This book is the third rom-com from this author. It was a good read that continued to have fun banter and realistic obstacles to overcome.

The Chinese culture aspects in this book were interesting. I learned a lot and appreciated how the author educated the reader along with the male main characters.

I enjoyed the story being told from both the male and female main characters point of view. I liked how Chryssy and Vin supporting each other and grew together.

I enjoyed the music references and showing the demands of a professional musician.

Thanks to @netgalley and @readforeverpub for the advanced reader copy.

#yinyanglovestory #laurenkungjessen

The story is told in alternating POV’s by Chrissy and Vin. It goes deep into their past and delivers a slowly developing plot.
I was a huge fan of the aunties with all their flowery names and also liked both of the MCs’ families, including the adorable pet bunny, Goji. I was intrigued by the inclusion of Traditional Chinese Medicine and learned a lot about health benefits of flowers and herbs. I loved the food and music references. Everything was so well researched and perfectly described. If I ever get heartbroken, I want to go to the Wildflower Inn. And I’m reminded in an author’s note ‘that I can take breaks and rest, I can change my life if I want to, I don’t have to be perfect and can bloom even if nobody is watching’.
All in all, I had a great time reading this novel, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

i only read a few chapters (i got to 14%) but i just didn’t care about it at all so i have to declare it a dnf😭

LKJ is a very solid middle ground author for me. I read her books because they are different from the classic romance and they always bring an awareness to Chinese-American culture that the romance book industry is lacking. I appreciate learning a lot about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in this book, especially as someone who has benefited from acupuncture for chronic pain. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about TCM and trying to read diverse voices in contemporary romance.

Romance wise, the relationship between Chryssy and VIN was a little lackluster for me, and I found the book to be a tad more fitting of women’s fiction. It reminded me of a far less spicy (mild?) iteration of Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto. Though this novel wasn’t entirely a closed door romance (the door was left ajar for one scene!) so that was a nice change from her previous two books. I liked the scene settings and the dual POV. The story also encompasses the feelings of burn out and perfectionism, which is something I could relate to (and am sure others can too). Even if the plot of an herbalist dating a famous musician isn’t necessarily realistic, it can be in the Hallmark romance world.

3.5 stars rounded up. This book was pretty slow paced, but also very cute. I really enjoy the Chinese culture and getting to learn a little about TCM. I also thought Vin and Chryssy were very cute together. The curse plot was entertaining but at some points seemed to be a bit much.

Thank you to Forever publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!

One of my favorite books I’ve read this month. Chrissy and Vin were no match for their fake dating scheme. I loved it!! Chryssy’s family curse might have been my favorite part.

I wish this hadn't started right in the middle of an event; I don't like beginnings that make you feel like you missed something. However, it got better as it progressed and I genuinely enjoyed the concept and the way it all played out.

Thank you @ReadForeverPub and Netgalley for the review copy.

Lauren Kung Jessen emerged as one of my favorite authors in 2024 - not just from reading her first two books last year but also getting to meet her in person at, like, 3 different events (!!). She is so kind, warm, and thoughtful, and those feelings translated into my reading experience with Yin Yang Love Song.

I highlighted so many quotes in this book that hit home for me. As someone who fancies herself a bit of a “recovering perfectionist,” the healing elements and conversations that occurred between the characters in this story — not just Vin and Chryssy but the side characters as well — put words to feelings I have been working through the past few years. Some of the passages served as reminders of what is important in life and love, which I really appreciated given the current state of our world. Vin and Chryssy had reservations about relationships, but watching their fake dating scheme turn into genuine friendship and feelings was not only heartwarming but also felt authentic.

If you are looking for a gentle romance with lots of music, floral notes, and reflection, I highly recommend Yin Yang Love Song.

I really enjoyed the concept of this, but I struggled with the execution of it. I had a hard time believing the chemistry between the two main characters. I also found the dialog to be cheesy at times, which took me out of it more than I liked.

🌱 Book Review 🌱

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

Publication: Out now!

Rating: Not for me

This was a cute read and definitely helped combat those winter blues. I did find that the romance between Vin and Chryssy not believable and too slow for me. I loved learning about the herbs that were used from traditional Chinese medicine!

For fans of:
🌱 First person POV
🫖 Dual POV
🌱 Fake dating
🫖 Curse breaking
🌱 Chinese American rep
🫖 Herbalist and Musician
🌱 Traditional Chinese medicine

I loved Lunar Love and Red String Theory, so I was beyond excited to start this book. The idea was so fun, I really enjoyed the backstories of both the MMC (his life as a prodigy-turned workaholic musician) and FMC (TCM specialist/ cursed woman) and their journeys to figuring out what they wanted. I had a bit of a hard time really getting invested, especially in the first half, but in the end I bought into the story and the romance.

3.5 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Chryssy Hua Williams’s family is cursed, and her 9th break-up proves it! None of the women in her family have ever found lasting love. Chryssy is a Chinese herbalist and runs a wellness center for the brokenhearted with her aunties. In a chance meeting of celebrity cellist Vin Chao (known to be a heartbreaker), they strike up a deal. They’ll fake date, and when he “breaks” her heart, he’ll see an increase in ticket sales and she’ll see an increase in publicity and business.

This book was so cozy for me! Chryssy and the aunties put so much care into those suffering from heartbreak at the retreat. They are skilled at observing people so thoroughly that they know exactly what each person needs to heal. I really enjoyed learning more about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I also loved that Chryssy and Vin were both going on personal journeys. The book explored mental health and burnout beautifully. Chryssy and Vin’s relationship was a slow burn and such a sweet journey to love.

Thank you to Lauren Kung Jessen, Forever, and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Read if you like:
💕 Fake dating
💕 Forced proximity
💕 Celebrity musician MMC
💕 Dual POV
💕 Closed door romance

Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung Jessen is so full of heart, culture, and an ensemble of secondary characters that are just delightful.

I sincerely loved the Own Voices element of this book, and I can't wait to go back and read her previous book.

Chryssy and her family run an inn for the heartbroken. Since they believe they are cursed to never find true love, they want to help others heal from heartache. One day, Chryssy is seen talking with Vin, a rock star cellist who is one half of the duo, the Chaobreakers. Social media starts speculating about the new romance and the two decide to use it to their advantage. They will date for a while and break up before anyone gets hurt. They both get good publicity and hopefully sales.

What a beautiful story! I loved Chryssy and her family’s legend of Hua women. None of her aunties or her mom were able to make a relationship last. Their inn sounds like an incredible oasis of relaxation and therapy. There’s a spa and acupuncture and Chryssy’s own blend of special teas. Vin is a very well rounded character who is always told who he should be. But he’s his own person and he connected with Chryssy right away. I appreciated the conflict with his brother (the other part of the Chaobreakers) and speaking up for the brothers at their record label.

This was a very meaningful and genuine story. Each of the characters reflected on their parents’ relationship and it made them think about what they wanted in a romantic partner. They also used a beautiful metaphor about writing your own love song throughout the whole book. I also learned a lot about Traditional Chinese Medicine

I did enjoy this story over all and loved the idea of highlight TCM.

The parts that I loved were the characters and their backstories. What I would have loved more of was the romance. We don't get to see the MC"s on page together as much as I would have liked.

Perhaps I had the wrong expectations going into it, but I would say this is a great "finding yourself" story with a dash of romance. It's still overall an enjoyable read.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc. All opinion expressed are my own.

*rounding up my 3.5 to a 4

Thank you, Forever Romance, for an early copy of "Yin Yang Love Song," by Lauren Kung Jessen!

I knew I had to get my hands on this book as soon as I saw it features a PR romance, nosey aunties, and a family curse—three of my favorite romance tropes! The Hua Family's journey back to love is both hilarious and heartwarming, and watching Chryssy and Vin's relationship bloom can cure anyone's heartsickness.

While the references to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are intriguing to learn more about, the speeches and discussions about mental health tend to distract from the plot of the romance. I'm all for mental health awareness in books, but a character heart-to-heart every other chapter is unnecessary. I kept going because I wanted to know if/how the curse was broken, but the resolution for both this and the romance felt rushed. However, this is the first book I've read from this author. After speaking with other readers, this is the vibe her previous novels give off as well.

If you're looking for a low-stakes romance and are a fan of Lauren Kung Jessen's books, you should give this one a read. "Yin Yang Love Song" is out at your favorite local bookstores now!

I'm starting 2025 reading cute, romantic, and wonderful love stories. I knew I would love this book because fake dating is my favorite trope. But adding TCM, an inn that heals broken hearts using a holistic approach, herbal teas and cooking, good-looking cello players, and a handful of aunties makes the book even better. I really enjoyed the getting-to-know process between Chryssy and Vin and how the fake dating benefited both of them. Vin selling tours, Chrssys's small family business gaining popularity, and Leo's (Vin's older brother) healing process. I also like the Hua family curse, the truth and mystery behind it. Aside from the romance, I love how the book discussed balancing lifestyle, the Yin and Yang of our bodies and our lives. I also liked how they compared life to music and flowers. I also loved how they encouraged each other to face the music together. This is my first book by the author. I really enjoyed her writing style, which is witty, flirtatious, cute, and romantic.

This was a cute story and I enjoyed how the characters went from fake dating, to friends, to lovers. I enjoyed that the characters were able to connect on a deep level through music, heartbreak, and tea.

I genuinely appreciated the relationship depicted between this couple; it was endearing, and their chemistry came through vividly on the page. The incorporation of Chinese culture and medicine was something I really enjoyed, as it stood out as the best part of the book. The author handled discussions about stress in both personal and professional life with great sensitivity. However, despite all this, I would have preferred a bit more depth in the characters and the narrative. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

This is such a cute and cozy romance read 🩷 I loved the concept of fake dating the bad boy cellist! I really enjoyed Lauren’s writing and that the book is told in dual POV. We love a dual POV romance ✨ Guys when he repeated “next time” in his head and got excited 🥹 that really got to me. I also loved when Vin said “he wasn’t your love song” I mean SWOON. So sweet. The aunties are hilarious 😂 The added mystery of the family’s curse and trying to undo it added a nice element to the book. The book also goes into burnout and trying to find a healthy balance in life and how it’s okay to change your career later in life as your passion changes and I love that!! Putting your health first is so important. I don’t want to ruin it by any spoilers. I smiled so much while reading and I also laughed so many times. I can’t wait to dive into Lauren’s other books. So happy to have all of my copies personalized 🩷