The Meant to Be series is so fun, and this newest installment is no exception! A mix of my favorite authors retelling my favorite stories.

Sutanto is a master storyteller and I always manage to fall in love with her characters - even the "difficult" ones. And I literally giggled at the Vera's tea reference - iykyk. <3

However I almost quit reading when I was 3 or 4 pages in because I feel like I live the stupid patriarchy every day - do I really want to read about it too? But this book is so much more than that. It is about feeling comfortable with who you are, it's about family dynamics and expectations, and it's absolutely about overcoming stereotypes and assumptions. I laughed, I got a little teary, and I miss these characters already.

This is a great book, whether you loved Mulan as a kid or you just love a good rom com.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

This was a fun retelling! I've really liked the Meant to Be series and this installment didn't disappoint. The way that the author was able to portray the sexism that Mulan (and the other female characters) faces in the story was so real and felt so true to life. I also thought the way that Mulan "becomes" a man was done well here and it made for some funny moments. Shang was a great male lead and I enjoyed Mushu as a sidekick. Overall a fun read!

I want to love this book. I love Mulan, I think this aspect of her working for her Dad's hedge fund as a finance bro trying to get Shang's misogynistic family to let them buy them out was a great take on it. I also love Jesse Q Sutanto and this book fit her style perfectly. It was laugh out loud funny it was super cute and sweet. Mulan and Shang had me kicking my feet. That being said Mulan isn't a miscommunication its a lie. and I really struggled with that. If she had come clean to Shang before they got into a full on relationship i think i would have LOVED this book. but her spending a week with him before coming clean really puts this in a not great category for me, which is disappointing. I think other people might not be bothered by that but I couldn't get past it. Over all it was well written and fun though!

Worth Fighting For

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Despite this being number 5 from the “Meant to Be” series of Modern Disney retellings, this was my first time reading one of the stories and I really enjoyed it! Mulan is one of my favourite Disney princesses and I admired her so much for her bravery, resilience, and determination in saving her father from the war and bringing honour to her family. I think that the author did a great job at honouring the lessons behind Mulan in her modern take of the classic Disney tale and the legendary Chinese heroine 🇨🇳

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The thing I admired most of Hua Mulan in this story was her unwavering spirit. She fought tooth and nail to prove she was just as good as the men at work, pulling all-nighters and studying things so thoroughly that she can’t make any mistake. She undergoes significant character development in this as she realizes that she deserves to be loved for who she is and not the plentiful masks that she puts on at work, in front of family, and in front of the world. I loved getting to see her work hard and successfully prove her worth with Li Shang and his family at Wutai Gold because it was so satisfying to see that although she was very close to giving up, she persevered and kept going in order to honour her father’s wish. Through it all and her strength coming from her family, she still powers through and uncovers that she does have the power to do anything she wants out of life, her career, and her relationships.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Her love for her family is so overwhelming that she clearly does all she can in the book just to fulfill this one business acquisition for her father, even if it means throwing herself into a setting completely out of her league and setting herself up for humiliation and embarrassment. And yet despite all this, she still feels it in her heart that she isn’t good enough for her parents because of others’ expectations of her. This hit home for me as a Filipina growing up with similar experiences, and it felt so nice to be seen by a woman of colour not knowing how to make things right and not disappoint anyone. We have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously and not be degraded to stereotypes and offensive beliefs that the media churns out in mainstream TV and movies to this day. I loved that Mulan overcomes the odds and finds the strength in her to challenge gender stereotypes and prove those who doubted her wrong. I loved that her parents, like my own which I’m so grateful for, are so supportive of Mulan and want to see her grow and develop as who she truly is while finding real happiness. I think that’s such an important message that was showcased in this book 💕

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The secondary characters were pretty enjoyable to read about. I loved Mushu and Mulan’s relationship, and how they honoured it from the original Disney movie of the two of them having each other’s backs. Mushu was relatable in that lots of people, especially those from Asians cultures, feel a lot of pressure of not knowing what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Shang was so cinnamon-roll coded and I loved his character. While he appeared just as traditionally masculine in morals and beliefs like the rest of his family, he treats his mom like she is his entire world and challenges gender stereotypes. He surprisingly loves to cook, clean, and take care of people and it was shown in a way that didn’t feel performative or that it was for the sake of contrasting him with Mulan. I loved Shang’s mother, Auntie Jiayi, and how she teamed up with Mulan to finally give herself her voice a chance and to go after what she wanted. It was heartwarming to see Auntie Jiayi share her stories with Mulan as so much of our family’s history and culture is passed down from those we care about. I was happy that she finally got to where Mushu, Shang, and Auntie Jiayi ended up, although it would’ve been more interesting to see more from them as the epilogue and overall ending felt a bit rushed 💬

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ On one hand, I do agree that the romance was lacking a bit and tended to lean towards insta-love. I think it would have been better showcased as a coming-of-age or general fiction story more so than a romance, but I do see a different perspective in comparison to those saying in their reviews that the book wasn’t good because of the romance. I think the book stayed true to Mulan’s story in essence in that her entire life didn’t revolve around finding a partner or falling in love. Her story, at its core, is her struggling to find who she truly is in a world where she has to prove herself worthy of something ten times more than the average man and doing everything she can in order to make her family proud. While this story did focus heavily on her career and her battling against sexism, I would say it did Mulan’s story justice for its modern time and setting

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Mulan is a loyal daughter and a faithful friend foremost before she can even find it in herself to find love, so the way her journey had progressed throughout the book was very satisfying to see. I’m a hardcore hopeless romantic but I think the decision to prioritize Mulan’s self-discovery and her obstacles in the way of her journey was more important to emphasize than her love story. It shows that women are more than capable of chasing their dreams and doing things that they be otherwise stereotyped as not being able to do as effectively as men but also being sensitive to rely on their loved ones as well. We can be strong and independent while allowing ourselves to be taken care of by others. We can have the best of both worlds 🌸❣️

Tropes:
- Private equity VP FMC x whiskey brand CEO MMC 📁💼
- Modern Disney retelling 🏰
- Female empowerment and gender equality
- POC representation, Chinese-American MCs 🇨🇳
- Mentions of sexism and misogyny
- Romance sub-plot 💓
- Fish out of water 🐟
- Forbidden romance
- Closed-door romance 🚪

Thank you to Jesse Q. Sutanto, Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Worth Fighting For is a modern-day retelling of Mulan, trading the battlefield for the finance world. Instead of a warrior trying to save her father and ending up rescuing all of China, this Mulan is a “finance bro” aiming to make her Baba proud. Familiar faces like Li Shang, Mushu, and her father Zhou make appearances, but with contemporary twists. This time, Mulan must prove her worth as a female not just in the finance world, but also to herself.

Admittedly, I was skeptical at first. I couldn’t quite imagine how a Mulan story could work in modern times without the war element. Because of that, the premise was meh to me. Since I’m not particularly drawn to the finance world, it didn’t hook me right away. But as the story unfolded and subtle nods to the original film appeared, I found myself enjoying it more than I expected.

That said, it took me a while—about halfway through—before I really got into it. There were moments early on where I definitely rolled my eyes, and I didn’t enjoy the banter between any of the characters. But later, I actually laughed out loud a few times, and the dynamic between Shang and Mulan started to grow on me. I’m still not a fan of the insta-love thing, but that’s part of the original too.

What I did really love was how they made Mushu Mulan’s cousin. It was such a fun and clever choice. She brought the same chaotic energy you’d expect from Mushu, sometimes making things worse with her wild spirit, but also delivering some really sweet moments with Mulan.

When I finished the book, I was honestly torn. On one hand, it was tough to get into, and I came close to DNFing it multiple times. On the other hand, I genuinely enjoyed the second half. What ultimately won me over was the author’s acknowledgments at the end. Maybe that’s me letting my emotions get too involved—but isn’t that kind of the point? If a book can make you feel, then it’s doing something right.

3.5 stars


Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I normally enjoy Jesse Q. Sutanto's work, but while not bad, this one was kind of middle of the road for me. In the first 20% of the book, I was worried we were going to be stuck in a very modern way of thinking with buzz words being thrown around and not really going anywhere. Then we get to a portion of the book where Mulan is at a ranch, and it became interesting.

I did not really enjoy Mushuu's character as it was just odd and didn't really fit in well. I thought maybe there would have been a pet or something named after Mushuu, but she is Mulan's cousin working at the same firm as her. Self-discovery was pronounced in the book just as in the movie. The romance was more insta-love but still formed by deception.

It was a quick read, and if you have read and enjoyed other books in the series, you may like it. I would be interested in trying others in the series.

This was a nice surprise with the Mulan retelling. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this arc.

Good god, I love this Meant to Be series so much.

Mulan drove me a bit crazy at times but I’m sure I would drive her crazy so… live and let live, girl.

I would love to say that this book was a great book, or even a good book, but sadly it just was not for me. A lot of this had such GenZ style lingo and writing. It was a little cringey to see in a book, even a modern romance. I do feel that the ending felt a little rushed as well and that the last 25% of it was pushed through too fast. I don't think this was a bad book by any means, I just think all in all that this was not for me and not one I would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC!

3.5/5 ☆

Mulan was one of my favorite Disney movies growing up and I was excited to be given the chance to read this modern retelling. I appreciated how instead of the army, Mulan has to navigate the world of finance to explore being one of the few women in a male dominated industry. I love that Shang was more developed and involved in the story, and his mom was such an admirably strong woman! His family was a fun addition to the plot as well. I also loved the references to the movie throughout.

Overall, this was an engaging, plot-driven modern retelling of one of my favorite childhood movies and I’ll be sure to check out the others in the series!

I really enjoyed this addition to the Meant to Be series! Sutanto’s personal connection to the culture and history of the story of Mulan made this even more meaningful, and I think led a feeling of authenticity to the experience of a daughter in an Asian family. The experience of a woman—a woman of color, especially—in the male-dominated business world is more universal, and I found myself really empathizing with and relating to Mulan throughout the book. The nods to the Disney film were very cute and I loved the new spin on the story. A really satisfying read overall.

A woman trying to prove her worth in a 'man's world,' or more like a very misogynistic company. I loved how Jesse Q. Sutanto interpreted Mulan. I love Mulan because of her strength of character but her innate softness, and JQS captured both in this story. Shang is to die for; to be honest, I loved him more than the character he's inspired from. The story was fun, closed-door, and it kept the essence of Disney's original Mulan.

I liked it so much that now I'm going to read the rest of the books in this series.

This book is for you if you like:
- Mulan (Duh!)
- A work-related romance
- A badass businesswoman
- An emotionally intelligent MMC (Male Main Character)
- Acts of service and cooking as his love language.

I enjoyed this book overall. 3.75 rating. I think I will try the book when the audiobook is available and it has been edited. I think for a retelling, the book really leans into the fairytale disney HEA. However, when applying it in a modern setting, it's hard to suspend belief during some parts of the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, and I enjoyed most of the romance. I was annoyed AF with Shang's family and especially James, but he is set up as the bad guy, so it makes sense. I understand, again, pretending to be her father, but having a several month ongoing relationship with Shang with a different name was rough.

Personally, I would not get over that if I was in a relationship, regardless of the intentions. That's a big breach of trust. There could have been a much cuter way to try and resolve that, but it's not my book. The ending was cute, but again, that suspension of belief of this 180 degree and the big social media push. I have a hard time with that, so it was not my favorite.

Overall, some great and enjoyable parts, but was not my favorite read of the year.

"Worth Fighting For" is the latest modern retelling of a Disney fairytale in the "Meant to Be" series, this time it is the story of Mulan. Mulan runs a business with her father, Fa Zhou, and when he falls ill she has to convince Wutai Gold to join her company, including their hot and stoic CEO, Li Shang. I honestly liked Shang a lot better in the book than I did in the movie, though I do miss Donny Osmond's singing voice.

Things I enjoyed:
-The nods to the movie from the horse, to the coursing river, to crickets being an issue in the office they were all very clever.
-Shang being better developed and more emotionally available. If you have seen Mulan II you know what I mean.
-The Chinese culture sprinkled throughout was interesting to learn.
-Mulan holding her own no matter what the other businessmen threw at her.

Things I did not enjoy:
-The sexism
-James, he just needed to be thrown under the bus.
-Mushu got to be a bit much at times, and maybe that is partially because I don't like the character she was based on either, but her wise cracks just weren't funny to me.

Overall, a good book and one that I will certainly return to again.

**Thanks to Netgalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC in exchange for an honest review**

A delightful modern retelling of Mulan. In this story, Mulan is working at her father’s finance company. When he falls ill just before meetings to invest in Shang’s family’s whiskey company, Mulan takes his place, and his name, in the negotiations. Entertaining hijinks ensue.
• Mulan = strong female lead
• Mushu = hilariously entertaining sidekick
• Shang = openminded male lead
• Classic male/female stereotypes turned upside down
Hands down, the best story in the “Meant to Be” series so far.

One thing I love about the Meant to Be stories is that I know they're going to be a fun little time and a great little twist on stories I grew up on. Mulan was MY GIRL growing up, so I went into this retelling pretty eager.

This was a great retelling of Mulan - where she is fighting for her place in the finance world. When her father falls ill, it's up to her to go to Shang's ranch and convince him to complete the merger.

First and foremost, this book is such an easy read. Sometimes I feel like I'm aging out of certain types of contemporary books, and the first part of the book made me feel that way a little bit. But as I read more, I was unable to put this book down. Mushu is the best sidekick for Mulan and was so loyal, I loved her.

As for Mulan and Shang - if you like Instalove this book is definitely for you. I loved all their scenes together and almost wanted more! I also loved the importance of culture in this book, especially as someone who is Asian and adheres to similar values.

Thank you to Jesse Q Sutanto, Hyperion Avenue, and Netgalley for an earc in exchange for an honest review.

Note to self: stop going into books blind lol... I went into this book not knowing that this was a Mulan retelling. I even almost DNF'ed this book for the petty reason that it had the names Mulan and Mushu in it, but I enjoyed the beginning of the story.

A little about the book A Mulan reimagining set in the Bay Area amongst finance bros. Mulan works at her father's (Zhao) finance company. Zhao wants to invest in a misogynistic whiskey company. The deal hinges on him, the only one the whiskey company will do business with. When he falls ill, Mulan pretends to be him. The whiskey company is owned by Shang, his mother, and her incredibly anti-female brothers and nephews.

About my thoughts: the book without knowing it was a retelling really gave it justice. The romance between Mulan and Shang was so well written. I kept giggling and laughing at the amazing banter between the two MCs. While this has a modern spin you can definitely feel the message of the troubles women have working in male dominated industries. This book was so amazing and I can't wait to read more books from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you publisher and Netgalley for this eARC. This was my first read by this author & definitely will not be my last. I really enjoyed this one. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

What a fun retelling! These Meant to Be books are a great time. I thought the call backs to Mulan (Mulan, Mushu, the horse, the basic plot, Shang, etc.) were a perfect mix of new ideas from the author. Sometimes the retelling elements can be really heavy-handed, but this book's were fun without being overbearing.

Likes:
-retelling elements
-Mulan and Shang were SO CUTE
-Mushu and Mulan's supportive friendship
-Mulan's parents?!--supportive AF
-Shang's mom is a queeeeen
-Showing Mulan as a boss

Dislikes:
-the sexism was crazyyyy (I get that's the point, but it was a lottt sometimes)
-Mulan trying to prove herself
-Mulan literally getting hurt twice and people laughing at her

This book made me cry four times, so that's how you know the emotional beats were on point! This book has a great message and was a fun, plot-driven, closed-door spice story. I had a great time reading it!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

My beloved Mulan VHS tape got a lot of plays in my youth, so I was thrilled when I learned that the next book in the Meant to Be series would be a Mulan retelling. I read this book to help keep the Sunday scaries at bay, and it absolutely was a great read for that!

Mulan is a hedge fund manager at her father's firm. She's the first one in and the last one to leave night to prove she deserves a place at the table. When her father has a health crisis in the middle of an acquisition, As his daughter, Mulan is the best person to continue his work, but the company has a reputation for being misogynist, which is confirmed when she reads some of the emails exchanged between her father and the company's SEO. Mulan quickly realizes the only way the SEO, Shang, and his uncles will get on board with her ideas is if she pretends to be her father.

This all sounds fine and dandy until the company invites Mulan to come to their family ranch....

Given that her father grew up on a farm in China and spoke about his experiences in those emails with Shang, the family expects that Mulan will be able to read a horse, round up cattle, sheer sheep and more! With the guidance of her cousin Mushu and Tik Tok, Mulan is ready to prove that she is her father!

I loved this story so much - it took me back to those days as a 11, 12 year old belting out "I'll Make a Man Out of You" and swooning for Li Shang. I loved seeing a Disney film in which the heroine wasn't a helpless princess saved by her prince. Jesse Q. Squanto did a fantastic job weaving in all of these elements - lyrics from the soundtrack were interspersed throughout the story, Shang was kind and handsome, and Mulan was a fierce heroine.

Just like when a book is made into a movie, this retelling differed a bit from the story of Mulan, and I really struggled with the biggest change. In the movie, Mulan is, to say it lightly, a hot mess. She's clumsy, loud, and deemed a disgrace by the matchmaker - she's ultimately a disappointment to her family, which makes her growth throughout the film all the more enjoyable to watch. In the book, Mulan is an accomplished hedge fund manager who already makes her family proud, which made her arc less satisfying. All that being said, I don't think that it makes the book any less enjoyable to read.

In addition to my reviews on Goodreads and Storygraph, I will post a review of this book closer to release day on my bookstagram account @thecozybookgal