Julia Song Is Undateable

YA author Lee (Seoulmates) explores the complexities of cultural identity, family expectations, and personal choice in her charming adult debut. Julia Song, founder and CEO of Starlight Cosmetics, wants to expand her Korean American business into the Korean market but faces challenges due to gender bias. Meanwhile, her family cares more about her lack of romantic prospects than all of her successes. When Julia’s grandmother makes it her “dying wish” to see Julia married, she agrees to let family neighbor and go-to community handyman man Tae Kim coach her through three blind dates. Tae himself has been in love with Julia since childhood and, as the dates take comically disastrous turns, Julia comes to return his feelings—which may have been her meddling grandmother’s plan all along. The plot becomes somewhat repetitive, which causes the middle to drag a bit, but, for the most part, Lee successfully balances lighthearted rom-com fun with grounded real-world conflicts, including the struggle to juggle love, family, and career. Adult fans of Lee’s YA novels will fall just as hard for this sweet love story. (Oct.)