Rich Girl Summer

by Lily Chu, Phillipa Soo (Narrator), Steven Pasquale (Narrator)

Fake heiress. Real secrets. One sizzling summer she’ll never forget.

Event planner Valerie Peng never planned on spending her summer sipping champagne at a lakefront estate, dodging suspicious socialites, or pretending to be anyone’s long-lost daughter. But when a very public, deeply mortifying mishap lands her in hot water—and her career in a hot mess—her uber-wealthy older client makes her an offer she can’t refuse: come to his glamorous summer home and pose as the long-lost daughter he believes his conniving family has hidden from him. In exchange? Time away from her actual life...and the chance to help uncover a long-buried secret.

But Cinderella needs some magic for this big of a makeover. Enter Nico her client’s maddeningly perfect right-hand man. He’s organized, meticulous, impossible to read, and infuriatingly handsome. But even though he claims this scheme is a capital-M Mistake, Nico’s the only person she can trust to have her back. As they navigate a world of eccentric matriarchs, class divides, and private family feuds, their chemistry is as undeniable as it is ill-timed.

Caught between pretending to belong and unexpectedly finding where she truly fits in, Valerie’s summer is about to get far more complicated than she ever planned.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Summer

Audible Audio

Published July 10, 2025

About the author

Lily Chu loves ordering the second-cheapest wine, wearing perfume all the time, and staying up far too late with a good book.

The Stand-In, The Comeback, and The Takedown are released in audio as Audible Originals, and are performed by Phillipa Soo. Lily’s critically acclaimed books have spent multiple weeks at number one in Audible Top Plus Listens in the All and the Romance categories, and have been named in Audible’s Best of the year lists.

In print, The Stand-In was named Target’s Book Club Pick for May as well as an Amazon Book of the Month and Apple Best Books of May.

Translation rights have been sold for seven languages.

Reviews

[heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was free from Audible. That’s the whole review.

[Kristina Reads✨ · Rating 1 out of 5]

SO BORING & pointless. I literally did not care about anything going on in this book at all and don’t even know why I continued listening.

1⭐️🎧

[Alright Hey (Matt) · Rating 3 out of 5]

my first ever audiobook from start to finish which I listened to because it was suggested to me while I was working on a social campaign with audible. it’s a free audible original and there’s yet to be a book released.

I think if I had to physically read this as a book I would have enjoyed it less. It being performed by Phillipa Soo was exciting. I enjoyed it and it’s an easy listen but there’s zero spice (it’s all fade to black) and the story is fine but nothing showstopping. a young girl is hired to be a rich guys long lost daughter, to help him uncover a family secret, she’s whisked away to live in his mansion with his rich family for a summer where she falls for Nico, his right hand man/assistant.

Although positioned as a romance, with strong themes of getting over a toxic ex and learning how to be loved correctly, it almost felt more like a mystery and I was much more invested in the messy family drama than the romance happening in what felt like the background at times. It’s a very watered down version of knives out in a way!

enjoyable read and if you love audiobooks I can recommend. (it’s free on audible so may as well give it a go)
I think I’ll continue to only use audiobooks to bridge the gap between chapters while I drive or go for walks to continue the story if I’m loving it enough.

[Melaina Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A completely satisfying summer read! Quick, cute and unique.

[Naseem · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing felt random and disjointed at times that had me zoning out quite a bit. How do they go from playing detective to ending up in a tent at a Ren Faire. Felt way too random and convoluted for not really a good enough reason. The dialogue style felt all over the place like the author was experimenting at times that did not work for me at all. It was more distracting than charming. Don’t think I’ll be venturing into any more of this author’s works in future. Do not recommend.

[Kate McMurry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got access to the audiobook version of this novel through my Audible membership. I struggled getting interested in the story. I think I'm not really the audience for this author's work.

[Ambre · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 but rounded up

So my review of this cute summer beach read is a mix of the serious and the silly. Rich Girl Summer is fun, it's easy, it's got drama and love, and characters who feel real. It even deals with issues like classism and racism, while exploring the messy dynamics of many types of familial and romantic relationships. The FMC (and her narrator) are both mixed Asian and white, and I'm fairly certain the MMC is somewhere on the spectrum, so there's good representation in the book too. I'm glad I took a chance on it - it's the first book of Lily Chu's that I've read and I enjoyed myself. The only thing I wish is that they'd done the narration as a duet, instead of having the narrators do everyone's voices in their specific character's chapters. 

Now all aboard my train of thoughts. 😂
OMG, I HATE ALEXIS!!!! I wish Valerie would just fire her already! OH NOOOOOO 
What a wildly hare-brained scheme! I mean, what could go wrong when asking the woman who sort of botched your late father's memorial service (because her fucking incompetent "assistant"—and I use that word lightly—gave her bad sushi, made her sick, and then completely couldn't handle taking over) to impersonate your long-lost daughter that you've only just found out about and suspect one of your family members literally covered it up and hid it from you for decades? 😂 
OH FFS 
UGH, these teens are irritating and so fucking entitled. 
Awwwwww, one tent at the Ren faire 🥰 
Tracey Jeffries is a cagey one. I suspected something from the get-go but not what actually happened, but she's got the goods.
NO!!! *dramatic gasp*
YES!! Vindicatiooooon! 
Awwwwww squared 🥰 

[Laura Perttula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt really long. It was fine. I wanted to see how it ended but more about the back story than the romance. There was no chemistry between the main characters.

I’m adding on. I feel like I’m storming back into a room after an argument saying “and another thing!” It took me 10 days to get through this book. 10 DAYS. I think the only reason I didn’t quit is I don’t have anything better to listen to.

Spoiler alert for this part:

The epilogue tried to neatly wrap everything up in a bow but it didn’t mention her miserable friend group for most of the book. Or her miserable family. So I guess we’re just going to ignore that?

[Heather King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure, Lily Chu books have a formula, but it’s a really enjoyable one.

[Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept hoping this book would somehow surprise me. But no. Sure, there were some cute moments...the plotline was boringly predictable in every possible way. The only thing I'm surprised about upon reaching the end was that nothing surprised me. I convinced myself it would. Read beyond the words and told myself it wouldn't end exactly the way it did. Want something very simple and obvious? Read this. I'm not usually one to shit on books. I love books, any kind of books. Filled with clichés? Don't care. Read that scene word for word in dozens of other books? Don't give a shit.
This is apparently where I draw the line.

[Lisa Fremont · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great blurb, incredibly underwhelming execution.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this one. It gave me similar vibes to The Wedding People and The Paradise Problem. Definitely a cheesy summer read, but it was cute and fun—perfect for when you want something light and entertaining.

[Taryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

On 2x speed it was only like 5 hours, but felt like forever. I did not care about anyone or anything that happened.

[Alannah Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich Girl Summer was such an enjoyable read. I went in expecting something light and fun, and it delivered exactly that, with a nice mix of humour, escapism and a bit more emotional depth than I anticipated. Lily Chu writes characters who feel grounded even when the plot leans into its glossier, more glamorous moments, and I found myself really rooting for them.

I especially liked the balance between the romance and the main character’s personal growth. It never felt too rushed, and the story had a satisfying arc that kept me turning the pages. It’s the kind of book that’s perfect when you want something uplifting and engaging without being overly predictable.

Overall, a lovely, warm-hearted read and one I’m glad to have picked up.

[christinac_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so cute! 4.5⭐️

Rich Girl Summer by Lily Chu is a fun, feel-good summer read full of family drama, old money, and lots of secrets. It follows hopeless people pleaser Valerie, who gets food poisoning during one of her Memorial Events that she’s been planning. Down on her luck and with nothing to lose, she goes along with an old man’s crazy scheme to pose as his daughter at his estate. Enter Nico, the handsome PA who can’t keep his eyes off her and you get an entertaining novel that mixes lighthearted moments & great banter with Asian identity and themes about family and fitting in.

while this is not my favorite of all the Lily Chu books out there, there’s NO REASON why so many people (so many yt ppl lolololol) should be 1star bombing this and giving no reason why?? anyway.

Can’t wait for the next Lily Chu book. And as always, Phillipa Soo does a PHENOMENAL job bringing Lily Chu’s FMCs to life. love love love!!!

[Mia Mann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I don’t think I have anything positive to say 😭

[Megan Livingston · Rating 1 out of 5]

As someone else stated. This was free on audible. That’s it. That’s the review. If I could give it 0 stars I would. Boring. Lacked a lot of common sense.

[Amber Abrahamson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty awful. There were too many details and side stories. The mystery was pretty obvious. The romance was worse than fade to black. It was more conservative than YA. I couldn’t get into it at all. It was work to listen to it.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read and a comfy audiobook to listen to before falling asleep. Supported by the fact the male narrator's voice was very soothing.

The Nico & Valerie summer romance—slow-building, both-in-denial-it's-mutual but obviously sizzling—was shippable. I liked the fact they were 30 and felt so young.

"Nico got a kick from how her brain worked—jumping from topic to topic and leaving him breathless and off-balance. Being with Valorie was like being on a tight-rope, while opening a door to a secret room filled with surprise treasure."

-----

A thought that came back to me: reading fiction (of any kind) is such an underrated powerful way to grow emotional intelligence, more than any how-to book or other medium ever could. The next best thing to lived experience.

[Kenna Lowrie]

i can’t rate this book because i truly didn’t pay a smidge of attention to it

[Shelby Kostyshyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was invested in the beginning and then super lost interest and had a hard time focusing on the story.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for a book narrated by Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale, pretty big Broadway names who also happen to be married to each other in real life. However, stellar narration alone cannot save a story and this one really lacked a good storyline. I was frustrated by Valerie’s inability to say “no” and stand up for herself. Penny was THE WORST. Alexis was equally bad. I felt bad for Roger and all he had lost but ultimately, the story and the romance between Valerie and Nico wasn’t captivating enough to keep me riveted. The only thing I liked was Valerie and Dahlia renewing their friendship and Valerie realizing the truth about her friend group (again, bc of Dahlia’s insight). This was more of a slog than I had anticipated and while I really like this author’s voice and will absolutely read her again, this book was a real miss for me.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always enjoy Lily Chu books narrated by Philipa Soo

[Valentina Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute and that’s it :)

[Kinyorda Sliwiak · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you read a Lily Chu book you know what you're going to get. There is a going to be an insecure girl with a family who doesn't support her. A guy who appears put together but is also a mess. They will find each other and doubt that either is worthy of the other. Each of them will find their confidence and each other and ride off into the sunset. But damn if these books aren't entertaining. Each story has a different unique plot that surrounds the love story. There will be call backs to at least one character from another Lily Chu book which will feel like a gift to people who have listened to all of her books. This book is not my favorite of hers but it is still pretty good.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest from Canadian author Lily Chu was the perfect way to end out my summer reading!! Currently an audible exclusive, Rich Girl Summer sees end of life ceremony planner Valerie Peng getting sick at her latest event which has disastrous results for her business's reputation.

On the bright side, Roger, the wealthy son of the man who died, approaches Valerie with a bizarre proposition, pretend to be his long lost daughter while he spends two months with the rest of his family at their lakeside retreat in the hopes that he can figure out which of his siblings helped cover up and pay off his ex, keeping the fact that she was pregnant hidden from him.

With nothing else on her docket, Valerie agrees, not minding that Roger's assistant Nico is easy on the eyes. The more time Valerie spends with Nico, the more their feelings for one another grow. Added to the fun Muskoka summer vibes, is the search for Roger's ex and his real daughter.

This fish out of water, dual POV romance had tons of family drama, loads of humor and heart plus a bit of heat and I was here for all of it! The narration by Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale was also excellent! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Carley Fortune and Jackie Lau or the Schitt's Creek series.

[AllBookedUp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contemporary Rom-com multicultural novel about Valerie Peng and her ability to say “no” and the aftermath. Valerie’s celebration of someone’s passing goes horribly wrong when her “assistant” Alexa is in charge. Someone who she never wanted to hire but couldn’t say no when Alexa just tiles Val, she’ll be Val’s assistant.

After the horrible fiasco, Valerie’s business lost all their clients (thanks social media), and Val finds she has to close her business.

Except… Roger, one who’s father passed and is the reason for her business closing has an interesting proposal. Now she (with Roger’s assistant Nico) is pretending to be Roger’s long lost daughter to flush out a family secret and unexpectedly finds out where she truly fits in. Between getting to befriend an old college acquaintance, finding new ones, Valerie's summer is finding out more about herself with a family of strangers. Plus Roger’s hot assistant Nico helps.

[Joanne Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a tad slow. I jot down my ideas as the story goes along to see if I am correct. I am giving it 4 stars as I was wrong on everything 😂.

I would not forgive Penny if I was Roger. He lost 30 years with his daughter and love of his life. Very happy they got together.

The twist about why David is broke made me laugh as was not thinking this at all. More like setting up his own bread company.

I am happy Nico and his siblings are working on their issues, but was hoping more with Valerie and her family.




My ideas

Valerie WAS Roger’s daughter, she was adopted but her parents never really cared enough about her to tell her, too busy with their new families. I also thought maybe she was a twin with Rory.

That the whole thing was a rouse to get Valerie and Nico together (well that did happen)

I think Valerie’s “friend” who worked for her got her bad sushi so the celebration of live to Roger’s father to fail and she could try and get her way on the new pre-wedding event company. (Sorry her name slipped my mind)

That penny was going to mess up the celebration of life for the woman in the town she said Valerie would.. Glad she did not.

[Becca (This book could have been shorter) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible (included with subscription). Mundane. Didn’t care about story or characters.

Niko was definitely a man written by a woman, specifically when he told his sister he shouldn’t have to tell her that he was mad at her, she “should have just known.”

Props for being adults, though, and actually discussing if they were comfortable sharing a bed before the situation arrived.

3 stars since I didn’t have to pay for it outside a subscription.

[Danielle Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Lily Chu but this is not favorite. I was an expecting an entirely different ending with all the hints dropped and thought it would be cool. I suppose it’s fine. I always like the lessons within all the books which this also had and makes you think. I do enjoy that.

I love Philipa Soo as her narrator. The male voice was burning but I think that’s because the character is supposed to be more serious. So I got over that. I do enjoy dual POV.

I enjoyed the book but it’s not my favorite.