Worth Fighting For offers a contemporary retelling of Mulan, tackling themes of sexism and cultural expectations with humor and heart. While the story incorporates familiar elements from the Disney film, it shines in its exploration of Mulan's struggle for identity in a modern setting. However, the pacing of the romance felt somewhat abrupt, and certain plot points, like Mushu's antics, seemed less effective. Despite these flaws, Worth Fighting For is an enjoyable read for Disney fans and those seeking an empowering story about challenging gender roles. I received a copy of this book for review purposes.

This was cute enough! This is my first time reading anything from the Meant to Be series, so I wasn't sure how faithful it would be to the Disney story versus the original fairy tale versus contemporary romance tropes. It took me a while to picture Mushu as something other than a dragon with Eddie Murphy's voice, but most of what was taken from the fairy tale and movie were the names. The themes of the strength of women in the face of sexist expectations were well written in the contemporary setting.

The best part of this book is how it talks about gender roles, particularly in immigrant families trying to meet the hypermasculine gender roles of America. I didn't know much about that, so it was interesting to read. You can always count on Sutanto for providing such a loving critique of elements of American culture and Chinese culture, one that makes you think and makes you laugh at the same time.

Honestly, the reason why this is a three is because of the writing itself. If I had to read the words "finance bro" one more time, I was going to scream. Same with reading another one of Mushu's lies that Mulan has to cover for, it felt pointless to the love story and the fight against sexism. The romance also didn't develop super well? It was absolutely nothing for so long, and then it took off way too fast and lowkey gave me whiplash...like you're telling me you slept with this man while he was moaning your DAD'S name?? That's a no from me.

Anyway I'm going to go watch Mulan now. Bye!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Ave for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Mulan has always been one of my favorite Disney princesses, and I’ve always related to her the most—especially since she was the first Asian princess. So, when I picked this up, I wasn’t sure how this retelling would compare to the classic movie or even the first book in this series (which, while fun with its Disney Easter eggs, wasn’t a favorite of mine). But wow—this book had me hooked within the first few pages!

For starters, it kept a lot of the magic of the original Disney movie by using familiar names like Mulan, Mushu, and Li Shang. This modern retelling sets Mulan in San Francisco as a finance professional, and honestly, that transition felt so realistic for her character. While Grandma, Little Brother, and Khan don’t make appearances, there are plenty of other supporting characters who add so much humor and heart to the story.

Speaking of humor, this book is hilarious! I found myself snickering at Mushu’s antics and the over-the-top but oh-so-familiar shenanigans of the typical Asian aunties. If you’ve ever been part of a culture where you just go along with things because “that’s what we do,” you’ll relate!

There were so many details that made me smile, from the crickets to the cringe-worthy (but accurate) situations Mulan finds herself in—just like in the movie. The will-they-won’t-they tension between Shang and Mulan was perfect, and their relationship, though a closed-door romance, felt so genuine and heartwarming. They balanced each other out beautifully, and their dynamic was just adorable.

This retelling really nailed Mulan’s core themes of bravery and loyalty while also exploring her struggles with identity—especially her realization about the “masks” she wears and how she doesn’t fully recognize herself anymore. The nods to the iconic flower that blooms in adversity and the mouthwatering descriptions of all the food were just the icing on the cake!

The ending was genius. The way Mulan saves the day (or in this case, the company) was epic, and it wrapped everything up so well. It managed to stay true to the heart of the original story while feeling fresh and modern.

Thanks NetGalley for the read! This is by far my favorite book in the Meant to Be series—it was written so well! If you love Disney, Mulan, or strong female heroines, this book is absolutely for you. Highly recommend!

As a lifelong Disney lover and a Mulan fan, I was thrilled to dive into this modern retelling of such an iconic story. Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the eARC—it was a joy to experience this book early!

The Meant to Be series has quickly become a favorite of mine, and this installment brought a fresh take on Mulan that really resonated with me as an adult who adores Disney classics. The nods to the original movie are perfectly placed, delivering just the right amount of nostalgia while building on the themes of perseverance, identity, and empowerment in a modern-day setting.

I especially loved how the challenges women face in male-dominated spaces—like business and finance—were woven seamlessly into the story. Mulan once again represents all the women who’ve ever had to work twice as hard to prove their worth, and her journey felt so authentic and relatable. While I’m not usually drawn to books heavy on financial themes, the author did a great job balancing that with Mulan’s personal growth and determination.

The romance was a sweet addition, though I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in that area. Even so, watching Mulan shine in her own right made this book a satisfying and empowering read.

Overall, this was such a fun and inspiring twist on a Disney classic, and I’ll definitely be seeking out the other books in the series. If you’re a Disney adult like me—or simply someone who loves stories of strong, determined women—this book will win you over.

This was so good! I sped through it and love these retellings. Totally recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Jesse Q. Sutanto!

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the eARC.

I have really grown to love the Meant to Be series. I have always a fan of the Disney princess movies and love the rewritten modern day books that are a part of this series. That being said, Mulan is one Disney princess movie that I have never really enjoyed. Knowing this, I did my best to keep an open mind for this book. Given that it is a modern day retelling, I hoped that I would have a different opinion of the story than my opinion of the Disney movie.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel this Meant to Be retelling was as good as the others. I found it really hard to get into. Maybe it was all the finance talk which is not something I'm interested in at all. I felt the beginning of the book moved really slow. I enjoyed the different things Mulan did to impress the men (shearing sheep, herding cows, etc.) but it just wasn't enough for me to keep me interested. I did enjoy the book more once we started seeing the romance but even that I felt was weak.

I did like how the Chinese culture was woven into the book and I liked that the challenges for women in business were a big part of this book. The overall book just wasn't one that I enjoyed as much as other books I've read and this is my least favorite in the Meant to Be Series so far.

Thank you, Hyperion Avenue, for the ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

As a self-proclaimed "Disney adult," I thoroughly enjoyed this modern retelling of Mulan! Even though I knew what the underlying story was going to be, I enjoyed each minute of it watching it unfold. The nods to the original Mulan throughout are perfectly placed and give the appropriate amount of nostalgia to my childhood.

Mulan once again represents all the girls/women who feel forced to work twice as hard in a male-dominated arena for their worth to be seen. Who have been told time and time again that they are not enough.

This was my first book in this series ~ but I will be seeking out the others for sure!

I am always skeptical with retellings, especially one that is so specific like Mulan! How could someone turn her bad A story into a contemporary romance? But Jesse Sutanto was the perfect person to do this! I genuinely enjoyed this clever take on one of my favorite movies EVER. Mulan is funny, bold, brave, and brilliant, just as she is in the movie, it just looks different as she tries to convince an extremely sexist company to sell to her father's firm, posing as him. Honestly I did get some second-hand embarrassment for her at a few parts, but I feel like that is true to her character in the movie as well.

Also Shang's whole vibe was SO cute. I loved the banter between him and Mulan. Mushu being a hilarious sidekick cousin that got Mulan into trouble was also perfection. My only gripe is that it felt just a bit too long in some parts! However, I genuinely enjoyed this entry in the "Meant to Be" series. :)

I jumped to read this Advanced Reader Copy so quickly because I've read the whole Meant to Be series and I love the movie Mulan. However, this was just okay for me.

Mulan works at an acquisition firm with her father and he falls ill so she has to pretend to be him to seal the deal to buy out a local, super sexist whiskey company.

This book dives into being a woman in Chinese culture and an immigrant in America. I really appreciated the author's care with these topics. I definitely cried during the acknowledgements.

However, there are a lot of things I didn't like about the book. It seems repetitive and choppy and wildly unrealistic. Mulan is in a situation where she has to put on a mask or act a certain way in her family and career, but she also complains a lot about that and it is hard to be in her mind the 20th time she roasts the finance bros.

Usually the romance would redeem the story but I didn't believe in the couple. Shang was basically perfect and had no flaws but also no personality.

The third act with Mulan and Mushu working together was probably my favorite part. I also enjoyed the heart to hearts with the parents and those in the older generation.

I would recommend this book to those who have enjoyed this author's other books. Worth Fighting For comes out in June 2025.

A reimagining of Mulan set in the world of finance bros? Count me in! This book was a lot of fun and a super cute addition to the Meant to Be series. I love anything by Jesse Sutanto and she does a great job with this Mulan retelling. The supporting my cast was a great, especially Mushu! Overall a cute and heartwarming closed door romance.

Thank you NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue and Jesse Q. Sutanto for the opportunity to read this amazing book.

I loved it! I devoured it in 1 day because I couldn’t get enough, the story just flowed so easily. It was fun, witty and full of rich culture. It’s a Mulan retelling but honestly even if it wasn’t this book could certainly stand on its own. The cast of characters are so good and when you put them together it’s hilarious and the chemistry shines. Definitely check this one out!

This is a really interesting Mulan retelling set in the modern finance world.

It was entertaining especially when Mulan's cousin, Mushu, was talking up everything that Mulan could do (but really couldn't)- got her into some pickles.

Loved the relationship that Shang and his mother (Auntie Jiayi) have. It was very sweet.

There were some great messages in this story.

This was fun modern day twist on Mulan. This was a quick and enjoyable read. I really enjoyed Mushu's character twist in this story. A huge thank you NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Jesse Q. Sutanto for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mulan works for her father’s private equity company and has to navigate being a woman in the business world. Just as they are working on the acquisition of a family whiskey brand, Mulan’s father becomes ill. Given that the family only ever corresponded with her father over email, she decides to pose as Fa Zhou to secure the acquisition. The family owned whiskey brand is lead by none other than Shang. Mulan (posing as Fa Zhou), attends a week long retreat at the family ranch. She brings along her coworker and cousin Mushu as she tries to finish the deal

I saw one review pitch this as a 90's romcom and there is no better description. I had fun with this one and I adored the characters! Such an interesting take on the Mulan story for sure,.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This was a sweet romcom about an Asian woman who must pretend to be manly to win over a sexist family looking to sell their business. It was easy to read, I loved the cultural elements, and it read like a cute 90’s romcom movie. In the on-screen version of this book, Awkwafina would be the perfect casting as the MC’s cousin and best friend. I could think of no one else reading her funny quips.

I love so many other books by this author, but this one is not for me. I know it's story of Disney's Mulan, but from the very beginning it just didn't work for me. I've pushed through as much as I can, but it's a dnf for me.

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto was an adorable modern-day Bay Area Mulan retelling, complete with the Disney adaptation’s pitfalls for Mulan and a hint of humor with cousin Mushu.

I was worried that a book about high finance/Finance bros was going to have me tuned out and turned off by page 2, but surprisingly enough, Sutanto did an amazing job at keeping it real, yet approachable and understandable at my non-finance bro level.

I also appreciated the tackling of the big themes of gender bias and outright discrimination in some workplaces, but the emerging trends of all genders trying to forge a new and more egalitarian tomorrow. …and the romance was so smooth, too. *All the heart eye emojis*

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for this ARC!!

So excited we got a Mulan inspired retelling from this series. I have enjoyed the previous books so I was very happy to receive a ARC for this one.

While you can definitely feel the essence of the movie, Worth Fighting For is delves more into the family relationship and the romance. I felt the author did a great job showing Mulan's struggle with trying to help her family while also working in a male dominated field. Shang's brothers really made my blood boil! I liked how the situation was handled and thought it was believable.

Shang is dreamy here. He's defying the male expectations of his family and is very unapologetically himself. I loved the relationship he and Mulan had. It was flirty and fun, but still heartwarming. Also the banter between them was so good!

A great retelling!

I've read several of the Meant to Be series, and I think this one may be my favorite so far. Worth Fighting For has plenty of Jesse Q. Sutanto's trademark humor (I had to pretend I was having a coughing fit as I snorted out loud over some of the farm antics), but it's also absolutely full of heart. This feels like a deeply personal book, dealing with sexism, the immigrant experience, and the struggle to be true to yourself. Worth reading for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.