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Yin Yang Love Song
This charming rom-com from an author whose writing is “deeply romantic, real, funny, and heartfelt” (Christina Lauren) is filled with Chinese traditions and a curse-breaking love story that will make readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Sarah Adams swoon.
In this charming rom-com filled with Chinese traditions and a family curse, an herbalist fake dates a star musician–perfect for fans of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory.
Chinese herbalist Chryssy Hua Williams never actually believed in the Hua family curse. But after Break-Up #9, Chryssy stopped laughing. Now she and her aunties run a special healing retreat center for the broken-hearted. After all, there’s nothing a proper cup of herbal tea can’t fix...but Chryssy’s innocent run-in with celebrity cellist and bad boy Vin Chao has everyone brewing about a different kind of tea. So he offers her a deal: they’ll fake-date, he’ll “break” her heart (and increase ticket sales), and in return, he’ll promote her business.
It’s like Chryssy’s whole cursed love life has been leading up to this moment. But all it takes is one kiss—and a whole lot of unexpected chemistry—to land both of them in hot water . . .
In this charming rom-com filled with Chinese traditions and a family curse, an herbalist fake dates a star musician–perfect for fans of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory.
Chinese herbalist Chryssy Hua Williams never actually believed in the Hua family curse. But after Break-Up #9, Chryssy stopped laughing. Now she and her aunties run a special healing retreat center for the broken-hearted. After all, there’s nothing a proper cup of herbal tea can’t fix...but Chryssy’s innocent run-in with celebrity cellist and bad boy Vin Chao has everyone brewing about a different kind of tea. So he offers her a deal: they’ll fake-date, he’ll “break” her heart (and increase ticket sales), and in return, he’ll promote her business.
It’s like Chryssy’s whole cursed love life has been leading up to this moment. But all it takes is one kiss—and a whole lot of unexpected chemistry—to land both of them in hot water . . .
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
98 people are currently reading
8421 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Kung Jessen
4 books636 followersLauren Kung Jessen is a mixed-race Chinese-American writer with a fondness for witty, flirtatious dialogue and making meals with too many steps but lots of flavor. She is fascinated by myths and superstitions and how ideas, beliefs, traditions, and stories evolve over time.
From attending culinary school to working in the world of Big Tech to writing love stories, Lauren cares about creating experiences that make people feel something.
She also has a food and film blog, A Dash of Cinema, where she makes food inspired by movies and TV shows. She lives in Nashville with her husband (who she met thanks to fate—read: the algorithms of online dating), two cats, and dog.
From attending culinary school to working in the world of Big Tech to writing love stories, Lauren cares about creating experiences that make people feel something.
She also has a food and film blog, A Dash of Cinema, where she makes food inspired by movies and TV shows. She lives in Nashville with her husband (who she met thanks to fate—read: the algorithms of online dating), two cats, and dog.
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February 24, 2025
Valentine's Day 2025 #1
While this started off promising, as in my best Jessen yet, I found myself falling off the bandwagon once fake dating turned into instalove.
First of all, I don't care that Hua means flower. I can't take the name Chrysanthemum seriously. Or the spelling Chryssy. r/tragedeigh
None of that matters. The Hua women are cursed. While all can fall in love, none of them stay in love. How far back does this curse go? Who initiated it? Is there a cure?
What I love about Jessen's books are the multiracial Chinese American cast she adds, that mirror her own family. Chryssy is a multiracial Chinese American. So is Vin, the male lead. I love a multiracial man that plays a string instrument. Jem Carstairs, is that you?
--
collecting quotes for my review:
(1)
what she doesn't know is that I can't get my heart broken. To be heartbroken means you have to care. Caring requires a certain degree of vulnerability, which means opening yourself up to love. And that is exactly what I'm not doing anymore.
If I'm ever in a relationship again, it needs to be casual. A middle ground with no highs or lows. I just need to be with someone I can tolerate, maybe even enjoy being around, but not someone who I'll be in shambles over when the relationship ends. Because it always, inevitably, without a doubt, ends.
(2)
"love is like snow. It's sudden and beautiful, and then it turns into dirty, gray slush. Melts and disappears before you've even had a chance to enjoy it."
(3)
"The Chao Brothers are Italian-Chinese Americans. Chao is their last name, but 'ciao' in Italian is used for 'hi' and 'goodbye.'
At this moment, I'm grateful for my rules. They keep me immune from men like this, with their good looks and even better memories.
"I don't know you well enough to hate you."
(4)
right now I'm just sad. Can't I just be sad for a little bit?"
(5)
"You listened to my podcast. I watched your interviews. And I googled you.
"I'd like to try something if that's okay. It's nothing weird. I just want to look at your tongue."
(6)
According to the family legend, the curse goes like this: The women of the Hua family are doomed to never find lasting love.
The rule I now live by? Prevention is the cure. It's a key TCM principle that I think applies perfectly to our situation. Prevent yourself from falling in love, and you avoid the pain.
(7)
"Smells like exhaust, false hope, and regret."
"Romance is like wearing rose-colored glasses," I say. "It's too intimate. It creates confusion and makes relationships complicated. Better to keep things practical."
"You're okay with kissing, but not hand-holding? Isn't kissing romantic?"
This man is potentially dangerous. I need to make sure. I tug him toward me, our lips meeting again. Yep. He's a dangerous one.
(10)
I'll say that the man has excellent oral hygiene. I'll leave it at that."
"It just seems that it would be hard to kiss a man like that and not develop some sort of feelings. I don't want to see you hurt. For real, that is."
They've already assumed the worst of Vin. Yes, it's his reputation, but there's so much they don't know about him.
I'm failing to see any reason why you should have that look on your face right now."
(12)
This delights me. Watching someone learn how to cook is like watching people fall in love. It's a lovely mess at first, and then soon enough you're regretting all the meals you never made.
"Have you ever gotten exactly what you wanted at the exact wrong time?"
Something tells me Vin couldn't be my Just Right relationship. Without barriers and rules in place, he'd become Too Right.
"I want to know what your version of perfect looks like." "That one's easy for me, too," he says. "I want what my parents have. After all these years, they're still going strong."
(13)
You couldn't stop looking at her. You thought she was pretty the moment you saw her," Leo says. "Your eye twitched."
(14)
Vin kisses like a heartbreaker.
A thought so disruptive pops into my mind that I can feel it all the way down in the depths of my chest. Do I like this man? My heart squeezes in response. It's official. I've caught feelings. I sink into the kiss. If I'm going to be crushed, it might as well be fun.
(15)
Vin's mouth pushes against mine, urgently but gently, like I'm sheet music and he's reading me, determining how hard or soft he wants to play each note. The man kisses me like he needs air.
We're as vulnerable as we can be right now, but even though we're half-naked, it's still not as exposed as we've been before with each other. I feel safe and comfortable with this man. Like if I really wanted to leap feetfirst, I could. And he wouldn't just catch me. He'd be right there jumping with me.
(17)
"'Love' is a strong word. I mean, yeah, I like the guy." Dad laughs. "Is that what it's being called these days?" he asks. "In my day, when two people looked at each other the way you and Vin look at each other, it was called love."
"Is this a millennial thing? I'm lost," he says. "So you're happy, and that's...bad?" "Exactly." "I don't understand the world anymore."
If you go into a relationship thinking about the end, you won't enjoy it while it's happening. That's no way to exist."
(20)
"Love doesn't happen that fast," I say quickly, though the crack in my voice says otherwise.
(21)
I've heard Paris is romantic."
"Wow. You know how some people's guilty pleasures are looking at expensive homes on Zillow and fantasizing other lives?" I admit. "That's me with kitchens."
"You can disassociate later.
It's too romantic. I can't handle that shit right now."
"I thought that kind of thing only happened in classic literature.
(22)
I think I've identified where your heart might be a little broken."
(24)
"Our hearts go through so much. Stress, heartbreak, love." She sighs deeply. "And still, they keep us alive."
--
🥃 Take a shot every time an Asian child is named something their parents can't pronounce
🥃 Take a shot every time I read a book where the cast of characters is named after florals
--
too early to tell but I think I'm going to love this miles more than LUNAR LOVE and RED STRING THEORY
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Forever
While this started off promising, as in my best Jessen yet, I found myself falling off the bandwagon once fake dating turned into instalove.
First of all, I don't care that Hua means flower. I can't take the name Chrysanthemum seriously. Or the spelling Chryssy. r/tragedeigh
None of that matters. The Hua women are cursed. While all can fall in love, none of them stay in love. How far back does this curse go? Who initiated it? Is there a cure?
What I love about Jessen's books are the multiracial Chinese American cast she adds, that mirror her own family. Chryssy is a multiracial Chinese American. So is Vin, the male lead. I love a multiracial man that plays a string instrument. Jem Carstairs, is that you?
--
collecting quotes for my review:
(1)
what she doesn't know is that I can't get my heart broken. To be heartbroken means you have to care. Caring requires a certain degree of vulnerability, which means opening yourself up to love. And that is exactly what I'm not doing anymore.
If I'm ever in a relationship again, it needs to be casual. A middle ground with no highs or lows. I just need to be with someone I can tolerate, maybe even enjoy being around, but not someone who I'll be in shambles over when the relationship ends. Because it always, inevitably, without a doubt, ends.
(2)
"love is like snow. It's sudden and beautiful, and then it turns into dirty, gray slush. Melts and disappears before you've even had a chance to enjoy it."
(3)
"The Chao Brothers are Italian-Chinese Americans. Chao is their last name, but 'ciao' in Italian is used for 'hi' and 'goodbye.'
At this moment, I'm grateful for my rules. They keep me immune from men like this, with their good looks and even better memories.
"I don't know you well enough to hate you."
(4)
right now I'm just sad. Can't I just be sad for a little bit?"
(5)
"You listened to my podcast. I watched your interviews. And I googled you.
"I'd like to try something if that's okay. It's nothing weird. I just want to look at your tongue."
(6)
According to the family legend, the curse goes like this: The women of the Hua family are doomed to never find lasting love.
The rule I now live by? Prevention is the cure. It's a key TCM principle that I think applies perfectly to our situation. Prevent yourself from falling in love, and you avoid the pain.
(7)
"Smells like exhaust, false hope, and regret."
"Romance is like wearing rose-colored glasses," I say. "It's too intimate. It creates confusion and makes relationships complicated. Better to keep things practical."
"You're okay with kissing, but not hand-holding? Isn't kissing romantic?"
This man is potentially dangerous. I need to make sure. I tug him toward me, our lips meeting again. Yep. He's a dangerous one.
(10)
I'll say that the man has excellent oral hygiene. I'll leave it at that."
"It just seems that it would be hard to kiss a man like that and not develop some sort of feelings. I don't want to see you hurt. For real, that is."
They've already assumed the worst of Vin. Yes, it's his reputation, but there's so much they don't know about him.
I'm failing to see any reason why you should have that look on your face right now."
(12)
This delights me. Watching someone learn how to cook is like watching people fall in love. It's a lovely mess at first, and then soon enough you're regretting all the meals you never made.
"Have you ever gotten exactly what you wanted at the exact wrong time?"
Something tells me Vin couldn't be my Just Right relationship. Without barriers and rules in place, he'd become Too Right.
"I want to know what your version of perfect looks like." "That one's easy for me, too," he says. "I want what my parents have. After all these years, they're still going strong."
(13)
You couldn't stop looking at her. You thought she was pretty the moment you saw her," Leo says. "Your eye twitched."
(14)
Vin kisses like a heartbreaker.
A thought so disruptive pops into my mind that I can feel it all the way down in the depths of my chest. Do I like this man? My heart squeezes in response. It's official. I've caught feelings. I sink into the kiss. If I'm going to be crushed, it might as well be fun.
(15)
Vin's mouth pushes against mine, urgently but gently, like I'm sheet music and he's reading me, determining how hard or soft he wants to play each note. The man kisses me like he needs air.
We're as vulnerable as we can be right now, but even though we're half-naked, it's still not as exposed as we've been before with each other. I feel safe and comfortable with this man. Like if I really wanted to leap feetfirst, I could. And he wouldn't just catch me. He'd be right there jumping with me.
(17)
"'Love' is a strong word. I mean, yeah, I like the guy." Dad laughs. "Is that what it's being called these days?" he asks. "In my day, when two people looked at each other the way you and Vin look at each other, it was called love."
"Is this a millennial thing? I'm lost," he says. "So you're happy, and that's...bad?" "Exactly." "I don't understand the world anymore."
If you go into a relationship thinking about the end, you won't enjoy it while it's happening. That's no way to exist."
(20)
"Love doesn't happen that fast," I say quickly, though the crack in my voice says otherwise.
(21)
I've heard Paris is romantic."
"Wow. You know how some people's guilty pleasures are looking at expensive homes on Zillow and fantasizing other lives?" I admit. "That's me with kitchens."
"You can disassociate later.
It's too romantic. I can't handle that shit right now."
"I thought that kind of thing only happened in classic literature.
(22)
I think I've identified where your heart might be a little broken."
(24)
"Our hearts go through so much. Stress, heartbreak, love." She sighs deeply. "And still, they keep us alive."
--
🥃 Take a shot every time an Asian child is named something their parents can't pronounce
🥃 Take a shot every time I read a book where the cast of characters is named after florals
--
too early to tell but I think I'm going to love this miles more than LUNAR LOVE and RED STRING THEORY
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Forever
January 18, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: A slow-paced introspective read
Chryssy Hua Williams, a Chinese American herbalist never believed in the family curse that left all Hua women heartbroken. However, after her ninth breakup, she could no longer ignore it. Deciding that love isn’t for them, Chryssy joins her three aunts to start In Full Bloom an inn where they cure heartbreak using Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Vin Chaos and his brother Leo are famous musicians with a reputation for breaking hearts. Even their band is called Heartbreak. A chance meeting between Vin and Chryssy becomes viral. Vin needs her to be his fake girlfriend for tour promotions. Chryssy decides Vin could help promote her tea brand as well. A beneficial deal for sure!
Well, love might have other plans but what about the curse?
The story comes in the first-person POV of Chryssy and Vin.
My Thoughts:
The premise is quite fun, though my main reason for grabbing the book is TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). It has similarities with Ayurveda (both are ancient and use natural medicine). In that aspect, I enjoyed the information provided – the properties of flowers and herbs, the importance of balancing Qi (possibly equal to prakriti/ prana), and the need for self-discipline to improve our health.
This is an #ownvoices book, so the cultural aspects are just right without being OTT. The aunts and family members are diverse and quirky, much like our Indian relatives.
The main characters started out well. I liked Chryssy. She is cool, composed, and independent. A bit too independent maybe but I won’t hold it against her. Vin started out average but gained some depth as the story progressed. I liked his brother as well (and want to know if he’ll have a book of his own).
The dual POV, though helpful, wasn’t easy to read. I often got confused between their voices and had to check whose POV it was in that chapter. The voices need to be more distinct, especially Vin’s, which didn’t help in understanding his personality.
Since this is primarily a romance, the chemistry had to be good. Sadly, the graph fell flat here. Their interactions were nice, friendly even but the spark wasn’t there. This dampened things a bit. There were all the necessary scenes, gestures, and dialogues but somehow I couldn’t feel the vibe. There’s only a little spice, thankfully.
The pacing is on the slower side, something I did not expect. Maybe it was because of the explanations and internal thoughts. I didn’t mind the detail about TCM (I wanted it), so can’t really complain.
The curse part was decently handled (no magic realism and all that). I liked the discussion around it, though. The exploration of what a supposed curse did to multiple generations of women and how it shaped their lives, identities, and relationships with themselves and others was portrayed very well. It doesn’t get overwhelming or excessively dramatic.
There’s a lovely author’s note at the end and a couple of recipes (another surprise). I understand what she says about the stereotyping and distrust in TCM. Despite the various benefits and success rate, Ayurveda faces similar discrimination.
To summarize, Yin Yang Love Song is a story of not just finding love but also of self-care, breaking generational cycles, taking care of our health (physical, psychological, and emotional), and realizing that our fears don’t have to dictate our actions.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #YinYangLoveSong
One Liner: A slow-paced introspective read
Chryssy Hua Williams, a Chinese American herbalist never believed in the family curse that left all Hua women heartbroken. However, after her ninth breakup, she could no longer ignore it. Deciding that love isn’t for them, Chryssy joins her three aunts to start In Full Bloom an inn where they cure heartbreak using Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Vin Chaos and his brother Leo are famous musicians with a reputation for breaking hearts. Even their band is called Heartbreak. A chance meeting between Vin and Chryssy becomes viral. Vin needs her to be his fake girlfriend for tour promotions. Chryssy decides Vin could help promote her tea brand as well. A beneficial deal for sure!
Well, love might have other plans but what about the curse?
The story comes in the first-person POV of Chryssy and Vin.
My Thoughts:
The premise is quite fun, though my main reason for grabbing the book is TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). It has similarities with Ayurveda (both are ancient and use natural medicine). In that aspect, I enjoyed the information provided – the properties of flowers and herbs, the importance of balancing Qi (possibly equal to prakriti/ prana), and the need for self-discipline to improve our health.
This is an #ownvoices book, so the cultural aspects are just right without being OTT. The aunts and family members are diverse and quirky, much like our Indian relatives.
The main characters started out well. I liked Chryssy. She is cool, composed, and independent. A bit too independent maybe but I won’t hold it against her. Vin started out average but gained some depth as the story progressed. I liked his brother as well (and want to know if he’ll have a book of his own).
The dual POV, though helpful, wasn’t easy to read. I often got confused between their voices and had to check whose POV it was in that chapter. The voices need to be more distinct, especially Vin’s, which didn’t help in understanding his personality.
Since this is primarily a romance, the chemistry had to be good. Sadly, the graph fell flat here. Their interactions were nice, friendly even but the spark wasn’t there. This dampened things a bit. There were all the necessary scenes, gestures, and dialogues but somehow I couldn’t feel the vibe. There’s only a little spice, thankfully.
The pacing is on the slower side, something I did not expect. Maybe it was because of the explanations and internal thoughts. I didn’t mind the detail about TCM (I wanted it), so can’t really complain.
The curse part was decently handled (no magic realism and all that). I liked the discussion around it, though. The exploration of what a supposed curse did to multiple generations of women and how it shaped their lives, identities, and relationships with themselves and others was portrayed very well. It doesn’t get overwhelming or excessively dramatic.
There’s a lovely author’s note at the end and a couple of recipes (another surprise). I understand what she says about the stereotyping and distrust in TCM. Despite the various benefits and success rate, Ayurveda faces similar discrimination.
To summarize, Yin Yang Love Song is a story of not just finding love but also of self-care, breaking generational cycles, taking care of our health (physical, psychological, and emotional), and realizing that our fears don’t have to dictate our actions.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #YinYangLoveSong
did-not-finish
February 6, 2025This book and me did not jive. It’s overall very bland and there’s not much chemistry between the two mains. They seemed more like friendly acquaintances than in love/lust. The scenes were also pretty disjointed and this made the book not flow very well for me.
I DNFd about halfway through because I was ultimately, just really bored
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC, my opinions are my own.
I DNFd about halfway through because I was ultimately, just really bored
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC, my opinions are my own.
January 28, 2025
Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung Jessen
Contemporary romance. Own voices. Mixed race Chinese American.
Chryssy Hua Williams is an herbalist at her family run healing retreat. She doesn’t want to believe in the family curse of predetermined heart break, but after counting her own 9 unsuccessful relationships, she’s given up on love. She’s going to keep her heart safe and uninvolved.
Van Chao is a famous rock cellist touring with his brother. They are known as being heartbreakers but it’s really an over exaggerated marketing ploy by their label. When Chryssy offers herbal tea at one of their engagements, they talk and realize their problems are similar. If they tell the world and family they are dating, even tho it’s fake, they can help each other build their brands and business. The more they are together, the more they question their motives. Does Van want to be a heartbreaker and does Chryssy want him to leave because of the curse? The answer is no for both of them. Now they have to figure out how to solve their looming breakup.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook narrated by Eunice Wong and Eric Yang. Each narrator performs their POV and it’s easy to tell who it is, not only because of chapter heading, but clear differences between male and female narrator. Probably the chapter headings were unnecessary in the audio version. Both do only slight variations of the voices in their chapters but since it’s their POV, it’s not an issue.
The two narrators are totally compatible with tone, speed and volume which can be hard to achieve.
Both print and audio are done well and are easy to follow. There were distinct voices for the female extended family so preferred the audio in general.
I do increase my speed to 1.5 which closer matches my reading and conversational speed.
Emotionally rich, romantic and charming. Belief can be powerful. So can love. I enjoyed their compatibility from the start and their growing closer. Low angst. Chryssy has a unique ability to look at things from a different perspective or angle. A priceless skill.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Hachette Audio.
4.5
Contemporary romance. Own voices. Mixed race Chinese American.
Chryssy Hua Williams is an herbalist at her family run healing retreat. She doesn’t want to believe in the family curse of predetermined heart break, but after counting her own 9 unsuccessful relationships, she’s given up on love. She’s going to keep her heart safe and uninvolved.
Van Chao is a famous rock cellist touring with his brother. They are known as being heartbreakers but it’s really an over exaggerated marketing ploy by their label. When Chryssy offers herbal tea at one of their engagements, they talk and realize their problems are similar. If they tell the world and family they are dating, even tho it’s fake, they can help each other build their brands and business. The more they are together, the more they question their motives. Does Van want to be a heartbreaker and does Chryssy want him to leave because of the curse? The answer is no for both of them. Now they have to figure out how to solve their looming breakup.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook narrated by Eunice Wong and Eric Yang. Each narrator performs their POV and it’s easy to tell who it is, not only because of chapter heading, but clear differences between male and female narrator. Probably the chapter headings were unnecessary in the audio version. Both do only slight variations of the voices in their chapters but since it’s their POV, it’s not an issue.
The two narrators are totally compatible with tone, speed and volume which can be hard to achieve.
Both print and audio are done well and are easy to follow. There were distinct voices for the female extended family so preferred the audio in general.
I do increase my speed to 1.5 which closer matches my reading and conversational speed.
Emotionally rich, romantic and charming. Belief can be powerful. So can love. I enjoyed their compatibility from the start and their growing closer. Low angst. Chryssy has a unique ability to look at things from a different perspective or angle. A priceless skill.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Hachette Audio.
4.5
March 9, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Oh how it absolutely PAINS me to give an LKJ book 2.5 stars. I have absolutely adored her previous books so had super high expectations going into this and refused to DNF because I kept having hope it would get better.
My biggest gripe is that I feel like I never got a full read on the main characters. From the get go I couldn’t quite pinpoint their personalities and I felt zero chemistry between the Vin and Chrissy. I kept waiting for the spark to come, or for their relationship to click but it never came.
I loved the TCM piece and that felt super well researched, it’s just a bummer because this has all the makings of a book I would usually love but it didn’t work for me.
I will of course keep reading whatever LKJ releases, she is one of my favorite low spice authors and her stories are always heartwarming and charming.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Oh how it absolutely PAINS me to give an LKJ book 2.5 stars. I have absolutely adored her previous books so had super high expectations going into this and refused to DNF because I kept having hope it would get better.
My biggest gripe is that I feel like I never got a full read on the main characters. From the get go I couldn’t quite pinpoint their personalities and I felt zero chemistry between the Vin and Chrissy. I kept waiting for the spark to come, or for their relationship to click but it never came.
I loved the TCM piece and that felt super well researched, it’s just a bummer because this has all the makings of a book I would usually love but it didn’t work for me.
I will of course keep reading whatever LKJ releases, she is one of my favorite low spice authors and her stories are always heartwarming and charming.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
February 13, 2025
I love me the "fake dating" trope, so this was perfect! I truly enjoyed the musical metaphors throughout this. I also loved the family "curse" and how the family went about it. I think it was beautiful written and truly made me fall in love with the two main characters plus all of the aunties. It's beautifully done and a wonderful book! I loved that this had dual narrators to portray the male and female characters. It truly added depth and made me enjoy it even more!
I received this book in audiobook format from NetGalley and Hachette Audio (Forever) to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this book in audiobook format from NetGalley and Hachette Audio (Forever) to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
November 15, 2024
Never did I think a man playing a cello would unlock a new fantasy...
📚: Yin Yang Love Song
🖋: @laurenkjessen
🗓: January 28, 2025
Thank you @readforeverpub for the #gifted copy of Jessen's latest romance & @bookswithnopictures + @just_talking_to_my_shelf for organizing this traveling arc.
Lauren does it again, ladies & gentlemen... are we surprised? No. This woman is a romance genius.
I adore Lauren's writing style. The way she weaves in the themes of each romance novel into her prose is so beautiful. "Yin Yang Love Song" plays with the beauty of music & nature. This entire book is so stunningly gorgeous & if you've ever read any of her books, you just know what I am talking about.
On top of just the endless beauty that is in Jessen's words, I learn so much when I dive into her romances. If holistic living. healing, flower, or music pique your interest... you're gonna need this.
The creativity & beauty that Lauren weaves into her romances are what keep me coming back. Her latest is top-notch. I was obsessed with the themes of giving & receiving love at your own pace, getting the most out of life + loving it deeply, and the most important message giving yourself the grace & time you need to R E L A X.
🎻 Rock Star
🫖 Tea
🪷 Magical Realism
🎻 Curses
🫖 Fake Dating
🪷 Dual POV
🎻 Forced Proximity
🫖 Healing
🪷 Green Pepper Spice
📚: Yin Yang Love Song
🖋: @laurenkjessen
🗓: January 28, 2025
Thank you @readforeverpub for the #gifted copy of Jessen's latest romance & @bookswithnopictures + @just_talking_to_my_shelf for organizing this traveling arc.
Lauren does it again, ladies & gentlemen... are we surprised? No. This woman is a romance genius.
I adore Lauren's writing style. The way she weaves in the themes of each romance novel into her prose is so beautiful. "Yin Yang Love Song" plays with the beauty of music & nature. This entire book is so stunningly gorgeous & if you've ever read any of her books, you just know what I am talking about.
On top of just the endless beauty that is in Jessen's words, I learn so much when I dive into her romances. If holistic living. healing, flower, or music pique your interest... you're gonna need this.
The creativity & beauty that Lauren weaves into her romances are what keep me coming back. Her latest is top-notch. I was obsessed with the themes of giving & receiving love at your own pace, getting the most out of life + loving it deeply, and the most important message giving yourself the grace & time you need to R E L A X.
🎻 Rock Star
🫖 Tea
🪷 Magical Realism
🎻 Curses
🫖 Fake Dating
🪷 Dual POV
🎻 Forced Proximity
🫖 Healing
🪷 Green Pepper Spice
July 26, 2025
Unfortunately this one did not work for me.
There was a somewhat interesting plot idea with a planned breakup between the MC characters. The female MC Chrissy works at a heart broken healing spa which is kinda cool. The male MC Vin is a famous cello player who is famous for breaking up with girls which adds to his popularity.
The story and characters never grabbed hold for me. Not terrible but I can’t recommend this as a good read.
There was a somewhat interesting plot idea with a planned breakup between the MC characters. The female MC Chrissy works at a heart broken healing spa which is kinda cool. The male MC Vin is a famous cello player who is famous for breaking up with girls which adds to his popularity.
The story and characters never grabbed hold for me. Not terrible but I can’t recommend this as a good read.
January 8, 2025
Having loved Jessen's two previous novels, I was expecting more of the same caliber of writing and storytelling. Unfortunately, Yin Yang Love Song fell short of those expectations.
The story unfolds through the two protagonists' points of view. And while I do enjoy this method of storytelling, I couldn't get past the arrogance of the male character, Vin. His counterpart, Chrissy didn't help. Her flippant attitude didn't add to the rom-com vibe. Both characters were just unlikable.
The plot seemed forced and unbelievable. A natural healer and a musician fake dating? The two most unlikely professions connecting with each other? Needless to say, I was disappointed. Not to say that I won't read another Jessen novel, but this novel really took the wind out of my sails. An unfortunately one star DNF at 33%
I was invited to read a DRC from Forever, through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest opinions.
The story unfolds through the two protagonists' points of view. And while I do enjoy this method of storytelling, I couldn't get past the arrogance of the male character, Vin. His counterpart, Chrissy didn't help. Her flippant attitude didn't add to the rom-com vibe. Both characters were just unlikable.
The plot seemed forced and unbelievable. A natural healer and a musician fake dating? The two most unlikely professions connecting with each other? Needless to say, I was disappointed. Not to say that I won't read another Jessen novel, but this novel really took the wind out of my sails. An unfortunately one star DNF at 33%
I was invited to read a DRC from Forever, through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest opinions.
January 18, 2025
This was my first read from LKJ and ugh immediately added Lunar Love and Red String Theory to my tbr! This rom-com was the perfect cute and lighthearted read to bring life to my romance yearning soul.
The story is about Chryssy Hua Williams, a Chinese herbalist, who runs a healing center with her aunt and Vin Chao, celebrity cellist, who has built his whole identity as a heartbreaker. In order to promote her healing business, Chryssy enters a FAKE DATING agreement Vin to 1. use his fame to promote his business and 2. Vin gets to use the break up from this stunt to help sell his concert tickets. Fake dating things happen and well… Vin and Chryssy easily became one of my favorite couples!
I absolutely loved the nod to family dynamics in this story! The aunties in this story added such a fun humor element and the focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) stigma opened up an entertaining and interesting points to the plot. As someone who studied Health Communication in college, I appreciated how Lauren communicated the importance and foundations of TCM highlighting the uses of acupuncture and herbal remedies. Truly a book that does it all, breaking down barriers!
Vin and Chryssy were such a well written pair. The flirty banter between the two had me squealing in the middle of the night. I loved how the plot progressed naturally and each moment was pure romcom deliciousness. Vin was such a charmer (and HE KNOWS IT UGH) and the exploration to his back story had me relating a lot with and wishing for a Chryssy in my life. I also loved the little details from the book like the recipes the author added into the story! Lauren Kung Jessen you are sooooo talented 💕
Huge thank you to Forever Pub for the early ARC copy! I am forever grateful to you guys!
The story is about Chryssy Hua Williams, a Chinese herbalist, who runs a healing center with her aunt and Vin Chao, celebrity cellist, who has built his whole identity as a heartbreaker. In order to promote her healing business, Chryssy enters a FAKE DATING agreement Vin to 1. use his fame to promote his business and 2. Vin gets to use the break up from this stunt to help sell his concert tickets. Fake dating things happen and well… Vin and Chryssy easily became one of my favorite couples!
I absolutely loved the nod to family dynamics in this story! The aunties in this story added such a fun humor element and the focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) stigma opened up an entertaining and interesting points to the plot. As someone who studied Health Communication in college, I appreciated how Lauren communicated the importance and foundations of TCM highlighting the uses of acupuncture and herbal remedies. Truly a book that does it all, breaking down barriers!
Vin and Chryssy were such a well written pair. The flirty banter between the two had me squealing in the middle of the night. I loved how the plot progressed naturally and each moment was pure romcom deliciousness. Vin was such a charmer (and HE KNOWS IT UGH) and the exploration to his back story had me relating a lot with and wishing for a Chryssy in my life. I also loved the little details from the book like the recipes the author added into the story! Lauren Kung Jessen you are sooooo talented 💕
Huge thank you to Forever Pub for the early ARC copy! I am forever grateful to you guys!
October 31, 2024
3.5 rounded up. Once again, Lauren Kung Jessen has a way of writing romances that have such high concept plots and are overly cheesy...and I eat it up. I didn't quite fall in love with this one as much as I did with Red String Theory or Lunar Love, but I still found this so charming and cute!
You *really* have to like a cheesy romance to like this, and even though that's sometimes a sticking point for me with other books, Lauren has a way of making it work where it doesn't bother me quite as much.
Thank you to Forever Pub for the ARC!
You *really* have to like a cheesy romance to like this, and even though that's sometimes a sticking point for me with other books, Lauren has a way of making it work where it doesn't bother me quite as much.
Thank you to Forever Pub for the ARC!
January 7, 2025
2.5 stars rounded down.
I have love love LOVED Jessen's previous two books, so I gave this one chance after chance to win me over--and it didn't. From the get go I was confused about the dynamics between the two main characters. They're strangers, but the way they're comfortable speaking to one another (meanly at first) made me second guess if they actually did know one another. And that strange dynamic continued. I just could not for the life of me get a good grip on the MCs' personalities, so I felt off-kilter the entire book.
And I also felt like nothing happened in this book. I kept expecting the book to be over because the characters weren't building up to much. And then when the book was close to being over I was thinking... wait... has anything REALLY happened? This read just really messed with me.
I will continue to read Lauren Kung Jessen's releases, but this story and its characters were a total miss for me. Unfortunately. :(
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
I have love love LOVED Jessen's previous two books, so I gave this one chance after chance to win me over--and it didn't. From the get go I was confused about the dynamics between the two main characters. They're strangers, but the way they're comfortable speaking to one another (meanly at first) made me second guess if they actually did know one another. And that strange dynamic continued. I just could not for the life of me get a good grip on the MCs' personalities, so I felt off-kilter the entire book.
And I also felt like nothing happened in this book. I kept expecting the book to be over because the characters weren't building up to much. And then when the book was close to being over I was thinking... wait... has anything REALLY happened? This read just really messed with me.
I will continue to read Lauren Kung Jessen's releases, but this story and its characters were a total miss for me. Unfortunately. :(
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 23, 2024
This was so sweet I have a toothache.
Chryssy and Vin were super cute. I loved all the musical and TCM references! Chryssy’s love of baking and tea had me craving pastries of all kinds while reading.
While it’s a light and fluffy romance, I do wish there was a bit more depth. I found myself waiting for tension and just generally more from the story, particularly around 50%.
If you’re in the mood for something light and sweet, this is it!
thank you forever publishing and netgalley for an arc!
what to expect
⟢ fake dating
⟢ forced proximity / roommates
⟢ curses
⟢ rockstar x herbalist
Chryssy and Vin were super cute. I loved all the musical and TCM references! Chryssy’s love of baking and tea had me craving pastries of all kinds while reading.
While it’s a light and fluffy romance, I do wish there was a bit more depth. I found myself waiting for tension and just generally more from the story, particularly around 50%.
If you’re in the mood for something light and sweet, this is it!
thank you forever publishing and netgalley for an arc!
what to expect
⟢ fake dating
⟢ forced proximity / roommates
⟢ curses
⟢ rockstar x herbalist
January 7, 2025
In this charming rom-com filled with Chinese traditions and a family curse, an herbalist fake dates a star musician.
^one sentence summary from the publisher. Thank you @readforeverpub for a digital copy of this book to review!
I was hooked from the VERY first line of this book: “It takes less than two seconds to break a person’s heart.” From there, I was immediately swept away into the love story of Chryssy and Vin. They make a deal to fake date and have no intentions of catching feelings. Boy… were they in for a surprise. 😇
I loved watching this story unfold. Chryssy truly believing she was cursed to never find love was a really tough thing for her to overcome. I loved how into her work she was, and how she truly thrived on helping others. Her gift of seeing people for who they are was pure magic. And Vin!! That secret romantic. I loved him so much and I thought he had such an interesting background.
And of course… all of our side characters but especially the aunties. So much fun. I loved the questions the curse brought up about family legends and lore, and I loved the brotherly dynamics we had between Vin and Leo. There was a lot to unpack in this story and it was a great ride.
I have to shout out the prose here too. Lauren’s writing was so whimsical and lovely. A few favorites:
“Hand-holding is way more intimate. These little extensions of you clinging to someone else, even when no one knows about it because you just have to be touching in a private moment. Hand-holding keeps you connected for longer, too, even when you’re not kissing.”
“The sounds of our laughter overlap, creating a new melody I very much like the sound of, even though it’s slightly off-key. Both this tune, along with Chryssy’s bright smile against this gray day, burrow their way deeper into me.”
“This delights me. Watching someone learn how to cook is like watching people fall in love. It’s a lovely mess at first, and then soon enough you’re regretting all the meals you never made.”
“but I safekeep this moment just for me. Store it away like my own version of a one-way ticket, but with an unknown destination.”
Truly stunning!
^one sentence summary from the publisher. Thank you @readforeverpub for a digital copy of this book to review!
I was hooked from the VERY first line of this book: “It takes less than two seconds to break a person’s heart.” From there, I was immediately swept away into the love story of Chryssy and Vin. They make a deal to fake date and have no intentions of catching feelings. Boy… were they in for a surprise. 😇
I loved watching this story unfold. Chryssy truly believing she was cursed to never find love was a really tough thing for her to overcome. I loved how into her work she was, and how she truly thrived on helping others. Her gift of seeing people for who they are was pure magic. And Vin!! That secret romantic. I loved him so much and I thought he had such an interesting background.
And of course… all of our side characters but especially the aunties. So much fun. I loved the questions the curse brought up about family legends and lore, and I loved the brotherly dynamics we had between Vin and Leo. There was a lot to unpack in this story and it was a great ride.
I have to shout out the prose here too. Lauren’s writing was so whimsical and lovely. A few favorites:
“Hand-holding is way more intimate. These little extensions of you clinging to someone else, even when no one knows about it because you just have to be touching in a private moment. Hand-holding keeps you connected for longer, too, even when you’re not kissing.”
“The sounds of our laughter overlap, creating a new melody I very much like the sound of, even though it’s slightly off-key. Both this tune, along with Chryssy’s bright smile against this gray day, burrow their way deeper into me.”
“This delights me. Watching someone learn how to cook is like watching people fall in love. It’s a lovely mess at first, and then soon enough you’re regretting all the meals you never made.”
“but I safekeep this moment just for me. Store it away like my own version of a one-way ticket, but with an unknown destination.”
Truly stunning!
January 25, 2025
I swear, Lauren’s books make me want to GO TO THERE, BE WITH HER CHARACTERS, DO WHAT THEY ARE DOING, because it always sounds like so much fun. YYLS takes us on a journey filled with hot cellists, flower teas, an education on traditional Chinese medicine, CLAMMING (!!!!), hilarious aunties, and (a total hallmark for Lauren) amazing sounding food. The fake dating in this one was so thoughtful??! Like everyone was consenting to the arrangement even their friends and family, which I thought was super refreshing. VIN AND CHYSSY FOREVER!! They are so hot and also there is a bunny named Goji! Okay!!!
August 11, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up!
This is a sweet, cozy, and very cheesy story. There is a lot of introspection on heartbreak, love, loss, vested time, and taking risks. There are also a lot of metaphors with plants and music, that felt a bit overdone and contrived. I thought the cooking elements, herbalist, and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) components were all very interesting. This book made me crave a scone and a warm cup of tea.
I was just hoping for a little more from the characters. More tension, more longing.
What to expect:
Music (rockstar cellist)
TCM x herbalism
Introspection on your path, choices, and love
Family curse
Fake dating
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the e-arc!
This is a sweet, cozy, and very cheesy story. There is a lot of introspection on heartbreak, love, loss, vested time, and taking risks. There are also a lot of metaphors with plants and music, that felt a bit overdone and contrived. I thought the cooking elements, herbalist, and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) components were all very interesting. This book made me crave a scone and a warm cup of tea.
I was just hoping for a little more from the characters. More tension, more longing.
What to expect:
Music (rockstar cellist)
TCM x herbalism
Introspection on your path, choices, and love
Family curse
Fake dating
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the e-arc!
March 20, 2025
More like 1.5 star
I had a hard time not laughing out loud at most things in the book, at some point one of them tells the other one “we are artichokes”
I had a hard time not laughing out loud at most things in the book, at some point one of them tells the other one “we are artichokes”
Read
December 4, 2025dnf at 25%. i haven't picked up this book since last Thursday and it's proving to be too much of a struggle to get back in to.
did-not-finish
January 9, 2025DNF @ 24%
This one is too boring for me to finish, and I also have some issues with the premise.
Basically our FMC and her family practice Chinese Traditional Medicine, and they have a business where they treat people for heartbreak and sadness. Our MMC is a famous violin player who plays in a duo with his brother. And apparently he and his brother are known as ~heartbreakers~ in the industry, and that’s part of their brand. The two main characters decide to fake date after they’re seen together at an event. There’s also some forced proximity. Oh yeah and her family is also cursed to never find happiness in love.
I wish this one had fewer tropes just kind of thrown it. I liked the idea of following a woman who practices TCM, but it was just so annoying that the MMC was a FAMOUS violin player who’s this infamous heartbreaker. I didn’t know there were famous violin players, let alone ones who are so famous that the tabloids keep track of their dating lives. The fake dating plot just felt so forced and shoehorned in because it’s popular or whatever.
I liked the writing style, I just wish this was a simpler story between a woman who works at a wellness resort and a professional violin player.
This one is too boring for me to finish, and I also have some issues with the premise.
Basically our FMC and her family practice Chinese Traditional Medicine, and they have a business where they treat people for heartbreak and sadness. Our MMC is a famous violin player who plays in a duo with his brother. And apparently he and his brother are known as ~heartbreakers~ in the industry, and that’s part of their brand. The two main characters decide to fake date after they’re seen together at an event. There’s also some forced proximity. Oh yeah and her family is also cursed to never find happiness in love.
I wish this one had fewer tropes just kind of thrown it. I liked the idea of following a woman who practices TCM, but it was just so annoying that the MMC was a FAMOUS violin player who’s this infamous heartbreaker. I didn’t know there were famous violin players, let alone ones who are so famous that the tabloids keep track of their dating lives. The fake dating plot just felt so forced and shoehorned in because it’s popular or whatever.
I liked the writing style, I just wish this was a simpler story between a woman who works at a wellness resort and a professional violin player.
January 9, 2025
"Nature isn't rushing or giving us all four seasons at once. We have explosive growth, harvesting, resting, and renewal. Everything that needs to happen, happens, but in its own time."
Chinese herbalist Chryssy Hua has a cursed family lineage - she's been through nine heartbreaks and she doesn't need anymore. However, when there's a chance to promote her family business, she makes a deal and fake-date with the rock prodigy cellist Vin Chao, who has a heartbreaker reputation.
Jessen invites one to immerse into the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), my favorite aspect of this book - from acupuncture to herbal medicine, Jessen makes use of the fascinating apothecary world to explore the many balances that one needs in life to, ultimately, achieve self-care. The story incorporates insights about different perspectives of love and heartbreaks, in all shapes and sizes; additionally, the plot examines the inner essence, the healing that one often overlooks.
I appreciated seeing the emphasis on targeting the source of the problem, rather than relieving the symptoms. Readers can easily see themselves in Chryssy and Vin, who help each other view things differently and challenge themselves beyond their comfort zone. There's a glimmer of depth about family dynamics, the way parental expectations/dreams can be an emotional baggage and how the stories we tell about ourselves can deeply affect one's journey.
I was invested to watch the characters bloom in their own talent while I found satisfaction in both TCM and music. The mention of delicious food throughout the narrative made me nostalgic and starving. My complaints are that I wouldn't have minded if this book were shorter and the final act feels more distracting than a complement.
Sometimes a love song isn't about the destination, but rather the journey. Laden with palpable cuteness, read YIN YANG LOVE SONG if you're into fake-date rom com that explores health and well-being through a narrative nourished by refreshing elements. A healing story to cozy up with.
(ps: the bath bomb and egg tarts recipes in the end are chef's kiss)
[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Read Forever pub . All opinions are my own ]
Chinese herbalist Chryssy Hua has a cursed family lineage - she's been through nine heartbreaks and she doesn't need anymore. However, when there's a chance to promote her family business, she makes a deal and fake-date with the rock prodigy cellist Vin Chao, who has a heartbreaker reputation.
Jessen invites one to immerse into the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), my favorite aspect of this book - from acupuncture to herbal medicine, Jessen makes use of the fascinating apothecary world to explore the many balances that one needs in life to, ultimately, achieve self-care. The story incorporates insights about different perspectives of love and heartbreaks, in all shapes and sizes; additionally, the plot examines the inner essence, the healing that one often overlooks.
I appreciated seeing the emphasis on targeting the source of the problem, rather than relieving the symptoms. Readers can easily see themselves in Chryssy and Vin, who help each other view things differently and challenge themselves beyond their comfort zone. There's a glimmer of depth about family dynamics, the way parental expectations/dreams can be an emotional baggage and how the stories we tell about ourselves can deeply affect one's journey.
I was invested to watch the characters bloom in their own talent while I found satisfaction in both TCM and music. The mention of delicious food throughout the narrative made me nostalgic and starving. My complaints are that I wouldn't have minded if this book were shorter and the final act feels more distracting than a complement.
Sometimes a love song isn't about the destination, but rather the journey. Laden with palpable cuteness, read YIN YANG LOVE SONG if you're into fake-date rom com that explores health and well-being through a narrative nourished by refreshing elements. A healing story to cozy up with.
(ps: the bath bomb and egg tarts recipes in the end are chef's kiss)
[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Read Forever pub . All opinions are my own ]
February 26, 2025
3.5/5
I am truly a huge Lauren fan and I absolutely adore her work; however, this one didn't live up to the expectation of her last books.
I always love how she weaves Chinese mythology throughout and makes it the core focal point of the novel. The whole idea of a cursed line of women with the main . The familial meddling was such a fun aspect to this novel. I loved how specific each woman in Chryssy's family was and I really enjoyed that Lauren spent the time highlighting that while not losing sight of the main relationship between Chryssy and Vin.
I really enjoyed Chryssy's character growth over the course of the novel. She gets hit with some pretty life alternating realizations that directly clash with her believe in love. The way she reacted, gave herself a moment, and then moved on to help the greater good of her family, really made me respect her as a FMC.
I also really liked the Chao Brothers!!! I thought that their dynamic and conflict really heightened the conflict and effortlessly engrained itself into the main plot.
Overall, I truly did like this, but it did fall a little flat for me. (I just love The Red String Theory wayyyy too much; sue me)
Thank you Forever Publishing, Lauren Kung Jessen, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I am truly a huge Lauren fan and I absolutely adore her work; however, this one didn't live up to the expectation of her last books.
I always love how she weaves Chinese mythology throughout and makes it the core focal point of the novel. The whole idea of a cursed line of women with the main . The familial meddling was such a fun aspect to this novel. I loved how specific each woman in Chryssy's family was and I really enjoyed that Lauren spent the time highlighting that while not losing sight of the main relationship between Chryssy and Vin.
I really enjoyed Chryssy's character growth over the course of the novel. She gets hit with some pretty life alternating realizations that directly clash with her believe in love. The way she reacted, gave herself a moment, and then moved on to help the greater good of her family, really made me respect her as a FMC.
I also really liked the Chao Brothers!!! I thought that their dynamic and conflict really heightened the conflict and effortlessly engrained itself into the main plot.
Overall, I truly did like this, but it did fall a little flat for me. (I just love The Red String Theory wayyyy too much; sue me)
Thank you Forever Publishing, Lauren Kung Jessen, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 11, 2025
Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars, will round up for this one due to the nostalgia. There were certain parts of the book that I really enjoyed, character introspections, relationship conflicts, traditional Chinese medicine, and other parts that I really didn’t care for, fake dating and the family curse. While I liked Chryssy and Vin, I had a hard time really connecting with their characters. I liked Chryssy as a character, her change from med school to TMC, her work ethic, and her compassion for others. One part that I really enjoyed was how Vin and Leo had to hit pause on their lives and really slow down to take inventory of their lives, to reassess, and decide how they want to move forward. Sometimes we get so lost in our dreams/goals that we lose sight of the bigger picture. The whole family curse was essentially a big self-fulfilling prophecy, whether it was for the lack of trying or just having something to blame for a failed relationship. I enjoyed the holistic approach to mend heart break, among other things like Vin's wrist. Certain things reminded me of how I grew up and the things that my parents told me growing up, so it was pretty nostalgic at times.
Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced audiobook!
Format: audiobook - Eunice Wong and Eric Yang did an excellent job.
Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced audiobook!
Format: audiobook - Eunice Wong and Eric Yang did an excellent job.
December 16, 2024
Despite this not being a holiday-themed story, this was a great book to read during this season. The atmosphere felt very uplifting and cozy.
This is the story of Chryssy, a florist and herbalist who decides to fake-date a hugely popular cellist named Vin for mutual career benefit.
Though this was an enjoyable and light read, I unfortunately did not like it as much as Lunar Love or Red String Theory. The standout element for me were all of the mentions of traditional Chinese medicine and culture, as well as the familial relationships. I never felt that the bond between Chryssy and Vin seemed more than platonic.
This was also *very* cheesy, and I think you have to like a corny romance to really enjoy this. Ultimately, I still enjoyed Lauren Kung Jessen’s writing and will continue anticipating her releases, but this was very okay for me.
This is the story of Chryssy, a florist and herbalist who decides to fake-date a hugely popular cellist named Vin for mutual career benefit.
Though this was an enjoyable and light read, I unfortunately did not like it as much as Lunar Love or Red String Theory. The standout element for me were all of the mentions of traditional Chinese medicine and culture, as well as the familial relationships. I never felt that the bond between Chryssy and Vin seemed more than platonic.
This was also *very* cheesy, and I think you have to like a corny romance to really enjoy this. Ultimately, I still enjoyed Lauren Kung Jessen’s writing and will continue anticipating her releases, but this was very okay for me.
December 30, 2024
ARC gifted by the publisher
What I loved
- I really appreciate the discussions of Chinese/herbal medicine that focuses on root causes rather than symptomatic relief. While it gave me whiplash of studying Chinese medicine in college, I love how the author incorporates these thoughts of intentional living and slow healing into the book
- the themes of feeling like you owe your life to your parents’ sacrifice and hence should push yourself as hard as possible really resonated with me
- there’s a healing / self-help quality to the story that’s perfect to read during burnout season. While this book doesn’t come out until January, I’m so glad I got to read it during the extra stressful end of year time that speaks to my anxiety and stress a lot
- the open communications between the main characters, and even the Chao brothers, are something I really appreciate
What I wanted more
- perhaps it’s because this book is positioned more as a healing story, I feel the tension between the 2 love interest are lacking a bit. It’s not as passionate as some other romance books but more cutesy
- the third act was a bit glossed over. I thought there’s a lot of potential for the MCs to develop further but it wasn’t given as much attention as I expected
What I loved
- I really appreciate the discussions of Chinese/herbal medicine that focuses on root causes rather than symptomatic relief. While it gave me whiplash of studying Chinese medicine in college, I love how the author incorporates these thoughts of intentional living and slow healing into the book
- the themes of feeling like you owe your life to your parents’ sacrifice and hence should push yourself as hard as possible really resonated with me
- there’s a healing / self-help quality to the story that’s perfect to read during burnout season. While this book doesn’t come out until January, I’m so glad I got to read it during the extra stressful end of year time that speaks to my anxiety and stress a lot
- the open communications between the main characters, and even the Chao brothers, are something I really appreciate
What I wanted more
- perhaps it’s because this book is positioned more as a healing story, I feel the tension between the 2 love interest are lacking a bit. It’s not as passionate as some other romance books but more cutesy
- the third act was a bit glossed over. I thought there’s a lot of potential for the MCs to develop further but it wasn’t given as much attention as I expected
January 1, 2025
3.5 ★
thank you to forever for sending me a free arc! charming story of a fake dating romance between a famous musician and chinese herbalist. loved the inclusion of traditional chinese medicine and culture. story felt windy and lacked a bit of depth but was still a fun read!!
thank you to forever for sending me a free arc! charming story of a fake dating romance between a famous musician and chinese herbalist. loved the inclusion of traditional chinese medicine and culture. story felt windy and lacked a bit of depth but was still a fun read!!
January 25, 2025
3.5 ☆
another sweet story from lauren! listened to this on audio and really enjoyed the narrators, especially erik yang who played the mmc. learning more about Chinese traditions and medicine was fascinating and done well; you could tell lauren did her research. i appreciated the overall message of taking care of yourself and putting your health first!
thank you foreverpub for the ALC!
another sweet story from lauren! listened to this on audio and really enjoyed the narrators, especially erik yang who played the mmc. learning more about Chinese traditions and medicine was fascinating and done well; you could tell lauren did her research. i appreciated the overall message of taking care of yourself and putting your health first!
thank you foreverpub for the ALC!
January 28, 2025
Jessen writes such heartwarming rom-coms! There's always a cozy blend of romance, family, and finding yourself.
Yin Yang Love Song is a story of generational curses, Chinese traditional medicine, and finding work/life balance. I thought the heartbreak curse of Chryssy's family was such an interesting plot point - especially how our perceptions affect how we live our lives!
Oftentimes poignant and charming, Yin Yang Love Song is like a warm mug of tea on a cold day.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available January 28, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Yin Yang Love Song is a story of generational curses, Chinese traditional medicine, and finding work/life balance. I thought the heartbreak curse of Chryssy's family was such an interesting plot point - especially how our perceptions affect how we live our lives!
Oftentimes poignant and charming, Yin Yang Love Song is like a warm mug of tea on a cold day.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available January 28, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2025
Did I save the Last 40 pages of this so I could start my year with a 5 star read? Yes I did.
Hands down, Lauren's best book yet. An herbalist who helps heal heartbreak fake dating a cellist known for breaking hearts? Sweet, full of heart, and many to be savored.
Hands down, Lauren's best book yet. An herbalist who helps heal heartbreak fake dating a cellist known for breaking hearts? Sweet, full of heart, and many to be savored.
October 25, 2024
Yin Yang Love Song is the perfect combination of a beautiful love story, growth, self-discovery, and relationships, plus gorgeous writing. Loved it!
Chryssy and her aunties run an inn and herbal tea business to heal heartbreak, complete with special Chinese brews, acupuncture, and peace. The women in Chryssy’s family are cursed (or so they all believe) never to find lasting love, and so she’s done with trying. The last thing she needs is another heartbreak, so her focus is on an upcoming product launch.
She comes across celebrity cellist and heartbreaker Vin at a party, and rumors quickly start that she’ll be his next victim. He needs to increase ticket sales for his upcoming tour, she needs exposure for the launch, so why not fake date and help each other out? They can plan a breakup so no one gets hurt or catches feelings, right?
Haha, wrong. We all know how a fake dating romance plays out, but the journey here is unique, beautiful, and just perfect. It’s way more than just two people developing feelings. Chryssy and Vin are both such authentic, insightful, and loving people (even if they’re fake dating, but whatever). They had honest conversations with each other and weren’t hiding behind insecurities as events played out; they questioned their paths and relied on each other for support and balance in figuring out their next steps. It was so refreshing and so joyful to read!
Themes of love and heartbreak, the fleeting yet enduring nature of love and life, questioning beliefs when they no longer make sense, and finding balance in life resonated with me and drew me in even more. Plus the side characters added so much to the story and rounded everything out.
So far I’m two-for-two on Lauren Kung Jessen books—I adored Red String Theory and might’ve loved Yin Yang Love Song even more. Highly recommend!
Chryssy and her aunties run an inn and herbal tea business to heal heartbreak, complete with special Chinese brews, acupuncture, and peace. The women in Chryssy’s family are cursed (or so they all believe) never to find lasting love, and so she’s done with trying. The last thing she needs is another heartbreak, so her focus is on an upcoming product launch.
She comes across celebrity cellist and heartbreaker Vin at a party, and rumors quickly start that she’ll be his next victim. He needs to increase ticket sales for his upcoming tour, she needs exposure for the launch, so why not fake date and help each other out? They can plan a breakup so no one gets hurt or catches feelings, right?
Haha, wrong. We all know how a fake dating romance plays out, but the journey here is unique, beautiful, and just perfect. It’s way more than just two people developing feelings. Chryssy and Vin are both such authentic, insightful, and loving people (even if they’re fake dating, but whatever). They had honest conversations with each other and weren’t hiding behind insecurities as events played out; they questioned their paths and relied on each other for support and balance in figuring out their next steps. It was so refreshing and so joyful to read!
Themes of love and heartbreak, the fleeting yet enduring nature of love and life, questioning beliefs when they no longer make sense, and finding balance in life resonated with me and drew me in even more. Plus the side characters added so much to the story and rounded everything out.
So far I’m two-for-two on Lauren Kung Jessen books—I adored Red String Theory and might’ve loved Yin Yang Love Song even more. Highly recommend!
March 11, 2025
Yin Yang Love Song might be the first time I've read Lauren Kung Jessen, but it made me very excited for her backlist and any books to come! This was like a hug in book form for me, and it gave me all the warm and fuzzies while also piquing my curiosity. I’ve never read anything with a focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before and I think it took the romance and every interaction in the story to a whole new level. I really enjoyed learning more about it along with Yin and Yang as well as Qi and I love when a fictional book can teach me things! The romance between Chryssy and Vin got me all teary eyed and in my feels, while the family curse and aunties gave me all the drama.
The audiobook for Yin Yang Love Song was pure perfection, and I loved Eunice Wong & Eric Yang as Chryssy and Vin. Wong is normally one of my favorites and her narration skills shone brightly along with Yang’s for this book. They brought the characters completely to life and if you love audiobooks, it is worth the listen! I was also there for the fake dating since it is my favorite romance trope, and it was beautiful the way that turned into a lasting romance. That being said, I still felt as though something was missing somewhere for me which brought my rating down a touch. And the pacing was a bit slower than I had expected but not a deal breaker.
Read this if you are looking for a romance that also focuses on self-care, family ties, and the power of healing.
The audiobook for Yin Yang Love Song was pure perfection, and I loved Eunice Wong & Eric Yang as Chryssy and Vin. Wong is normally one of my favorites and her narration skills shone brightly along with Yang’s for this book. They brought the characters completely to life and if you love audiobooks, it is worth the listen! I was also there for the fake dating since it is my favorite romance trope, and it was beautiful the way that turned into a lasting romance. That being said, I still felt as though something was missing somewhere for me which brought my rating down a touch. And the pacing was a bit slower than I had expected but not a deal breaker.
Read this if you are looking for a romance that also focuses on self-care, family ties, and the power of healing.
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