It was Romeo and Juliet with food and thats how I was sold! Julie and Randall used to be friends and now they are rivals but being forced together during a class assignment has them rethinking their place in each others lives... Now if they can just get their grandmothers on board.

I had some issues with this book. What was with the constant chaging of POV??? UGH I hate that on a normal day but during the same chapter... NO NO NO!

I didn't feel the love vibes either.. I think it was personally unnecessary for the book for them to be lovers. I think it was done to virtual signal to a specific group and it failed. They should have rebuilt their friendship. That would have worked.

I get that the author was doing buttttttt it missed the mark. I did finish it. I enjoyed the tone of the writing but I think there were some missteps here..

3 stars

This was such a cute romance read! The romance was cute and enjoyable along with the plot. I struggled with the characters at times as I found their personalities a bit hard for me to mesh with. I also struggled in some parts with the pacing of this one it felt at times choppy and would take me out of the story. Definitely recommend giving this one a try!

Honestly, I had a hard time getting through this one because of the constant changing of POVs within the chapters. I like a dual POV story, but make them separate chapters. I think I more skimmed this book than read it... so that says a lot.

**3-Star Review of *Hangry Hearts* by Jennifer Chen**

*Hangry Hearts* by Jennifer Chen is a lighthearted yet heartwarming exploration of food, friendship, and personal growth. The story follows two women, Mia and Sophie, who bond over their love of food and cooking while navigating the ups and downs of their personal lives. As they open a food truck together, their shared passion for cuisine becomes a backdrop for the deeper emotional journeys they embark on.

Chen’s writing is warm and relatable, and the themes of self-discovery and friendship are well-executed. The dynamic between Mia and Sophie is engaging, and their camaraderie feels authentic. The book also does a great job of highlighting the role food plays in shaping connections and finding comfort during tough times.

However, while the story has plenty of charm, it occasionally falls into predictable territory, and the pacing can feel uneven. Some of the secondary characters lack development, and at times the narrative feels more focused on the food aspect than the deeper emotional arcs of the main characters. While enjoyable, the plot doesn’t offer much in terms of surprises or fresh perspectives.

Overall, *Hangry Hearts* is a fun, easy read for fans of food-themed stories and light contemporary fiction, but it lacks the depth and complexity to make it a standout. It’s a pleasant read that will likely satisfy those looking for a feel-good, low-stakes novel, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

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.