perfect and that really left the story on such a great note. I am glad I read this after The Comeback, as I felt it was more my vibe, but there's still those little things that just made me not love it as much. Hoping her next book hits it out of the park!

Rep: Biracial FMC with depression and anxiety, Chinese MMC

TW: sexual harrassment, racism, parent with Alzheimer's, fatphobia, alcohol; mentions death of a parent, cancer

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

"The Stand-In" by Lily Chu is an absolute gem that I adored from start to finish. This novel is a heartwarming delight that perfectly balances romance and humor, leaving me with a heart full of happiness.

Chu's writing style is charming and engaging, making the story an absolute joy to read. The characters are endearing and relatable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and genuine chemistry. The author's skill in creating a believable and heartfelt romance shines through every page.

At the core of the narrative is a wonderful exploration of self-discovery, personal growth, and the beauty of unexpected connections. The main characters' journey from pretend relationship to genuine feelings is portrayed with authenticity, and their emotional development resonates deeply.

"The Stand-In" captures the magic of a feel-good romantic comedy, complete with laugh-out-loud moments and heart-tugging scenes. It's the kind of book that wraps you up in a warm and fuzzy embrace, making you smile long after you've turned the last page.

In conclusion, "The Stand-In" by Lily Chu is an absolute delight that I couldn't get enough of. If you're looking for a charming and heartwarming romance that will make your heart sing, this book is an absolute must-read. It's a story that I'll cherish and recommend to fellow book lovers with the highest enthusiasm.

I know that this is listed as a romance, but more than anything I would describe it as a tale of familial love.

Gracie is doing everything she can to take care of her ailing mother but when she loses her job, she is stuck trying to figure out just how she will make things work. Enter a Chinese superstar, Wei Fangli, who looks just like Gracie and wants to stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. Faced with the promise of a big pay day if she pretends to be Wei in public, Gracie finds herself moving into a hotel and getting a crash course in how to be a graceful celebrity.

It's quick, light hearted and has a great message, and I also loved how it is set in Toronto. Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the advance copy!

Lily Chu’s two most recent books, last year’s THE STAND-IN (Sourcebooks Casablanca, 384 pp. paperback, $14.99) and THE COMEBACK (Sourcebooks Casablanca, 400 pp., paperback, $16.99), also star wealthy heroes, but here, the heroines are the ones who are up to shenanigans. “The Stand-In” is about a young woman whose resemblance to a famous Chinese actress leads to her taking on that actress’s social events, and falling for the film’s sexy co-star. In “The Comeback,” a workaholic young lawyer embarks on a fling with her roommate’s visiting cousin, only to discover he’s a K-pop idol in hiding.

Gracie from “The Stand-In” recognizes action star Sam Yao right off; his celebrity is something she learns to look past in order to get to know him as an individual and potential lover. The inevitable crisis happens on a very personal level, in the hospital room of Gracie’s mother (who suffers from Alzheimer’s). In “The Comeback,” though, Ari and Jihoon are flirting and cooking and planning dream trips together long before she learns of his fame. When their bleak moment comes, it’s painfully public-facing: Ari believes Jihoon sacrificed their relationship to preserve his standing with his fans.

Both books ask, what if you dated someone absurdly famous?, but they have vastly different emotional arcs. “The Stand-In” pulls you into the spotlight immediately, playing on the tension between public and private lives; “The Comeback” allows something secret and vulnerable to flourish, and then blasts it with megawatts of toxic attention. I binged this unusually rich pair of rom-coms back-to-back in one whirlwind summer weekend.

Thank you to Source Books and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

This was my very first (and possibly last) audio book. The format just wasn't for me.

I really loved The Stand-In! I thought it was hilarious to take on the role of a famous person just because you resemble them. The audio is very expertly narrated; Phillipa Soo does a fantastic job of bringing to life not only Gracie but also Sam and Fangli. And check out that gorgeous cover! I definitely recommend if you enjoy romances that are situated in the realm of the movie star, complete with all the glitz and glam (as well as the less glamorous side).

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for my copy of The Stand In .

It took me so long to post this review because I tried really hard to like the book but that didn't happen.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the digital advanced copy of this book.

The main thing I enjoyed about this book was the characters I loved how the relationships developed and all of the twists to the story.it was definitely a fun read and I would recommend this.

ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Well this was cute. Gracie is approached by a legendary Chinese actress named Fangli. Gracie is her doppelganger and she asks her to stand in for her at different events, she will of course compensate her. Sam is also a famous Chinese actor and Fangli's best friend. This new arrangement doesn't sit right with him but he sees his best friend struggling and goes along with it. Along the way, he befriends Gracie and soon falls for her. Gracie takes the job to save up for a nice nursing home room for her mother that has alzheimer's. Towards the end we discover a secret that Gracie's mom has kept from her that connects her to a new family member. The characters were likeable and the story held my attention.

"The Stand-In" is a sweet and charming romantic comedy that will make you smile from beginning to end. The story follows the character of Gracie, a struggling actress who takes on the role of a famous movie star's stand-in. Gracie is initially hesitant to take on the job, but she quickly finds herself falling for the charming and handsome leading man, Cooper.

The author, Lily Chu, has a talent for creating relatable and likable characters. Gracie is a lovable and quirky character, and readers will easily empathize with her struggles to make it in the competitive world of acting. Cooper is charming and swoon-worthy, and their chemistry is delightful to read.

The plot is fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of humorous moments and unexpected twists. The story also touches on deeper themes, such as the importance of staying true to oneself and the power of following your dreams.

Overall, "The Stand-In" is a fun and heartwarming romantic comedy that is perfect for fans of the genre. The writing is witty and engaging, and the characters are lovable and memorable. If you're looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable read that will leave you feeling good, then this book is definitely worth checking out.

Reading this book was fun, especially when Gracie was pretending to be the superstar. The plot was predictable though so I was able to guess what was going to happen next, which lessens the excitement of anticipation. However, overall, it was really a fun story with a heartwarming twist. Thank you, Lily Chu, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, and NetGalley for the ARC. I understand that I am to give my honest review.

until this book I didn't know I loved a celebrity doppleganger trope and now I do. It was fun and the leads were well drawn and developed