Double Happiness

by Heather Eng

Caught between a relentless tech job, her adoring fiancé, and an unexpected new flame, Mei must learn what it means to choose herself

When Mei Li runs into Alexandre Brodeur at a family function, there’s no denying their chemistry. It turns out Alexandre, whose brother is married to Mei’s younger sister, is back in town rebuilding his life after two decades toiling away in academic research. Somehow, Alexandre’s different from the young scientist Mei met years ago. His intelligent eyes and quiet air of mystery have a magnetic effect, drawing her in like never before.

But Mei’s carefully constructed life has no room for Alexandre. She’s engaged to Joey, a fellow Queens native who keeps her grounded as she pulls eighty-hour weeks at Livin, the tech world’s hottest startup. After a childhood marked by financial and emotional turmoil, Mei finally has the stability she’s always craved.

In Mei’s brief moments away from her crushing workload, Alexandre is an uncomfortably enticing presence. It doesn’t take long for their thoughtful conversations and his electric gaze to get under her skin, leaving Mei to wonder what she really wants in work, life, and love.

With her wedding date fast approaching, Mei has to make an impossible choice between two very different men. And after she does, she still must figure out what it truly means to have it all.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Aapi, Adult Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2026

About the author

I’m a third-generation Chinese American who grew up in Queens, New York. I graduated from Boston University with a journalism degree, and worked as a newspaper writer, magazine editor, and senior marketing leader in the tech industry. DOUBLE HAPPINESS is my first novel.

I live in Manhattan with my husband and daughter. Outside of writing, I’m a lifelong ballet dancer, enthusiastic reader, and beach lover.

Reviews

[Harleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I have mixed feelings about this one. I loved the characters and really appreciated the diverse cast. The FMC was especially relatable, which made the story easy to get into.

The story follows Mei, who seems to have it all: a fulfilling career and a fiancé she loves. Everything appears stable until Alexandre enters her life. After meeting him, it felt like a switch flipped. She suddenly dislikes her job and calls off her wedding. I wasn't entirely sure whether Alexandre helped her recognize things she had been overlooking or if she wanted to be with him instead, because they made more sense and were much more compatible. That shift felt a bit abrupt, and I found myself questioning her motivations.

Neither MMC was entirely likable. Joey was goofy and aloof, while Alexandre came off as self-deprecating and cynical. I would have been okay if Mei had chosen neither of them.

I still binged this book and enjoyed it overall. I am rating it 3.5 stars because I admire Mei and her strength and resilience as a woman of color, and her journey of overcoming adversity to become a confident, successful woman outweighs my dislike of her love interests.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books for the arc!

[Mai H.]

ANHPI TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books

[AllBookedUp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is already a strong review with thoughtful observations. I focused on improving the pacing, making the transitions more natural, reducing repetition, and making it sound more conversational while preserving your voice.

Romance ✅
Mental health ✅ (burnout, work-life strain, emotional breakdown)
Workplace ambition ✅
Multicultural awareness ✅
Racism awareness ✅
Career and personal growth ✅
Unscrupulous office politics ✅ (toxic work environment)
Character development ✅

Mei, our FMC, is an Asian American woman living in Queens with her boyfriend, Joey. For the life of me, I could not understand why she was with him. Joey is an overgrown man child whose greatest passion seems to be talking about his music. What initially comes across as goofy and harmless gradually reveals someone far less appealing.

When Mei calls him out for making a racist joke that mocks his friends' early struggles with English, Joey apologizes, but only because he realizes how upset she is. Later, when he repeats the same joke at their combined bachelor and bachelorette party, in front of those very same friends, any remaining charm completely disappears. Between his juvenile behavior and refusal to mature, I found myself wanting him to step up and act like an adult.

Mei, however, has struggles of her own. A self admitted workaholic, she routinely works seventy to ninety hours a week for a company that fails to practice what it preaches. At the same time, she carries most of the financial burden in her relationship with Joey. Her drive for financial security runs much deeper than simply earning a paycheck. The question becomes, how long can she continue turning a blind eye to both situations?

Thankfully, she has a strong support system in her sister Ali, Ali's husband Luc, their daughter Kaia, and Luc's brother Alexandre, our MMC. After leaving a prestigious research position at the University of Oregon for a teaching role at SUNY New Paltz, Alexandre is navigating a crossroads of his own. Like Mei, he is also a workaholic, and together they must decide whether success is worth sacrificing their well-being.

What I appreciated most about this novel was its thoughtful exploration of workaholism and the motivations behind it.

The story examines both the rewards and the consequences of constantly chasing success while asking some important questions. What drives someone to become a workaholic? What are they trying to avoid? Are we ever truly enough? And when is enough, enough?

For a debut novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be looking forward to this author's future work.

[sashenka 🖤 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

I understood the themes about cultural pressure and success, but I personally had a hard time connecting with the main character. The workaholic aspect felt a bit repetitive to me, so I never felt very emotionally invested.

I also felt like her feelings for Joey changed too quickly. She goes from almost marrying him to being completely turned off by him in a very short time. After the wedding is cancelled, he almost disappears from the story. What was even the point of this character, except to show us that he had a different view of life (he was not a workaholic and was pleased with his current position) and a different type of humor? (The racist jokes were a little too much for me. It shouldn't have been written at all, if you ask me.)

The second half of the book also felt repetitive to me. A lot of it was about the FMC and MMC being lost in their careers and unable to make decisions, and after a while it became frustrating to read.

I also think I would have preferred if she ended up single, or even with someone else, because I personally didn’t find the MMC very appealing.

Thanks to Netgalley, Dutton and Heather Eng for the free copy.

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautifully written that it’s hard to believe it’s the author’s debut novel. So much more than a romance, “Double Happiness” explores what it means to pursue what you want in life, and what truly matters. All of the characters are painfully realistic and relatable, as are the tough decisions that Mei, the main character, grapples with. Who hasn’t struggled with work-life balance or knowing when to leave a relationship? The author captures these conundrums with wit and wisdom, and I eagerly awaited to see what Mei would do for the entire book—the tension is palpable. The story stays with you long after you finish the book. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this talented and promising author.

[jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Tiny Rep Books for the ARC of Double Happiness! This book was challenging for me to get through and I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to. I felt like the writing was okay and the story felt too choppy. The idea of someone being so immersed into work and not having that work life balance was interesting, but also it felt like having a man change that (that is not your fiancee) was wild to my brain LOL. I’m thankful to have been able to receive the book, but it fell too short for me. 🫩

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had all the makings of a light, enjoyable romance, but for some reason it didn’t land for me. It all felt pretty superficial and forced. And the title made me think there might be a more interesting twist. Meh.

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I binge read this book at work! It was well written.
It will definitely stay on my mind for real.

I love the characters, they were well written. Mei’s character is a relatable in terms of her job and anticipations from life in general.
I also, love the way the book went.

The reason why this book is not a five star read is because, i am somehow not a big fan of the MMC. I feel like i’ve read better ones which made my standard a little high.
Also, romance seemed like a subplot and i’ve been finding this interesting lately.

Thank you to Heather Eng and Netgallery for the ARC copy, in exchange for my honest review.

[Courtney N · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️ !
(Rounded up to a 4 for Goodreads)

A soul-searching, thought-provoking and life-affirming story.

If you have ever felt lost in your adult life, like you’ve messed up beyond anything that is repairable, like your purpose is lost in the wind, this story may just offer you something worth while.

My appreciation for this book runs deep as it explores so many things I find important. It really took the idea of imperfect characters and dug into them with bravery and honesty.

We follow Mei who is recently engaged and working her way up at her dream job. We meet Alexandre who takes a good job and has moved home to find a better work/life balance. You’d think everything was figured out for the two of them, but like all things in life, we find there are still big lingering questions that beg for answers. We go on a journey of self-exploration, mistakes, tough choices, and unseen resolutions.

I enjoyed the writing in this, I loved the premise and the touching on heavy topics like women & racial discrimination in the workplace, usage of AI, corrupt companies, mental health, family, etc and there were some highlightable quotes throughout.

While I appreciated this story and found the writing to be compulsively readable - I can’t deny that I struggled to like the main characters, buy into the romances or find any side characters compelling. I’m a big fan of imperfect characters, but I struggle when I don’t feel the characters are learning or growing in their arc and unfortunately this felt like that.

I struggled with Mei’s hypocrisy and Alexandre’s immaturity and both of their dependencies on everyone else to guide them. I also struggled with the side character’s complete lack of flaws or depth and to be honest (without spoiling anything) the character they wanted me to dislike seemed like the most fair, honest and redeemable character of them all. That story line and the way it was handled left a poor taste in my mouth and I so it didn’t stay a fun story to keep believing in towards the end.

With all of that being said, I do think this is a worthwhile read because it sparks thought, conversation and self-reflection which is such a great quality in a book.

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

Wow, I’m pleasantly surprised by Double Happiness. I love a diverse cast (and not just token characters), the boss-lady energy, the “he falls first” trope, and the strong sibling dynamic. The academia setting felt so relatable, and the way workaholism was used to mask heartbreak hit close to home. I also appreciated the inclusion of mental health discussions—though I wish it could’ve been touched on a bit more. And oh, the disappointment feelings that our parents made us carry…ugh. Not fun.

When Mei was caught up in the corporate ladder climb and those golden handcuffs—pushing through 100-hour work weeks just to prove her worth—I couldn’t help but think how much I don’t miss that stage of life. At the end of the day, this book serves as a gentle reminder that work is not everything. We really need to focus on living. In the moment. Right now. We are enough. We deserve good things. We don’t need to prove anything to anyone anymore.

I went in expecting a light, quick romance, maybe even an insta-love (I was bracing myself for the ick!)—but instead, I found a layered story full of relatable life choices, tough decisions, and a wonderfully respectful slow burn. What a read. Definitely recommend. Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the e-ARC.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out pretty strong. I was drawn into Mei’s and Joey’s romance and relationship and seeing the effort and connection they put into their relationship and family (despite Mei’s hectic schedule). And then there’s the tertiary introduction of Andrew and the initial sparks that added an instant layer of intrigue and excited-panic.
What I expected to be a really deep and poignant exploration of self and love didn’t really deliver in a way that I expected.
The pacing of the novel is off and character developments (or shifts) seem really abrupt. There is no mystery or even love triangle. The direction of the novel clearly and repeatedly points Mei in one direction and once that ball starts moving, it makes no effort to look back.

I think the larger conversation about work-life-balance that takes place throughout the novel is the real heart of the story. Seeing Mei and Andrew both navigate these career trajectories and decide if they want to find peace and happiness for themselves or dive deeper into their careers was really interesting and very relatable. We (especially in America) are fed this idea really early and “rewarded” for being workaholics (often without any real rewards). And seeing Mei navigate a company that starts to feel more soul-sucking and Andrew make peace with a plateauing and new direction (despite his parents’ wishes) really was interesting. They are 2 sides of the same coin. And both have big choices to make for their careers and their ultimate happiness.

**SPOILER RANT SECTION**
I was so confused by the sudden shift of Joey’s character. He is this caring and devoted person who is shown to have really invested himself into Mei’s family. But the second we meet Andrew it’s like he is a whole new character. He’s selfish and whiney and “borderline” racist and childish?? And out of nowhere Mei is embarrassed by him. And it begged the question–did they never leave the house before Andrew moved back to NY? And the whole story is focusing on Mei and Andrew needing to step away from their high demand (and high paying) careers for what truly makes them happy…but Andrew is lazy and bad for not wanting to invest more of himself into his job because he wants to make sure he has time for Mei and his hobbies? And the second Joey is out of the picture, he’s barely thought of again. And even the whole idea that there is something between Andrew and Mei (which…there obviously is) is treated like Joey’s just lashing out. The way it’s written is like Joey was fine for Mei until he needed to be just obnoxious enough to give her an excuse to really want out and then, oh look–there’s Andrew. I was also surprised by the lack of conversation or exploration that shows that Mei likes her line of work apart from the pay. And while I very much understand her want for financial stability, I wish we had more of an indication that genuinely like her work. Whereas we know that Andrew loved his line of work, but still had to walk away. Which made for a somewhat confusing narrative (after he was offered a more promising opportunity. I also really didn’t like his parents. They were so one-note and there was no growth or anything; they just really pushed their opinions and left. Thankfully we had Andrew’s brother who was at least advocating for Andrew’s peace and mental health (based on past experiences).
**END SPOILER SECTION**

I will say, this is a quick and easy read that has some fun and cute scenes with interesting conversations around not settling (in any aspect of life). This book definitely hits at several points that it wants to. While addressing how hard it can be to really make these big life changes (especially when someone dangles that proverbial carrot in front of us). I just think that the book could’ve used more time to really swell and add more depth and dimensionality all around.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books for providing me with a digital review copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Mayra Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mei is a workaholic who thinks she has it all figured out: Work, money and a fiancé. But after she meets Alexandre she starts seeing things through a different perspective.
I really liked this books because it not only focusses in the romantic aspect but also in the inner turmoil you can brew when you don't know exactly how to break certain tendencies.

The romance part was done amazingly and it resonated with me a lot. Mei was definitely settling down with a trashy partner at the beginning of the story.

I see this book being turned into a short tv. series in the future. The characters are well written and the story has a perfectly synced rhythm.

ᯓ How many stars do I give to this book? 5 stars ★★★★★ out of 5 ★★★★★

ᯓ I want to thank NetGalley and Tiny Reparation Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

ᯓ This doesn't affect in any way the contents of my review. All opinions and comments expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #DoubleHappiness

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because I felt like the plot was easy to follow, the characters had relatable flaws, and the ending was believable and not too cheesy. I learned about topics I didn’t expect and the toxic culture of corporate America. A romance filled with depth related to the characters passions and their misgivings. I found myself looking forward to my nightly reading so I could see where Mei’s journey would take her. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

[gillian milton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is a great beach read! It’s easy to get through and definitely light-hearted. That being said, it does get rather boring and slow in some parts. I also feel like there is something missing from the plot. What about their childhood? Can we get a glimpse of them when they were younger?
Ultimately, I think it was a strong novel for this author’s debut! Congratulations!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for allowing me early access to this novel!

[Ari (ariannasreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute book that took into consideration some serious aspects of love, work, and finding balance in order to make the most of your life. I very much enjoyed the dynamics between Mei and Alexandre… and could not stand Joey. 😂 I had expected there to be more conflict for the love triangle but still enjoyed the way the storyline went. Very cool to see representation of Asian women as a Chinese Canadian woman myself.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author writes well. The story flowed and there was not anything wrong with it. Your standard romance novel with the standard tropes. One mildly spicy scene.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

This was a nice light romance read. I enjoyed Mei, her sister, niece, and brother-in-law the most. I also enjoyed the sub-plot of Mei and her experience in the workplace. I didn't fall in love with the MMC and honestly think this still would have been a good story without Joey. I love a romance that has me giggly and kicking my feet, but unfortunately that was not the case for this. At times I felt like the pacing was off as well, but I will say the book got better as I read. I know this is Heather Eng's debut, but I will check out her future books!

Thank you Tiny Reparations Books Marketing and NetGalley for this e-ARC!

[long2 -`♡´-]

⊹ ࣪ ˖𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅
I'm always up for a good love triangle🔺, so I'm curious to see who Mei will end up choosing... or maybe she'll choose neither? 👀 I'm also hoping this isn't just a romance about picking between two men, but a story about Mei figuring out what she truly wants in life.

Since this features an Asian female lead, I also hope the author avoids falling into the usual stereotypes and gives Mei a nuanced, well-rounded personality. 🤞🏻Fingers crossed for plenty of drama, emotional tension, and a contemporary romance that feels entertaining.

₊˚ʚ Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC.

[Gaby Cast · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book is about finding yourself in your 30s, re-evaluating your priorities, and the complexities of not settling for the life you THOUGHT would make you happy when you were younger. All this and one tiny love triangle (emotional affair?). Personally, I didn’t like either of the “love interests”. Joey was a bit immature, had a quirky hobby (his music thing really wasn’t that weird), and was content with his place in life. Overall, he was just not the right partner for Mei, but then it felt like the author was pushing for readers to hate him to justify Mei cheating on him (that joke felt out of character and was so weird). Because yes, she was having an emotional affair with Alexandre. Alexandre is cynical, a recovering workaholic, and a bit pompous. He meets Joey once and immediately feels like he would be better for Mei. I didn’t buy the instant connection between Mei and Alexandre. The switch from her being so sure of Joey to suddenly fantasizing about Alexandre was abrupt and jarring. I understand that Alexandre and Mei are supposed to bring out the best in each other and those versions are what they’re each in love with, but their communication was pretty awful. It was also just really frustrating reading Mei’s perspective because she was in such denial about a ridiculously toxic work environment and kept having “realizations”, but would immediately fall for obvious manipulation and kept reneging on her promises to her family and Alexandre. I really wanted to shake her sometimes because even when faced with the cold hard truth several times, she refused to accept it. Her perspective made me feel incredibly anxious. The story was predictable, but interesting enough to finish. The pacing was a bit inconsistent and dragged in several places. The repetitive nature of Mei’s character arc didn’t help that matter. I really didn’t care for Alexandre so his perspective didn’t add anything for me. I’m also not sure that I would call this a romance book because so much of the main relationship was rushed and felt very superficial. I would have preferred if maybe Joey was cut out altogether and the story focused more on just Mei’s journey without needing Alexandre to be the catalyst for her shift in priorities.

[Rayo Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinion.

Mei Li has a job she loves and a fiancé who dotes on her, but all of this starts crumbling when she meets Alexandre (her sister’s brother-in-law).

One thing I loved about this book was that we had a woman in tech at the forefront. She was accomplished (regardless of the work/life balance situation at LIVIN’), and I love that for our FMC!!!

But… regarding her relationship, especially with her fiancé, I was confused. Initially, we were introduced to Joey (her fiancé) who loved Mei, didn’t give her crap about the hours she put into her work, and was confident in his skin. Sure, he had weird hobbies (but who doesn’t 🤷). Fast forward to when Alexandre was introduced, and suddenly it felt like the author wanted to force us to hate Joey (which I didn’t!). Out of nowhere, after meeting Alexandre, she started having doubts about her husband-to-be. Issues that had never bothered her suddenly got under her skin, and I kept asking myself: was it because she was embarrassed by Joey, or did she subconsciously want a reason to leave now that a “hot” new interest was in the picture?

And the way Alexandre constantly butted in and gave unsolicited opinions about Mei’s relationship was jarring! Like, what do you mean Mei settled because she isn’t with you? 🤦 So forgive me if I didn’t really dig Mei and her “hot” new interest. The chemistry wasn’t there, the self-deprecating remarks he made, judging someone because of his clothing choice and hobbies—guyyy!! Then calling out Mei but doing the exact same thing he told her not to do? Thinking of making a move on another man’s girl? 🤦

Overall, I loved Mei and totally related to her, but concerning the love interests, it was just off.

Thank you once again for the e-ARC.

[Liliya Gateva · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re giving your all in a job that only takes, you’ll see some truths you’ve been ignoring in the story. If you’ve settled in a relationship because you don’t believe you deserve better, you’ll have to face a hard reflection in Mei’s story.
I really struggled with the beginning of this book. The first 20% frustrated me so much that I read three other books before coming back to it. The robotic “I love climbing the ranks”, the false blurb for a tech startup, the cliché conversations… I was fuming. But, thankfully, it changes.
Mei is utterly annoying until we get Alexandre in the picture. Bless this guy. My favorite character, a breath of fresh air. He saved Mei’s life and, in a sense, this book.
And because I’m still fuming about it, Heather Eng, you have vast marketing experience, what happened? I need to get these inconsistencies off my chest…

Things I disliked
Reading is my biggest and favorite form of escapism. I love being swept away in other worlds and stories. Mostly I read after work so my brain can stop designing, making strategies, planning, and writing emails. So reading about marketing was not on the books for me when I started Double Happiness. Especially when the blurb literally says “tech job” for our main character, and in reality she works for a rental company. A “startup” with 12 thousand employees?
I was following the details that felt incorrect more than I was being drawn into the story. Here’s how my notes looked, because I genuinely couldn’t make sense of it…
There’s a VP of brand marketing, her manager, and a Chief Marketing Officer, but Mei is “the highest-ranked marketing employee”? As a senior director of brand marketing? And this person is presenting the three-year brand vision for New York’s highest-valued private company? I wonder what the CMO does then. He is the epitome of bad management, 0 common sense, only profit in mind, but still…
And why is every work-related statement an HR dream, if they could program us? She’s excited about climbing the ranks? Excited? Really, Mei? I get that this was part of her character arc, but it could’ve been written more believably.
Someone who works seventy-hour, or eighty in the blurb, weeks has the time to eat burgers on boardwalks on summer afternoons and “every Friday” goes for Nepalese momos and eats dinner holding hands? When you have 12+ hour days, god forbid weeks, there’s a laptop glued to you. There’s no time to go exploring cuisines in the city. If you’re hyper-focused and you love your job with Mei’s passion, there’s no romantic whimsy served with the “seventy-hour week.” This is exactly why people end up having the “I’m not really living” breakdown, which does happen later in the story. I understand the need for the hustle narrative, but this bit didn’t fit at all.
Her mission about expanding how the company is perceived through diversification of their communication makes a lot of sense for her character, but technically, the vision and direction of the company won’t come from her position.
I also have an issue with how the business model is described, since Livin is literally a development company.
All the technicalities wouldn’t have annoyed me as much if the story-building didn’t rely so much on them.

Things I loved
The parts I loved though… Ali, Luc, and Kaia felt like family. The warm, fuzzy kind. The kind that will hold interventions for you out of love.
Mei and Alexandre. I’ve never rooted so much for characters that drove me crazy with their actions. It was pretty clear we were waiting for conflicts and burnout, and Mei should listen to her own advice. The number of times I was sure “okay, this is it” was proportional to the number of times I’ve ignored my own advice.
The realization that work is not life, or rather Livin is not living, came in like tides until a big wave submerged it all. That one hit too close to home.
The story itself holds so much promise. As it slowly unfolds, the characters grow from unbearable, and sometimes unbelievable, to asking questions that made me reflect on my own life and decisions. There’s a realness in settling for what you think you deserve, not imagining you deserve so much more. The possibility of happiness and love. A life lived.
How Mei’s work realizations hit at the same time as her seeing the true face of her partner and her love choices was brilliantly done. I did root for her to choose different. Better. It’s the hope we have for ourselves reflected in these characters.
And oh, how much I enjoyed Alexandre’s character. The contrast, the support, the maturity… Eng made that attractive. As I mentioned, my favorite character. And I would never root for the other guy. He was the guy.
Sadly, I found too many points in Mei’s work and company politics that I could associate with. “Livin” the dream by being the most toxic and gaslighting workplace… unfortunately, a lot of people will find themselves in that part of the story. I hope we can learn from Mei’s awakening before it’s too late.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books, for this ARC.

[Vrinda's Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐ - An enjoyable light read focusing on themes of having a healthy work-life balance, dealing with career shifts, change in relationships, personal growth, keeping a connect with your cultural heritage and family. 👩🏻‍💻🌴🏖️

☯️ The main character's had good foundational backstories, of how their past influenced their journey's and outlooks. It also featured family dynamics that were both positive and challenging, between siblings and parents. The story had a good blend of Asian-American culture, that brought forth elements of Asian food, names, values and heritage. It reflected the story of immigrants who have valued education and hard-work in their struggle through the generations.

"You don't have to stay in every impossible situation just because you survived worse."

🏖️ It was great to have parts of the story that intentionally slowed down, focusing on reflection, rejuvenation, healing and living in the moment. It felt organic, without rushing those scenes. The story didn't overdo the drama, and I liked its approach in terms of the timing of events.

🌴 The plot featured interesting events and activities that were set up well, and created an environment for exploring the character journey's as well as the development of the story's themes. I enjoyed the work event camping, the hurricane and the topical Hawaii vacation.

💼👩🏻‍💻 Work-Life Balance & Career Themes:
The story explored the pulls and pressures experienced in a corporate setting -the work stress, anxiety and impact on mental health. There is a cost to trying to climb up the corporate ladder, especially in an environment that doesn't value it or takes advantage. Fast paced or competitive work environments can get tiresome after a point and lead to burnout. The story highlighted the importance of focusing on striking a healthy balance when it comes to considering your quality of life.

"Think of filling a clear vase with rocks and sand. You'd put the largest rocks in first, then the pebbles. Then you'd pour in the sand. The biggest rocks are your priorities. Everything else falls around them."

What didn't work for me here: The personal career struggles the key characters faced by the end dragged on more than necessary. It had the typical New Yorker, American work culture set-up, which highlighted the corporate ambitions and certain politics. Not enthusiastic about reading more of these talking points.

☯️💕 Relationship Themes:
From a relationship standpoint, it highlighted how everyone evolves in different ways, and sometimes two people can fall out of alignment. As one outgrows their past self it can result in a shift in the needs from the relationship. I also think that it highlighted how relationships can sometimes begin without much thought, leading to a sense of familiarity - only to realize the incompatibilities later. I appreciated that the story didn't have a black and white stance on this, and showed some nuance.

"That's human nature. We all want to believe in the choices we've made, so we dig in and try to make them work." - "Well digging in only works if you're not digging into a horrible mistake."

What didn't work for me here: The main character's were all insecure in their own ways. They constantly had a need for validation that I found irritating. They constantly wanted to impress everyone, and were too influenced by the reactions and opinions of others. Sometimes the character's would trying too hard to come across a certain way - in trying to do the "right" thing as per certain modern societal narratives.

☯️ I appreciated that the dialogues, conversation and reflections were grounded. There were moments of friction between the character's, but it didn't blow up unnaturally. If the intensity was high, I liked the way they bounced back from it.

In conclusion:
Feeling down and afraid of change is something we can all relate to at some point. Making a tangible change can be a series of decisions that are difficult to navigate. It takes courage, and a deeper reflection of what we value at that time.

"A year of pain. And joy. And hopefully growth."

Overall, this is a book that prompts reflection and discussion on various topics. It was an easy read, which was relatable in its presentation of various themes. The quality of writing was well-done, and it was a great debut by this author!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Ryo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway.

Romance and work drama made this an occasionally interesting and entertaining read, with distinct characters and an indictment of toxic tech startup culture, but the book also pretends that the main characters need to make some tough decisions that aren't really decisions at all because of how obviously terrible one of the choices is portrayed in the book.

Mei works at a startup called Livin, sort of a Airbnb-like company where she works ridiculous hours. She's engaged to Joey, a man she met randomly only a year before. Mei's sister, Ali, lives upstate, and Ali has Mei over for a welcome-back party for Ali's brother-in-law, Alexandre, who has left a tenure-track position in Oregon to take up a teaching position at a nearby university in New York. Mei and Alexandre had met previously, but he's changed since the last time they met, and there's an obvious attraction between them. Meanwhile, Joey's behavior, with his lack of ambition at his job, insensitive jokes, and fixation with labeling obscure music files, becomes increasingly irritating. The predictable relationship between Mei and Alexandre forms, and they both learn to enjoy life more, but not without some obligatory setbacks. The romance part, though entirely predictable, I found quite cute, and even though Mei and Alexandre both have irritating qualities at times, it is obvious that they are good for each other. It also shows a dark side of tech company culture, with overwork and burnout contributing to mental health issues. The struggle Mei has with wanting success and financial security but also having to work an unhealthy amount of hours is a very real one that feels realistically depicted in the book.

I had several problems with some of the choices characters have to make in the novel, in that they weren't really choices. Joey's behavior becomes increasingly problematic, to the point that it's hard to believe that Mei was ever with him to begin with, even if she found it comforting to talk to someone who grew up where she did. The back of the book mentions there being a choice between two men, but it's obvious from the start that there really isn't a choice at all. The only thing I had sympathy for in Joey was that Mei keeps pushing him to be as ambitious as she is at her job, when that's not necessarily what he wants. But he is obviously terrible in many other ways, so there's no surprises with the fate of his and Mei's relationship. It would have been far more interesting had Joey actually been a good match for Mei. The environment at Mei's startup, Livin, while realistic in some aspects, is so extreme in its toxicity in other ways that there really is no other choice for Mei than what she ends up doing. To be fair, it's reminiscent of WeWork, with the crazy CEO, rapid expansion, and then later problems, but the management that Mei interacts with is regularly so toxic and also completely oblivious to their own insensitivity that it's shocking that this many terrible, incompetent people have come together. But perhaps that's the point, that these types of people tend to flock together like this and end up running things.

I thought the romance was cute, if very predictable. And the book is a good reminder of the importance of friends and family, and how toxic tech work culture can be. I just wish that the main characters actually had real decisions, both in love and in work, by making the alternatives seem at least somewhat reasonable, instead of having one obviously terrible choice that needs to be avoided. There would be much more tension if it was unclear what the characters were going to end up choosing.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything looks perfect on paper—so why does it feel like her life is quietly unraveling behind the scenes?

Heather Eng’s Double Happiness pulled me in with that exact brand of internal chaos—the kind where nothing is technically wrong, yet everything feels off. Thank you to Tiny Reparations Books and NetGalley for the gifted ARC, because this story didn’t just entertain me… it held up a mirror I wasn’t fully prepared to look into.

Mei is thriving in all the ways society loves to applaud—high-powered marketing career, a stable (if slightly… beige) fiancé in Joey, and a life built with intention after growing up without much security. She’s the definition of “she made it.” But the thing about survival mode is… sometimes you forget to actually ask yourself if you’re happy once you get there. Enter Alexandre—her sister’s brother-in-law, recently back, quietly magnetic, and just emotionally disruptive enough to make Mei start questioning the entire blueprint of her life.

And here’s the thing—I went in expecting a classic love triangle, but what I got was something deeper, messier, and way more interesting. This isn’t about picking between two men. It’s about peeling back the layers of who Mei is when she’s not performing success for everyone else. Joey represents safety, familiarity, and the version of life that “makes sense.” Alexandre? He’s not perfect, not even close—but he challenges her in a way that feels like oxygen after holding your breath for too long.

“Sometimes the life you built to survive isn’t the one meant to make you happy.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What really stayed with me was how real this felt. The burnout? Painfully accurate. The corporate grind that slowly chips away at your identity while calling it “opportunity”? Yeah… that hit. Mei’s journey through her career—the microaggressions, the pressure to overperform, the constant negotiation of being a woman of color in spaces not built for her—added a layer of depth that made this more than just a romance. It felt like a quiet reckoning.

And the relationships? Oh, they’re messy. At times I wanted to shake Mei and say, “Girl, stand up.” But that’s also what made her feel human. She’s figuring it out in real time, making questionable choices, second-guessing herself, holding on too long, and then—finally—letting go. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a woman choose herself, even when it costs her everything she thought she wanted.

The NYC and Hawaii settings gave this soft contrast between hustle and healing, but make no mistake—the real story lives in the emotional in-between spaces. The long conversations, the silences, the moments where nothing happens externally but everything shifts internally.

Now, if you’re coming in for a swoony, high-chemistry romance with two equally compelling love interests… this might not fully deliver on that front. One option felt very obviously “not it” from early on (and honestly, I never emotionally recovered from Joey calling her “my baby” like sir… please stop). But if you’re here for introspection, character growth, and that slow, uncomfortable realization that you might be living a life that doesn’t actually belong to you? This book understands the assignment.

It’s less butterflies, more quiet clarity. Less “who will she choose?” and more “who is she when she finally chooses herself?”

So tell me—have you ever stayed in something longer than you should have just because it looked right on paper?

[MaReads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern, adult, emotionally sharp romcom that proves a “green flag” fiancé can hide a giant red flag, and that some loves lift you higher instead of weighing you down.

4⭐️/5 — 1🌶️/5 (1 chater/43)

Toxic relationship
Toxic workplace
Second chance romance
He falls first
They help each other

I put off reading Double Happiness for a while, but once I started, I ended up really enjoying it.

What hooked me immediately? ADULT characters (36 and 42!) and a deeply mature exploration of real-life issues:
-co-dependency
-family pressure
-work pressure
-ambition vs fulfillment
-self-worth
-comfort vs real happiness
-emotional responsibility

🧔🏻 Joey: from green flag… to giant red flag
I was suspicious from the start:
1 year together → engaged → moving in at 10 months. Too fast for me.
But I also get it, dating at 36 isn’t dating at 20.

At first, Joey seems great:
- he supports Mei career
- he accepts her higher salary
- he “understands” how her work is important to her

But it quickly unravels.
We see that he:
-avoids responsibility
-refuses to prepare for his exam
-depends on Mei for everything (hello manchild syndrome)
-wallows in self-pity
-lets her go to mini-golf alone with Alexandre (like on a date with another man???)

And when she says she wants to cancel the wedding? He turns into a completely different person.
Suddenly he’s yelling, judging, planting insecurities in her, weaponizing her fears.
Joey: the fake green flag hiding a huge red one.

🧔🏻Alexandre: the REAL green flag
I loved him. He’s mature, thoughtful, self-aware, kind, and genuinely supportive. During the vacation scenes, he sees everything Mei tries to hide.
His lines? Absolutely devastating in the best way:
“Just look out for yourself.”
“Don’t you think you’re worthy of more?”
“You deserve it all.”
“I’m one hundred percent sure about you.”
His messages after her breakup, present but not pushy, were absolutely perfect. And the fact that he turns down a job offer that would drag him back into his dark past? Growth, maturity, emotional responsibility.

Alexandre : the real green flag that makes you swoon.

👩🏻 Mei: strong, ambitious, heartbreaking to watch
I loved her boss-woman energy: she works hard for the life she wants, she is ambitious, she stands on her own two feet.
But she also broke my heart when:
-she saw Joey’s red flags but hoped they’d magically fix themselves
-she spiraled after canceling the wedding
-she pushed her family away
-she fell deeper into Livin’s toxic environment
-she hid things from her loved ones, including her relationship with Alexandre
I just wanted to shake her and yell:
“You deserve better! Walk away and stop doing stupid things!”
Her pact with Alexandre, lifting each other up, was so touching.
And that final scene, where she rushes to stop him from accepting a job that would ruin him again? Beautiful.

Double Happiness is heartfelt, honest, modern, and deeply relatable. It tackles burnout, cultural expectations, ambition, red flags, co-dependency, and the courage to choose yourself. 
I saw so much of my own experiences reflected in these characters.
A smart, mature romance that balances realism with hope.

Thank you NetGalley, Heather Eng, and Dutton/Tiny Reparations Books for sending me this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Laura KL · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story with diverse voices and a chinese-american FMC, it centers on workaholics in corporate and academic jobs struggling to find a work/life balance. It took me a while to understand what the main tension in the book was. The first half was spent as the choice between two guys but as soon as she chose one, the other left the scene entirely and was barely mentioned for the rest of the book. The diverse representation among the characters was the best part of the book. I see what the author was trying to do as Alexandre and Mei struggle to let go of toxic habits, but it wasn't an enjoyable read for me.

The first half of the book is spent on what feels like an entirely separate plot. Mei is in a relationship she hates, and instead of seeing herself as part of the problem (which she clearly is), characters are constantly blaming her fiancee Joey. To be fair, he does some inexcusable, racist, oblivious things, but so many of the concerns surrounding him were about his "immaturity". I found this particularly frustrating because many of the characteristics listed as his failings (having a strange, hyper-focused hobby, wanting to stay where he is in his career because he was happy with his life, obliviousness in social situations etc.) really felt like neurodivergent-coded behaviours. In this way, the whole storyline with Joey felt loaded with ableist microagressions, even as he is called out (rightfully so) for his own racist microagressions. He was a clingy character and obviously didn't work with Mei, but I disliked how he was portrayed as an incompetent manchild for not having the same goals and ambitions as Mei.

I found the characters annoying and difficult to empathize with. For Mei, she spent 95% of the story making poor choices, chasing the corporate ladder and her own greed at the expense of her family, her health and her values. As someone who despises corporate work culture, it was a very frustrating read. There was a subplot about how her experiences in poverty and the trauma from it urged her to constantly reach for more money. As a reader though, it was frustrating that she constantly used this to validate her choices instead of actually looking internally and trying to face the past and change her future. She gets there in the end, but we had to put up with hundreds of pages of corporate BS and excusing what is essentially terrible workplace behaviour and abuse.

Beyond this, the writing itself felt rushed, as if many mini-stories were all trying to fit into this one book, making all of the writing feel a little lacking. The romance was rushed, making it hard for me to feel actually invested in the characters and their love lives. The prose felt utilitarian at times, advancing the plot but not enhancing or enriching it. At times it felt so straightforward that it was difficult to actually picture the scene the characters were in. I appreciate the goal of the book and the steps towards healing and growth that the characters eventually took, but it took far too long for me as a reader to reach a point where I felt at all invested in their lives. If it weren't for ARC responsibilities, I unfortunately wouldn't have finished the book. It wasn't at all what I anticipated based on the cover, title or description and sadly, I did not enjoy it.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not quite what I expected based on the blurb, the cover, or the title. As such, this review is going to end up being about my reading experience almost as much as the book. Hopefully it will help the right readers find it, because for the right audience, I think this one will really resonate!

This book had A LOT going on, despite being a very fast, easy read. I'm going to break it down into the two main parts as I saw them.

The romance: The blub definitely leaned into the romance aspect of this one, emphasizing the choice our FMC faced between loveable, goofy Joey and the more sensitive but troubled Alexandre. I thought this would be the focus of the book, and I came in with the expectation that these two men would present different but equally viable options for the the life Mei envisioned for herself. I thought she was going to choose between them as part of a larger choosing-what-she-wants theme. Instead, this felt like the classic right-guy vs wrong-guy set up of many a romcom. As soon as Alexandre entered the scene, Joey stopped looking so loveable and started looking like a manchild. The transition was a bit too abrupt for me, but ultimately a did a great job of showing how having options changed Mei's perspective. Joey was Joey throughout; it was Mei who saw him anew.

Another note on the romance: There was never any mystery about what Mei was going to choose. I thought there might have been based on the blurb, but as soon as chapter two rolled around and we got a POV chapter from Alexandre, it became immediately obvious where things were going. I did find the two-POV approach off-putting at times. While classic for a romance, it was not what I might have expected from a book that seemed to want to be about Mei finding herself.

Livin the Dream: Mei's Work Life: THIS was the story I wanted to read. I wish this had been the main plot and the romance had been simplified to just Alexandre and sidelined to a more supporting-plot role. I'm glad I didn't DNF this book (the opening romance felt formulaic enough that I almost DNF'd at about the 20% mark), because this plot really picked up in the second half and I was genuinely invested. Mei's particular struggle is being a woman of color in a corporate setting dominated by white men in power. That said, I think anyone who has ever worked as a cog in the corporate machine will really identify with this plotline regardless of background. It is so hard to stay true to oneself when one's livelihood is on the line and each concession is small, just one little thing, but there are so many of them in the end. Additionally, workplace manipulations can be subtle enough that they slip under one's guard. I loved how Mei saw the bad, and even though she saw it, wanted to stay because she thought maybe she could fix it. Maybe she could improve the Livin culture. That was such a poignant reason for her to agree to be part of a company doing unjust and unkind things. The inclusion of AI in Livin's shifting culture was especially timely and relevant.

Ultimately, this book was a 3.5 star read for me, rounded up to four because it ended stronger than it started.

Thank you to Tiny Reparations Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this!

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 / 5 Stars
This book had so many great concepts but I sometimes struggled to understand the character’s thought processes. In the book, we find Mei with a job she loves though she is working 60+ hours per week (sometimes ++++) and a fiancé she really loves. But soon, those things start to unravel and she has to re-evaluate what she wants.

The writing in this was really easy to consume and it was a quick and easy read. There were also so many interesting concepts like work-life balance, what one is willing to compromise in work and life, what’s important in a partner, how a toxic workplace can take a mental toll, and what it’s like being a person of color in a leadership role. But I felt like the main characters, especially Mei, made choices that just felt a little baffling.

First, we can start with Mei’s relationships. When I first read the synopsis, I thought that she might have a past connection with Alexandre that would have made their chemistry completely undeniable or maybe Alexandre was so perfect for her that her fiancé would seem so wrong in comparison. But instead, we start with Mei and her fiancé being really happy and no real past connection with Alexandre. And then in a really short amount of time, her fiancé starts giving her the ick and says something racist which he had never said before. I think if there had been signs of his behavior earlier (maybe microaggressions that she ignored or she hated his music taste earlier or thought his jokes were cheesy earlier) or something to make it seem like Mei was settling, it would have been easier to understand her actions for the rest of the book.

That also made the love triangle aspect a little hard to get behind. My favorite type of love triangle is when the main character is single and there are two people vying for their attention. It turns out that I don’t love it when two of them are engaged and there really was no past connection to the other love interest. In order to break up an engagement, I feel like there has to be SO MUCH more for me to buy in and that just wasn’t there for me.

I really enjoyed Mei’s journey to rediscovering herself and putting up boundaries with her work, which is why her choice in the start of the third act just made no sense to me. She had made so much progress so for her to back slide, I needed more to help me understand why she would compromise her morales, mental health, and relationships.

But if any of the topics discussed interest you, I think you should check out this book. It is important to support debut authors, especially authors of color, and something that didn’t work for me, might really work for you.

You will probably like this book if you like:
💛 Love triangle
💛 Self-discovery
💛 Exploration of work-life balance
💛 Main characters in their 30s and 40s
💛 Asian-American main character representation

Thank you Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 19, 2026

⋆ ೀ ⋆ Follow me on Instagram @book.recs.by.lina for book recommendations and general fun times ⋆ ೀ ⋆

[Siegrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Oh stop! No one’s a wheel. We’re Legos. We break apart and form new combinations, and they all work”

“Double Happiness" tells the story of marketing creative Mei Lin, her sister Ali, brother-in-law Luc, niece Kaia and her broader extended circle. It’s also the story of Joey, a not-quite-right fiance and Alexandre brother of Luc and a possible new love. How will all the Legos fall into place here …

Mei is in middle management at a fast growing firm, ironically called ‘Livin’. She is good at her job and is well-remunerated but it takes absolutely everything from her. She clings to financial security because of her early life experiences where money was scarce. Alexandre has shared this obsessive drive as a biology academic but is in a period of transition. They have much in common when they reconnect early in the book.

Alexandre’s thoughtful and considerate nature begins to highlight Joey’s selfish immaturity. The kindest way to describe Joey is that he is unevolved. A turning point for Mei is a racist joke that Joey double downs upon and defends.

‘This couldn’t be happening. She was having the “I’m not racist conversation with her fiance.’

‘Double Happiness’ is a great example of the capacity of genre fiction to offer wisdom and insight. If one of the happinesses of the title is love the other could easily be work. Heather Eng is interested in how work fits into a life, how it can sustain or constrain. Heather’s own journey from marketing to novelist adds authenticity to this aspect of the novel. Mei is proudly Chinese American - her ideal wedding dress is a red gown with a cheongsam bodice and a tulle skirt - and the novel gives voice to her particular experiences as she navigates a corporate world filled with over-entitled white men and their sycophantic underlings.

Food is almost a character in the novel - Heather describes many delicious meals and restaurants - as is place. Manhattan, Queens and Hawaii are rendered with affection and detail.

As a romance it’s unusual. Given the non-quite-right boyfriend hangs around for half a book, the structure is a little different to a usual romance but I quite liked that. It’s like life really. The relationship between Mei and Allesandre was caring and believable, and there's just a glimmer of spice in there too.

Thank you so much Heather Eng for writing this book. Thank you also to the publisher Tiny Reparation Books and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read Double Happiness before it is published in May 2026. It’s a lovely book and I hope it finds a wide appreciative readership.

[Jessica Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Eng’s debut novel, Double Happiness, is a beautifully crafted story about a young woman named Mei navigating her way through life while weighing the “safe” path against the future she truly believes she deserves. The novel also features one of my favourite tropes: a love triangle. However, beyond the romance, Eng creates a thoughtful exploration of identity, ambition, and self-discovery.

Stepping into Heather Eng’s novel was especially relatable to me as a Canadian-born Chinese girl. Mei is a headstrong workaholic with her entire future carefully planned out. Like many children of first-generation immigrants, she follows a strict checklist of what happiness is supposed to look like. That certainty begins to shift when a new friend enters her life — someone who reflects the person Mei could eventually become.

The storyline resonated with me on a much deeper level because of how closely it reflected not only parts of my own experiences, but also those of many close friends. While certain moments in the novel were somewhat predictable, they felt reassuring rather than disappointing. Mei’s journey highlights a struggle so many of us face: choosing between the version of happiness we have been taught to pursue and the future we genuinely want for ourselves.

I especially appreciated how Heather Eng incorporated Mei’s cultural background throughout the novel in a subtle and authentic way. Rather than constantly emphasizing Mei’s identity, Eng allows it to naturally shape her relationships, ambitions, and internal conflicts. That balance made the story feel far more genuine, especially compared to many recent books where cultural identity can come across as overly forced or performative. In Double Happiness, Mei’s background is simply a part of who she is, which makes her character even more authentic and relatable.

One of my favourite aspects of the novel was the romance storyline, particularly the love triangle. While I found myself wishing there had been even more development and tension between the characters, I appreciated that the romance ultimately served a larger purpose in Mei’s personal growth. Rather than simply choosing between two different men, Mei is also choosing between different versions of herself and the kind of future she wants to create. I especially loved that her journey toward self-discovery did not require her to end up alone in order to “find herself.” Instead, Eng allows Mei to grow into her independence while still embracing love, which made the ending feel both satisfying and refreshing.