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Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted
Winning is Seyoon Shin’s middle name. Okay, it’s not, but she is a winner—despite what her critical dad says. Dean Parker, on the other hand, isn’t beating anyone to the finish line. His strengths are more brain, less brawn.
When Evergreen Expedition—a wilderness game show with an eccentric host and a cult following—announces a reboot, they both jump at the chance to win the prize. Seyoon’s competitiveness fuels a fire in Dean he’s never felt before, and his hunger to prove himself rivals hers.
To get to the finals, they realize they need each other. Seyoon and Dean form an alliance, which the opportunistic producers are quick to frame as romantic. The rivals-to-lovers angle is good for views and intimidating the competition, but their chemistry is just for show . . . right?
As the lines blur between friendship and romance, reality and reality TV, Seyoon and Dean can’t ignore that the finale is fast approaching—and that only one of them can win.
When Evergreen Expedition—a wilderness game show with an eccentric host and a cult following—announces a reboot, they both jump at the chance to win the prize. Seyoon’s competitiveness fuels a fire in Dean he’s never felt before, and his hunger to prove himself rivals hers.
To get to the finals, they realize they need each other. Seyoon and Dean form an alliance, which the opportunistic producers are quick to frame as romantic. The rivals-to-lovers angle is good for views and intimidating the competition, but their chemistry is just for show . . . right?
As the lines blur between friendship and romance, reality and reality TV, Seyoon and Dean can’t ignore that the finale is fast approaching—and that only one of them can win.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Sujin Witherspoon
4 books251 followersSujin Witherspoon is a Korean American author, artist, and lover of words she can’t pronounce. She gravitates towards stories that will either plague her nightmares or make her stomach hurt from laughter–no in between. She earned her degree in English from the University of Washington and now spends her time writing, thinking about writing, or exploring Seattle. You can find her online at sujinwitherspoon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑.𝟳𝟱
ִֶָ🐝་༘࿐ The most popular Wilderness Gameshow 'Forest Feud' is finally getting a reboot, and it's coming back with a bang featuring teenage contestants who are relatives of notable participants from previous seasons. Among the contestants are Dean Parker, very introverted and who one could call a major Forest Feud nerd, and Seyoon Shin, who is not familiar with the concept of losing andlikely the most athletic person in the group.
When cheating among contestants and scheming behind the scenes begins, they form an alliance that seems like a good idea. Well, the film crew thinks so too, and thus, reality TV's newest star-crossed lovers are born. ⟢
Release Date: April 7, 2026 ⟢
⌞ What To Expect: ⌝
⌗ wilderness game show
⌗ reverse jock x nerd
⌗ fake dating
⌗ confession tapes
⌗ practice kisses
Trust me when I say WHAT A TON OF FUN THIS BOOK WAS. I am still shocked by how quickly I ate this up. because of how invested I was in the characters and the overall plot. Truth be told, the beautiful cover drew me in, but the fun premise kept me engaged throughout. If I had a day to myself, I would've finished this book a lot sooner!
This is my first Sujin Witherspoon book, but best believe it won't be my last. Sujin's writing is so descriptive that you could picture the forest and landscape, yet very easy to take in because this honestly felt like I was watching a reality show, and that takes some talent. ALSO, the CHAPTER TITLES - 'THIS SIGN CAN’T STOP ME ’CAUSE I HAVE DYSLEXIA' - ARE SO OUTRIGHT HILARIOUS.
I was debating giving a short summary of our characters, but it'd be best to dive in with as little information as possible! Because what made this such an engaging read for me was the way the characters felt like real teenagers facing their own struggles. Dean, for example, deals with low self-esteem and anxiety, while Seyoon grapples with her competitiveness and difficulties in interpersonal communication. This comes off as raw yet genuinely authentic. Plus, the sarcastic banter between the two characters complements their personalities and the tension of their situation, which is why the story doesn’t feel overly typical of a YA story.
Now, the romance wasn't as intense as the star-crossed lovers the production crew wanted it to be, but it was gentle and charming. I liked how we didn't rush the romance despite the situation they found themselves in. Considering these are essentially teenagers placed in close proximity to people they would only be with for a little over a week. I enjoyed Seyoon and Dean's camaraderie and friendship more, though Dean does get on my nerves at times for holding back his thoughts rather than communicating. Overall, I liked their early soft love, if you could call it that
We also get a glimpse into the unglamorous life of reality TV. A popular yet overbearing TV host, a diverse group of cast members with lots of personality, and the unfiltered yet totally filtered production crew. These fun elements kept me engaged and unable to put the book down. I want a second book from Ms. Witherspoon as soon as possible!
*·˚ ༘ ➳ Thank you to Netgalley, Union Square & Co., and of course, Sujin Witherspoon for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. ⭑
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖
pre-read : a wilderness game show? SEATED. alsoooo, unplanned buddy read with the lovely, daphne 💘
BRB SCREAMING I GOT APPROVED (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑.𝟳𝟱
❝ You still want to work with me? Despite everything?”
⋆˚࿔ “Of course I do. Because of everything. ❞
ִֶָ🐝་༘࿐ The most popular Wilderness Gameshow 'Forest Feud' is finally getting a reboot, and it's coming back with a bang featuring teenage contestants who are relatives of notable participants from previous seasons. Among the contestants are Dean Parker, very introverted and who one could call a major Forest Feud nerd, and Seyoon Shin, who is not familiar with the concept of losing and
When cheating among contestants and scheming behind the scenes begins, they form an alliance that seems like a good idea. Well, the film crew thinks so too, and thus, reality TV's newest star-crossed lovers are born. ⟢
Release Date: April 7, 2026 ⟢
⌞ What To Expect: ⌝
⌗ wilderness game show
⌗ reverse jock x nerd
⌗ fake dating
⌗ confession tapes
⌗ practice kisses
Trust me when I say WHAT A TON OF FUN THIS BOOK WAS. I am still shocked by how quickly I ate this up. because of how invested I was in the characters and the overall plot. Truth be told, the beautiful cover drew me in, but the fun premise kept me engaged throughout. If I had a day to myself, I would've finished this book a lot sooner!
This is my first Sujin Witherspoon book, but best believe it won't be my last. Sujin's writing is so descriptive that you could picture the forest and landscape, yet very easy to take in because this honestly felt like I was watching a reality show, and that takes some talent. ALSO, the CHAPTER TITLES - 'THIS SIGN CAN’T STOP ME ’CAUSE I HAVE DYSLEXIA' - ARE SO OUTRIGHT HILARIOUS.
ᯓ★ ❝ Shit. Please don’t be dead?”
After a moment, she cracks her eyes open to my relief. “I’m alive,” she groans. “I refuse to die an embarrassing death. ❞
I was debating giving a short summary of our characters, but it'd be best to dive in with as little information as possible! Because what made this such an engaging read for me was the way the characters felt like real teenagers facing their own struggles. Dean, for example, deals with low self-esteem and anxiety, while Seyoon grapples with her competitiveness and difficulties in interpersonal communication. This comes off as raw yet genuinely authentic. Plus, the sarcastic banter between the two characters complements their personalities and the tension of their situation, which is why the story doesn’t feel overly typical of a YA story.
⋆˚ʚɞ ❝ You promised yourself you’d never freeze again. That’s what you said the other day.” I try to smile for her. “Come on, sunshine. We can’t lose, right? ❞
Now, the romance wasn't as intense as the star-crossed lovers the production crew wanted it to be, but it was gentle and charming. I liked how we didn't rush the romance despite the situation they found themselves in. Considering these are essentially teenagers placed in close proximity to people they would only be with for a little over a week. I enjoyed Seyoon and Dean's camaraderie and friendship more, though Dean does get on my nerves at times for holding back his thoughts rather than communicating. Overall, I liked their early soft love, if you could call it that
ꕤ I knew that reality television was more scripted than they showed, but seeing it for myself is removing some of the magic. Growing up sucks. So does having Garrett as a host.
We also get a glimpse into the unglamorous life of reality TV. A popular yet overbearing TV host, a diverse group of cast members with lots of personality, and the unfiltered yet totally filtered production crew. These fun elements kept me engaged and unable to put the book down. I want a second book from Ms. Witherspoon as soon as possible!
⋆˚✿˖° ❝ There’s not a single camera in sight. We gave our clip-on mics back hours ago. There’s no one here but me and him—for once, for the first time—and yet I’ve never felt more exposed. ❞
*·˚ ༘ ➳ Thank you to Netgalley, Union Square & Co., and of course, Sujin Witherspoon for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. ⭑
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖
pre-read : a wilderness game show? SEATED. alsoooo, unplanned buddy read with the lovely, daphne 💘
BRB SCREAMING I GOT APPROVED (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ
September 2, 2025
Sujin Witherspoon’s books are an absolute masterclass on the art of writing laugh-out-loud romances for teens. Bingsu For Two is one of my favourite books of all time and Sujin my favourite writer, and with Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted, I was reminded, once more, of why I’ll keep coming back for her books. Abundant with epigrammatic humour and a fresh spin on the classic fake dating trope we all know and love, this whirlwind romcom—with two leads who are both starkly different and yet complement each other perfectly—is going to be the book of the summer. Katniss and Peeta truthers are about to be served the reality show AU of their dreams.
April 28, 2026
“Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted” was such an addictive, fast-paced read. If you’re looking for a story that combines the high stakes of a wilderness survival trek with some slow-burn tension, this one is definitely for you.
I am a huge fan of the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope, and this book delivered. I loved watching the initial cockiness and animosity melt into playful teasing and, eventually vulnerability and both characters developing feelings for each other.
The reality TV element was also a big highlight! If you grew up watching “Survivor” or “I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here”, you will love the challenges and scenes where they were filming on set.
There were a few things, however, that I didn’t enjoy as much, which is a shame. Seyoon is a strong, calculated character, and it felt unusual to see her make “silly” decisions on the spot. When the competition narrowed down to the final three, she made a choice that felt completely out of character. There is no way she didn’t realise the obvious consequences! There is simply no way… When she yelled, trying to help Dean, she knew exactly what that would mean. She should’ve owned up to it afterwards.
I also found the resolution for the story’s villain quite unsatisfying. It would have been nice to see an epilogue a few months down the line to see how the dust settled and some villains get their well deserved punishments.
Despite the few frustrations I had, “Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted” is a very well-written adventurous romance. I think it’s a very good choice of a book to take with you on your summer holiday.
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I am a huge fan of the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope, and this book delivered. I loved watching the initial cockiness and animosity melt into playful teasing and, eventually vulnerability and both characters developing feelings for each other.
The reality TV element was also a big highlight! If you grew up watching “Survivor” or “I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here”, you will love the challenges and scenes where they were filming on set.
There were a few things, however, that I didn’t enjoy as much, which is a shame. Seyoon is a strong, calculated character, and it felt unusual to see her make “silly” decisions on the spot. When the competition narrowed down to the final three, she made a choice that felt completely out of character. There is no way she didn’t realise the obvious consequences! There is simply no way… When she yelled, trying to help Dean, she knew exactly what that would mean. She should’ve owned up to it afterwards.
I also found the resolution for the story’s villain quite unsatisfying. It would have been nice to see an epilogue a few months down the line to see how the dust settled and some villains get their well deserved punishments.
Despite the few frustrations I had, “Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted” is a very well-written adventurous romance. I think it’s a very good choice of a book to take with you on your summer holiday.
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Ko-fi
November 6, 2025
4.5 rtc
May 15, 2026
as someone who absolutely adored bingsu for two, i knew i was going to love seyoon and dean unscripted, and oh my god, this was just a pure delight!!! i’ve been in a reading slump of sorts, so this book came in at just about the perfect time. i smiled, i laughed, i got emotional and overall, enjoyed reading this so much.
i looove books that have a reality tv setting because of the amount of chaos that comes through it. and trust me…the chaos in this book was everything. the show felt so hilarious and messy, and i could totally imagine it being something that we’d get to see irl. plus i kept cracking up at the confessionals that were included in the book. one thing that i absolutely loved about this book, and it’s probably my favourite, is the chapter titles🤭😮💨 they were so freaking funny and added a special touch to this book. and sujin’s writing was such a delight. the way she manages to write such fun stuff and knows how to get emotional at just the right time is nothing short of a masterpiece.
seyoon and dean reminded me so much of what it was like being a teenager. i felt like i saw so much of myself reflected in both of them, whether it be seyoon’s incessant need to win or dean’s lack of self esteem. them teaming up together, gave rise to this beautiful, soft relationship, full of great banter and camaraderie. i liked how much they felt like real teenagers, dealing with their problems in the way teenagers would do. i also loved how all the other characters get such neatly wrapped emotional arcs, which just really elevated the book for me.
overall, seyoon and dean, unscripted is one of those books that will end up having a special place in my heart. so far, this is my favourite book from sujin witherspoon but i’m incredibly excited to read what she writes next because trust me, i’ll be the first line for a copy!!😮💨🩷
a huge thanks to sujin for sending me an e-arc and having me as a part of the street team!
i looove books that have a reality tv setting because of the amount of chaos that comes through it. and trust me…the chaos in this book was everything. the show felt so hilarious and messy, and i could totally imagine it being something that we’d get to see irl. plus i kept cracking up at the confessionals that were included in the book. one thing that i absolutely loved about this book, and it’s probably my favourite, is the chapter titles🤭😮💨 they were so freaking funny and added a special touch to this book. and sujin’s writing was such a delight. the way she manages to write such fun stuff and knows how to get emotional at just the right time is nothing short of a masterpiece.
seyoon and dean reminded me so much of what it was like being a teenager. i felt like i saw so much of myself reflected in both of them, whether it be seyoon’s incessant need to win or dean’s lack of self esteem. them teaming up together, gave rise to this beautiful, soft relationship, full of great banter and camaraderie. i liked how much they felt like real teenagers, dealing with their problems in the way teenagers would do. i also loved how all the other characters get such neatly wrapped emotional arcs, which just really elevated the book for me.
overall, seyoon and dean, unscripted is one of those books that will end up having a special place in my heart. so far, this is my favourite book from sujin witherspoon but i’m incredibly excited to read what she writes next because trust me, i’ll be the first line for a copy!!😮💨🩷
a huge thanks to sujin for sending me an e-arc and having me as a part of the street team!
April 11, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
thank you to the author for the arc and having me on the street team!!
i had the absolute best time reading this book, miss sujin just always knows how to write the most chaotic and hilarious characters 🫶 as a huge fan of bingsu for two, i was worried my expectations was too high for this book, but i was seriously blown away. from the chapter titles to the little confession booth commentaries, i was hooked right from the start!
for the characters, seyoon and dean are… way too relatable. i am dean and dean is me, i love a pathetic main character and much like river in bingsu, i am like “yeah exactly me too” to a lot of his reactions. on the other hand, i got a little annoyed and a lot of second hand embarrassment from seyoon. and this made sense after it clicked for me that it’s because she’s also exactly like me and the personification of the emotions i don’t want to feel 🙂↕️🙂↕️ this honestly made the book feel way too real, scaring me from myself (if that makes sense?)
the romance is very very cute, while i read this romcom with the emphasis on the comedy, i really enjoyed the dynamics between seyoon and dean. fake dating is always one of my favourite tropes and the reality tv plot made it even more fun. plot wise, this book was just chaos and i honestly never watched these types survival shows so i was just kind of happy to be there 🧍♀️ all in all, this book was a blast to read and i need miss sujin to stop writing such relatable characters and call me out like that 😭😭
thank you to the author for the arc and having me on the street team!!
i had the absolute best time reading this book, miss sujin just always knows how to write the most chaotic and hilarious characters 🫶 as a huge fan of bingsu for two, i was worried my expectations was too high for this book, but i was seriously blown away. from the chapter titles to the little confession booth commentaries, i was hooked right from the start!
for the characters, seyoon and dean are… way too relatable. i am dean and dean is me, i love a pathetic main character and much like river in bingsu, i am like “yeah exactly me too” to a lot of his reactions. on the other hand, i got a little annoyed and a lot of second hand embarrassment from seyoon. and this made sense after it clicked for me that it’s because she’s also exactly like me and the personification of the emotions i don’t want to feel 🙂↕️🙂↕️ this honestly made the book feel way too real, scaring me from myself (if that makes sense?)
the romance is very very cute, while i read this romcom with the emphasis on the comedy, i really enjoyed the dynamics between seyoon and dean. fake dating is always one of my favourite tropes and the reality tv plot made it even more fun. plot wise, this book was just chaos and i honestly never watched these types survival shows so i was just kind of happy to be there 🧍♀️ all in all, this book was a blast to read and i need miss sujin to stop writing such relatable characters and call me out like that 😭😭
November 14, 2025
sujin is one of the best ya romcom authors !!!!
rtc
rtc
May 8, 2026
So, so fun. Two teens competing on a wilderness game show (think luxury Survivor lol) who are forced to form an alliance, though they keep butting heads. But then that competitive tension turns into something else...
I was giggling and grinning the entire time. Highly recommend for a quick, cute read!
I was giggling and grinning the entire time. Highly recommend for a quick, cute read!
Want to Read
May 7, 2026pre-read review
adding this after reading the 'bingsu for two' arc! i'd read anything by ms witherspoon now <3
adding this after reading the 'bingsu for two' arc! i'd read anything by ms witherspoon now <3
May 1, 2026
Sujin Witherspoon strikes again! Such a fun book! Read Sujin’s books if you want a fun read 🙂↕️.
You know you are in for an enjoyable time right from the get-go because this book had FUN CHAPTER TITLESSSS!! Bring back fun chapter titles omgggg I love them!
The concept for this book is also super fun: a reboot of a super popular wilderness competition reality show where these new cast members are related to previous competitors creates really interesting dynamics! The setting itself was also really cool!
And I loved the MCs, Seyoon and Dean! They’re very different, but both felt so real. Seyoon is confident, charming and competitive to a fault, to the point where she becomes a little arrogant and impulsive because of how much she hates losing. Dean, on the other hand, is more guarded and awkward, though he is really smart and strategic.
The producers asking them to fake-date for the show was probably one of the most believable fake-dating scenarios I’ve seen, which I’m thankful for, because this trope is extremely overdone and authors will make characters fake-date for the stupidest reasons lmao 😭😭😭. This at least made sense.
And I really enjoyed Seyoon and Dean’s dynamic!! Them becoming a team was just suuuper fun! I enjoyed this dynamic even more than the one in “Bingsu For Two”.
I didn’t love the miscommunication / misunderstanding in the last part of the book and I would’ve liked an epilogue (especially to wrap up a bit more of their families’ plot lines), but, overall, this was a really fun read, and I can’t wait for Sujin’s next book!!!
Thanks to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book!
You know you are in for an enjoyable time right from the get-go because this book had FUN CHAPTER TITLESSSS!! Bring back fun chapter titles omgggg I love them!
The concept for this book is also super fun: a reboot of a super popular wilderness competition reality show where these new cast members are related to previous competitors creates really interesting dynamics! The setting itself was also really cool!
And I loved the MCs, Seyoon and Dean! They’re very different, but both felt so real. Seyoon is confident, charming and competitive to a fault, to the point where she becomes a little arrogant and impulsive because of how much she hates losing. Dean, on the other hand, is more guarded and awkward, though he is really smart and strategic.
The producers asking them to fake-date for the show was probably one of the most believable fake-dating scenarios I’ve seen, which I’m thankful for, because this trope is extremely overdone and authors will make characters fake-date for the stupidest reasons lmao 😭😭😭. This at least made sense.
And I really enjoyed Seyoon and Dean’s dynamic!! Them becoming a team was just suuuper fun! I enjoyed this dynamic even more than the one in “Bingsu For Two”.
I didn’t love the miscommunication / misunderstanding in the last part of the book and I would’ve liked an epilogue (especially to wrap up a bit more of their families’ plot lines), but, overall, this was a really fun read, and I can’t wait for Sujin’s next book!!!
Thanks to the author for providing me with an eARC of this book!
April 7, 2026
eARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Rating - 4.25⭐️
This is set in a reboot reality tv survival show called “Forest Feud” amongst a diverse cast of characters competing in a forest to win a cash prize. If you love survival shows and reality tv then you’ll have a fun time with this book!
This was very lighthearted and the plot was so fast paced and fun! It was full of humour too that’ll make you laugh out loud. The chapter titles were really funny and unserious too😂.
The characters were so cute together! They had adorable chemistry🥰. Seyoon is very confident, competitive and sporty while Dean was the complete opposite and they complimented each other soooo well. I liked how their relationship developed and the ending was sooooo cutee, it had me smiling so much!! My favourite character was actually the TV host lmao, he made me laugh so much and there’s more to him than meets the eye.
I gave this 4.25 stars because I wasn’t as attached to the characters or invested in them as much as I wanted to be. But I’ll still definitely read this author’s other books!!
Rating - 4.25⭐️
This is set in a reboot reality tv survival show called “Forest Feud” amongst a diverse cast of characters competing in a forest to win a cash prize. If you love survival shows and reality tv then you’ll have a fun time with this book!
This was very lighthearted and the plot was so fast paced and fun! It was full of humour too that’ll make you laugh out loud. The chapter titles were really funny and unserious too😂.
The characters were so cute together! They had adorable chemistry🥰. Seyoon is very confident, competitive and sporty while Dean was the complete opposite and they complimented each other soooo well. I liked how their relationship developed and the ending was sooooo cutee, it had me smiling so much!! My favourite character was actually the TV host lmao, he made me laugh so much and there’s more to him than meets the eye.
I gave this 4.25 stars because I wasn’t as attached to the characters or invested in them as much as I wanted to be. But I’ll still definitely read this author’s other books!!
May 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This was definitely going to be a strong 4 or 4.25 star read until the last 50 or so pages.
I really enjoyed the vibes of the book. The writing style is really breezy and fun and summery. I love any book or movie that does a reality TV show element, and that was really fun to read about in this book, especially with all the confessionals and different contestants.
Now... as for the romance... there were moments where I really liked it, and moments where it felt repetitive and lackluster with the chemistry.
Dean was okay. Nothing wow-factor about him, but he was okay. Except for near the ending when he started getting pouty about literally the dumbest thing.
I rocked with Seyoon throughout the whole book except near the end when she did the most crappy thing and screwed over someone who she made a promise to. It was so bitchy 😤
I would read more from this author though. The writing style and overall book was good, I just wasn't in love with the characters and romance.
This was definitely going to be a strong 4 or 4.25 star read until the last 50 or so pages.
I really enjoyed the vibes of the book. The writing style is really breezy and fun and summery. I love any book or movie that does a reality TV show element, and that was really fun to read about in this book, especially with all the confessionals and different contestants.
Now... as for the romance... there were moments where I really liked it, and moments where it felt repetitive and lackluster with the chemistry.
Dean was okay. Nothing wow-factor about him, but he was okay. Except for near the ending when he started getting pouty about literally the dumbest thing.
I rocked with Seyoon throughout the whole book except near the end when she did the most crappy thing and screwed over someone who she made a promise to. It was so bitchy 😤
I would read more from this author though. The writing style and overall book was good, I just wasn't in love with the characters and romance.
January 29, 2026
- 4.5 -
Thank you to Sujin Witherspoon for sending me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The people who know me, knows that "Bingsu for two" is one of my absolute favourite books, so when I heard Sujin Witherspoon was releasing another book you bet I RAN to the ARC signups.
This is a SW book alright, it got that same feel and humor I adored in "Bingsu", as well as a pathetic (/light hearted) yet deeply layered MMC. I loved the interview bits as they added so much to not only the main characters, but the side characters as well, making a very well rounded cast.
I don't read a lot of YA anymore, I feel like I've slightly outgrown them, but "Seyoon and Dean.." is a good example of what I still enjoy in YA-books. It had that teenage drama, but it wasn't the main focus, if that makes sense? It was just a fun time, and the perfect palet cleanser at the time of reading. Also!! It gave me a lot of "Total Drama Island" vibes which I loved, as I really enjoy that show.
As I just said, the book was a fun time and was fairly "unserious" most of the time, but I really admire how Witherspoon manages to put in more serious topics, especially regarding family issues, without downplaying it. The funny bits doesn't take away from the serious bits and vice versa.
All in all, if you enjoy rivals-to-lovers and romcoms I cannot recommend this book enough, and I'm excited for the rest of the world to read it on April 7th.
Thank you to Sujin Witherspoon for sending me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The people who know me, knows that "Bingsu for two" is one of my absolute favourite books, so when I heard Sujin Witherspoon was releasing another book you bet I RAN to the ARC signups.
This is a SW book alright, it got that same feel and humor I adored in "Bingsu", as well as a pathetic (/light hearted) yet deeply layered MMC. I loved the interview bits as they added so much to not only the main characters, but the side characters as well, making a very well rounded cast.
I don't read a lot of YA anymore, I feel like I've slightly outgrown them, but "Seyoon and Dean.." is a good example of what I still enjoy in YA-books. It had that teenage drama, but it wasn't the main focus, if that makes sense? It was just a fun time, and the perfect palet cleanser at the time of reading. Also!! It gave me a lot of "Total Drama Island" vibes which I loved, as I really enjoy that show.
As I just said, the book was a fun time and was fairly "unserious" most of the time, but I really admire how Witherspoon manages to put in more serious topics, especially regarding family issues, without downplaying it. The funny bits doesn't take away from the serious bits and vice versa.
All in all, if you enjoy rivals-to-lovers and romcoms I cannot recommend this book enough, and I'm excited for the rest of the world to read it on April 7th.
December 8, 2025
Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted just reminded me again why Sujin Witherspoon is one of my favourite romance authors, and I'll be forever grateful to have received an ARC of this book.
Sujin Witherspoon's books are the perfect blend of romantic tension, laugh-out-loud scenes, and unforgettable and diverse characters. Her writing is so bingable, and the chapter titles are always something to look forward to. Seyoon and Dean were such charming main characters, both with their own flaws and fun quirks, which made them who they are. The survival show itself had so many funny behind-the-scenes moments and creative challenges, I found myself cheering Seyoon and Dean on more than once. Reading from both of their POVs, understanding their thoughts and motives, and witnessing them finally realizing that they have feelings for each other made me love them even more.
I've been craving a good unputdownable Fake-Dating Romance for some time now, and Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted and Sujin Witherspoon certainly didn't disappoint me.
Sujin Witherspoon's books are the perfect blend of romantic tension, laugh-out-loud scenes, and unforgettable and diverse characters. Her writing is so bingable, and the chapter titles are always something to look forward to. Seyoon and Dean were such charming main characters, both with their own flaws and fun quirks, which made them who they are. The survival show itself had so many funny behind-the-scenes moments and creative challenges, I found myself cheering Seyoon and Dean on more than once. Reading from both of their POVs, understanding their thoughts and motives, and witnessing them finally realizing that they have feelings for each other made me love them even more.
I've been craving a good unputdownable Fake-Dating Romance for some time now, and Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted and Sujin Witherspoon certainly didn't disappoint me.
March 26, 2026
Thank-you NetGalley and Union Square & Co for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
synopsis
When Seyoon Shin lands a spot on the reboot of Forest Feud-an outdoor game show with a cult following, she jumps at the chance to win the prize. On the other hand, Dean Parker’s strengths are more brainiac in nature but his drive to prove himself takes over.
To reach the final challenge, Seyoon and Dean realise they could use each other. Together they form an alliance, which producers decide to frame as more romantically motivated than a strategy to reach the end.
As the lines between reality and TV reality bur, Seyoon and Dean can’t ignore the fast-approaching finale… where only one of them can win.
‘You’re not too much. You’re better than good enough.’
my thoughts
If there’s one thing Sujin Witherspoon knows how to do it’s write a young adult romance. I came across Witherspoon’s debut novel Bingsu for Two last year and was enraptured by her storytelling and quirky characters. So let me tell you–when I received an eARC of Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted from Netgalley (thanks again) I squealed.
I normally wouldn’t choose a book with a reality TV setting, but Witherspoon is now an auto-buy author for me, so I couldn’t help myself. Despite my initial worries, I found this reality-show adventure extremely enjoyable and funny. It was fun getting a glimpse of reality TV might be like, complete with fake romance, confession tapes and a little friendly rivalry. What I especially love is that all of Witherspoon’s characters have their own small arcs––even the parents, which makes her stories feel more well-rounded.
My absolute favourite thing though is the chapter titles (never stop with these). Please see below a list of honourable mentions:
~ Sunshine, Funko Pops, and Rainbows
~ Do I Get Any Credit for Not Resorting to Violence? Because I Should
~ The Most Diabolical Therapist the Field of Psychology Has Seen Since Freud
characters
Seyoon
While I couldn’t relate to Seyoon, I understood her competitive nature. The need to be the best and win because that’s the only way people will notice your efforts. Because being 2nd may as well equal failure. Seyoon’s need to win impacts every part of her life including relationships with those she loves most.
Dean
No matter how hard I try I can’t get the visual of Dean being yeeted out of the inflatable tube out of my brain––it’s just too damn funny. Speaking of funny, Dean feels like the loveable goofball but is smart in a surprising sort of way. His POV dominated the romance aspect of the book which I loved as I often feel like we do not get enough male POV in romance books.
summary
Between the loveable characters, behind-the-scenes drama, and chapter titles why not pick up a YA that doesn’t feel like a YA.
Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted is out April 7, so preorder now!
synopsis
When Seyoon Shin lands a spot on the reboot of Forest Feud-an outdoor game show with a cult following, she jumps at the chance to win the prize. On the other hand, Dean Parker’s strengths are more brainiac in nature but his drive to prove himself takes over.
To reach the final challenge, Seyoon and Dean realise they could use each other. Together they form an alliance, which producers decide to frame as more romantically motivated than a strategy to reach the end.
As the lines between reality and TV reality bur, Seyoon and Dean can’t ignore the fast-approaching finale… where only one of them can win.
‘You’re not too much. You’re better than good enough.’
my thoughts
If there’s one thing Sujin Witherspoon knows how to do it’s write a young adult romance. I came across Witherspoon’s debut novel Bingsu for Two last year and was enraptured by her storytelling and quirky characters. So let me tell you–when I received an eARC of Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted from Netgalley (thanks again) I squealed.
I normally wouldn’t choose a book with a reality TV setting, but Witherspoon is now an auto-buy author for me, so I couldn’t help myself. Despite my initial worries, I found this reality-show adventure extremely enjoyable and funny. It was fun getting a glimpse of reality TV might be like, complete with fake romance, confession tapes and a little friendly rivalry. What I especially love is that all of Witherspoon’s characters have their own small arcs––even the parents, which makes her stories feel more well-rounded.
My absolute favourite thing though is the chapter titles (never stop with these). Please see below a list of honourable mentions:
~ Sunshine, Funko Pops, and Rainbows
~ Do I Get Any Credit for Not Resorting to Violence? Because I Should
~ The Most Diabolical Therapist the Field of Psychology Has Seen Since Freud
characters
Seyoon
While I couldn’t relate to Seyoon, I understood her competitive nature. The need to be the best and win because that’s the only way people will notice your efforts. Because being 2nd may as well equal failure. Seyoon’s need to win impacts every part of her life including relationships with those she loves most.
Dean
No matter how hard I try I can’t get the visual of Dean being yeeted out of the inflatable tube out of my brain––it’s just too damn funny. Speaking of funny, Dean feels like the loveable goofball but is smart in a surprising sort of way. His POV dominated the romance aspect of the book which I loved as I often feel like we do not get enough male POV in romance books.
summary
Between the loveable characters, behind-the-scenes drama, and chapter titles why not pick up a YA that doesn’t feel like a YA.
Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted is out April 7, so preorder now!
October 27, 2025
This book was a goshdarn delight! I love it when you finally find an author whose writing style you can trust to be a good and valuable read. Seyoon & Dean, Unscripted is just that: we see Witherspoon’s signature heart, charm and wit throughout its pages of behind-the-scenes reality show drama. I loved the unconventional trope dynamics that felt genuinely sweet and wholesome, and I loved the emphasis of friendships and intentional healing.
There was so much hilarity and youthfulness in this book, from the chapter titles to the confessionals to the playful banter. Witherspoon makes you fall in love (or proper annoyance ahem Carter) with characters, and it’s exciting to watch them grow during this pivotal time of their life. Thank you so so much to Sujin Witherspoon for this ARC, I will forever love your work and unforgettable characters!
There was so much hilarity and youthfulness in this book, from the chapter titles to the confessionals to the playful banter. Witherspoon makes you fall in love (or proper annoyance ahem Carter) with characters, and it’s exciting to watch them grow during this pivotal time of their life. Thank you so so much to Sujin Witherspoon for this ARC, I will forever love your work and unforgettable characters!
Read
December 24, 2025rtc!!
March 30, 2026
no because now i want to go on a reality tv show
April 11, 2026
CUTEEEEEEEE
April 24, 2026
it was such a cute read!! i adored this book and the characters seyoon and dean. their tasks in reality tv game show was so fun to read.
August 10, 2025
Sun-soaked, hilarious, and full of heart this is the ultimate showmance you’ll be rooting for from episode one. Witherspoon is the queen of banter, deftly blending laugh-out-loud hijinks and important diverse rep with love, legacy, and being brave enough to forge your own path under the weight of expectations. An enemies-to-lovers romp that shines as brightly as a summer sunset!
May 4, 2026
This was so so fun!! I went into this blind, and I loved it a lot! I really like the concept and the plot, it was something new to me and it was very interesting!
May I say Sujin Witherspoon could be my favorite author soon? 👀 her writing was really immaculate and beautiful!
I very much relate to dean, and I really love the way she writes him. Dean is precious and his growth was something I needed, him and seyoon are definitely the goals.
I love this book a lot!! 🤍🤍
May I say Sujin Witherspoon could be my favorite author soon? 👀 her writing was really immaculate and beautiful!
I very much relate to dean, and I really love the way she writes him. Dean is precious and his growth was something I needed, him and seyoon are definitely the goals.
I love this book a lot!! 🤍🤍
April 30, 2026
L-O-V-E-D this story. The reality show reboot with the family of past players was unique. The central relationship between Seyoon and Dean made my heart happy. Between this and Bingsu for Two, I can't wait for Sujin Witherspoon's next book.
April 20, 2026
Actual: 4.5 stars
This was such a fun and cute read. I enjoyed reading it from beginning to the end. The enemies to friends to lovers trope was really well done!
I will say, I wish the romance between Seyoon and Dean went even slower. I think it would have built it up the romantic tension between them even more. Although, that's already me being nitpicky. The novel is great as is! I would definitely re-read this book (and I rarely do).
Perfect for anyone who is a fan of Survivor or reality TV shows!
This was such a fun and cute read. I enjoyed reading it from beginning to the end. The enemies to friends to lovers trope was really well done!
I will say, I wish the romance between Seyoon and Dean went even slower. I think it would have built it up the romantic tension between them even more. Although, that's already me being nitpicky. The novel is great as is! I would definitely re-read this book (and I rarely do).
Perfect for anyone who is a fan of Survivor or reality TV shows!
April 15, 2026
Another loveable pathetic boy failure from Sujin😭
January 25, 2026
the premise of this was unique and overall this was a pretty cute and fun read with interesting characters and stakes but the details at the end just pissed me off LOL
the points leaderboard before and after the semi final challenge was literally wrong (somehow dean gained no points despite the fact that 4th place was supposed to get 10????) so like dean should have stayed anyway LOL and even if it wasn’t like….dean splits from seyoon to help her win and in turn she sabotages her friendship with vendredi for him to stay (even after agonizing over another failed female friendship the whole book???) and then at the finals again he lets her win like…we just did that guys like we could have had an actually high stakes final w seyoon vendredi and Carter bc we already know what dean is willing to sacrifice for her bc he literally did it like 20 pages ago man
but overall I had fun and even though fake dating isn’t high on my list I thought their fake relationship was buzzy and the transition from faking it to real feelings was so good
the points leaderboard before and after the semi final challenge was literally wrong (somehow dean gained no points despite the fact that 4th place was supposed to get 10????) so like dean should have stayed anyway LOL and even if it wasn’t like….dean splits from seyoon to help her win and in turn she sabotages her friendship with vendredi for him to stay (even after agonizing over another failed female friendship the whole book???) and then at the finals again he lets her win like…we just did that guys like we could have had an actually high stakes final w seyoon vendredi and Carter bc we already know what dean is willing to sacrifice for her bc he literally did it like 20 pages ago man
but overall I had fun and even though fake dating isn’t high on my list I thought their fake relationship was buzzy and the transition from faking it to real feelings was so good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2025
A game show reboot finds kids of past competitors competing again. Seyoon and Dean want to win, both for different reasons, and they drive each other crazy. When the production team tells them they should team up and do a showmance, they realize they’re going to have to put everything aside if they want to win.
I loved this book, and binged it so fast. I was obsessed with Seyoon and Dean, and most everyone else in the cast of Forest Feud. The challenges were creative, the banter was funny, the behind the scenes was fascinating, I just loved it. Yes there were a few times where the characters drove me crazy but that’s reality tv for you, so it didn’t knock any points off.
Thank you so much to Sujin for having me on her street team for this book and sending me an early copy!
I loved this book, and binged it so fast. I was obsessed with Seyoon and Dean, and most everyone else in the cast of Forest Feud. The challenges were creative, the banter was funny, the behind the scenes was fascinating, I just loved it. Yes there were a few times where the characters drove me crazy but that’s reality tv for you, so it didn’t knock any points off.
Thank you so much to Sujin for having me on her street team for this book and sending me an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Witherspoon outdid herself. I picked up this book because I adored BINGSU FOR TWO, but this one really sold it for me in ways that BINGSU failed to measure up to. For once, I think Witherspoon has grown into her writing. The book reads so natural and confident and never once sacrifices the quirkiness of a feel-good YA novel. Both Seyoon and Dean feel like actual real people, and I also find their dual POVs give a great insight into them as people as well as their backgrounds.
I read this book in three days, so, you know how bingeable it has been.
I read this book in three days, so, you know how bingeable it has been.
November 17, 2025
THIS IS SO FREAKING GOOD AHHH I ADORE SUJIN WITHERSPOON FOR WRITING THIS AND I LOVE SEYOON AND DEAN SO MUCH
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