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Wrong Order
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Expected 5 May 26A spicy, trope-packed romcom for BookTok fans of Ali Hazelwood and Ana Huang, filled with sizzling sparks, billionaire tension, and a forbidden workplace FWB arrangement that refuses to stay casual.
Sophie Huang has spent five years climbing the corporate ladder as the assistant to the CEO of a prestigious PR firm. Driven by ambition and a relentless pursuit of success, Sophie dreams of one day becoming Account Director. But her meticulously planned career path takes an unexpected turn when a chance encounter at a coffee shop catapults her into a PR disaster of her own making.
James Tian walked away from his influential father's empire to carve out his own path, and his risk paid off—he's now one of the world’s youngest billionaires. Riding high on his company’s success, James is blindsided when a multi-million dollar deal turns sour, and a trusted client betrays him. As his troubles mount, James turns to external PR management for damage control. Little does he know, the woman hired to fix his public image will be the very same woman who could unravel his carefully constructed life.
Sparks fly and tensions rise as Sophie and James find themselves in a high-stakes game of power and desire. With neither willing to back down, they agree to a Friends-With-Benefits arrangement to keep things simple. But as passion deepens and emotions get involved, they’re both left wondering—can they keep their hearts out of the equation? And what will happen when their secret relationship becomes front-page news?
Sophie Huang has spent five years climbing the corporate ladder as the assistant to the CEO of a prestigious PR firm. Driven by ambition and a relentless pursuit of success, Sophie dreams of one day becoming Account Director. But her meticulously planned career path takes an unexpected turn when a chance encounter at a coffee shop catapults her into a PR disaster of her own making.
James Tian walked away from his influential father's empire to carve out his own path, and his risk paid off—he's now one of the world’s youngest billionaires. Riding high on his company’s success, James is blindsided when a multi-million dollar deal turns sour, and a trusted client betrays him. As his troubles mount, James turns to external PR management for damage control. Little does he know, the woman hired to fix his public image will be the very same woman who could unravel his carefully constructed life.
Sparks fly and tensions rise as Sophie and James find themselves in a high-stakes game of power and desire. With neither willing to back down, they agree to a Friends-With-Benefits arrangement to keep things simple. But as passion deepens and emotions get involved, they’re both left wondering—can they keep their hearts out of the equation? And what will happen when their secret relationship becomes front-page news?
- GenresRomance
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 5, 2026
3 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Alice Li
1 book4 followersAlice Li is an Asian-American author who writes romantic comedies featuring BIPOC leads. She loves incorporating a perfect mix of humor, heat, and sweetness in her stories. She graduated from the University of Connecticut where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. When she's not writing, she can be found drinking way too much coffee, listening to Taylor Swift, and baking up a storm. Wrong Order is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 16, 2026
More of a 3.5⭐️ for me. It’s not a bad book at all 💕 I really loved the friend group and would love more books about the other love stories 🥰
Personally, I just wished for a bit more from the ending 🙂 Maybe it just wasn’t the right book for me ❤️
That said, I really want to point out that for a debut novel, this is a good book ⭐️
Personally, I just wished for a bit more from the ending 🙂 Maybe it just wasn’t the right book for me ❤️
That said, I really want to point out that for a debut novel, this is a good book ⭐️
December 15, 2025
3.8 ⭐
[10:32am —15/12/2025]
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for trusting me with this book. Everything written here is my own honest and true opinion as a reader.
Review time <3
This book was fun to read, I was a little skeptics at first but then the chapters started to get better. I really enjoyed Sophie as a character and same with James too. Their relationship was exciting and interesting.
My only concern was that their love felt a little too insta. It felt rushed in and the layout of this book deserved a desperate, needy slow burn. I think that’d be better for the characters.
Sophie was a darling to get know. I loved her character and attitude, though some moments, I was a little confused (her decision making) but other than that, she was a splendid character!
James. Omg. I love me these kinda guys in books. He was falling for her before they both knew it. I enjoyed his character even if at times he got a little iffy (for me personally), on an overall scale, he was everything really.
I also want to give my flowers to the author, Alice Li. This is her debut novel, and as a reader to an author, I want to congratulate her and wish her the best in her author career.
It is daunting releasing your first project ever so if you’ve come far in my review, please be respectful to the author, and spread kindness here <3
[10:42am — 15/12/2025]
[10:32am —15/12/2025]
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for trusting me with this book. Everything written here is my own honest and true opinion as a reader.
Review time <3
This book was fun to read, I was a little skeptics at first but then the chapters started to get better. I really enjoyed Sophie as a character and same with James too. Their relationship was exciting and interesting.
My only concern was that their love felt a little too insta. It felt rushed in and the layout of this book deserved a desperate, needy slow burn. I think that’d be better for the characters.
Sophie was a darling to get know. I loved her character and attitude, though some moments, I was a little confused (her decision making) but other than that, she was a splendid character!
James. Omg. I love me these kinda guys in books. He was falling for her before they both knew it. I enjoyed his character even if at times he got a little iffy (for me personally), on an overall scale, he was everything really.
I also want to give my flowers to the author, Alice Li. This is her debut novel, and as a reader to an author, I want to congratulate her and wish her the best in her author career.
It is daunting releasing your first project ever so if you’ve come far in my review, please be respectful to the author, and spread kindness here <3
[10:42am — 15/12/2025]
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, but overall I felt it was longer than necessary. At several points, the pacing slowed down so much that I found myself stuck for days, struggling to stay engaged. While the plot itself is interesting and I understand why certain elements needed to remain secret, there comes a point where the protagonist’s insecurities feel excessive and, honestly, frustrating rather than compelling.
One aspect that particularly bothered me (minor spoiler) was the inconsistency in the main character’s behavior: she claims to be angry with him and supposedly “over” the relationship, yet she continues to use his credit card and money. This contradiction made it difficult to fully empathize with her choices.
On a more positive note, the core group of friends was a strong element of the story, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. I also appreciated the plot twists, which genuinely caught me by surprise and helped reawaken my interest toward the later parts of the book.
Overall, while the book has an intriguing premise and some well-executed moments, issues with pacing and character development held it back for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One aspect that particularly bothered me (minor spoiler) was the inconsistency in the main character’s behavior: she claims to be angry with him and supposedly “over” the relationship, yet she continues to use his credit card and money. This contradiction made it difficult to fully empathize with her choices.
On a more positive note, the core group of friends was a strong element of the story, adding depth and warmth to the narrative. I also appreciated the plot twists, which genuinely caught me by surprise and helped reawaken my interest toward the later parts of the book.
Overall, while the book has an intriguing premise and some well-executed moments, issues with pacing and character development held it back for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
December 11, 2025Sophie ha dedicado años a construir una vida estable en Manhattan, convencida de que el esfuerzo constante es la única forma de abrirse camino. Su rutina se mantiene firme hasta que, por culpa de un pedido mal entregado en una cafetería de mala fama, termina frente a un hombre que le atrae.
James Tian, dueño de un éxito empresarial tan brillante como inestable, irrumpe en sus días con la misma facilidad con la que toma su café por error.
Lo que comienza como un encuentro incómodo se convierte en una sucesión inesperada de coincidencias que los obliga a cruzar miradas, conversaciones y límites que ninguno pensaba explorar. Sophie está decidida a obtener el ascenso que ha perseguido con paciencia y sacrificio, mientras James lucha por sostener un imperio que se tambalea bajo sus pies.
__
No sé que calificación ponerle, estuvo entretenido, pero siento que falto algo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
James Tian, dueño de un éxito empresarial tan brillante como inestable, irrumpe en sus días con la misma facilidad con la que toma su café por error.
Lo que comienza como un encuentro incómodo se convierte en una sucesión inesperada de coincidencias que los obliga a cruzar miradas, conversaciones y límites que ninguno pensaba explorar. Sophie está decidida a obtener el ascenso que ha perseguido con paciencia y sacrificio, mientras James lucha por sostener un imperio que se tambalea bajo sus pies.
__
No sé que calificación ponerle, estuvo entretenido, pero siento que falto algo.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an arc!
Alice Li's debut novel was electric! I'm a HUGE fan of BIPOC male and female lead books, so I was pleasantly surprised and excited to read Sophie and James' story. Both of their characters are really well written--they're far from perfect, but they also compliment each other really well. Sophie's work ethic is especially admirable, and I appreciate how the characters aren't afraid to lean on each other for support. I will say my one concern in this book was how quickly it escalated. I hadn't really seen any real, slow, development in Sophie and James' relationship before it started to escalate, and I would've like for it to have more time to grow and for them to have more interactions beforehand. However, with that being said, it's still a really solid book. I'll be looking forward to Alice Li's future projects!
Alice Li's debut novel was electric! I'm a HUGE fan of BIPOC male and female lead books, so I was pleasantly surprised and excited to read Sophie and James' story. Both of their characters are really well written--they're far from perfect, but they also compliment each other really well. Sophie's work ethic is especially admirable, and I appreciate how the characters aren't afraid to lean on each other for support. I will say my one concern in this book was how quickly it escalated. I hadn't really seen any real, slow, development in Sophie and James' relationship before it started to escalate, and I would've like for it to have more time to grow and for them to have more interactions beforehand. However, with that being said, it's still a really solid book. I'll be looking forward to Alice Li's future projects!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
From the moment I started this book, I was hooked. James is a savvy, grounded, and genuinely compelling character—wealthy, yes, but shaped by real struggle. His father’s attempts to control him add tension throughout the story, yet James continually proves he won’t be defined by anyone else. He’s built a successful firm and demands the respect he’s earned.
Sophie was just as easy to love. She stays true to herself, never entertains negativity, and finally receives the promotion she’s worked so hard for. Watching her fall for the man of her dreams made her journey even sweeter.
The storyline kept me fully engaged from start to finish. It never dragged, never felt dull, and delivered a blend of heart, conflict, and growth that made it impossible to put down.
From the moment I started this book, I was hooked. James is a savvy, grounded, and genuinely compelling character—wealthy, yes, but shaped by real struggle. His father’s attempts to control him add tension throughout the story, yet James continually proves he won’t be defined by anyone else. He’s built a successful firm and demands the respect he’s earned.
Sophie was just as easy to love. She stays true to herself, never entertains negativity, and finally receives the promotion she’s worked so hard for. Watching her fall for the man of her dreams made her journey even sweeter.
The storyline kept me fully engaged from start to finish. It never dragged, never felt dull, and delivered a blend of heart, conflict, and growth that made it impossible to put down.
January 20, 2026
Thank you to the author for kindly sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. While I really wanted to like this book and the premise seemed right up my alley, unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me. I tried to keep an open mind with the book, especially given that this is a debut book, but I wasn’t a fan of the prolonged pacing or the dialogue, which felt unnatural and forced to me.
I truly believe that this author has a lot of potential though—one of the things that stood out to me was the found family aspect with the side characters, which I found heartwarming, sweet, and to be overall well-written. While I didn’t love this book, I sincerely hope this author continues to write and grow her craft—and that I enjoy other stories she may publish.
I truly believe that this author has a lot of potential though—one of the things that stood out to me was the found family aspect with the side characters, which I found heartwarming, sweet, and to be overall well-written. While I didn’t love this book, I sincerely hope this author continues to write and grow her craft—and that I enjoy other stories she may publish.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The beginning was good- but overall I wanted more from this. I wanted James to be more fleshed out- like I needed more connection than just attraction for him.
The last third/quarter lost me for a bit. I was really into the late plot points, but the ending fell flat for me. It had so much potential for development but ended so quickly and without enough explanation.
But overall- I did really enjoy this read. it was a fresh idea, the writing felt natural and it was never boring. Thanks so much to the author and Netgally for this ARC- so excited to read more from them in the future.
The last third/quarter lost me for a bit. I was really into the late plot points, but the ending fell flat for me. It had so much potential for development but ended so quickly and without enough explanation.
But overall- I did really enjoy this read. it was a fresh idea, the writing felt natural and it was never boring. Thanks so much to the author and Netgally for this ARC- so excited to read more from them in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love love love!!!
Alice Li’s debut Wrong Order drips with diamonds. Gorgeous prose and two sizzling, three-dimensional leads give way to a propulsive secret friends-with-benefits relationship, set against the lush backdrop of money-driven New York. The diverse and well-rounded cast lends itself to a beloved and hilarious found family. I want to be a part of this world!
Come for the spice, stay for the slow emotional burn that unfurls into a tender and beautiful portrayal of true love. This book made my Kindle overheat—in more ways than one.
Alice Li’s debut Wrong Order drips with diamonds. Gorgeous prose and two sizzling, three-dimensional leads give way to a propulsive secret friends-with-benefits relationship, set against the lush backdrop of money-driven New York. The diverse and well-rounded cast lends itself to a beloved and hilarious found family. I want to be a part of this world!
Come for the spice, stay for the slow emotional burn that unfurls into a tender and beautiful portrayal of true love. This book made my Kindle overheat—in more ways than one.
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January 10, 2026You might like this book if you're interested in:
- a forbidden workplace FWB arrangement
- a slower paced romance book but quickly developing attraction
- close, supportive friends for both main characters
- FMC using MMC's credit card to buy whatever she wants
- multiple flower deliveries
Thank you to the author for sending me a link to the eARC!
- a forbidden workplace FWB arrangement
- a slower paced romance book but quickly developing attraction
- close, supportive friends for both main characters
- FMC using MMC's credit card to buy whatever she wants
- multiple flower deliveries
Thank you to the author for sending me a link to the eARC!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews