Casually Yours

by Vivian Jia Lac

"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.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Fiction, Second Chance, Chick Lit

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2026

About the author

Vivian 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.

Reviews

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Gift from publisher] I don’t know how to put into words how obsessed I am about Casually Yours. How did the characters already grip my heart by page 30? How is the banter and wit so good it had me cackling out loud? This book is all parts cheeky, delightful, and lovingly tender.
Our main character Dani is snarky, grumpy, ambitious, and sharp. And when Parker comes back into her life, her world is turned upside down as the past confronts the present, making the future seem impossible.
I found myself rereading pages just to absorb the tension and peak levels of yearning. I laughed, I gusped, I got teary-eyed. This needs to be make into a movie asap. Thank you Vivian Jia Lac for this incredible debut, and for the loveliest Taiwanese- and Vietnamese-American representation!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ This book had me kicking my feet with delight and wishing I fell in love with the boy next door!

[BAMF_Book_Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casually Yours by Vivian Jia Lac is an amazing debut contemporary romance novel.

Casually Yours includes a storyline including friends-to-lovers, nerd x jock, and second chance.

I would highly recommend adding to your TBR!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Cari Gillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute!

[AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Melly Mel - Shelf_ishly_lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casually Yours, by Vivian Jia Lac
@vivianjialac

Casually yours is a fun and flirty second chance romance.

Two besties, Dani & Parker, grow up alongside each other and know everything about one another. From childhood sleepovers to middle school mayhem, and navigating high school, the two besties are tethered together by their friendship - and adjoining properties. But as high school comes to an end and each of them looks forward to post secondary miles apart from each other, their unspoken spark becomes more noticeable.

And then there was a milkshake.

Fast-forward years later and they come across one another at a posh New York party. What happens next is a fast paced steamy casual connection, you know, the ones with “no strings attached.”

But as the duo begin l to spend more time with each other they begin to unpack things that were never said and moments that they wished had of been different, they start to see their lives moving forward with one another.

But there always tends to be some sort of hiccup. Work, work trips, miscommunication, etc. This time around, the two must dig into what they really want from each other, how they envision their futures, and if they can find a way to move forward no matter what that includes.

The characters were funny, witty, and charming. It’s a second chance romance that is equal parts sweet and sassy, coupled with nostalgic elements of pop culture references and a cast of quirky side characters that add to scenes.

This second chance, sizzler of a romance novel was a perfect way to start my summer vacation!

Thank you so much to Vivian for my gift gifted copy!

#canadianbookstagram #canadianbookstagrammer #canadianbookblogger

[McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute second chance, friends to enemies to lovers romance!

It was a sweet and wholesome story of childhood best friends who had become estranged randomly running into each other years later and rekindling their relationship. Their connection and banter were great and you could feel the tension coming through the pages. I liked the flashbacks of their past that were included throughout allowing you to really see how their story had formed.

I had wished it was dual POV (just a personal preference of mine for romances), so when I got to the epilogue and saw it was Parker’s POV I was really excited to get to see some of his internal thoughts too and glad it was included.

Overall a sweet and enjoyable romance story! This was the author’s debut and excited to see what she comes up with next!

[April Lanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute romance ☺️

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Shey Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Vivian Jia Lac and Third State Books for the gifted physical copy!

I was really looking forward to another romance read, and this one absolutely did not disappoint.

Before I even opened the book, I completely fell in love with the cover. The pink and purple color palette is right up my alley, and everything about the design immediately caught my attention.

What truly stood out to me, though, was Vivian's writing. It felt so heartfelt and immersive that I could easily picture every scene unfolding in my mind. I love books that make me feel something, and this one made me feel everything. The flashbacks to Parker and Dani's teenage years were some of my favorite parts of the story. The yearning, the missed opportunities, the guilt, and the heartbreak of losing such an important friendship were all beautifully written. It was heartbreaking knowing how deeply they loved each other but were both too afraid to risk their friendship by admitting their feelings. Seeing them reunite after seven years and watching Parker refuse to waste their second chance had me completely invested.

I also really felt for Dani, especially in her relationship with her parents, particularly her mother. Those moments were emotional, heartfelt, and incredibly well written.

The family dynamics were another highlight for me. I loved Parker's family and the way they welcomed and cared for both Dani and her father. Their kindness, support, and sense of community were so heartwarming to read. As a Filipina, those family interactions felt especially familiar and relatable, and they added so much emotional depth to the story.

This was actually my first friends-with-benefits romance, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I didn't think it would be a trope for me, but it worked so well in this story. Their banter was so much fun, I found myself kicking my feet through so many scenes, and I kept wanting to yell at both of them to just be honest with each other already. If I had the time, I honestly would have read this in one sitting.

What I loved most, though, was Parker and Dani's love story. I loved how their love transcended time, how it grew from years of friendship, and how neither time nor distance was enough to erase what they felt for each other. Even after seven years apart, the love, longing, and chemistry between them were still undeniable. Their relationship was built on years of friendship, shared history, misunderstandings, and the fear of finally telling each other the truth, which made their journey together feel even more rewarding.

I also loved the irony behind their relationship. The one thing most people would consider the most intimate—sex—was something they convinced themselves meant they weren't in a real relationship. Yet spending quiet time together, playing video games, sharing everyday moments, and simply enjoying each other's company became the truly intimate parts of their relationship. I thought that contrast was beautifully done.

There were also so many funny and relatable moments throughout the book. I especially loved all the scenes where they were secretly hooking up while trying to hide it from their families under the same roof. And when the confession finally happened with all of their parents present, I couldn't stop laughing. It was chaotic, heartwarming, and so memorable.

Parker completely won me over as an MMC. At first glance, he gives off red-flag energy, but underneath it all he's incredibly kind, patient, and deeply devoted. He's the kind of character whose actions speak louder than his words, and I loved watching him quietly yearn for Dani while never giving up on the hope that they might find their way back to each other.

One thing I realized while reading this book is how much I connect with romances written by Asian authors. Maybe it's because I grew up watching Meteor Garden, shoujo anime, K-dramas, and Chinese dramas, but there's something about the way they write romance, family, longing, and emotional tension that feels especially familiar to me. It resonates with me differently than many Western romances and makes the reading experience feel even more personal.

Overall, Casually Yours was a heartfelt and emotionally immersive romance filled with yearning, second chances, unforgettable family dynamics, and characters I couldn't help but root for. It made me laugh, ache, smile, and tear up all at once, and by the end I didn't want to leave Parker and Dani's story. This is exactly the kind of romance I love to read, and it's an easy 5-star read for me.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Vania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casually Yours by Vivian Jia Lac

My thoughts:
Casually Yours is an amazing debut novel that perfectly balances romance, emotion, humour, and spice. I was instantly drawn to this book because it features my favourite combination of tropes, which are childhood friends to lovers and second-chance romance. I am genuinely pleased with how well both were handled by the author, as the nostalgic flashbacks and the overall emotional depth were beautifully executed. The story follows Dani and Parker, childhood best friends who reconnect after seven years apart and find themselves navigating a temporary arrangement. While a casual hookup is not a plot line l usually gravitate toward, I thoroughly appreciated it here because Vivian Jia Lac writes with a sense of emotional yearning and natural chemistry that makes their relationship feel incredibly meaningful. The dialogue is excellent, and I loved watching them find their way back to each other through sharp banter, shared inside jokes, and great pop-culture references. Another highlight is the family dynamics, which feel incredibly supportive and warm. In particular, Parker’s mother, Cô, is absolutely wonderful and easily became one of my favourite side characters due to her unconditional love and humour. I also really liked the mix of the Taiwanese and Vietnamese backgrounds because it is such a rare and refreshing cultural combination to see in story (or is it just me). In fact, I think it even makes the book more compelling and culturally rich and it was definitely an excellent choice! Overall, this is a charming, nostalgic, and well-paced debut with highly compelling characters that I highly recommended. I’m absolutely looking forward to reading more from the author in the future, especially if we get a sequel about Parker’s brother because I am low-key hoping for one (no pressure though!)

Overall rating:
⭐️: 4.5/5

Thank you to @vivianjialac and @thirdstatebooks for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Keshsews ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!!! 4,5⭐️

When i tell you i could not put this book down!! I literally had to force myself to do so!!! Dani Tsai and Parker Tran are childhood friends/neighbors. They grew up together, spent their days playing games and going for drives in parkers car. Their families were so interconnected, so much so, that they were practically family already. But of course things were not as smooth as it seems.

Dani and Parker were learning how to navigate through life as they got older and as they were following their own paths. Dani wanted to pursue a writing career and Parker a professional football player but this is where their paths separated. After a failed trip in New York where both Dani and Parker were supposed to meet, they evidently split ways until they ran into each other 7 years later, where they ultimately began rekindling their friendship.

When I say I devoured this I truly mean it! I started reading this a month ago but life just got in the way and I picked it up again and it did not disappoint. I loved the character development and growth from both Dani and Parker. You can see how much they both wanted to repair the relationship they once had and also hoping for something more. Their banter and tension was top tier!! Even those two hated each other at one point, their conversations are always the best.

This is such a cute and wholesome story about two childhood friends turned lovers. It's a perfect book to read if you're wanting a classic romance feel and to just witness some cute but hilarious moments. I absolutely loved Dani. She's such a mood and her enthusiasm is infectious. Her inner dialog is so relatable and so funny. Disclaimer, have a snack when reading this because there are so many delicious foods mentioned. I loved the integration of Vietnamese culture and traditions and it was a breath of fresh air to read about different cultures. All in all, this is a really great book if you're looking for a cute romance to read.

Thank you so much to @vivianjialac for sending me a copy of this book! I truly enjoyed this! 🥰❤️

[Justine Lombardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earnest, sweet, and a tad spicy, Casually Yours is a surprisingly fresh spin on modern romance. While it follows the conventions of the genre, it is perhaps one of the few romance novels I have read to usurp my expectations, and I absolutely adore that.

Dani and Parker are a delightfully vexing couple. More than once, I was like, “Oh, come on, now, guys, you can do this.” And I found myself rooting for them, even when they wavered, which they did quite often.

I had trouble categorizing this romance at first, as it has strong second-chance elements with the collapse of their childhood friendship and their reunion in NYC. However, it doesn’t quite fit that label. Additionally, the two quickly become friends with benefits, and the romantic elements build from there. Or perhaps it’s their ability to recognize what was always there that grows. Dani’s inability to accept the relationship is understandable given her history of abandonment, and I thought she was a well-fleshed-out character with easily recognizable and sympathetic motivations. I have a soft spot for dorky characters with a side of snark, and Dani fills that role well. Vivian Jia Lac’s use of humor really shines in this narrative, and I laughed often.

Parker, like most love interests, is a catch but not without his flaws.
I particularly love the tie-ins to their childhood friendship, such as Mario Kart and VHS movies.
If you're looking for a breezy summer read or something to absorb on the train into the city, this is one for you.

[Melting Into Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

From friends-to-lovers to second chances to opposites attract, there’s so much to love. Not only was it steamy with Dani & Parker's "casual" hookups, but it also had a lot of emotional moments. And, it goes without saying, I loved that the story featured two Asian leads!

Toggling between past & present, it may have seemed like pure physical attraction when they first reconnected. However, the flashbacks added a lot of colour to how deep their bond truly was growing up. Their bond & banter was definitely a highlight!

The story slowly uncovered what caused the sever to their friendship, which also added a bit of mystery. I enjoyed how it dug into personal issues that eventually affected their friendship, yet also lent itself to each character's growth.

There were many “what if” moments that the MCs grappled with & lots of pining over the years. They say timing is everything & that felt very true for Dani & Parker.

I appreciated the moments with Parker’s mom, or Cô, as Dani called her. A mother figure to Dani in the absence of her mom, Cô reminded me of my own Mom where she served food for comfort & as a way to bring family together. The gatherings were a great way to include their Asian cultures. Parker & Dani’s Vietnamese & Chinese backgrounds were sprinkled throughout, but it was in the moments with family where you saw the foundations of their roots.

What a fantastic debut from Vivian! A big thanks to her for the opportunity to read it. I loved it so much, I had to go pick up a physical copy!

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite tropes is childhood friends to lovers. Add to this a fantastic writing voice, a prior jock MMC, and a nervous babbler FMC, and I was hooked!!

I absolutely loved the voice of the book. It was very personable, hilarious, and felt as though I was talking to a friend with the light sarcasm and self-deprecation coming from our FMC. It made the chapters flow by so fast and was a great tone for the book overall.

I enjoyed the flashbacks we got of the main characters to when they were kids, in high school, and college. It was fun to see glimpses into who they used to be and where things started to drive a rift between them. I felt like it gave the present so much more at stake and added so much depth.

Our main characters were definitely meant for each other. From the moment they said they would be “just casual”, I was watching for the little signs to indicate they were falling head over heels for each other…again. From the jealous moments to the questions they really didn’t want the answer to but also couldn’t live without, it was fun to watch these two tiptoe from former friends to friends with benefits to significant others without even realizing it at times.

I cannot wait to read more by Vivian Jia Lac!!

Thank you Vivian Jia Lac for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

4.25 stars!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

CASUALLY YOURS is a second chance romance that is both wholesome and steamy. Childhood friends to strangers to lovers, Dani and Parker’s story is an emotional rollercoaster - from meeting again to navigating a complicated “casual” thing - I laughed, I cringed, and I swooned.

I absolutely love the Vietnamese and Taiwanese representation in Lac’s book and need more! Dani and Parker live next to each other and she calls his parents Cô and Chú, has extremely Vietnamese parties with them (the karaoke, che thai, and the hennessy lolol), and is essentially part of their family. It’s so wholesome and lovely that I couldn’t help but love both their families.

Lac has a way of writing characters who feel very real - doing great, but also kind of maybe falling apart. It was so refreshing to read about a professional who might not have it all together, but definitely knows what she wants in life and people/friends. The romance is slow and builds over time, jumping back between their past and present to slowly reveal to readers what went wrong that turned them into strangers, which worked for me and kept me anticipating.

I truly adored this novel and cannot wait to read more from this author.

[skia_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a slow-burning romance about Parker & Dani,  who were given a second chance at love. Without the over the top drama or grand romantic gestures, I normally read. While I do love those moments,  Ms. Jia Lac proves in this story that they are not always needed. Showing up when it matters, and choosing each other day after day. These are the moments relationships are built on.

 When Parker finally came at Dani the right way, it absolutely struck romantic gold for me. I was already invested, but that scene hit me with all the feels.

“I know that I want to be with you. Ever since we were kids, it was all I ever wanted.”

I loved the movie references throughout the book. They added another layer to Dani and Parker’s journey, making their story feel even more meaningful.

Overall, this is a beautiful story about second chances, growth, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable with someone who once held your heart. Dani and Parker’s journey reminded me that love isn’t just about finding the right person… It’s about doing the work to keep choosing them.

So if you’re anything like me and love a good Hallmark-style romance, this is exactly that. 🥹💕

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Asian dramas, this book immediately felt like the kind of rom-com I would binge in a single weekend. Dani and Parker were once inseparable, but life pulled them in different directions. Years later, a chance reunion forces them to confront the feelings and history they left behind. Their journey back to each other was what kept me turning the pages.

One of my favorite elements of the story was the flashbacks. Each glimpse into the past helped me understand how they became the people they are in the present. The story is told entirely through Dani's perspective. While I enjoyed being in her head, I kept wishing for Parker's POV. There were several moments where hearing his thoughts would have added more depth.

The supporting characters also left an impression. Parker's mother, Cô, brought humor and heart to every scene she appeared in. The author also sparked my curiosity about Nathan and his girlfriend. The story mentions Nathan's girlfriend, Irene, but he is still single in the epilogue. Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh what a CUTE romance!! This was so refreshing and engaging. Vivian has crafted a wonderful friends-to-lovers, second chance romance (and I don't say this lightly as a die-hard enemies-to-lovers fan).
The way Vivian set up the beginning of this story was perfect for building the angst, and getting snippets of their back story made me want to desperately keep reading. I had to force myself to put this down at 1am as it had me so hooked.

There is some fabulous banter, and some truly funny lines that had me laughing. It really gave me romcom vibes, whilst also having such realistic characters. Dani is incredibly relatable and a great FMC - my standout character though was Cô. Please can I spend a Thanksgiving with her?!

I'd definitely recommend picking this book up, and I will be keeping my eye out for future books from Vivian! What a stellar debut!

Thank you to the author for a copy, and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.

[VeroniCanRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐ #Gifted Review

For Fans of:
- contemporary romance
- second chance
- friends with benefits
- Asian drama
- romcom
- childhood friends
- Taiwanese rep
- Vietnamese rep
- former football player
- Back and forth timeline
- Single POV

✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Dani and Parker grew up as best friends even though she was quiet and he was the football star, but after high school, Parker ghosts her and their relationship ship goes silent. Now, years later, Parker shows up in New York City where Dani lives. They make an agreement to keep it casual and be friends with benefits until he goes back to California. Still, their past haunts them and may break them before time is up.

I really enjoyed the back and forth of their past to their present so it really creates a full picture of their relationship. Even as they travel home for the holidays, their family dynamics were such a beautiful and crucial part of their personal growth journeys.

I also loved the full embrace of Asian culture, with culture references for not just one country but multiple. As a non-Asian, I found the references described naturally and enlightening without making me feel lost.

The publisher Third State Books is dedicated to publishing AAPI voices so I plan on reading more books from them!

🖤 Thank you to author Vivian Jia Lac and publisher Third State Books for the #gifted copy via.
As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!

📚 Book: Casually Yours by Vivian Jia Lac
📅 Release Date: OUT NOW
⭐ Rating: 4.25 out of 5

[Fifi O’Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

i LOVED this book! Parker and Dani’s love story was so real and so emotional — all the feels. i loved Dani’s heart, her sentimentality, and her being unapologetically herself. Parker is the ultimate book boyfriend and i loved his journey from struggling with expressing feelings to becoming even more larger than life. the story was well done and i love how this could be someone’s love story in real life. the pacing was good and the story kept my attention. i loved Cô and Chù — they were such lovable book parents. Dani’s father was a great book dad as well. i loved his emotional arc and how that connected to Dani’s and Parker’s story. this book was such a special read and i’m so glad i got to be a part of its journey!

disclaimer: the author reached out to me and asked me for a review in exchange for a free copy. this is my honest, voluntary review.

[A_Stylish_Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun friends to lovers romance debut novel from Lac. Dani and Parker are childhood best friends until one day when Dani is in college in NYC and Parker fails to show up to visit her. Parker gave her no phone calls or outreach to explain his absence. Years later, they bump into each other and rekindled their friendship.

It was fun to see Dani and Parker somehow go from stranger to friends with benefits to something more. Their banter is great and I adore the closeness that Dani has with Parker's family when they go back to visit small town in Oregon.

The flashbacks to their high school days gave a great backstory of their relationship and the pressure that Parker had growing up.

It was fun seeing their love grow as well as their navigating how to make their relationship work.

Thank you to @thirdstatebooks @vivanjialac for the book.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely little romcom! I really enjoyed the tension between Dani and Parker, and I'm always a sucker for friends to lovers.

The spice was also tasteful and well executed, and I enjoyed the layers to Dani (her mom/family life) and Parker (his career in football). It all added an extra layer to what would otherwise have been a standard romance.

Vivian takes the time to craft characters who feel real even outside of their relationship, and really makes you root for them together and individually.

The banter was fun and had me laughing out loud at times, and all the references to Vietnamese and Taiwanese culture was so refreshing in a genre often dominated by white main characters.

If you're looking for a lighthearted romantic read, this book is definitely going to fufill that craving!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was utterly adorable! A second chance romance with childhood best friends?! I mean, come on! So good.

This was a hilarious book. The humour was so well written and the character banter flowed so well. It had me laughing out loud at times! The characters themselves felt like real people: flawed and varied in personality, every character stood out as an individual.

The family dynamics of the two MCs also added another layer of dimension and depth to the stoey. I appreciated the back and forth in time moments that occur. We get to see how the relationship between the MCs began, how it fell apart and how it became what it did.

Maybe the plot itself was a tad predictable but most romance novels are. I had a fabulous time reading this book and will definitely recommend it to anyone who likes rom-com books!

[Shar · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. 👏🏻

[USOM · Rating 4 out of 5]

(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.

[Raelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and didn’t expect to zoom through it like I did! The female lead was so funny with her spiralling imagination, which felt super relatable. The banter with the male lead was so charming it had me blushing and kicking my feet with glee. I love seeing the growth between the characters.

To me, the conflict between them didn’t feel super manufactured and actually felt believable. The flashbacks of their friendship really nailed down the feeling of longing and heartache when you learn what was lost over the years.

Bonus was seeing the interaction with their families. As someone who’s Viet-Chinese, it made me laugh at how common the Hennessy and Paris By Night experience was. Like, this was made for me!!!

Can’t wait to read more books from Vivian Jia Lac!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts… this book was just…. wow. Its been a long time since a book held my heart in its hand the whole time. The pure nostalgia this book gives you for a childhood romance… The whole book gives effortless and seamless, she incorporates humour and romance with a natural flare. I don’t understand how this book is not absolutely viral. I was worried the mixing of the friends w/ benefits and second chance would be too chaotic but she captured the messiness of a relationship perfectly.

I will be recommending this book to anyone who listens. It was amazing, I don’t think I can say anything further. If this is her debut book, world watch out… Vivian Jia Lac is coming for you and I cannot wait to watch what she does next.