<i>Café Con Lychee</i> is a Romeo-and-Juliet queer YA romance about two boys whose families own competing cafés in the same town. Used to only having each other to vie for customers' attention, when a new competitor comes into town, Theo and Gabi take it upon themselves to do all they can to help their families' cafés stay afloat--and end up changing their minds about each other in the process.

Having read <i>Meet Cute Diary</i>, Lee's previous book, I started off a little concerned that Theo sounded very similar to Noah in <i>Meet Cute</i>--which for me was a big turn-off. However, it quickly became clear that Theo is very different from Noah and not quite all sharp edges, which I really appreciated. Gabi, likewise, is not a "perfect" love interest, either, which was another issue I felt I had with <i>Meet Cute</i>. Both Theo and Gabi are dealing with different family issues; neither has an ideal home life, and I appreciate that Lee takes a look at both these situations, as unfortunately teens are likely to be facing similar ones at home.

My only real critique is that the plot itself is a little unbelievable in certain parts. I don't really buy that no one would notice a rarely-used room at a school being used for non-school functions, and I'm honestly not really sure how the boys are able to keep their Big Plan under wraps from their parents and the school. That being said, these issues are fairly minor and aren't really at the heart of the story, anyway.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read! Fans of the genre will love it, and for this reader the characters make up for any thin parts of the plot. Theo and Gabi are fantastic, and you'll be rooting for them every step of the way.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

Café Con Lychee is a YA enemies to lovers contemporary romance by author Emery Lee.

Theo Mori and Gabi Moreno's families have been rivals as long as they can remember, both feeling like the other are stealing their family business' costumers. Therefore, it's no surprise they aren't friends even though they are in the same grade and play on the same soccer team. Theo is openly gay, good at soccer and not the best academically. Gabi is very much in the closet, shy, smart, uncoordinated on the field but put him in a dance classroom and he shines. When a new fusion café opens in town, both families are faced with having to close their shops. Theo and Gabi have to put their differences aside for a chance at saving their families businesses. It doesn't take long before these rivals are calling themselves friends, and even stronger feelings form.

There is so much that I loved about Café Con Lychee, firstly the fact that its dual POV because it just wouldn't have been the same without it. Both of our main characters are PoC. Theo is Asian (Chinese & Japanese) American and Gabi is Puerto Rican. The story dives into the cultural aspect these two boys face when it comes to their sexual identity . While Theo's parents are accepting, the rest of his extended family are very much not and Gabi is stuck in the closest in fear of his parent's reaction since they are very forceful in their gender stereotype views. It highlights the differences between the two cultures through the book. The cultural aspects aren't all heavy though, we get the delicious addition of the different drinks and pastries they love, from boba to pork buns.

As for our main characters themselves, I found myself favoring slightly awkward Gabi over Theo. While my heart went out to Theo as he struggled to keep his grades up with his ADHD and the pressures he felt at home of being compared to his older brother, he lost me with his overall attitude. Instead of trying to prove people wrong, he just said screw it and acted out because he thought they expected it. He was rude and simply mean to Gabi on more than a few occasions, and more than half of the time it was uncalled for. Gabi on the other hand, my heart broke for, the poor boy didn't know what to do with himself and was constantly in fear of outing himself that he at times was homophobic and instantly regretted it. I loved seeing him slowly build his confidence and embrace himself the more time he spent around Theo and the closer they became as friends.

My biggest complaints are the fact that we don't get a first kiss and the ending wrap up. We are given a few sweet almost kisses but no actual first kiss, which was a bit disappointing. Also, the end seemed kind of abrupt, all wrapped up in a neat bow but not in a satisfying way. There's a bit of the high school friendship drama that's expected in YA contemporaries, but nothing that was too ridiculous, in my opinion. I've also seen reviews that say it's too insta lovey but come on, think back how many people did you "fall in love" with in high school? I can name half a dozen 😂 that's just what 16-year-olds do 🤷‍♀️

In the end Café Con Lychee by Emery Lee is a great YA contemporary with diverse characters, high school, family, friendships, coming out, loving yourself, almost kisses, and yummy treats.

I enjoyed this book, and loved the character dynamics. If you’re looking for a book about enemies to friends to lovers, this book is the one for you! I will definitely be adding this to my schools library.
I did find that the last half of the book felt really rushed, but it didn’t take too much away from the story, and I still enjoyed it.

4.5 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Quill Tree Books for the arc!

Theo and Gabi's families own competing restaurants, but they are forced to work together to try and save both family businesses. Theo comes to realize that Gabi isn't as horrible as he always thought, and Gabi comes to realize much more about himself. Also: soccer.


This was so good! I was immediately hooked by the characters and the duel perspectives in the book. I love a good enemies to lovers, but love the twist that Theo totally sees them as enemies while Gabi just...wishes Theo would be his friend. Both characters are really in depth and interesting and I loved following both storylines.

The plot is super fun! The food business in the school is great and I love the little soccer plotline that goes with it. I also like that there are deeper running storylines as well--with families, and internalized homophobia, and money, and coming out, and small businesses, and cultural appropriation. All of it was handled really well and flowed together beautifully!

Emery Lee did a wonderful job on this one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Emotional abuse

Minor: Racism

Theo and Gabi don’t think they have much in common, and their decision to work together is borne of desperation to save their respective family’s restaurants. Neither of them expects to catch feeling for the other, so it’s such a delight to watch their dawning awareness.

The fear of expulsion for being caught running the underground café is perhaps a bit unfounded, but that seems to be their primary focus. There are more important factors they should have been taking into consideration, and they soon learn that even with the best of intentions, actions have consequences.
The irony of a “fusion café” threatening both boys’ family businesses and them teaming up with their own spin on the fusion genre did not escape me, but if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, I guess. Their creativity and innovation was fun to watch, especially given their antagonism towards each other at the beginning of the book.

The romance aspect is a bit of a slow burn since Gabi is in the closet for most of the book, but as I mentioned in my first paragraph, it’s so sweet to see them realize that they don’t despise each other.
I would recommend Café Con Lychee. This is the second of Lee’s books that I’ve read, and I’ve enjoyed them both. Even though both families’ businesses face closing down, there’s not a looming sense of dread throughout the narrative. After all, the protagonists are still teenage boys and while they are serious in their endeavor to help their families, they don’t go about it with a looming sense of dread. Readers should be aware that there are some homophobic attitudes from both families, but everything ends on a positive note. I can’t wait to read Lee’s next book!

I received a digital ARC of this book from HarperCollins Children’s Books/NetGalley

Cafe Con Lychee follows two gay teen boys whose parents have rival cafes. When a white-owned fusion cafe threatens both families businesses, the two boys put aside their differences to work together on a plan to save their families restaurants. Surly Theo feels like he is a disappointment to his parents, especially since he has come out as gay. Awkward and shy Gabriel knows how his family feels about homosexuality, and hides many parts of himself to remain in the closet. A truly sweet love story with grumpy/sunshine vibes.

A light enemies to lovers story – but with scrumptious food. The description of competing restaurants – and boys – lured me in. And look at that cover!

The chapters alternate POVs between Theo and Gabi, both with very different and distinct personalities. Theo is openly gay, self confident, and a natural athlete. Gabi is closeted, lacks self esteeem, and is far more talented on the dance floor than a soccer field. Theo can’t stand to be near Gabi, and while Gabi admires Theo, he’s also a little intimidated by him. Their parents’ restaurants are long time competitors, which causes further conflict. When a new fusion café moves into town and steals customers, joining forces happens kind of accidentally and everything changes.

In the first several chapters, Theo isn’t very likeable. He carries anger around like a boulder weighing him down and lashes out at his family, Gabi, and anyone else who gets in his way. It soon becomes clear why, and his self realizations and the changes that result from them are admirable. Gabi has spent his life trying to make his parents proud of him and fulfill their expectations, all while hiding his love of dancing and his sexuality. His parents (especially his father) make several derogatory comments about being gay, and he’s terrified of what might happen if he comes out. His character arc is just as uplifting as Theo’s.

Every character in this novel is flawed, some more than others, and it’s an honest portrayal of just how messy humans and their relationships can be. There are also very poignant, honest conversations about difficult topics between some characters that are done so well, and I hope they inspire readers who might be dealing with similar issues in their lives.

Besides the serious moments, this story also contains plenty of humor, delicious descriptions of food, strong friendships, and a sweet enemies to lovers romance. The ending came about a little quickly and wrapped up loose ends in a tidy bow, but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the second book by Emery Lee and his work doesn't disappoint!

Café Con Lychee is a phenomenal take on enemies to lovers grounded in the reality of the immigrant, working-class experience that does its best to showcase all sides of what it means to be a young queer person of colour trying to thrive in a system that keeps piling more crap into your plate.

It's an honest and simple romance too that makes you feel even more deeply for Theo and Gabi.

Theo Mori and Gabriel Moreno are both students and teammates on the soccer team at the high school in a small town in Vermont. They have never really gotten along, not least of all because their parents own two rival business in the town -- an Asian American café and a Puerto Rican bakery, respectively. When a new fusion café opens in town, threatening both their family's businesses, both are feeling increasing stress. The two soon realize that the best way to try to save both their family's shops is to team up by opening an underground food and drink delivery operation in their school. Their partnerships is rocky and tense at first. But as they spend more time together, each begins to notice their feelings about the other are changing -- leaving them both confused about their relationship and their future.

This is a great read -- with strong characters, good writing, and a compelling story. Strongly recommended!

Need a book after watching Heartstopper/reading Heartstopper? Then this is for you! I adored Cafe con leche. It’s a rivals to lovers book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC for this title.

This book is an enjoyable read, but there are a few bumps in the narrative.

The premise begins somewhat Romeo and Romeo with the heirs to two rival restaurants in an "I hate you/I'm intimidated as hell by you" relationship. When the mediocre World Fusion Cafe puts both the family businesses in jeopardy, the boys stumble into an uneasy partnership that gradually becomes ... still not easy, but a lot more exciting.

The author weaves a complicated plot as the boys begin making deliveries and new concoctions to boost the family businesses- without their parents knowing because they don't think they'd approve. She lost me a bit here because, as a public school teacher, I just don't see staff letting these kids leave class as much as they do- even for Homecoming events. Plus, when they make the deliveries, the students just walk back into class with food and drink? We'd be breath-a-lizing them the second they took a sip.

Also, as much as I don't enjoy pain in my reads, I also found Gabi's father's move from open homophobe to just trying to protect his son to okay I accept you to be way too fast and unrealistic. It would be nice if gay issues resolved themselves quickly once they become personal, but it wasn't very comforting in this book because it didn't seem authentic.

What the author did do well was create a diverse cast in which the main characters' families are Puerto Rican and Asian respectively. She did a good job of showing the cultures of these groups and the clashes they sometimes have with mainstream American culture. She also managed to capture realistic teens. The kids in this book are self-absorbed, they end up in unnecessary drama, but they also work hard and hang in there with the people they care about. You want to kill them, and you want to hug them. This strength makes the book stand out.

I adored this book, I mean with the enemies to lovers trope it’s generally a given. In this case, the characters were also really likeable, and the family and friendship dynamics were heartfelt and engaging. The joy at the end of the book was satisfying and contagious. I love that books like this are available for teens and young adults - it is definitely something that I would have had loved to have in high school!

While its described as ‘enemies-to-lovers’ can it really be ‘enemies’ when one character doesn’t hate the other?

I really enjoyed Gabi’s character and watching him grow throughout the story and come out to his parents.

Theo on the other hand I wasn’t a huge fan of. He’s pretty much a jerk to everyone for no reason.

While I didn’t find the food delivery service during school to be realistic, (How did teachers not notice food appearing in their classrooms?) I did like seeing how Gabi and Theo put aside their differences to benefit each other.

Overall this was a cute read.

Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books and NetGalley for this eARC.

<i>Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC!</i>

I haven’t been reading much YA or contemporary lately, but this enemies to lovers fusion food queer rom-com definitely caught my eye enough to take a chance. And if you’re looking for a fun, food-filled rom-com that will make you hungry, then you’ve come to the right place … enemies to lovers, though, not so much.

Our two protagonists are Theo Mori and Gabriel Moreno, the sons of two rival businesses. Theo is hot-headed and the star soccer player; Gabriel is anxious and sticks to the sidelines. They’re polar opposites in every way, but forced to work together to save their family businesses. I liked both of them well enough — they’re both two sixteen year olds being crafty out of desperation and familial pressure, which I could empathize with.

Even though the romance is advertised as enemies to lovers, it’s really a one-sided dislike to lovers, so I found that aspect really underwhelming. I liked the slow burn, though, and that we saw their relationship to each other change (even if it felt faster than it should have been). I also liked the coming of age part with both boys finding themselves getting to know more about each other.

If you’re looking for a fun queer rom-com, <i>Café con Lychee</i> is definitely something to look forwards to.

Cafe Con Lychee is a lighter read. While there is conflict, I didn't find it particularly stressful. And while the romance is between two guys, that wasn't the most important aspect of the book. It felt a lot like any other romance, and I enjoyed that.

I found myself captivated by the tension between the two characters, as well as with the conflict of the family businesses being overrun by a fusion cafe. The pace slowed for me, and everything got tied up a little too neatly at the end. Overall it was a sweet story, and one that I would recommend to my students.

4.5 stars. Cute, fun, serious, important. Such a good read. Full review at Maeflower Reads blog on Wordpress.

A sweet LGBTQ romance with diverse MCs. The side characters weren’t as fleshed out as I would have liked but Theo and Gabi were enjoyable. Touches on homophobia and familial expectations.

Rep: MM (gay/gay), questioning identity M, Asian MC, Puerto Rican MC

Theo Mori is tired of being in the shadow of his golden child older brother and is saving to leave his family's cafe for college. Gabi Moreno is dreaming of taking over his parents' shop when he's older, and is hiding the fact that he's gay. Their paths cross when both the shops are threatened by a new fusion store and they must work together to keep their families afloat.

This was a cute story and I love that it's a M/M love story between two POC. First, I need to get my little gripe out of the way. Theo was awful in the first like, half of the book. His rivalry with Gabi is just one sided. He hated Gabi so much and I never really saw the reason why? I almost dropped the book because he was so mean and Gabi was just a golden retriever. That all changed when Gabi came out to him, so it was a bit of insta-love on his end, but I genuinely enjoyed Gabi and his story. Growing up in a Latine household that stills holds on to the machismo ideals is so difficult, but seeing Gabi find his footing is amazing. Theo does eventually mellow out and become a better person, and I get the fluffy romance I was hoping for. Overall, a good read for those looking for a M/M Romeo and Juliet, just be warned it can get very heavy.

If you’re in need of a palette cleanser after a heavy or dense read, this is it. Perfection at every turn of the page, such a sweet addition to the Must Read RomComs for summer 2022.