Thank you so much to NetGalley and Scholastic for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review!!

As per usual, Ann Liang never misses!!

Leah is such a sweet main character and I absolutely adored this story, it had me giggling so much!!

If you’re looking for a book with a good amount of emotional depth, that will make you feel warm and fuzzy, this is the book for you!!

Ann Liang has done it again!!! queen of contemporary YA, i had sooo much fun reading this!! i binge read this so quick! I would've read it in one sitting if I hadn't started it on a flight!

In which her childhood enemy isn’t as bad as she thought, and he’s a boy who YEARNS for her.

When Leah Zhang accidentally ruins her cousin’s wedding due to mistakenly cursing the new couple instead of blessing them, this is her parents’ last straw. They make the decision to send her on a two week trip to China, in an attempt to connect her back with her culture and hopefully get them back in her famous aunt’s good graces. Reluctantly Leah goes, but when she discovers her childhood enemy Cyrus is going too, she freaks.

But wait. Wouldn’t it be so perfect if she made him fall in love with her, only to break his heart in front of everyone else? Humiliate him like he once did her? She embarks on her revenge plan as they embark on the trip, only for Cyrus to not be as bad as she remembered him being. Leah even begins to question whether she can go through with her plan.

Never Thought I’d End Up Here is about more than a rivals to lovers story. It’s about finding yourself again, the person you once lost so long ago. Forging friendships that finally feel real, connecting to a culture you felt distant from, feeling a sense of belonging for the first time. Ann Liang crafted a brilliant balance of heartbreak and humor, and I loved this so much! When I say I couldn’t put this book down, I really couldn’t.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Scholastic for the e-arc, and look for this book when it comes out on June 3rd!

Review is not on socials besides Goodreads yet but links will be edited in once on TikTok and Insta!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

TW: public speaking gone wrong, off-page bullying, cyberbullying, off-page domestic disputes, beauty standards, issues w/ self-worth

This was such a cute ya contemporary romance! Leah and Cyrus both brought their own baggage to their tentative truce turned friendship, but they communicated well and ultimately resolved the major understanding that left them enemies in the past. I really appreciated Liang's handling of "the Incident," because while grossly unfair, it made sense and it was very obvious the guilty party felt just that—extreme guilt over the situation and how it impacted Cyrus and Leah's relationship.

I was also impressed by how the author handled the struggles of a second(?) generation immigrant and the societal expectations to know one's culture and language, as well as Leah's issues with her appearance self-worth that result due to poor classmates and the modeling industry. It was really interesting to see how her inner monologue starts to shift over time, how she reconciles her own happiness with the validation she sought based on her appearance. And the discussion of what happiness means to her... I nearly cried. I was so proud of her by the end!

And the romance !! I truly enjoyed it so much. It felt organic, sweet, and not overly dramatic given their previous issues. There were a few kdrama worthy scenes, a few heartwarming scenes, and a few very silly scenes, all of which built something really lovely. By the end, Cyrus and Leah really felt like a team!

Lastly, I really enjoyed the side characters. Daisy was a bit 2-dimensional, but I appreciated that she and Leah became true friends by the end; she was in desperate need of a confidante. I also loved the flippant, ridiculous but warm-hearted persona that was Oliver. I wish we could've gotten maybe one or two more side characters to join their little squad, but that's just me wishing.

Overall, I had a really good time reading this and would definitely recommend for younger readers, think 12-18, that are Asian American or interested in a cute multicultural romance.

4.75 out of 5 stars!

Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang is a cute, funny, heart-squeezing YA romance.

It follows Leah Zhang, who accidentally curses a bride at a wedding and then gets sent to China for a “cultural reset.” Things get even messier when she’s stuck with Cyrus Sui, aka her childhood enemy turned tall and annoyingly attractive nightmare.

This one’s all about friendship and figuring out who you are. It is easy to connect with how Leah feels, especially if you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, family issues, or trying to reconnect with your roots. The friendships are heartwarming, and the banter is top tier.

It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys enemies-to-lovers, hilarious but heartfelt stories, and YA that addresses real insecurities while keeping things fun.

Thank you to Scholastic Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Never Thought I'd End Up Here by Ann Liang.

If you love: — enemies to lovers
— snarky banter
— travel stories with heart
— soft boys in disguise
— main characters figuring themselves out
…this one’s for you.

Ann Liang’s latest is a delightful whirlwind of revenge plots, romantic tension, cultural discovery, and personal growth—set against the vivid, sweeping backdrop of China. Never Thought I’d End Up Here follows Leah Zhang, a former model banished from LA to a heritage tour in China after a very public meltdown. Her travel buddy? None other than Cyrus Sui—the sharp-tongued classmate who humiliated her years ago.

This book has the emotional arc of a Heartstopper episode, the banter of a K-drama, and the soul of someone rediscovering her roots. Leah’s journey isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional. The way Ann writes about identity, belonging, and learning to see beyond old versions of yourself hit me right in the feels.

I especially appreciated how the story balanced its romantic comedy core with meaningful reflections on diaspora identity and familial expectations. The chemistry between Leah and Cyrus is electric, but it’s the quieter moments—the ones where Leah looks inward—that make this story shine.

Would you travel halfway across the world to fall for your enemy? Because Leah did… and it just might be the best thing that ever happened to her.

🚉Content Warnings: public humiliation, bullying (past), body image pressure.

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First of all, thank you so much to the publishers and netgalley for granting my wish!!! and wow... this book was so fun(ny) and so sad and heart aching at the same time. there's so much to unpack, I can probably write multiple essays on how perfectly written this book is...
4.5 stars

I post full review near to the release date on all my social media accounts!!!

First and foremost I received an e-arc from NetGalley.

Never thought I’d end up here is a light romcom that is easy to read. The characters can be lovable at times and frustrating at others. The story is not complex and is basically a heartfelt story. Like other romcom novels, it is a constant reminder that communication is key in all relationships.

4⭐️
This was my first Ann Liang and it did not disappoint! I read quite a bit of YA and thought this was perfect for high schoolers who are struggling with all those big “what should I do with my life” questions. I enjoyed that this wasn’t just a straightforward romance and that we got a lot of time focused on Leah making friendships and reflecting on her relationship with her family and the world around her. It made the dynamic between her and Cyrus that much more compelling.

Leah’s inner thoughts about not being good enough and her struggles with self image are spot on for this age group. (As an adult reading it though, it was a little hard to remind myself that this is the point of view of a 17 year old and that she wasn’t just being annoying.) I would have liked to see her heal in this area a little more before the last chapter.

I would definitely recommend this book to teens and anyone who enjoys reading YA. Especially diverse stories about friendship, family, and romance. I will be reading more of Ann’s works soon!

Thanks NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital advanced copy of this book!

5 ⭐️ (📱arc) how is it possible that every ann liang book instantly becomes my new favorite?? no seriously this should be considered witchcraft at this point 🙂‍↔️🔮

when I tell you I fell to my knees when I got the email that I’d been approved for this arc 🧎🏼‍♀️I have never been so excited for a young adult romance in my life. this book is ann liang’s classic rivals-to-lovers on steroids. the banter, the forced proximity, the YEARNING??? chef’s kiss. SO many good quotes and iconic moments. leah and cyrus are my new babies. they were so adorable together and actually talked through their issues quicker and more effectively than the couples of most adult romances I’ve read. no miscommunication here folks!! (ok maybe a little… but it’s for the plot) (and the plot is cyrus groveling for leah’s forgiveness so I’ll allow it ☝🏼)

I also really really loved leah as a main character. her insecurity and constant need to feel put together hit so close to home and made her character feel so raw and real. she’s definitely up there with jenna chen as my favorite fmc. she was actually so sweet beneath her hardened exterior and I loved seeing how cyrus gradually brought her walls down and made her feel like she could open up to someone about her self-esteem issues and uncertainty about the future ☀️

highly highly recommend this one when it comes out (june 3rd!!!) and thank you so much to netgalley for the arc!! 💋

I’ve been so intrigued by Ann Liang’s work, and was really excited to finally dive into Never Thought I’d End Up Here. It’s the story of a first-gen Asian American girl who’s always felt out of place. She's been bullied, misunderstood, and seen only for her beauty. After an awkward family moment at her cousin’s wedding, her relatives realize she’s lost touch with her culture and her Mandarin, so they send her on a group trip to China in hopes of reconnecting.

What follows is a heartfelt two-week journey filled with culture, exploration of identity, and forced proximity with her arch-nemesis.

There’s so much I appreciated about the story; the rich culture, the emotional depth, and the focus on platonic friendships through really lovable side characters. I especially love when YA leans into heritage and healing.

But... I have to admit, I felt a little too old for this one. I dabble in YA often, but this story is a bit younger than expected. Some of the dialogue—especially the big “I’ve loved you all along” speech...felt more cringey to me, and I found myself pulled out of the story. It was hard coming back after that.

That said, I think this book will resonate deeply with teen readers. It has heart, honesty, and cultural richness—just maybe not the right tone for readers outside the YA target zone.

This book had me laughing, swooning, and completely hooked from start to finish. The travel scenes are beautifully detailed. But it’s not just the setting that captivates; Leah’s journey of self-discovery is equally compelling. What begins as a hilarious quest for revenge against Cyrus quickly transforms into something far deeper, with love, healing, and unexpected emotions at every turn. The humor, stunning backdrops, and heartwarming romance come together perfectly, making this a must-read. And honestly, Cyrus Sui is total book boyfriend material.

Leah is really struggling at the beginning of this book, with her family, her ‘friends’, and who she should be now. A horrible moment at her cousin’s wedding is the last straw for her mom who sends her on a cultural trip to China. Trapped on a two week trip to a country whose language she doesn’t remember with a boy who has been her lifelong nemesis is bound to be an adventure. I personally loved everything about this book, getting to experience the beauty of China, while Leah and Cyrus slowly move from enemies to lovers. Absolute perfection!

3.5 stars

I immediately fell in love with Ann Liang's writing after experiencing one of her works for the first time earlier this year. They rekindled my love for young adult stories, and the way her characters are written felt true to my own teenage experiences, offering a way to connect to them. I also love how they all work through a major issue in a coming-of-age style of storytelling; it's a formula that just works, and Never Thought I'd End Up Here was no different. The story follows Leah Zhang who, despite dealing with personal struggles of her own, unfortunately adds to them by unintentionally ruining her cousin's wedding due to her subpar proficiency in Mandarin. Her mother decides to send her on a two-week intensive travel program to China, in hopes that this will help Leah reconnect with her roots, and just as she gets comfortable with the idea of going on this trip, she finds out that her least favorite person will also be there. Cyrus. The boy who made her life hell and contributed to a lot of her struggles. Leah sees this as an opportunity to return the favor but her plan for revenge becomes a journey of self-discovery she never expected.

This book felt like a love story to China, I loved how the beautiful landscapes and culture were incorporated into the story. Leah and Cyrus' banter was a joy to read, she was hopeful where he was cynical but they also shared a good balance of sarcasm to keep things even. The relationship that developed with some of the side characters was another part of the story I enjoyed, given how it contributed to Leah's growth as a character. One thing that would have however made me enjoy the book even more, was if Cyrus' POV was introduced earlier in the story. I felt like his side of the story came a bit late and had there not been enough to keep the story readable till that point, I would have lost interest in it. A little bit of insight into his thoughts here and there would have been great, but overall, this was still an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

LA is Leah Zhang’s home and in fact she’s has spent her whole life in LA. She’s attending her cousin’s wedding where she is expected to make a few remarks in the manner of a blessing. Unfortunately, Leah’s Mandarin is extremely sub par. After some bad advice, she accidentally wishes her cousin ill health and a very depressing marriage at the reception.
All are horrified and the superstitious bride is devastated.
Her parents stage an intervention to get her more fluent, at least correctly in the language of Mandarin, she’s mostly forgotten, They send her on an intensive two-week travel program to China’s most beautiful cities. To them, it’s the perfect opportunity for Leah to get back to her roots and to Leah, it’s a much-needed escape.

Leah is looking forward to the luxurious hotels, amazing scenery, and mouth-watering food when, she learns that also on the trip is her former classmate and least favorite person ever. It’s that cynical, sarcastic Cyrus. Oh but how has he become so handsome since they last saw each other.

Still, she is tempted to shove him off the peak of the Yellow Mountain when nobody’s looking to enjoy the sweet taste of revenge on this boy who ruined her life. But there’s something about this handsome guy that prevents the act.

So, thrust together, they explore China’s beauty and Leah finds herself falling in love with the one she once thought she despised.

This is a cute and sweet story, if a bit predictable. The characters are fun and as they travel across China, where the lively culture and scenery is revealing.

I highly recommend this rom-com.

Ann Liang continues to write snappy, fun, but emotionally resonant romances, and I am HERE FOR IT!!! I devoured this book in one sitting because I think LeahCyrus are in my top two Ann Liang couples (with AliceHenry being number one, of course). Leah is different from other Ann Liang characters in that she isn't an academic weapon nor is she trying to be one, but I liked how she still grappled with the ideals of success that are valued in Asian diaspora communities. Her character development was really touching, and I like that Cyrus was directly implicated in it, since he was the reason for her life path changing when they were children. I also really loved the side characters, and I hope we get to see more of them some day!!

As an adult, I frequently read YA books, but this one seemed better suited for young teens. The storyline was very cute, and I really enjoyed all of the friendships that the FMC made throughout the book. The feelings that the main character was struggling with though seemed very trivial to an adult (not knowing if her friends liked her just because she was pretty, unsure about what to do after high school, etc.) That is why I think this book would be a better fit for an audience of around 15-19. I thought the struggles the FMC faced about being disconnected from her culture or fetishized for it were very well written and made the reader empathize with the character even though they might not have that experience.

I enjoyed the romance, but also the layers. Even as adults we only see things through our own lives. I loved the discovery, the connecting and awakening of culture and what your life can be.

Leah Zhang is sent off to travel China because her parents want her to reconnect with the Mandarin language. Leah feels punished but her parents really do see a daughter at loose ends with a lot of self-doubt and lack of focus. Also on the trip is the boy that she thinks of as her mortal enemy. Unlike a lot of books I’ve read lately there is actually a REASON for it and he knows it. He does not hate her, in fact, he has a weird obsession with her. There is a lot to like about this book – frank conversation, fun developing friendships, Leah making realizations about herself without overblown drams.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for this DRC.
#NeverThoughtIdEndUpHere #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for an eARC of “Never Thought I’d End Up Here”! This was such a beautiful story with my favorite trope, enemies to lovers, and I am so honored and grateful to have received an ARC!

I loved how well-developed the characters were, and Liang’s descriptive writing made the book a cozy and funny read. Although at first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to relate with Leah at all, Liang’s portrayal of her flaws and insecurities really made it easy to connect with her and I loved seeing her overcome her insecurities. I was also concerned that Cyrus wouldn’t be fully redeemed by the end, given his history with Leah, but he was very sweet and including his backstory really helped justify a lot of his previous actions.

I LOVED the friendships with Oliver, Daisy, Cyrus, and Leah. Leah and Daisy were able to get so close to each other during their time together and I loved seeing Leah with someone who truly cared about her as a friend. The relationship between Oliver and Cyrus was so funny too, and I respect Oliver for setting and respecting boundaries with Leah!

Overall, “Never Thought I’d End Up Here” was a solid 4.5 stars for me. The descriptions were beautiful and it was such a cute story. Also, I was very impressed with how well-developed the plot was as the release date is set just 5 months after the release of “I Am Not Jessica Chen”. Liang certainly did a wonderful job with both!

This was my first read from Ann Liang, and it didn't disappoint. Never Thought I'd End up Here explores cultural identity and self-acceptance, while captivating the reader with a sweet enemies to sweetheart love story. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to connect with Leah our narrator. A former model who loves make up and fashion, while striving to maintain her social status, Leah didn't feel relateable. However, Liang quickly gives the reader glimpses of the real Leah, a young woman struggling with the expectations of others.

The romance plot line was obvious from the beginning, but Liang made it feel natural. Although, he's set up as a villain figure in the first couple of chapters, Cyrus is well developed with his own issues that impacted his past with Leah.

Definitely a recommended read for anyone looking for a sweet teen romance.