I thought this was a really fun and cute story with characters that you can relate to no matter your age.

Leah and Cyrus were so utterly adorable and sweet that you're in danger of developing a toothache. It was the little things that Cyrus did -like buying Leah snacks that she had been staring at- that really had me squealing in delight. And I loved that Leah was able to be completely vulnerable with Cyrus and confide in him. They've become one of my favorite fictional couples.

Not only did I love the romance in this story, but I also loved the friendships that developed throughout Leah's travels. I actually wish we could have had a few extra scenes showing Leah and Daisy's friendship. I'd also love it if we could get a spin-off for Daisy and maybe one for Oliver as well. Those two definitely deserve their own happily ever after.

I think the only "complaint" I have is that I think it would have been nice to have more scenes of Leah immersing herself in the culture and maybe her interacting with some of the other members of the group. I think that would have made the anonymous compliment more impactful if we had read about Leah interacting with some of the other group members.

Thank you to Ann Liang and Netgalley for the e-arc.

First off, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Scholastic, for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

If Ann Liang writes it, then I’m reading it! I’ve read most of her books by now, and I was so excited when I got the chance to read this one. This was so cute, and I would love to see it adapted. I think it’d make such a good romcom!

Leah gets sent on a two-week trip to China, and even though this was not something she planned herself, she ended up learning more about her roots. She really enjoyed getting to explore different parts of China, and I love that she was able to reconnect with her heritage.

The aspect of Leah being a former model was really interesting. We see how the industry and how people treated her really affected her view on herself. It’s hard for her to trust in anyone truly liking her for who she is, which made me really sad. Screw the people who made her feel like she wasn’t enough. She’s not really sure what she wants to do now either, and I think it was pretty realistic considering she had a career already, and it didn’t end up going how she thought it would. She’s only a teenager, and she has her whole life ahead of her. One of the things that I loved about this trip was that apart from reconnecting with her heritage and developing a romance with Cyrus, she also made true friends (Oliver and Daisy), something that she lacked.

I was really curious as to what Cyrus did that ruined her life. I didn’t expect it to be what it was nor did I expect him to have behaved the way he did when they were young. They were childhood friends in a way, and he made mistakes when they were young. I’m glad he grew out of a certain mindset since it’s one that I don’t really like. He realized it was wrong, and he sincerely apologized. He also genuinely felt bad for what he caused. You can see that Cyrus is a good guy, and he just wants Leah to be happy. He’s so in love and soft for her, and it was sweet to see. They had so many cute scenes together! She tried to push down her feelings, set on getting revenge, but that evidently didn’t work out.

Cyrus understands Leah so well, getting that he has to earn her trust. He also has his own issues, which made him feel more like a well-rounded character. Both him and Leah are going through it, and I just hope they are able to find more happiness in life and feel deserving of it.

I like that Ann Liang combines romance with other topics, like reconnecting with your culture, dealing with insecurities and trust issues, struggling to make friends and more. She also went a little bit into the bad side of the modeling industry. But overall, there was a good balance of all these elements, so the book didn’t feel too heavy. There was also some humor, which helped lighten it.

Going back to Oliver and Daisy, I really liked them as characters! I would’ve loved to have seen a bit more of them. I also think it would’ve been cool to see even more of Leah reconnecting with her culture since I really loved a lot of those scenes.

I love that there was an epilogue! While I enjoy the buildup, I also love it when we get to read about the couple when they’re officially a couple.

Overall, I loved this book and am glad I got the chance to read it! 4.25 stars!

Current rating: 4.5 stars

I eagerly dove into this book, excited for romcom perfection and exploring China with Leah and Cyrus (which I got plenty of, ofc 😌). Never thought I'd end up tearing up, though!
NTIEUH was a wonderful blend of romance, culture, and self-discovery. As usual, I adored Ann Liang's gorgeous prose and her humour matches perfectly with mine, so I was giggling throughout!

As someone whose Mandarin gets worse with each passing year (not that it was great to start with), I could definitely relate to Leah's rustiness with the language, as well as its relation to her identity. Ann Liang always creates characters that are so deeply human, and without fail, her main characters always resonate with me —often painfully so. This book was no exception. I was rooting for our main girl throughout as she learned more about her culture and in the process, found herself again. I loved her; she was so funny, especially when she was imagining up her revenge scenarios because same 😭. Conversely, the scenes that dealt with her insecurities broke my heart; I just wanted to give her a hug!

The romance itself was too good!! Basically everything I love in was here: childhood friends to lovers, hate-to-love (with moments where it doesn't seem they hate each other as much as they thought), the letter that was never read, and CYRUS. Ughh loved this guy, he cared so much about Leah, remembered everything related to her, and was so blushyy. Even better: he wasn't some perfect love interest and actually felt real and had flaws! They were so cute together and that epilogue!! >>>

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to receive my physical copy!! I'm seated for all of Ann Liang's future releases (can't wait for ICGYTM) and will be obsessing over this for the near future.

Thank you to Colored Pages Book Tours, the publisher, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

If you are unable to travel this summer, then this book will cure that itch for you. It’s an armchair traveler that takes the reader across along a two week travel program in China, where you’ll get to see the sights, experience the people and culture, taste the delicious food and witness drama of the romance kind. Fans of enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes will love reading about Leah and Cyrus as they find themselves trekking across their adventures in China and having to deal with the mistakes that were made in their past.

What touched me most about this book was showing how insecurities and low self esteem affect EVERYONE, no matter how glamorous someone’s life may look on the outside. Leah has been a model for a while and to those who don’t know her, she looks like she has it all together and that nothing must affect her. But that couldn’t be further from the truth as the reader learns about how much her past has affected her and everything you see on the outside is just a façade and how much she is struggling on the inside. This is an eye opening moment for readers no matter what age they are because many of us still are going through these thoughts and feelings even as adults.

I also appreciated the frustration of not being able to speak the language of your cultural heritage. My parents did not let us learn how to speak their native languages because they wanted me to be American and speak English. However, I feel like I have missed out on not being multilingual and wish I did know how to speak more than I do now.

As you can see this book is so much more than just a romance and this is what I enjoy about Ann Liang’s stories. This is such a great read and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

The best thing about this book was the young woman learning more about her Chinese heritage. Leah ends up going on a trip to the most beautiful cities in China, starting in Shanghai, after she accidentally says something terrible in Mandarin at her cousin's wedding. Leah has had a hard couple of years after she was kicked out of school and tried to be a model, but ended up hating it. She's worked hard to be confident in her looks, but has some self-esteem issues because she doesn't think she has a passion. Joining her on her trip is her enemy, Cyrus, who she blames for getting her kicked out of school. The banter between them is pretty funny, and it's sweet how much Cyrus really loves Leah. The Romance is a bit idealistic, but again, the best thing about this book are the adventures in China. I recommend this to anyone who has ever felt outside of their culture or ethnicity. It's a sweet book of self-discovery,

Thank you NetGalley for the free digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book and the characters! The characters seemed to unique and I loved their adventure to learn more about their culture. Super cute read - I cannot wait to read it again! An instant buy for a friend type of book!

𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈'𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐩 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠 | five stars | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

NTIEUH follows former model Leah Zhang, in this hilarious and emotional rom-com as she is determined to get revenge on the literature lover Cyrus Sui, who ruined her life.

I read this book just in a span of few hours and I COULD NOT put it down at all!! This might be one of my favourite books from Ann Liang!

It's more light-hearted than 'I Am Not Jessica Chen' but it carries the same writing style Ann Liang uses in her books. Her descriptions are vivid and there's always understanding of the situation and surrounding of the atmosphere in the novel. It's emotional and delicate, everything relatable, and it's unraveling infront of us all in a single go and you're left with that hole in your chest asking how did this all happen

Leah Zhang is relatable to the core and I found myself recalling similar situations she had to got through, which connected me to the character. Cyrus Sui broke my heart as I read about him and he deserves so much better from his world. He's a vulnerable soul with a literature heart, buried deep underneath all the trauma that he wore a shield for.

It's a very emotional but refreshing read. For all those who are struggling with identity issues rooted to culture, this one is for you!

𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:
- childhood enemies to lovers
- travel rom-com
- shanghai setting
- forced proximity
- secrets & heartbreaking truths
- model x reader
- revenge ARC
- "what letter?"
- he's so in love with her

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐑𝐂.

Leah Zhang, a former teen model has long felt disconnected from her Chinese heritage and struggles with speaking Mandarin. After a language mishap that ruins her cousin’s wedding, her parents sign her up for a two-week intensive travel program across China, hoping she’ll reconnect with her roots. To her horror, she discovers that her childhood nemesis, Cyrus Sui, is also part of the program. She is determined to get her revenge on the boy who ruined her life all those years ago.

Ann Liang has a remarkable gift for storytelling—her writing is immersive, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant. Her romance novels are my favourite books to devour. I was transported by the vivid descriptions and rich cultural details that brought China to life. The characters felt deeply human, with vulnerabilities and insecurities that made them incredibly relatable. I felt for Leah's struggle with self image deeply. Her inner thoughts are ones that can be universally understood, and I appreciate the care Liang used to handle these complex themes of identity and self worth. I was rooting for Leah the entire time, and her growth over the course of the story felt both natural and hard-earned. I also appreciated the depiction of strong, supportive female friendship through her bond with Daisy—it was heartfelt and empowering, offering a beautiful portrayal of female friendship and personal growth.

Cyrus was a standout of a character for me. Beneath his cold and composed exterior is a thoughtful, sincere, and emotionally complex character. His dry humor, love of literature, and emotional depth made him an easy favorite. The chemistry between him and Leah was undeniable—their banter, tension, and eventual connection felt natural and well-paced. Even as someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward the enemies-to-lovers trope, I found their relationship authentic and compelling.

This may be my favourite of Ann Liang’s novels to date, and now, I’m desperately hoping we get Oliver and Daisy’s stories next!

Never Thought I’d End Up Here is a slow-burn rom-com that follows a girl who has changed her whole persona into someone people admire. But even being the prettiest girl in the room isn’t enough. Leah is disconnected from her heritage and has no real path/plan forward.

Sending Leah to China is her parent’s solution, and though Leah doesn’t want to go, she’s willing to make the best of it. That is until Cyrus ends up on the same trip, and Leah decides to get him back for all the harm he’s caused.

But Never Thought I’d End Up Here wouldn’t be a rom-com without at twist. It’s a fun enemies-to-lovers trope that works well.

However, the best part of Never Thought I’d End Up Here is discovering China through Leah’s eyes. Author Ann Liang introduces the history and beauty of the land through different activities, transporting readers alongside Leah.

Never Thought I’d End Up Here is an easy, comfortable read that’s perfect for a summer weekend.

Ann Liang is synonymous in this household with adorable fluffy rom-coms that leave you smiling like an idiot while simultaneously bringing on the tears for perfectly putting into words the experience of being a child of immigrants. Never Thought I'd End Up Here offers a gentle reconciliation towards the experience of growing up between two different cultures and the journey it takes to discover one's unique cultural identity.

This may be a big moment because I think I found my favorite Ann Liang novel. Something about Never Thought I'd End Up Here just clicked - from the relatable experiences of defining one's identity through the Asian American lens to what has to be one of the sweetest romances I've ever read, I cannot sing enough praises for this book.

As someone who also got the chance to participate in a cultural-immersion camp, seeing Leah discover her Chinese heritage through a new lens and all the challenges she faced throughout resonated so much with me that seeing her overcome them felt like a personal victory. Leah had to essentially learn what it meant to be just her and the process of becoming so vulnerable is a scary one but for the first time in a while she is surrounded by so much love and zero judgement. And despite all the cringey teenage moments of embarrassment, her experiences in Shanghai finally give her the support system she's been missing to truly enjoy her life. Though credit where credit is due, I adore her mother and how she calls Leah Baobei - truly made me tear up every time.

Of course, we cannot talk about an Ann Liang rom-com without addressing the romance because this one was truly top-tier. Cyrus wins the #1 spot because he was truly the softest, most sweetest MMC ever and he deserves the biggest hug. I loved how we got to do a deep dive into two incredibly different Asian American experiences and see the shared fear of failure and disappointment that often underscores many children of immigrants' lives. It truly offers a different perspective and reinforces how you never know what's behind the mask of perfection that everyone projects.

I think this is the first time I've finished a YA novel in a long time where I just want to go back and reread the story because of how genuine it felt. To prevent any further gushing over these characters and because the more I think about it, the more I'll miss my family in Taiwan, here's a line that really just solidified the impact that this book left on me: The longer I stay in this country, the more words I collect. It happens naturally, as if they've been hidden in the corners of my mind this whole time, waiting for me to brush away the dust.

My thanks to Scholastic Press and Ann Liang for the ARC through NetGalley! 💚 This doesn’t affect my thoughts about the review in any way. So happy to celebrate the release of one of the best romcoms of 2025!

✈️ chinese-american rep
💚 childhood frienemies to lovers
✈️he falls first and he falls harder
💚ciwyw x yail x afterglow coded
✈️found family

Just travelled around Shanghai with Leah and Cyrus and I must say, this is one of Ann’s BEST works.

NTIEH has an amazing and relatable main character and a well-written male lead. I will NEVER shut up when I say Ann’s books find you at the perfect time of your life because I cannot help but feel sympathy and see myself in Leah (as a currently lost 22-year old). This book takes us through the inner workings of our fmc’s mind, along with her feelings of severe anxiety and self-doubt. Not only that, but we get an insight on reconnecting with culture and your language, which many immigrant children struggle with.

I’ve been a huge fan of Ann’s works and her writing has significantly improved in this book,l because the writing is so captivating that the confession scene had me screaming and giggling so hard! 😭 NTIEH’s one of those romcoms you just cannot stop reading 💅🏻 Overall, this was cute and hilarious, with a perfectly dragged out slowburn trope (he has the mr. darcy hand flex!). Most importantly, this book focuses on character development, acceptance, and is a beautiful store about reclaiming one’s identity.

Anyway, do you want a man who yearns? Cyrus Sui, everybody! 🩵 NTIEH is perfect if you want to travel to the glimmering city of Shanghai without leaving your room 🛫 (For my girls out there who feel like they don’t belong anywhere, you are not alone)

Thank you netgally for the early arc and OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK. THIS IS THE HEALING WE NEEDED AFTER THE LAST TWO BOOKS AND GOD THE WAY I GIGGLED WITH TEARS IN MY EYES. I LOVE HER. I LOVE THIS.

You know those books where you sit down just to “read a few pages,” and the next thing you know, it’s 2am and you’ve accidentally inhaled the whole thing? Yeah, this is one of those.

Ann Liang is the QUEEN of YA romance and slow burn rivals-to-lovers. Seriously, she’s an auto-buy author for me - I’d read her grocery list atp. 😭 This book cured my mini reading slump. I meant to dip into a chapter or two and ended up finishing it in 5 hours.

The characters are super relatable, funny, and messy. Leah, our FMC, is a former model who grew up in LA. She’s sharp, witty, and absolutely loveable even as she battles her insecurities. Cyrus is so cynical, yet he would do anything for Leah. Watching them go from enemies to tentative friends to something more was *chef’s kiss*. Their banter had me smiling and giggling the whole way through (with a few tears at the end, of course).

The slow burn is perfect, the character growth is so satisfying, and even the side characters feel fully alive. Ann Liang just nails that balance between laugh-out-loud moments and deeper themes like identity, insecurity, and what it means to grow up in the diaspora.

I also loved the backdrop being set in China and seeing them travel to all these different places and learn about Chinese culture!

If you want a book that will make you laugh, cry, kick your feet, and remind you why you love YA? Read this. I genuinely can’t recommend it enough!

I absolutely adored this book! I always love a story that takes place on an international trip, and this did not disappoint. Between the romance between Leah and Cyrus and the descriptions of China that we got while traveling with the kids, it was incredible. I definitely can't wait for what else Ann Liang comes out with!

I just love the way Ann Liang writes, especially characters and romance. I read I Am Not Jessica Chen last year and absolutely loved it, so I was highly anticipating her next book and it did not disappoint. These characters were so imperfect and realistic and honest that it made me connect with them immediately. The dynamic of the two main characters worked so well and there wasn’t a dull moment from them in the entire book. The plot was really intriguing for how short of a book this is and really accomplished what it set out to do from the beginning. Overall, this was a great read and I will be looking forward to reading more from this author soon. (Somebody bully me into reading I Hope This Doesn’t Find You soon!)

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

This was one of Liang's better works, and I appreciated its discussion on the harm caused by the modeling industry. However, each of Liang's works seems to have one component that feels too contrived, and this title was no exception. The MC's decision to fake-flirt with the LI and make him fall in love with her in order to eventually break his heart as a form of revenge would have made more sense if the LI had previously humiliated the MC in a similar way, but that was not the case. As a result, this part of the plot felt completely detached from the rest of the novel, and I think the story could have maintained its trajectory without it. Additionally, the tone of the novel felt disjointed; certain scenes played out in a way that was downright silly and over-the-top while other scenes were quite serious and down-to-earth. While books can obviously have both lighthearted and serious moments, this one felt like it was trying not to take itself seriously AND take itself seriously, at the same time. But the characters and relationships were decently developed, and I would still recommend this to YA contemporary romance fans as a quick read.

A travel romcom you’ll end up consuming in one sitting!

“Never Thought I’d End Up Here” follows Leah Zhang, a former model determined to get revenge on the boy who ruined her life while they are on an intensive two-week travel program in China together.

Whatever Ann Liang writes, I’ll read because she somehow manages to put everything I love and find relatable into her books. “Never Thought I’d End Up Here” is no exception.

Before embarking on her trip to China, Leah is lost, trying to live up to society’s expectations of her. I think that it is really easy to get caught up in caring too much about appearances and overthinking how we are perceived by others, as is the case with Leah. I found pieces of myself in the way Leah just wants to be liked and really enjoyed watching her reconnect with herself the more she learns to let go of this want.

No one can write childhood enemies to lovers quite like Ann Liang! While Leah’s history with Cyrus initially serves as a source of pain, his actions throughout the book ultimately cause her to abandon her revenge plot. From applying Band-Aids to her blisters to setting flower crowns on her head, my heart melted alongside Leah’s. He helps her come back to herself and loves her unconditionally. Their relationship arc is Liang’s best yet, playing out against the backdrop of China’s most beautiful cities.

What couldn't you love about a forced proximity meets revenge and pretending to fall in love? Except the pretend part gets lost in the meantime. Never Thought I'd End Up Here is about what happens when you don't expect it. The paths it throws you life onto when you're not looking. Starting with a story about revenge, Never Thought I'd End Up Here is about discovering pieces of ourselves. It's about forgiveness, learning, and challenging ourselves. At its core, it explores how someone can see us, the things we cannot see ourselves. And too often, it's our enemies.

I’m seriously so excited to have received an ARC of Never Thought I’d End Up Here! Ann Liang’s previous books completely stole my heart—they made me laugh, cry, and feel all the happy, hopeful feelings. Her stories have this incredible way of making me believe in love again, with characters who feel real and relatable and moments that are just so beautifully written. Every time I finish one of her novels, I’m left with this warm, fuzzy feeling and a little more faith in the messy, wonderful chaos of growing up and falling in love.

“Never Thought I'd End Up Here” is the emotional refresh we needed after the intense ride of the last two books, and Ann Liang delivers it beautifully. Blending poignant moments with sharp humor, this novel handles heavy themes with both grace and wit. With its mix of swoon-worthy romance, chaotic hilarity, and deep emotion, it’s a standout in contemporary romance. Liang once again charms readers with a story that is equally uplifting, fun, and deeply satisfying.

One impulsive curse at a family wedding changes everything for Leah Zhang. As a consequence, her parents send her on a two-week heritage trip across China. She’s hoping for peace—but ends up stuck with Cyrus, her childhood nemesis. Yet, as they venture through China’s rich culture and scenic beauty, Leah’s resentment begins to fade. She starts to fall for Cyrus, embrace her heritage, and uncover passions long buried. Along the way, she learns the power of friendship, self-acceptance, and love. Now, Leah must choose where her future—and her heart—truly lie.

What stood out most to me was how realistically Leah’s search for identity and passion was portrayed. Her confusion and frustration felt so relatable, and her evolution over the course of the story was both touching and empowering. I loved watching her find strength and clarity, and her journey felt authentic at every step. Her friendships added warmth and depth, showing the power of finding your people. Plus, Leah’s sense of humor is a total highlight—she knows how to bring laughter into even the most emotional moments. Cyrus Sui is a standout character—compelling, complex, and utterly unforgettable. Ann Liang brought him to life with such nuance. His passion for books is charming, and the way he expresses himself is enough to make your heart melt. But what really sets him apart is the emotional depth beneath the surface: a painful past that explains his guarded nature. While his playful pursuit of Leah was entertaining, I also saw how it might have felt overwhelming from her point of view. What I appreciated most was his maturity—he held himself accountable and didn’t deflect blame. I’m head over heels for Leah and Cyrus as a couple! Their relationship beautifully captures the essence of quiet, unconditional love. Leah’s overthinking nature is met with Cyrus’s calm and grounding presence, and they complement each other in the most satisfying way. The banter? Top-tier. The emotional depth? Even better. I lived for the moments when Leah’s boldness surprised Cyrus, and his subtle but meaningful ways of caring for her were so endearing. And that heartfelt confession? Pure, romantic magic.

Ann Liang’s books are the literary equivalent of a comfort blanket—full of heart, authenticity, and emotional depth. Her latest novel continued that tradition with a story that resonated deeply, especially Leah’s journey of self-discovery. The supporting cast felt just as real and thoughtfully developed. Ann’s writing captures the beauty in vulnerability and the complexity of human emotion with unmatched grace. Her storytelling is powerful and consistent, making each new book a gift. She’s a true master of character-driven fiction, and I’m always left wanting more. Liang never loses sight of the heart of the story—characters discovering who they are and learning how to be seen, both by others and by themselves. With every page, Ann Liang reminds us that ambition can coexist with softness, that vulnerability is a kind of strength, and that the journey toward self-acceptance is rarely straightforward—but always worth it.

i forgot i requested this book through netgalley, and when i got the notification, i was a little hesitant. i've found ann liang's books to not quite hit the vibe that i'm looking for, like the videos she makes on social media promise something that the books don't deliver. this one, however, is my favorite one of hers (that i've read) yet.

some of the plot and character development kind of get glossed over, but the romance feels believable and earned, unlike some of her other books, where the relationship building doesn't make much sense. if you're looking for a group of young adults go back to asia for a heritage trip and bam romance style book, i definitely recommend this one for the low angst easy reading experience (compared to the surprisingly angsty loveboat, taipei).