I haven't read a lot of YA set in the workplace, but Bingsu for Two definitely brought back lots of memories of my first few jobs in high school, making friends with people who were outside my regular friend group. I genuinely love the "found family" trope, and I thought the book did a great job portraying those relationships, though I wonder if it would have been more poignant if there were multiple POVs handling the narration -- filtering everything through River's eyes meant we didn't really get to know Dario or Vanna or even Isabette.

Adding an extra star for an incredible amount of diversity that didn't feel forced or out-of-place.

Trigger warning for a parent-child physical altercation toward the end.

Was an enemies-to-lovers cafe rom-com with the cutest found family and painfully relatable themes of being your own person as a teenage who's expected to have their whole life planned out ever going to be less than five stars? Maybe if Sujin hadn't written it so perfectly, blending giggle worthy humor, squeal out loud romantic moments, and such sincere emotional arcs that I teared up. This is one of my favorite coming of age books I've read in a long time!

|| ARC REVIEW ||

{ Bingsu For Two }
by Sujin Witherspoon

★ ★ ★ ★.5

Thanks so much to @tbrbeyondtours & @sujinwitherspoon for my advanced copy of 𝔹𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕦 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕋𝕨𝕠. 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮!

𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🍨 ya slow burn romance
🍨 enemies to lovers
🍨 fandoms & social media
🍨 diverse ethnic representation
🍨 friend group

Length: 351p
Source: ARC - TBR & Beyond, NetGalley, physical copy - Union Square & Co.
Release Date: January 14, 2025

•••••••
Wow.
I pretty much devoured this fun little ya romance. The characters were poignant, flawed, and SO REAL. The relationships were organic and complex. The plot was detailed and fraught with tension and angst from all directions. The villain is a nasty NASTY person who deserved worse.

And the slow burn, hard fought romance was sweet and so realistic. Sarang and River had chemistry, although sometimes it was more explosive than simmering. I definitely shipped 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘓𝘦𝘦 as much as their fandom.

This group of friends and co-workers were young people with a lot of emotions and thoughts. They ALL made mistakes and my heart hurt for many of them but they showed maturity by owning those mistakes and offering apology and forgiveness. LOVED how realistic this part was.

This is Sujin Witherspoon’s debut novel and I’m completed hooked on her writing! The flow was steady, the plot natural, and the character arcs fulfilling. I can’t wait to see what else we get from this new author!

{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}

I thoroughly enjoyed this YA rom-com. It hits on a plethora of tropes that most romance readers would enjoy! I especially loved the enemies to lovers situation. The book kicks off with River breaking up with his long term girlfriend and walking out of the SATs in the same 24 hours. He spirals until his best friend convinces him to work with him at a Korean cafe, Bingsu for Two. This cafe is the catalyst of a lot of events within the novel, and you're consistently wondering what will happen next.

There are many conflicts within the text that keep you engaged and make you want to continue reading! I would highly recommend for anyone looking for an easy, low stakes read.

This is probably the best YA romcom I've read since high school (and I graduated in 2019). The chapter titles made me laugh out loud, and that's nothing compared to how much River's narrative voice made me giggle. Beyond that, every character had a totally unique voice and demeanor, which made me care deeply for all of them. The video scripts were superbly well-written; they felt utterly natural, and to be honest they were my favorite sections of the book (though the entire thing was wonderful). I'm crossing all my fingers that this book becomes a film or TV show someday soon, because based on those scripts alone, it would translate to screen fantastically well.

All in all, this book felt like a homecoming--like being a teenager again, reading curled up in my bedroom, staying up far too late on a school night. I binged it in 2.5 days, and I would have read it even faster if I didn't have responsibilities (blegh). If you're looking for a fun, adorable next read, please pick up this love letter to fandom culture and coffee. You will not be disappointed!

I’m disappointed because the concept and the start were amazing. I have a major problem with this book; the constant mention and lowkey praise of Instagram and Twitter, and the somewhat negative depiction of tiktok. Apps are political IMO, and depicting Instagram and Twitter as the cool apps that kids use is not really realistic, and also a bit tone deaf. “Nobody uses tiktok”? In a book about teenagers? I also found the depiction of internet culture not authentic. It’s on tiktok that videos go viral and have a positive effect on businesses. The book sounded to me like Instagram promo, which really rubbed me the wrong way and I’m sad about it.

In the past 24 hours, River Langston-Lee has turned his life upside down. Feeling overwhelmed, he walked away from everything: his father’s coffee cafe franchise shop, the SAT, his future, and his relationship with his girlfriend, Cecelia.

After confiding in his best friend Kai, River reluctantly agrees to take a job at Kai’s workplace, a failing Korean cafe called “Bingsu for Two.” Ironically, this is the same place River and his ex once joked about running out of business with their successful coffee cafe franchise shop, which is just down the street. Things only get more complicated when River bumps into Sarang Cho, the green-haired girl who had once spilled her drink on him, triggering his emotional meltdown and prompting him to quit his co-manager job at his father's cafe.

“Blessings come in many forms.” Could this be one of them?

As River starts to care about ‘Bingsu for Two,” he reignites his passion for small business. In the process, River rediscovers his true talents and a sense of purpose.

But River faces a dilemma: can he navigate his newfound connection to ‘Bingsu for Two,” while secretly promoting it through his online short films, effectively becoming a rival to his own family’s coffee cafe franchise?

This novel, targeted toward YA readers, explores themes of cultural expectation and personal identity. Many will relate to River's internal struggle: should we meet our parents’ expectations, or can we express our true selves and have open conversations with them?

I appreciated the subtle development of the “fake dating” trope between River and Sarang Cho, even though I personally would have preferred them to remain platonic friends. Not every relationship needs to become romantic. On a similar note, I’m glad the author addressed Dario’s behavior, pointing out how he's sending mixed signals to his ex-boyfriend Kai, something that isn’t fair to either of them.

I really appreciate how the author highlights the impact of small businesses becoming franchises and competing with family-owned shops. I also loved how the novel portrays the growth of each character, as they each come into their own and form a supportive, close-knit group. “Disappointment, validation, and self-discovery” are universal experiences, and this heartfelt story beautifully captures River's journey toward understanding himself and his place in the world.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the e-ARC!

Bingsu for Two is a heartwarming gem filled with the sweetness of young love, Korean culture, and the beauty of self-discovery. It’s the kind of book that wraps you up in a warm hug with every page, bringing a mix of cozy café vibes, charming characters, and moments that make you laugh, tear up, and cheer for more!

The story is rich with personality, from its vibrant characters to its heartfelt exploration of family and friendship. I loved how it wasn’t just about romance but also about building connections, overcoming challenges, and finding a place to belong. The café, Bingsu for Two, felt like a character itself, growing alongside the protagonists and adding layers of warmth and charm to the narrative.

The banter between the leads is absolutely delightful—playful, sharp, and full of tension that keeps you hooked. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc had me rooting for them from the start, and the way their relationship unfolded felt genuine and tender. There’s also a wonderful modern twist with its nod to social media and the pressures of the digital age, making the story feel fresh and relatable.

The fast-paced writing style and unique voice made this an easy and enjoyable read. The plot has creative twists, and the found-family aspect is deeply moving, reminding me of the importance of community and support. Every detail—from the café’s growth to the characters’ personal journeys—felt intentional and meaningful.

If I could add anything, it would be a touch more romance to fully bridge the transition from enemies to lovers. While the chemistry is there, a few more tender moments would have made their relationship even more magical.

Overall, Bingsu for Two is a delightful read that brims with warmth, charm, and heart. If you’re a fan of young adult romance with lovable characters, vibrant settings, and a story that leaves you smiling long after you finish, this one’s for you. Highly recommended!🍧

This book was a possible pick for a JLG pick and sometimes with YA romance it can be so hit or miss. I really didn't know much about it but was super excited when I was able to have the opportunity to preview it through NetGalley before deciding whether to purchase it or not.
This book was shockingly suprisingly so much fun and I really think students will enjoy it. It reminded me of Emma Lord and Lynn Painter style YA romance books. I look forward to seeing more books by this author. It has a great cast of characters and the writing was engaging, and I feel like the author did a great job dealing with issues that young and old people struggle with in life. The Korean coffee shop setting, and multimedia format was something I think readers will love and of course it had that Hallmarky feeling that gives your those little squeals of delight as your root for the characters and enjoy their witty banter. It was cute and heartwarming and had all the feels. I think people will love it.
I would definitely recommend to students and those who love a great romcom.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the Arc.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of Bingsu for Two!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🌃 live in Seattle
☕️ would take your coffee through an IV drip if you could
❤️ enjoy enemies to lovers
👤 have a secret fandom account

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Meet River Langston-Lee. In the past 24 hours, he’s dumped his girlfriend, walked out of his SATs, and quit his job at his parents’ cafe in spectacularly disastrous fashion—even for him.

Somehow, he manages to talk his way into a gig at a failing Korean cafe, Bingsu for Two, which is his lucky break until he meets short, grumpy, and goth: Sarang Cho. She’s his new no-BS co-worker who’s as determined to make River’s life hell as she is to save her family’s cafe.

After River accidentally uploads a video of his chaotic co-workers to his popular fandom account, they strike viral fame. The kicker? Their new fans ship River and Sarang big-time. In order to keep the Internet’s attention—and the cafe’s new paying customers—River and Sarang must pretend that the tension between them is definitely of the romantic variety, not the considering the best way to kill you and hide your body variety.

But when Bingsu for Two’s newfound success catches the attention of River’s ex and his parents’ cafe around the corner, he faces a choice: keep letting others control his life or stand up for the place that’s become home. And a green-haired girl who’s not as heartless as he originally thought . . .

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was a pretty cute enemies to lovers YA story! It had a few unbelievable bits (such as high schoolers being managers of coffee shops, etc) but overall, it was incredibly funny and had me laughing a lot. River was really witty and sarcastic, which I loved. I enjoyed the story being told from his perspective as well because I don’t see this happen very often. It might have been because he fell first. Either way, I enjoyed the overall premise of the story and how it all flowed together. This is a quick read that will leave you laughing and smiling!

I asked for an Earc because I thought the cover was cute and the story was just as cute! I really loved how sassy Sarang is! She's everything I wanted to be when I was a teenager. River was fun but frustrating at times. As you would expect. I did feel like the book dragged on and then everything happened in the last 75ish pages. I still overall loved this book and thought it had a great message of being true to yourself and doing things because you want to not because of someone else!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a fantastic read and stellar debut. The characters leaped off the page, and the story was an ideal balance between tropes and originality. It also didn't feel like something I had read before, which was refreshing. I would definitely recommend this one, and I'm already looking forward to the author's future works!

I had the pleasure of reading Bingsu for Two during the holiday season. The cozy vibes this book gives off were perfectly comforting. Sujin Witherspoon does a wonderful job at bringing the stress and chaos of young adult life off the page. River's turmoil and uncertainty of how to build a life of his own, outside of his parents' designs, is raw and realistic. The found family element of this novel is strongest of all; exactly what River needed at this point of his life. It was also a joy to read a YA novel from a MMC's POV. While there are plenty of books that do the same, River's POV was refreshing and lively to others I've encountered this past year. Recommended to fans of Jenny Han.

The Vibes:
Contemporary Young Adult
Workplace Romance
Rivals to Lovers
Single POV - MMC
Slow Burn
Third Act Breakup
Found Family

After quitting his family's coffee shop chain, River begins working at a struggling bingsu cafe with his best friend. The bingsu cafe then goes- accidentally and incredibly- viral for its loveably quirky teenage/young adult staffers. A fake dating, rivals to lovers ya book for the ages.

I wholeheartedly adored this book! River was such a goofy, frustrating, kind hearted character. His voice was so distinct and genuine, I actually laughed out loud reading his thoughts. He was an excellent, flawed, genuine protagonist.

Did I think some of the actions and scenarios were unrealistic? Absolutely. Did it take away from my enjoyment? 100% no. River's voice was so entertaining. The cast of characters were each so distinct in their personalities and identities, it was hard not to fall in love with them all. . Not to mention the banter between all of the characters was fantastic, and the main love story between River and Sarang was lovely.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a wonderfully written ya rom com. It has a beautiful balance of light hearted fun and deep issues like familial burdens, societal expectations, and the dark side of social media. Sujin Witherspoon phenomenally wove dark truths with humor, love and found family, to create an authentic story for all ages.

A huge thank you to Sujin Witherspoon, Union Square & Co, and NetGalley for the ARC <3 <3 <3

Bingsu for Two is a cozy, contemporary YA romance. MMC feels the pressure of working for his parent's main stream coffee shop, and recently broke up with his girlfriend who co-manages the newest coffee shop with him. Right from the beginning the MMC quits the store and scrambles to find a job to spend time away from his family, and hide the fact he's struggling to find his own in life and senior year in high school. He winds up working for another korean coffee shop around the corner that he originally sought to shut down. When the MMC incidentally posts a video to social media, the little coffee shop becomes an instant hit, rivaling his parents' store.

What I did not enjoy: the unbelievable situation where a senior in HS or two of them, would be co-managing a coffee shop. Seems a little off.

What I did enjoy: I really loved not only the relationship building between the two MC's, but also the relationships of the supporting characters, too. There was definitely some truth in the parent and child relationship within Asian families, including the external/internal expectations and dash of guilt that can be present.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. Sujin did well in creating this adorable romantic comedy, which includes fake dating, rivals to lovers, friends to rivals, and dare I say. dash of found family. If you are looking for a book that's a slow burn, cutesy kind of romance (clean), I would recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley, Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing | Union Square & Co. and the author for the opportunity in an exchange for an honest review.

I will be posting to socials.

this book surprised me (in the best way ofc)!! the main thing that initially drew me to it was the fact that it's written from the boy's perspective, rather than the girl's, something you don't often find in romance / contemporary novels. having the inner monologue of the guy was very refreshing!

ms sujin witherspoon has also achieved the impossible: mentioning pop culture, gen z slang, and social media without it feeling cringe or out of place. i feel like she's probably the first person to achieve this hehe. i also loved the twt / ao3 pages and how realistic they looked - it was like looking at the actual social media page without it being a poorly copied version, in the wrong font might i add, that you usually find in these types of books.

i also don't usually enjoy contemporary / rom-com novels as the stakes aren't very high so they tend to bore me, but this one certainly didn't! i went into it with few expectations but ended up finishing most of it in one day. the story was very gripping but enjoyable, and very immersive. i could really feel river's stress throughout the entire book, especially near the end.

i'm not usually a fan of the grumpy / sunshine dynamic because sometimes, the "grumpy" one comes off as more of a bully than a potential partner that's just a little annoyed at everything. this novel, however, did this trope very well! sarang is "grumpy" but in the funny, sarcastic way and not the "i'm a complete bitch" way! she's charismatic and her and river's character types and personalities bounce off of each other very well.

lastly, the side characters!! i was so surprised to see that this is ms witherspoon's debut novel because everything so far has been near perfect, especially the side characters. they usually get left to the wayside or forgotten about completely once the main character (and possibly love interest) doesn't need them anymore, almost like accessories to the mcs that are easily discarded from the narrative once the author gets bored of them. luckily though, this didn't happen here!! all the side characters are very fleshed out, have their own struggles and, like sarang and river, have their own problems. none of the characters are 100% perfect yet still get good development, like the main characters. i especially loved dario/kai's relationship development and vanna's character.

through river and the other characters, the author is able to deliver a very good critique of society and those who fall through the cracks of it.

lastly, river!! again, with the male mc of a rom-com, something i'd love to see more of! it was still very fun to have a main character who's a fandom-loving otaku. i feel like, especially in contemporary fiction, there isn't a lot of mention of people like river, so it's so fun to have a main character like him + it likely made the social media references so much easier to not cringe at.

overall, a very interesting and funny novel. it doesn't drag at all, and it's a very enjoyable read! <3

"Bingsu for Two" serves up a tantalizing tale of enemies turned lovers, all nestled within a quaint Korean café. The narrative spins around River Langston-Lee, a young man grappling with life's curveballs, who ends up at the beleaguered Bingsu for Two. There, he encounters Sarang Cho, his straight-talking, goth colleague. Their fiery rivalry takes an unexpected twist when River inadvertently shares a video of their uproarious antics, catapulting them into a whirlwind of fake dating stunts aimed at rescuing the café from its troubles.

Sujin Witherspoon has a remarkable talent for bringing to life characters that resonate deeply with readers. River's transformation from a wandering teenager to a young adult who discovers his place in the world is a touching and authentic tale. Meanwhile, Sarang, whose hard shell conceals her delicate insecurities, balances River wonderfully. Their development, both as individuals and as a couple, is depicted with extraordinary richness and subtlety.

The author's prose dances with a lively rhythm, effortlessly intertwining humor and genuine emotion. The playful exchanges between River and Sarang shine brightly, infusing the story with a delightful charm. Additionally, the clever choice to incorporate a script format in select parts offers a refreshing twist, enriching the narrative in a wonderfully distinct way.

The novel embarks on an enchanting journey through the realms of self-discovery, family bonds, and the strength found in community ties. It bravely navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescence, grapples with the weight of parental expectations, and underscores the significance of charting one’s own course. The clever use of a fake dating scenario serves as a brilliant backdrop for the characters’ evolution and the blossoming of sincere emotions.

With skillful artistry, the author weaves together a tapestry of literary devices that elevate the narrative. The shifting viewpoints of River and Sarang offer a rich, multifaceted glimpse into their inner worlds. Meanwhile, the infusion of social media nuances breathes contemporary life into the tale, making it resonate deeply with today's readers.

The rhythm of this book dances gracefully between spirited, witty escapades and contemplative pauses, striking the perfect harmony. Its unique structure, intertwining classic storytelling with a script-like style, captivates and invigorates the reader's journey.

"Bingsu for Two" flows effortlessly, beckoning readers in with its approachable prose. The conversations feel genuine, and the vivid imagery transports us straight into the lively ambiance of the café and its charmingly eccentric characters.

Sujin Witherspoon's debut novel is a true gem in the realm of young adult romance. With a delightful blend of wit, warmth, and characters you can't help but connect with, this story is irresistibly engaging. Its heartfelt messages about embracing oneself and the power of community echo profoundly, ensuring it lingers in your thoughts long after the last page.

If you’re a lover of contemporary romance or young adult tales, I can’t recommend Bingsu for Two enough! It boasts a captivating narrative, well-crafted characters, and a distinctive writing style that make it essential reading. Whether you crave a sweet romance or a story rich with deeper insights, this book has something special to offer on every level.

I had very high hopes for this one, but unfortunately it ended up not really working for me. At the start of the book, we're being thrown into the story - River has already broken up with his girlfriend, he's walking out of the SATs, and he's quitting his manager job at his parents' coffeeshop franchise. I felt like I was missing a lot of context as to why River is blowing up his life like that, and I was waiting for his motivations to become clear, but by the end, I can't say I'm exactly sure. This left me kind of lost in the book and I didn't feel super connected to the story, because I didn't understand why River was doing the things he was doing. I also had a little bit of a hard time suspending my disbelief as to why both Café Gong and Bingsu For Two would put high schoolers in charge. I did think the friendships and romance in the book were sweet and often funny, but this book didn't work as well for me as I was hoping it would.

I'm a sucker for the found family trope and this has one of the best ones I've read in a YA romance🥹🫶🏻

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is more than a rom-com cuz it primarily focuses on the self-discovery of River, and his journey of trying to break the walls that he's built around him for years. River has always tried to live by his parents' wishes and that meant dating the girl who's approved by his family and keeping the facade on even though he doesn't feel the same about her anymore; to studying hard to get into the college that his dad went to, and so on. And when everything comes down within the past few hours, he doesn't know who he is anymore or what he wants to do with his life. And everything changes when he meets Sarang who somehow brings out his true self and who also happens to be the only person who riles him up!! It was a heartwarming journey to have witnessed River's growth from not being able to articulate his real feelings to his parents to standing up for what he really wants, and that really made me feel so proud of him.

On the other hand, we have Sarang Cho who runs the quaint coffee shop called Bingsu for Two along with her elder sister. Even though she comes across as cold and harsh, she's completely the opposite once you get to know her. The way she cares about everyone working in their cafe, and the things she's ready to do for them made me admire her so much. As much as she hates River at the start and doesn't want him to work there, she cares for him too and looks out for him whenever he faces a crisis. And their relationship development was my favorite aspect of the book cuz it was the slowest of the slowburn and I'm always here for it!! They were so adorable together, and their banter hit hard every single time.

I loved the other characters a lot too - Kai, Dario, Vanna, Betty, Hanuel, they were all amazing! We also got the sweetest queer relationships here, and I was swooning and cheering for them from the start till the end. Also I don't think I've hated a character as much as I did Cece, gosh she's awful and manipulative, and so cheap!!

Also the entire book felt like watching a kdrama from the 2010s and it just felt so good!! So if you're someone like me who loves kdrama and kpop, I highly recommend that you check this one out!!

I really enjoyed this book! Thoughtful, well-rounded characters and an interesting storyline that provided insight into a world that was totally new to me. The teen relationships and family pressures felt very believable. River's character development kept the pages turning and there were just the right number of twists and turns.