I really could not get past 20% of this book, I tried but couldn't. I liked the premise but the execution wasn't for me.

A heartfelt story about Julie and Randall.
Best friends that had a falling out.
Now….they are rivals at the local farmers market where they both have food stalls.
Family
Love
Forgiveness
New beginnings
Hangry Hearts is a fast read….I just couldn’t get into the Romeo and Juliet vibe in the story.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I quite enjoyed this read! It was easy to follow and you kind of forgot that the characters were only in high school. Definitely young adult, but could grasp as an older adult. Super cute read!

This was such a fun read!! I really enjoyed the dynamics between the characters and the rivalry - plus especially all the food mentions!

“I put my arm around her and walk back to KoTai with a full belly and my love next to me… It’s a damn good day for a grand opening.” 🍽️❤️

a special thank you to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press & Wednesday Books for allowing me access to an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chen!! it’s an absolute privilege to receive an ARC & i’m so honored to be able to share a honest review in exchange.

🥟 publication date: march 18th, 2025
review: ★ ★ ★ ★ (03/18/25)
what a absolutely adorable love story!! reading all the cute, romantic scenes between julie & randall had me giggling and sighing with them! i did cringe at moments but awkwardness is a part of the high school love experience.

i loved all the representation from immigration and lgbtq+ characters to LA wildfires! i was so happy to read about the support system randall had while transitioning, which often isn’t the case for others!

i also loved how the families were so involved throughout this book, it added such a sweet sentiment & made it so easy to root for reconnection!! while the food and family moments were very fitting, i couldn’t help but read & be hangry myself HAHA

i will say that the pacing was quite fast, which honestly kept me more engaged with the storyline but it may not do the same for others! in addition, certain parts were questionable in how realistic they were but i understand how it is needed for the plot. overall, i’d recommend this cute story!! ❤️

This was so lighthearted and humorous for a romcom book, but it also gave insight into culture and family values that I really appreciated.

Hangry Hearts made me so hungry. It is the story of two teens whose families used to be tight but after an accident, are mortal enemies. And yet they have competing booths at a weekly market. The descriptions of the food was off the charts in this book. So detailed and descriptive. Otherwise it was a sweet teenage angsty vibe of a book with so much representation. I loved the diversity.

Rating: 4/5
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.

Hangry Hearts is a cute YA book about two ex-best friends and their family that have a legendary feud. When Julie and Randall are paired together for a class project, they both are dreading it and they both didn’t think that it would bring up old feelings. However, with the fact that their families are still feuding can these two even think about a future.

Hangry Hearts is a sweet, lighthearted, YA. You will find family drama, great foods, LGBTQ rep, and second chance romance. I really enjoyed getting to know Julie and Randall, along with their families. I enjoyed that both of these families have such a strong connection with each other through food and let me tell you that the food in this book will leave you wanting to try every dish. In this book you will see how these two kids helped heal their past wounds and help heal their families feud and it’s all done through love. I really enjoyed getting to see how two families are accepting of transman Randall. It was so refreshing to read that in this book. I loved that throughout the book you will see these two come together through playing scrabble together, having secret dates and sweet moments. I think the way that these two healed their past helped their parents to understand that healing is part of life. I found the characters to be well developed, the plot to have been fun and easy to read, the pace of the book is perfect for the YA romance, I loved that you will find a great rep for the trans, amazing Asian foods.

I want to thank NetGalley and SMP for the opportunity to review this book.

Okay. Do you want a nice little Romeo & Juliet moment? Well look no further. This book is so cute! It is also such a quick read that I think you'll be able to binge within one or two sittings (just don't read on an empty stomach) Rival families. Love interest from the two opposing families. What more can I say? Not much aside from... READ THIS!

Hangry Hearts had a lot of really sweet ingredients—first love, food that made me hungry every other page, and that classic friends-to-enemies-to-lovers slow burn—but the vibes just didn’t fully land for me. I liked Julie and Randall individually, and their chemistry had its moments, but I never fully felt the emotional stakes between the families or got swept up in the romance. It was cute, it was easy to read, but it didn’t leave a huge impact. That said, if you’re into soft YA romances with big family drama and even bigger food cravings, this might be your jam—I just wanted a little more spice to go with the sweetness.

While at the heart it's a romance, this book is also about family bonds and forgiveness. A really great, quick read. But do not read this book if hungry. The food descriptions will have you ordering takeout or hitting up your local farmer's market!

The set up for the community project was over with in the first 30% of the book and I would have enjoyed it lasting longer, it seemed to repeat things after that. <spoiler> Although the calling of a third grader "fat" in the beginning from a MC about took me out of the story all together, I hope that is not in the finished copy. </spoiler> The reps and family aspects are very well done, the grandmas were the highlight! All in all, I just don't think this book was for me, but I hope the ones that it is for love it.

Thank you to St. Martins Press, Wednesday Books and Netgalley for access to an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

First thank you to st. Martins press and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0 stars

Synopsis: Randy and Julie and their families were best friends until a tragedy stuck them. Now their grandparents are enemies so they don’t talk. However when they are paired up with others for a school program, they find they not only miss each other but want more. The only thing is their families are fighting.

What I liked: the representation was amazing in this book and think would be good for kids in high school. The story was cute but very wordy. I also found it confusing how pov would change mid chapter. May

Family rivalry, check. Former bbfs, check. Delicious food, check. Awkward school group project, check. Romance, check. Drama, check. Hangry Hearts is a telenovela set around Asian food in a good way. Randall and Julie used to be best friends/found family before the Incident that caused a rift between their grandmothers and the families. The feud has grown over the years affecting not only their Saturday market food stalls, but at school as well. Told in alternating POVs, both Randall and Julie have to reexamine and reevaluate what they meant to each other and what they want for themselves as they are forced to work together as part of a group project for school.

This book is pure comfort. Hangry Hearts is a heartfelt, funny, and food-filled YA romance that dives into complicated family histories, community ties, and that irresistible spark of first love. Julie Wu and Randall Hur have the kind of slow-burn, second-chance chemistry that keeps you rooting for them through every awkward school project meeting, beachside kiss, and steaming bowl of Taiwanese breakfast.

The Pasadena Farmers Market setting was a total win—vibrant, sensory, and such a great backdrop for their families' decades-long rivalry. And can we talk about the food? Jennifer Chen weaves in culture and flavor so naturally, you’ll be craving dumplings by chapter two.

I loved how the story explored bravery—not just in love but also in standing up to family expectations, speaking up when it’s hard, and choosing your own path. The Lunar New Year was a turning point, and it was beautiful and symbolic without being heavy-handed.

One thing I didn’t love: for a book that’s otherwise super thoughtful and inclusive, there’s an offhand comment about a third-grader being fat that didn’t sit right. It felt unnecessary, especially in a story rooted in empathy and nuance.

Hangry Hearts is full of charm, cultural richness, and swoony moments. It's a sweet story about healing old wounds and chasing new beginnings—with plenty of heart along the way.

This was not for me, BUT I think those that like a sweet younger romance type read would love it.

The food descriptions were 🤌🏽. I love it when author makes it so easy to imagine things while reading.

I absolutely adored this over the top enemies to lovers YA Romeo and Juliet retelling that has the offspring of two feuding Asian American farmer's market vendors falling in love while forced to work together on a school project.

The FOOD in this book abounds and will have you drooling from start to finish!! It was definitely a highlight for me. I also really liked that there was a trans masc main male character who was wholeheartedly accepted by his nuclear family.

While there was a lot of drama, there was also a ton of heartwarming found family, multigenerational friendships and trans joy. I truly enjoyed this sophomore novel so much and would recommend for fans of books like A pho love story, Bingsu for two, Cafe con lychee or Fake dates and mooncakes.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!! This was the perfect start to my #TransRightsReadathon2025 !!! BTW the cover design/illustration by Leni Kauffman is chef's kiss!!!

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞:
🥟 food
💖 romance
⚔️ rivals
☠️ Romeo & Juliet vibes
🗣️ dual POV
★ LGBTQ reps

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This book had a cute storyline and I enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet inspired vibes. It’s definitely a YA book - some of the writing felt a little young & repetitive, and the pacing was rushed at times. But the overall story was sweet! And all the talk of food will leave you hungry!🤤

I enjoyed the modern day twist on Romeo & Juliet. I thought the characters were interesting to get to know, and I enjoy a good romance. Really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely.

This will be great for culinary romance lovers and enemies to lovers. This one wasn't for me, but I know other readers will love it.