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Casually Yours
"The chemistry and banter are fire." —Kirkus Reviews
Dani Tsai and Parker Tran grew up inseparable in middle-of-nowhere Silverpine, Oregon. She was the bookish girl, introverted and dreamy; he was the quintessential boy next door: charming, popular, and destined to be a football star. They were an unlikely pair of best friends—until they left for college and their friendship came to an unexpected end.
In the seven years since, Dani has moved on to pursue a writing career in New York City, where she’s determined to keep her distance from the boy she once called her best friend, even if it means staying away from her hometown. That is until a chance encounter brings her face-to-face with Parker again, who is now a hotshot sports marketing director on a temporary assignment in New York. He’s traded his jersey and cleats for designer suits and an Aston Martin, and even more puzzling is that he seems to think they can be friends again. Try as she might, Dani can’t resist his pull. Sparks fly, and an impulsive kiss leads to heated nights in his hotel suite. They make a tentative agreement: Until Parker leaves New York, they’ll keep things casual—just sex, no strings attached.
Easier said than done. Challenges arise as Dani and Parker attempt to keep their relationship on the down low, especially when a sudden return to Silverpine forces them to sneak around their nosy families. As revelations about their past come to light, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep feelings out of the mix. In this second-chance, open-door romance and debut novel, the lines are bound to blur between lust and something deeper. Walls begin to crumble, and Dani and Parker soon find themselves far too close for casual.
Dani Tsai and Parker Tran grew up inseparable in middle-of-nowhere Silverpine, Oregon. She was the bookish girl, introverted and dreamy; he was the quintessential boy next door: charming, popular, and destined to be a football star. They were an unlikely pair of best friends—until they left for college and their friendship came to an unexpected end.
In the seven years since, Dani has moved on to pursue a writing career in New York City, where she’s determined to keep her distance from the boy she once called her best friend, even if it means staying away from her hometown. That is until a chance encounter brings her face-to-face with Parker again, who is now a hotshot sports marketing director on a temporary assignment in New York. He’s traded his jersey and cleats for designer suits and an Aston Martin, and even more puzzling is that he seems to think they can be friends again. Try as she might, Dani can’t resist his pull. Sparks fly, and an impulsive kiss leads to heated nights in his hotel suite. They make a tentative agreement: Until Parker leaves New York, they’ll keep things casual—just sex, no strings attached.
Easier said than done. Challenges arise as Dani and Parker attempt to keep their relationship on the down low, especially when a sudden return to Silverpine forces them to sneak around their nosy families. As revelations about their past come to light, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep feelings out of the mix. In this second-chance, open-door romance and debut novel, the lines are bound to blur between lust and something deeper. Walls begin to crumble, and Dani and Parker soon find themselves far too close for casual.
340 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Vivian Jia Lac
1 book24 followersVivian Jia Lac is a Chinese-Vietnamese Canadian author. She writes contemporary romance packed with banter and chemistry, centering Asian characters at the heart of her stories. Raised on movie nights that included Chinese cinema and a screening of Titanic when she was far too young, Vivian credits her mother for sparking her love of writing. She is a University of Toronto graduate with degrees in Film Studies and East Asian Studies, and currently resides in Toronto with her dog.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ This book had me kicking my feet with delight and wishing I fell in love with the boy next door!
April 21, 2026
This was CUTE!! FMC was hilarious, and the MMC was an ex Oregon football player?! Pair that with a realistic conflict, their hometown being set outside of Portland, and so many adorable moments in between. Had To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before vibes. I flew through this one and want MORE!
April 20, 2026
This was so cute!
May 18, 2026
Real Rating: 4.5 stars
This was such a cute read. I love a friends-to-estranged-enemies-to-lovers. The way this book had me in an emotional chokehold too??? I cried, I laughed, I wanted to hop into the book and hug these two dummies. I loved it.
Dani and Parker became best friends at the age of seven and were basically inseparable until university put them on opposite coasts. After Parker ghosts Dani, leaving her waiting at Grand Central for hours, Dani resolves to build a life that doesn't include him. Until fate has them meeting again one night in New York City.
You feel their connection right away. All the history and emotion and everything that hasn't been said between them. The tension and banter was immaculate, and the chemistry between them was off the charts. The references they had - culturally, pop culturally, inside jokes - were also great touches that helped to show their history. I also felt like that meme half the time, where it's like, "I understood that reference!" Ents, remedial chaos theory, Game of Thrones. I felt so solidly in their world, and I loved all of Dani's debates with people.
And though it was fun getting to know them in the present, I especially liked the flashbacks. Seeing them grow over time and even seeing sparks fly when they were younger really solidified their relationship for me.
I also loved their families - the love that Parker's family had for Dani and her father was so wholesome and I love that they built this closeness together over the years. Cô, especially, made my heart warm. The way she's such a consistent part of Dani's life throughout the year was so wonderful. The bromance between their dads was also adorable.
Casually Yours is such a fun debut, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Vivian Jia Lac!
TW: ethnic fetishism, racism, parental estrangement, sexual content, alcohol consumption; mentions injury detail
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Finished copy gifted via Vivian Jia Lac by Third State Books in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a cute read. I love a friends-to-estranged-enemies-to-lovers. The way this book had me in an emotional chokehold too??? I cried, I laughed, I wanted to hop into the book and hug these two dummies. I loved it.
Dani and Parker became best friends at the age of seven and were basically inseparable until university put them on opposite coasts. After Parker ghosts Dani, leaving her waiting at Grand Central for hours, Dani resolves to build a life that doesn't include him. Until fate has them meeting again one night in New York City.
You feel their connection right away. All the history and emotion and everything that hasn't been said between them. The tension and banter was immaculate, and the chemistry between them was off the charts. The references they had - culturally, pop culturally, inside jokes - were also great touches that helped to show their history. I also felt like that meme half the time, where it's like, "I understood that reference!" Ents, remedial chaos theory, Game of Thrones. I felt so solidly in their world, and I loved all of Dani's debates with people.
And though it was fun getting to know them in the present, I especially liked the flashbacks. Seeing them grow over time and even seeing sparks fly when they were younger really solidified their relationship for me.
I also loved their families - the love that Parker's family had for Dani and her father was so wholesome and I love that they built this closeness together over the years. Cô, especially, made my heart warm. The way she's such a consistent part of Dani's life throughout the year was so wonderful. The bromance between their dads was also adorable.
Casually Yours is such a fun debut, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Vivian Jia Lac!
TW: ethnic fetishism, racism, parental estrangement, sexual content, alcohol consumption; mentions injury detail
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Finished copy gifted via Vivian Jia Lac by Third State Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2026
Cute romance ☺️
May 6, 2026
4.5 stars :) This book was so cute and an easy read. even easier to not put down! The romantic moments, whether it be tense or sweet, had me smiling and feeling giddy for these characters
March 23, 2026
My first read of the year. 💖
I think this might be my first book that had Asian MC’s, which off the bat, made it more relatable because I’m Asian. I love that the book didn’t have too much spice, since I’m not a huge spice reader. The banter between the characters was my fave. It was just so natural with the perfect amount of humor. Being able to experience Parker's loving family vs. Dani’s imperfect relationship with her own family, made you really feel for Dani. At times, I could feel myself going through all these emotions with her. 🥹
This book found me when I was in a reading slump. I also haven’t had much time to read, but here I was staying up trying to finish it.
Perfect debut romance novel. 👏🏻
I think this might be my first book that had Asian MC’s, which off the bat, made it more relatable because I’m Asian. I love that the book didn’t have too much spice, since I’m not a huge spice reader. The banter between the characters was my fave. It was just so natural with the perfect amount of humor. Being able to experience Parker's loving family vs. Dani’s imperfect relationship with her own family, made you really feel for Dani. At times, I could feel myself going through all these emotions with her. 🥹
This book found me when I was in a reading slump. I also haven’t had much time to read, but here I was staying up trying to finish it.
Perfect debut romance novel. 👏🏻
March 30, 2026
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
We love a good second chance romance and nothing beats former childhood crushes. I love years of pining, glances, and "it's always been you" moments. This has one of my favorite tropes so you know I had to read Casually Yours. I also love when it's one character who is committed to keeping something casual, even though they know they're not the casual type. Am I just exposing myself at this point? What I love about second chance romances is how the characters have to reconcile with the distance between who they are now and who they used to be. Their dreams dashed and reality sets in.
We love a good second chance romance and nothing beats former childhood crushes. I love years of pining, glances, and "it's always been you" moments. This has one of my favorite tropes so you know I had to read Casually Yours. I also love when it's one character who is committed to keeping something casual, even though they know they're not the casual type. Am I just exposing myself at this point? What I love about second chance romances is how the characters have to reconcile with the distance between who they are now and who they used to be. Their dreams dashed and reality sets in.
May 18, 2026
A cute, fun friends-to-lovers read! I couldn't get enough of Dani and Parker's relationship (both as childhood friends and as something more), and I really enjoyed how author Vivian Jia Lac balanced writing out said aspects. The banter was funny, and I loved all of the ways Dani's real life (her job, her dad, etc.) overlapped with the romance - it made the story feel more "real" and anchored. I also don't always love books with flashbacks or a back-and-forth timeline, but CASUALLY YOURS pulls it off in a way that's enjoyable and really feels like it's pushing the story along. If you're looking for a new romance book to read, I'd highly recommend picking this one up!
**Thanks to Books Forwards PR for sending me an early copy to read and review.
**Thanks to Books Forwards PR for sending me an early copy to read and review.
March 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- No strings attached
- Childhood friend to lover
- Nerd x Jock
Huge thank you to Vivian and her team for giving me the chance to read your beautiful book because I genuinely loved it. Opposites attract, childhood past, and my most favourite is the tight knit family. Getting to experience the warmth of Parker’s Vietnamese family, and to truly understand and feel it; made me miss my time in Vietnam with my fiancé’s family.
Grew up closely together and radio silence after, fast forward 7 years later… they find each other and one thing led to another. Ahem. Kiss. And the rest is a beautiful story 😏
Dani and Parker were match made in heaven, you get the slightest bit of banter from the both of them, a *sprinkle* of steam 🤭 there’s just something about friends with benefits make my feet tickle!
If you want a wholesome romance to read this summer this is your book! 🌸
- No strings attached
- Childhood friend to lover
- Nerd x Jock
Huge thank you to Vivian and her team for giving me the chance to read your beautiful book because I genuinely loved it. Opposites attract, childhood past, and my most favourite is the tight knit family. Getting to experience the warmth of Parker’s Vietnamese family, and to truly understand and feel it; made me miss my time in Vietnam with my fiancé’s family.
Grew up closely together and radio silence after, fast forward 7 years later… they find each other and one thing led to another. Ahem. Kiss. And the rest is a beautiful story 😏
Dani and Parker were match made in heaven, you get the slightest bit of banter from the both of them, a *sprinkle* of steam 🤭 there’s just something about friends with benefits make my feet tickle!
If you want a wholesome romance to read this summer this is your book! 🌸
April 1, 2026
Inhaled this book in like a week of getting it! This book has everything you want in a romance novel: comedy, enemies to lovers/boy next door romance, and so many moments of vulnerability. I met the author last week on one of her book tour stops, and she is so sweet and put a lot of hard-work into writing this book! She mentioned that the Jeep in the book was a nod to Peter Kavinski from All the Boys I loved Before. The book is also partly set in Oregon just like Peter and Lara Jean’s love story. I am a huge fan of that movie, so those details just made me love the book even more! Can’t wait to read more of Vivan’s stuff in the future!
April 27, 2026
As an Asian-Canadian male reader, I loved this book. I was very impressed by the author's writing:
- Tension was effectively established from the very beginning
- Every scene was purposeful
- The dialogue was was delightful, compelling, and engaging
This was also an ambitious novel. In addition to being a well-written page-turning romance, Jia Lac tackles the main characters' Asian-American identities with authenticity and nuance. Furthermore, the interplay between FMC's attachment issues and Asian-American conceptions of family was very moving. Wife and I had an amazing time reading and discussing.
- Tension was effectively established from the very beginning
- Every scene was purposeful
- The dialogue was was delightful, compelling, and engaging
This was also an ambitious novel. In addition to being a well-written page-turning romance, Jia Lac tackles the main characters' Asian-American identities with authenticity and nuance. Furthermore, the interplay between FMC's attachment issues and Asian-American conceptions of family was very moving. Wife and I had an amazing time reading and discussing.
March 31, 2026
I have always been a huge fan of best friends to lovers trope! This was a refreshing and light read that made it so easy for me to fall in love with both characters and true to the plot, it was very hard to resist the charm of Parker Tran! Vivian did an amazing job of blending the vietnamese culture in a small town, and finding love again where it has always existed. I've just finished the book and I think I will reread it again this weekend!
March 21, 2026
An amazing debut romance novel by a witty and gifted writer. I not only fell in love with the characters, I fell in love with her sharp sense of humor and the authenticity of her writing. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to fall in love with this book!
Thank you again to @thirdstatebooks for the ARC!
Thank you again to @thirdstatebooks for the ARC!
April 3, 2026
I loved this so much. Estranged childhood best friends reconnect and become bed buddies without really addressing the break in their friendship. And, somehow catch feelings? Hello, such a fun read and genuinely funny moments. But this also explores the concepts of home and reconnecting and reconciling the past to make a present and future.
May 12, 2026
Love love loved this book! It had me hooked from the start and I read it in 5 days! The banter between Dani and Parker was so fun to read. I especially loved Parker’s family dynamics, so true to a lot of Asian families! If you are a fan of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, you will be obsessed with this more mature love story!
Hoping for a book #2 by Vivian Jia Lac! I’ll be the first to buy!
Hoping for a book #2 by Vivian Jia Lac! I’ll be the first to buy!
April 5, 2026
A tale of not only childhood friends to lovers but friends with benefits to lovers. It's a cute and sexy read that'll have you giggling and kicking your feet.
April 6, 2026
This book is EVERYTHING to me. It's heartfelt, emotional, swoony, sexy, hilarious, warm, and achingly romantic. I ship Dani and Parker forever and Vivian Jia Lac is my new auto-buy author.
April 27, 2026
such a cute friends to lovers!!!!
May 2, 2026
Great story! You'll fall in love with Parker and Dani.
May 19, 2026
4.5 stars
RTC
RTC
May 26, 2026
3.5/5
v cute read for my bronchitis-addled brain
v cute read for my bronchitis-addled brain
April 8, 2026
What happens when your first love comes back and wants something casual?💔✨
I picked up Casually Yours expecting a light second-chance romance, but wow, this one had feelings!
Dani and Parker’s story completely pulled me in with that small town best friend to something more history, my favorite trope! The tension between who they used to be and who they are now? It's SO good. Dani’s quiet, guarded personality mixed with Parker’s confident, slightly messy charm made every interaction feel charged even when they were trying to keep things casual.
And let’s talk about that second-chance angst 👀 because it DELIVERS. The unresolved past, the emotional walls, the blurred lines between physical and real feelings, and it all felt raw and relatable. I found myself rooting for them while also wanting to shake them a little, you know the vibe!
The New York setting added such a fun contrast to their small-town roots, and the writing made everything feel immersive without losing that easy, bingeable romance flow. If you love friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and emotional tension with a side of spice, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
✨Overall, this was a heartfelt, swoony read about love, timing, and whether something that starts casually can turn into forever.
✨️Thank you, Books Forward PR and Vivian Jia Lac, for sharing Casually Yours with me!
I picked up Casually Yours expecting a light second-chance romance, but wow, this one had feelings!
Dani and Parker’s story completely pulled me in with that small town best friend to something more history, my favorite trope! The tension between who they used to be and who they are now? It's SO good. Dani’s quiet, guarded personality mixed with Parker’s confident, slightly messy charm made every interaction feel charged even when they were trying to keep things casual.
And let’s talk about that second-chance angst 👀 because it DELIVERS. The unresolved past, the emotional walls, the blurred lines between physical and real feelings, and it all felt raw and relatable. I found myself rooting for them while also wanting to shake them a little, you know the vibe!
The New York setting added such a fun contrast to their small-town roots, and the writing made everything feel immersive without losing that easy, bingeable romance flow. If you love friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and emotional tension with a side of spice, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
✨Overall, this was a heartfelt, swoony read about love, timing, and whether something that starts casually can turn into forever.
✨️Thank you, Books Forward PR and Vivian Jia Lac, for sharing Casually Yours with me!
April 26, 2026
Vivian Jia Lac's debut novel was well written and makes for an excellent and fun read! I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the often hilarious inner workings of Dani's mind, and enjoyed the banter between her and Parker (who is a cutie patootie to boot!).
As a member of the Asian diaspora, I also enjoyed the family dynamics of the Tran family and how reminiscent it was to my own. 100% would definitely watch a sitcom about them alone!
Definitely looking forward to more works from the author 🥰
As a member of the Asian diaspora, I also enjoyed the family dynamics of the Tran family and how reminiscent it was to my own. 100% would definitely watch a sitcom about them alone!
Definitely looking forward to more works from the author 🥰
April 22, 2026
This book completely had me hooked, I demolished it in one weekend. The dialogue was smart, engaging, and incredibly funny. I was gasping and laughing out loud the whole way through. And it was honestly just so nice to see read a fun romance starring Asian leads!!!
April 29, 2026
Super fun and easy to read! Tight writing, and has everything you’d want in a romance book.
I was impressed that this was only the author’s debut novel, and I’ll definitely check out her future works!
I was impressed that this was only the author’s debut novel, and I’ll definitely check out her future works!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews