From Beijing, with Love: A Novel

by Bei Lin

A candid exploration of identity and the love we deserve, this steamy rom-com will remind you that sometimes you have to get a little lost before you can find yourself.

Daniel Wu’s life in Amsterdam is far from spontaneous. When his boyfriend dumps him on the same day a work mishap lands him on leave, he breaks all his rules by impulsively escaping to Beijing to visit his best friend Poppy.

There’s just one hitch—Poppy isn’t there.

Alone in the foreign city his late father grew up in, Daniel wants nothing more than to fly home early. After all, running away is what he does best. But then Poppy signs him up for a tour of the Great Wall.

Enter Yang Li, the PhD student moonlighting as a tour guide. A transplant to Beijing, Yang has never felt at home in the bustling capital—or with himself. Cynical and disciplined, he isn’t the least impressed when Daniel shows up to their tour hours late. The tour is painful in more ways than one, but at least it’s a one-time ordeal.

Then life pushes them together again and again, until time spent together over stunning sights and mind-blowing eats feels less like vacation and more like finally finding home.

From Beijing, to Xi’an, to Tokyo, will they confront their own ghosts—past and present—to find their happily-ever-after?

Brimming with humor, wanderlust, and emotional vulnerability, this charming debut is perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Queer, M M Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Contemporary Romance

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Bei Lin is a Chinese Canadian writer based in Vancouver. She has lived on three continents and visited over thirty countries. Travel and food are her passions, along with giving her characters their well-deserved happily-ever-after. When she’s not writing, she’s daydreaming about her next trip and eating chocolate cake. You can find her on Instagram (@Beilin_writes) or her website https://beilinauthor.com/.

Reviews

[annes_mesmerizing_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5 stars.

I requested From Beijing, With Love solely because of two things. First of all, I loved the cover. I immediately saw the resemblance to Tom Vellner’s Thirty Love, another book I adored. Both covers are illustrated by the same artist. Then my eyes fell on the word Amsterdam, and I hit request without reading any further. I love finding books written in English with a connection to my home country, especially now that my own YA story is set in Amsterdam.

So, did I know much about this book when I started reading? No. Did I love it from the first page? Definitely.

I adored anxious mess Daniel from the moment I met him, although I have to admit that I needed a little time to warm up to Yang. Under that cool, controlled facade is such a sweet, lovable guy. The two of them are so good for each other. Yang is incredibly patient with Daniel’s OCD, and Daniel in turn helps Yang open up more and more.

The story feels light, yet it tackles heavier themes like OCD, the loss of parents, meeting parental expectations, and being queer in China.

For a long time I thought I would rate this debut 4 stars, but I smiled so much while reading. I loved the Dutch references, and I connected to so many themes and places in the story. A cat café, for example. And because of the cat café I rounded my rating up from 4.5 to a beautiful 5 stars.

Just one thing, Bei Lin 😅: luckily most Dutch moms are sweeter and more lovable than Daniel’s mom.

Thank you, Alcove Press and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC!

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[Lochi's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for romance novels, especially debut romance novels written by Canadians, and when I came across the stunning cover of From Beijing, With Love, I quickly worked to secure a copy. My thanks to Bei Lin and Alcove Press for entrusting me with an early copy and for giving an enthusiastic reader a book to satiate my curiosity.

From Beijing, With Love is the tenderhearted romance novel I didn’t realize I needed. I’ll admit, I’ve recently gone down a rabbit hole searching for a book that could deliver the same romantic feeling I had while watching Crazy Rich Asians, but I wanted something more grounded, more intimate, and more rooted in Asia itself. This book landed perfectly.

Set primarily in China, with a brief but memorable stop in Japan, we follow Yang and Daniel’s slowly blooming, shyly blushing romance. Bei gives us two characters who unexpectedly lean on one another, gently nudging and sometimes pushing each other to grow into themselves and their feelings.

From the vivid food descriptions to the informative insights into tourism and culture, I thoroughly enjoyed this debut, and I can’t wait to see what Bei writes next.

[Gabbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut!!! I loved it so much. This sweet, tender queer love story did not disappoint. As soon as I saw the cover I wanted it and I’m so thankful for the ARC.

I honestly don’t have anything bad to say about this. The vulnerability and communication was perfectly timed. Their love story takes place mainly in a week spanned and it was so believable and I think that goes to show Bei Lin’s writing skills and storytelling!!

[Bookevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was love at first sight for me. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but I am enamoured by the cover of From Beijing, With Love and what’s under the cover? A tender love story that explores cultural identity, self-love and finding love in the most unexpected places.

Bei Lin’s debut novel follows the story of Daniel Wu who finds himself on the plane to Beijing after a horrendous breakup and career-ending incident. What was supposedly a trip to meet up with his best friend, Poppy, ends up being an adventure in one of the most bustling cities in the world. See, spontaneity is not usually in Daniel’s DNA but who could say no to an unexpectedly charming local guide who offers to show you his Beijing?

As a Chinese gay reader, I felt so seen in the pages of From Beijing, With Love. Bei Lin writes with such heart and tenderness as the story explores the different cultural backgrounds of Daniel and Yang and ultimately learning more about themselves as their feelings for each other grew deeper. For me, what stood out was the book’s exploration of queer love within the Chinese community that is still so rooted in tradition and how it shaped Yang’s personal journey as a queer man. The book also explores Daniel’s OCD and I loved reading about how Yang so easily understood and accepted him for who he is. That, my panda friends, is love.

Most of the book is set in Beijing, but the couple also end up visiting Xi’an, where Yang grew up in. I loved how we got to see the different facets of China captured through the eyes of Daniel and Yang, and reading their experiences made me want to go back. But who knows? Perhaps my husband and I might just make a trip one day. Just for the food (us). Or the amazing local niche perfumeries (me).

From Beijing, With Love is perfect for you if you’re looking for a romance that celebrates queer love, multiculturalism and acceptance. An opposites-attract love story that will have you giggling, blushing and sighing by the characters’ incredibly wholesome journey of finding each other.

eARC courtesy of Alcove Press on NetGalley

[✨ vanessa | effiereads ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[meesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

RAAAH this was so cute and everything i wanted from a read rn. this book pleasantly surprised me. travel. love. food as a love language. this was tender and quiet which i really liked. it really spoke to me. i wasn’t expecting to get all the feels but i truly did. 5 stars. i genuinely have no notes.

thank you netgalley and the publishers for the arc!

[Bethany Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very, very cute. Full review to come

[tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a few weeks since I read From Beijing, with Love and I have truly thought about it every day since. I ended up binge reading this over a weekend, and my god - the whirlwind of emotions I experienced. I probably ugly cried a grand total of 5 times.

This is such a tender and heart-achingly poignant story of self-discovery and exploration on behalf of both of our MMCs, who each have their own internal struggles that they navigate throughout the course of the story. Not only was I discovering Beijing alongside Daniel and Yu, but I was also observing as each of them discovered themselves and each other.

As someone who struggles with severe OCD/anxiety, I can also say that this is the most accurate depiction of OCD that I've ever read. I felt so seen - Daniel's characterization was like looking in a mirror. I connected with him so deeply, and couldn't help but root for him to succeed in working through his struggles.

I will be screaming about this book until the day it releases and beyond.

[Teru · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve read a contemporary romance, and I’m happy to say, I picked a lovely one!

Daniel, on the run from his work and cheating ex-boyfriend problems back in Amsterdam, decides to visit the country of his late dad. Landing in Beijing should have been the start of a vacation with his best friend living there, but that would be too easy, right? Shit happens instead, and Daniel finds himself alone and with a booked private tour of the Great Wall - and he’s running hours late. It’s safe to say, the handsome tour guide Yang is not impressed. Yet somehow, during the day spent together, even though everything about it screamed awkward, they’re still drawn to each other. Possibly too much, given this vacation has an expiration date.

From Beijing, With Love is a romance written in dual third-person POV, with complex main characters and great mental health rep, where anxiety and OCD aren’t just quirks but issues that actually have a considerable impact on life. More than that, it’s a story about self-acceptance, familiarizing oneself with one’s heritage, and finding a true home - and realizing that home doesn’t have to mean a place.

I adored the wonderful backdrop of places I’ve never been to but would love to visit. I definitely wanted to see more of Beijing, but it’s clear the author focused more on food - those descriptions were absolutely criminal! Always have a snack on hand while reading this book; otherwise, your stomach will complain. Loudly 🫪

Daniel and Yang were so good together, ugh! At first, I was a bit baffled why Yang was even interested after that first disastrous day, but I got on that train quickly because they were both amazing characters. Daniel was such a ball of mess and anxiety, my heart truly went out to him. Yang, so considerate and protective, yet unable to ask for help and accept consideration from others - yeah, I loved him to bits.
Getting to know each other through spending time together and having actual conversations, learning each other’s quirks and tics, without falling into bed right away, is definitely my kryptonite. The genuine effort they went through for the other! There may have been no explosive chemistry between them, but I appreciated the gentle compatibility that shouldn’t make sense (given their differences) but works anyway.

With that said, it’s not quite instalove but also...not not instalove? Their developing closeness felt organic, but they’re also confessing their love for each other and making life-changing decisions in barely two weeks of meeting so...take that as you will.
The premise says it’s steamy but I don’t think so. Yes, there’s sex, and I actually mostly skimmed those scenes because I genuinely didn’t need them, but it’s not explicit enough for me to think of it as “steamy”.
The story is quite predictable and scripted but to be completely fair - I find most romances to be exactly that.

If you like low-angst summer romances that inspire wanderlust, with lovable main characters, and everything-wrapped-up-neatly-with-a-bow kind of HEA, I can wholeheartedly recommend!
And next time I decide to go for a romance (might be a few months at least lol), note to self - leave it for the weekend! It’s very easy for me to lose momentum with these stories so reading it during the workweek didn’t do my reading experience any favors 😩

Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this e-arc! From Beijing, With Love pub date is 29th September 2026.

[Karen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed my read of this book from start to finish, and I honestly find it hard to believe that this is Bei Lin’s debut novel, as it is truly fantastic, and will likely be one of my favourite reads of the year.

Against the backdrop of Beijing, we meet Daniel, possibly fired from his IT job twentysomething in town to visit his friend Poppy, and Yang, the tour guide Poppy hires to take Daniel around Beijing when she gets called away on a business trip. While the two boys start off at odds with one another, this is a romcom, so we all know where this is headed. I loved reading about their relationship. Daniel struggles with OCD and, despite having coping mechanisms in place, his related challenges with self-worth. After being dumped by an ex-boyfriend because of these challenges, it was heartwarming to see how Yang very quickly picked up on Daniel’s “I’m not okay” cues in social and other settings, despite Daniel having programmed himself to outwardly present as being fine. Yang makes him feel seen, and makes him feel like his idiosyncrasies are not beyond the scope of what one can expect one’s partner to embrace. Meanwhile Yang struggles with various expectations from his family, both professional and personal, as he navigates his PhD as well as well-intentioned matchmaking from relatives who assume he is straight.

Beyond the romantic storyline, I also absolutely loved Daniel’s friendship with Poppy. Ever the bubbly extrovert, she challenges him to take risks (one of them being the spontaneous trip to Beijing) and has an uncanny ability to see through any facade he tries to put up, as only best friends can do. As Daniel himself puts it, Poppy’s spontaneity, bravery and assertiveness makes her everything that he isn’t. The two of them balance each other out, but the piece that I loved the most is the fact that Poppy genuinely wants the best for Daniel, so when she tells him to take risks, it’s with his happiness in mind, not merely her own amusement.

A piece of the story that really resonated with me was around Daniel’s cultural and ethnic identity. Born to a Chinese father and Dutch mother, he feels like he is neither Chinese enough nor Dutch enough, therefore belonging nowhere. Something I can relate to, as I too am half Asian and half caucasian. A significant way into the story, Daniel receives validation from an unlikely source, but in wanting to keep this review spoiler-free, I’ll leave it at that! In any case, the issue of cultural and ethnic identity for individuals with mixed-race backgrounds is a complex one, and I appreciated its inclusion.


Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endlessly sweet, charming and heartwarming!! From Beijing, With Love is complete sunshine in a book, celebrating heritage journeys, queer love, multiracial representation, and the loveliest opposites-attract romance. Daniel Wu, in true uncharacteristic spontaneity, books a trip from the Netherlands to Beijing after a disastrous and toxic breakup, and career-ending incident. When his one friend in the city turns out to be unavailable that week, Daniel is immediately introduced to Yang, a seemingly grumpy Beijing PhD student who works as a private tour guide. The two clash at the start, with Daniel wrestling with his anxieties and dual heritage, while Yang is working hard to gain his advisor’s approval while coming to terms with his conflicting feelings for Daniel. What’s great is that the story follows both of their POVs, so we can follows the thoughts and hearts of these men as their misunderstandings and initial assumptions turn into rising feelings and understanding for one another. It also emphasizes the point that as humans, we’re not all we seem from the outside— we are sometimes layered with past hurts, mental health complications, cultural expectations, and not always equipped to articulate these parts of ourselves.
I loved falling in love with Beijing alongside Daniel, getting to learn about the cultural significance of this ancient city as well as the local culture. I loved peeking into Yang’s intellectual yet deeply vulnerable brain and the ways he pushes himself to be brave and loves his family. And the way Bei Lin described each meal in this novel— from Beijing kaoya to zhajiangmian— was so descriptive, visceral, and absolutely spot-on. I found myself drooling more than once as Daniel tasted and explored the food I grew up eating.
As someone of mixed heritage, hearing Daniel’s story was so important to me. I resonated with his concerns of feeling “othered” or not enough, and there’s a quote that I will be savoring for a long time:
“"I'm half Chinese," Daniel gave his standard answer. "My dad was Chinese."
"Oh, then you are Chinese too. There's no half, third, or quarter," Yang's dad said with a hand wave like Daniel had been ridiculous. He let out a hearty chuckle. "We leave the math to the classroom."”
I’m so grateful for the chance to have read this book, and I love the characters of Yang and Daniel so much and their fun banter. Just two nerdy boys finding a sense of home within each other. Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I don't have the words, and this review may not do this novel justice. I picked up From Beijing, With Love based solely on the cover and discovered a sweet yet complex romance that spans continents.

Daniel, who is half Chinese and half Dutch, travels to China for the first time after leaving troubles behind in Amsterdam. What follows is a journey of self-discovery as he learns who he is and who he wants to become. Along the way, the grumpy academic tour guide Yang becomes an important part of that journey toward growth and self-acceptance.

In many ways, I could relate to both characters. The author does an excellent job exploring who Daniel and Yang are, as well as who they aspire to be. The setting feels immersive, allowing readers to experience China alongside them. The descriptions of Beijing, its food, culture, and history never feel forced; instead, they're woven naturally into the story and revealed through each scene as it unfolds. I also appreciated how Mandarin was incorporated throughout the novel. Because Daniel doesn't speak the language, readers learn alongside him, picking up words and phrases organically as they gain meaning through context and emotion. It made the experience feel even more authentic and helped me connect with Daniel's perspective.

Daniel’s struggles with anxiety and OCD are also handled with care and feel like an integral part of his character rather than something added on. It shapes how he experiences the world and adds another layer to his journey of self-understanding and acceptance.

One aspect I found particularly interesting was getting a glimpse into Yang's family dynamics. Through him, the novel explores both the love and the expectations that can exist within a large Chinese family. It helped me better understand why Yang is the way he is and added another layer to his character. Beyond the budding romance (which was equal parts adorable and frustrating thanks to these two mercurial men), the story also explores friendship, family, identity, and cultural dynamics.

I think everyone should give this book a chance. I've wanted to visit China for a long time, and this story has inspired me to make that trip sooner rather than later.

I feel like I've said both too much and not nearly enough without venturing into spoiler territory. For a debut novel, this romance delivered so many of the elements I love in the genre, even if they're difficult to articulate.

I'll definitely be picking up more from this author in the future.

Thank you to Alcove Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of From Beijing, with Love by Bei Lin from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From Beijing, with Love by Bei Lin is a candid, steamy, and profoundly heartwarming rom-com exploring identity and the love we deserve. The story follows Daniel Wu, whose structured life in Amsterdam shatters when he is dumped and placed on unexpected work leave all in one day. Breaking his own rules, he impulsively escapes to Beijing to visit his best friend Poppy—only to find that Poppy isn't even there. Stranded in the city his late father grew up in, Daniel is rescued from running away when Poppy secretly signs him up for a tour of the Great Wall led by Yang Li.

Yang Li is a cynical, disciplined PhD student moonlighting as a tour guide who is thoroughly unimpressed when Daniel shows up hours late. What begins as a painful one-time ordeal turns into a life-altering journey as life pushes Daniel and Yang together across Beijing, Xi'an, and Tokyo. Amidst stunning sights, mind-blowing eats, and rich cultural backdrops, both men must confront their own past and present ghosts—from Daniel’s struggles with anxiety and OCD to Yang’s pressure to walk the "right" path dictated by his father.

Bei Lin’s debut is an absolute triumph of character and setting. The descriptive prose brings the streets, food, and culture of Beijing, Xi'an, and Tokyo to vivid life with a brilliant cadence. The character arcs for Daniel and Yang flow naturally, capturing authentic struggles, cultural differences, and psychological depths—including a nuanced look at homophobia balanced beautifully by Yang's grandmother Nainai’s fierce, loving support. Furthermore, the dynamic between Daniel and his best friend, "Platypus" Poppy, serves as an absolute comedic and emotional highlight. Nothing feels rushed; every emotional beat, geographical hurdle, and personal revelation unfolds at its own perfect pace, capped off by a pitch-perfect epilogue.

From Beijing, with Love is a charming, humorous, and emotionally vulnerable gem that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. If you love expansive travel, authentic characters, found family, and stories reminiscent of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall, this is an absolute must-read.

[Nick Artrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested and received an eARC of From Beijing, With Love by Bei Lin via NetGalley. Daniel Wu isn't known for his spontaneity. When his boyfriend dumps him and a disaster strikes at work, however, he throws all of his rules of the window and impulsively books a trip to Beijing to visit his best friend, Poppy. Unfortunately, Poppy isn't there. Alone in the foreign city that his late father grew up in, Daniel immediately wants to fly home. But when Poppy books him a tour of the Great Wall, he finds an uneasy friendship with his guide, Yang Li. Yang finds Daniel a pain for a variety of reasons, but as life pushes them together again and again neither man can deny the attraction steadily growing between the two of them.

Are you ready to have your heart stolen? Because I personally cannot imagine finishing From Beijing, With Love without falling in love with both Daniel and Yang. Daniel is such a sweet little disaster. Lin does a rather terrific job of bringing his OCD and avoidant behavior alive on the page. Despite the many challenges that he faces, Daniel manages to radiate a light strong enough to charm any reader. And then you have Yang, who is rather studious and serious. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of him at first, but the book is written in a dual third-person POV which allowed me to really gain a deeper understanding of his character and the way that he responds to Daniel. Their chemistry and shared tenderness as a pair are brilliantly realized and really sells the emotional depth of the story.

From Beijing, With Love offers a wide assortment of attractions. The opposites attract romance at the heart of the story is told with great sensitivity and Lin really allows the relationship to develop naturally on the page. The pacing and emotions are all done very well, which makes the romance that much sweeter. The intimate scenes are also quite hot and written in a way that makes sense to the story and the characters. There are also many wonderful descriptions of food and historical sites that strongly appeal to the senses. Beneath the surface of the romance, Lin also tackles some pretty heavy themes involving mental health, displacement, and the feeling of estrangement from one’s cultural identity. I think many of these issues and the way the author handles them will resonate with readers in a meaningful way.

[M.M. Wakeford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartstoppingly tender love story with two likeable characters you instantly want to root for.

Reeling from a hurtful break-up and a mishap at work that could cost him his job, Daniel books a flight to Beijing, planning to visit his best friend, Poppy. It’s a spontaneous decision, something very unlike Daniel, who has OCD and usually likes to plan things minutely. Only on arrival, he finds that she’s gone off on a business trip for a week, leaving him stranded alone in an unknown city—and that she’s also booked him on a guided excursion to visit the Great Wall of China.

Reluctantly, and feeling very much out of his comfort zone, Daniel embarks on this sightseeing trip with Yang, a physics PHD student who moonlights as a tour guide for extra money. They don’t get off to a good start. Daniel keeps Yang waiting in the hotel lobby for two hours, then hardly says a word to him on the three-hour car journey. But as the two slowly begin to unpeel the layers and move beyond these awkward first impressions, they find themselves unexpectedly drawn to one another.

The two main characters are beautifully drawn, their back-story layered into the narrative, giving them depth and poignancy—Yang, firmly in the closet, striving to please and do what’s expected of him while also carrying the grief of losing his beloved mother at age ten; Daniel, the perpetual outsider trying to fit in, trying to cope with his anxieties and never feeling quite normal. And what I liked most about this touching love story was how Daniel and Yang truly felt seen and accepted by the other, flaws and all.

“This is you. Your needs, boundaries, limits, flaws, and all. It’s all you. It’s a package deal. There’s no picking, mixing, and matching what parts of you that I like or don’t like. Or what’s convenient and easy for me. It’s either that I can love the whole package, or I can’t.”

As well as being a romance, this book explored themes of identity, being true to oneself, and the bonds of friendship and family—all themes that spoke eloquently to my own personal experience of straddling two very different cultures. On top of it all, we also got to vicariously experience the delights of authentic Chinese food. An impressive debut and a page-turning read that I wholeheartedly recommend.

[Susan Scribner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pub. date 9/29/26

This was just adorable. Nothing earth shatteringly new, but poignant and romantic. Daniel is a half-Chinese, half-Dutch IT worker with OCD (yes, he's in therapy). But when he screws up bigtime at his job and his boyfriend breaks up with him on the same day, he makes an uncharacteristically spontaneous decision to visit his BFF Poppy in Beijing. Only when he gets there, he learns that Poppy is out of town on a business trip.

Daniel is tempted to spend the week hiding in his hotel, but Poppy schedules a guided tour for him of the Great Wall, which is how he meets Yang. A doctoral student in physics, Yang moonlights as a tour guide during the summer. He is not impressed by the entitled, high-maintenance jerk, but they share a few nice moments together, especially when Daniel requests a picture of himself in the same spot that his late father stood thirty years ago.

The men go their separate way after the disastrous day, but Daniel realizes he left his wallet in Yang's car. And then Yang learns that Daniel is proficient in the programming language needed to save his research paper that inexplicably got fucked up. Gradually Yang realizes that Daniel's weird mannerisms are part of his OCD, and that given the right circumstance he's actually a great guy. Daniel is similarly intrigued by the glimpses of sweetness that peek out from under Yang's stern demeanor. But Yang is deeply closeted, and even if there is something between them it has a short expiration date given their lives on separate continents.

Bei Lin 's experience as a seasoned world traveler is evident in her descriptions of Beijing sights and sounds. I'm not a foodie, but I appreciated her rendering of numerous Chinese dishes. She also nimbly captures the country's tension between old and new, as well as the cultural homophobia that keeps Yang from being his true self. The book's one weakness is the sex scenes, which feel awkward and very much paint-by-numbers. But they are not too long or involved, and they're easy to skim over.

The cover was drawn by the same artist who did tennis romance Thirty Love, and the two books have a similar warm, sl0w-burn feeling. I've been in the midst of a reading dry spell, but I eagerly devoured this book in one day.

E-ARC received from Net Galley

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

“From Beijing with Love” reads very much like a love letter to cross-cultural experiences, distilled down to two men who wouldn’t have met if not for serendipity or rather, the sly machinations of a meddling friend.

Daniel’s description as a queer half-Dutch and half-Chinese man, who’s also a transplanted Canadian now living in Amsterdam—it’s quite a mouthful to begin with—is himself the shining symbol of the book’s cross-culturalism, when he stumbles into Chinese culture which he really knows little about. Yang Li, on the other hand, is the unfortunate soul tasked with educating him about the Great Wall, though their first meeting is pretty much a disaster through and through.

But these two find their way to each other, as though an invisible line has connected them from the very start.

I was almost concerned at first, that this was going to read like a glossy tourist brochure. Instead, Daniel’s and Yang’s short time together is underpinned by food, heritage and shared human experiences, where every step they take is a simultaneously discovery of self and the wider, incredibly diverse world that exists outside set routines. The allure, I think, is how relatable these two are as they wade their way through the thorny issues of gender and identity from different ends of their experiential spectrum while learning of ways to be together within a short time frame.

Yet therein lies the complication. Conservatism or the lack thereof dictates so much in here; Daniel’s defiant openness is a contrast to Yang’s cautious and closeted life such that even the spaces in between require careful treading upon. Bei Lin dives into this with eloquent sensitivity that turns Daniel/Yang’s story into a quiet, slow-burn tale where middle ground is finally found through acceptance and compromise, though it isn’t without the requisite bit of angst towards the end.

The story wraps up fairly abruptly though--I did find myself asking what happened with Yang’s father or his friends back in Beijing in the end after the turn of events, but never really found that closure.

Still, this is beautifully done and this book is probably going to stay in my mind for a while.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

[Lucy Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would first like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so cute!!!! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went into it and I seriously enjoyed every moment of reading this book. One of the things that I sometimes find are a bit off in romance novels – especially debut novels such as this – is the pacing. The story is either too fast or too slow or leans too heavily on tropes that makes the story feel like a cliche drag. This story didn’t do any of that. This story was very well paced between the busy and slow moments, and the writing and descriptions were beautiful and kept me interested without leaning too heavily on tropes. This story felt real and so did the characters.

Both Yang and Daniel felt like such real people with real backgrounds and issues and personalities. They were easy to get to know and understand while still maintaining the one thing that makes humans, humans – complexities and multitudes. I think part of this was that their story together was a huge part of the story, but it wasn’t their whole story. Yang had personal issues with his PhD program and his family accepting him. Daniel had personal issues with his job, his ex, and his OCD. But all of that created each character as a whole and didn’t feel like separate storylines that just happened to be linked to each other – they were all cohesive to make a good story.

I also really appreciated the way that mental health was handled in this story. The reactions Daniel had from his OCD and the way that Yang understood and handled them as well as Daniel’s previous experience with is ex all felt real and not stereotyped. Daniel’s own thoughts about himself and his own struggles were important to the story without taking away from the large story as a whole and I feel like that’s what it is like for so many people with a large variety of mental health issues – including myself. I feel like that was handled very well in this story.

Overall, I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 star rating. I seriously enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down once I had started. I will 100% buy a physical copy when it comes out.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adult MM romance is a beautiful and impressive debut from Bei Lin, perfect for fans of travel narratives, Asian rep, OCD / anxiety rep, working through grief, and a hard-earned HEA. Daniel Wu, Chinese by his dad, Dutch by his mom, spontaneously travels to Beijing, his dad's home city, after a bad breakup and a major mess-up at work at home in Amsterdam, but his best friend Poppy, with whom he expects to stay, is away on a trip. To make up for it, she books him a Great Wall tour with Yang Li, a Ph.D. student in biophysics who tour guides during the summer. After a disastrous first impression, the two continue to meet up and learn about each other until they each realize they're falling in love with the other. But there are many obstacles that threaten their happiness, including Daniel's mental health struggles and the temporary nature of his vacation and Yang's traditional father and the pressures of his Ph.D. program.

Lin's prose is gorgeous and evocative, with lush descriptions of settings and visuals that make you wish you were there. In particular, her descriptions of food are decadently sensuous and activate your taste buds. Daniel and Yang's meals of xiaolongbao and peking duck made me salivate and immediately open up my food delivery app. The spice level was also just right -- perhaps a bit tentative at times in terms of detail (though perhaps that's more of an indication of the other kinds of MM romance books that I read), but Daniel and Yang's physical connection grew organically and believably.

This (Filipino) reviewer very much appreciates the Asian representation in the MM romance genre. I saw myself in Yang as he navigated his complex family dynamics and a parent determined that he conform to heteronormative expectations. For that matter, I also saw myself in Daniel's anxiety and his attempts to efface or deprioritize himself to make everyone around him feel better. Plus, the grief that each navigates over the loss of a parent added a poignant means of connection and understanding between them. The journey that leads them to each other surmounts obstacles both external and internal until they come together in a satisfying, heartwarming conclusion.

[Bronwyn Blakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a gentle, beautiful romance. I don't know where to begin trying to describe in words how much I loved it, but I will do my very best.

This book is full of so much culture and history, so much delicious description of food, such attention to the little details, the pieces we often miss in our busy lives but that make up the best experience of life itself. Truly such an immersive experience, even for someone who generally struggles to visualize like I do. These aspects alone made the book hard to put down.

But then there's Daniel and Yang. Two men with ties to Beijing through a lost parent, but wildly different upbringings and experiences and knowledge of the world around them. Two men whose past trauma and internal struggles have led them to believe they're better off alone or unworthy of love or not enough, finding love in one another through such an unlikely circumstance.

The love story is so deeply compelling. Daniel, who struggles with OCD and feels like he is a burden on those he loves, and Yang, who has kept his sexuality a secret since he was young, focusing on his education as a means to keep himself safe. Yang, who adjusts himself seemlessly into Daniel's needs and boundaries. Daniel, who opens Yang up to his own needs and wants and desires.

There is not a single aspect of this book that isn't handled with care, in my opinion. It is so beautifully written. We get to tour Beijing and Xi'an. We get to walk the Great Wall of China and see the Forbidden City. We get to watch Daniel and Yang open each other up to new perspective on history and identity and acceptance. We get to experience Chinese cuisine. We get to see how love can be gentle and soft, even when it's difficult.

This is easily one of my favourite reads of the year. I know it's going to sit with me for a long time. I'm not going to be able to let Daniel and Yang go just yet.

From Beijing, With Love comes out September 29th and I can't wait for everyone to be able to read it. I hope you love it as much as I do. Such an incredible debut by Bei Lin.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eARC.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Alcove Press and NetGalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
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Omg this debut blew me away!! I simultaneously gobbled this up while also trying to savor every page. This is such a sweet and heartfelt story, brimming with palpable emotion, self discovery, incredible rep, and travel itineraries that will have you green with envy!
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Daniel and Yang are everything to me, while seemingly extreme opposites after their somewhat disastrous first meeting, these two quickly become a balanced pair! The care and consideration that Yang shows Daniel after he’s been brought low by the events back home is the stuff of daydreams. Their immaculate chemistry and banter had me blushing and kicking my feet from start to finish, but I also loved that the author didn’t shy away from stumbling blocks they experienced as they grew closer. I loved seeing them work through their disagreements and gain perspectives from one another, it leant even more realism to their relationship!
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Not to be overlooked are the bonds each of our MCs has with their family and friends. While some were ride or die and others strained, it once again smacked of how nuanced these ties are in real life and I really appreciated their inclusion (selfishly I’d LOVE a Poppy book)!
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Also can we just talk about THE FOOD?! I was practically drooling with every new restaurant and dish that popped up on page, making me incredibly jelly I wasn’t also at the table! I started making a list of all the dishes mentioned to see if I couldn’t track some down in my own city! The multiple cultures represented and how they were featured with all their layers was masterfully done and I couldn’t get enough!
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Obviously I LOVED this book and I am sprinting to preorder a physical copy! I HIGHLY recommend for anyone looking for a sweet and swoony romance full of dazzling destinations! The fact that this is the author’s first published book is incredible and makes me SO excited to see what she writes next!

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Alcove Press and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. This was a super cute story! After messing up at work and then being dumbed by his boyfriend Daniel decides to travel to Beijing to see his best friend Poppy. The thing is he never travels spontaneously, traveling is usually months of preparation. But he had a panic attack that sent him out of the country. The only problem is Poppy isn’t in Beijing, she’s in another city for a week. She doesn’t want Daniel to just sit in the hotel for the week until she gets back so she books him a private tour of The Great Wall. Yang is in the final years of his PhD program and hoping to get a postdoctoral fellowship at his university. While attending he works as a tour guide to make money. When him and Daniel meet it’s a disaster. Daniel’s OCD and anxiety makes the trip uncomfortable and Yang quickly loses his peppy tour guide attitude. That should be the end of their relationship but somehow they keep ending up in each other’s orbits. And as they do the more the attraction grows. But Daniel eventually leaving to return to his country they both know there’s an expiration date on their possible relationship. Would a short time together be worth it if they can’t have forever? Being from America I love reading books where we get to explore countries that I’m not familiar with. The descriptions of the food, culture, and history of China made me long to see it myself! I loved both Daniel and Yang and their journeys of self discovery and acceptance! Bei Lin’s depictions of disability are relatable, and I love the way that Yang worked with Daniel to help him feel safe, seen, and understood! I loved the teasing and jokes between them, as well as Poppy! A charming story that had me in my feels and gave me the warm and fuzzies!

[liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I picked this book up, it was the perfect read for a chilly Sunday.
I really liked the writing in this, it really helped me have a really fast read, I was just flying through the story and it's always a delight when that happens.

I love stories that move along with the character as they physically move places, it's like their feelings expand alongside it and that's so engaging.

I was very satisfied with how Lin dealt with Daniel's OCD and anxiety, it's a complex subject that you can easily miss the mark but it was satisfyingly done here. That's not all that Daniel is but both still play major roles in the character dynamics and aren’t just tossed in for plot convenience.

But my favorite part was how the book tackled the queer experience for poc living in conservative countries. I could really feel how isolated Yang felt, how walking that line of wanting to be yourself but afraid to lose everything else will back you into a corner and how hiding is then not a choice but a survival mechanism. To me that that's always a very nice nuance to have and I especially loved it here.

If I have one thing to point out, though, it’s the pacing at the very end. It felt a bit too rushed for me, after spending the whole book deeply invested, I really wanted a little more time to sit with Yang and consequently a few more pages to sit with what that meant for his future and we didn't get that.

Despite that, I really, really enjoyed this book. It was so sweet and tender and ultimately a story about finding yourself, about looking at the massive, terrifying unknown and going for it anyway. It's an all-around love story; for travel, food, for the people you meet along the way and most importantly, for yourself.

Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley : bostieslovebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Alcove Press and NetGalley for the gifted DRC book.

Things aren’t going well for Daniel. He gets dumped just when something terrible happens at work, landing him on leave. Out of character, he impulsively flees to Beijing to visit his best friend, Poppy, but she’s not there. Daniel wants to fly home, but Poppy signs him up for a Great Wall tour where he meets Yang, a PhD student working on the side as a tour guide. What was to be a one time thing turns into something more as Daniel and Yang continue spending time together – sightseeing, eating lots of food, and finding anything but a simple vacation.

I was initially drawn to this book for the queer and OCD rep and loved that it would be taking place across Beijing, Xi’an, and Tokyo. You can tell that travel and food are passions for Lin in the way she writes. It’s vibrant and full of wonder and appreciation for the sights; you could taste the delicious Asian foods, experiencing them right alongside the characters.

Identity, sexuality, cultural expectations, familial relationships, grief, and self-acceptance were explored with nuance. The mental health rep, specifically OCD and anxiety, was handled with care. It was integral to the story but not the only defining thing about the character which was nice to see that he wasn’t reduced to a stereotype. Getting to follow the path of Daniel and Yang opening up to become emotionally vulnerable with each other was great, especially how that played a role in each of their own healing journeys.

I really enjoyed this MM romance. Read this one if you’re looking for queer joy, especially if you love to travel!

[maila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that is so sweet, emotional, tender and thought-provoking, but in the most beautiful way

Daniel, never for spontaneity, books a flight to Beijing as his life crashes around him. Hoping to spend two weeks with his best friend Poppy, is surprised to find she is out of town and so he will have to manage without her for the first week of his trip. When she organises a tour guide, he meets Yang, a PhD student and part-time tour guide, the two find themselves in one another’s orbit continuously thus beginning the start of what is a beautiful friendship turned romance.

This slow burn romance was so much more beyond the surface. Both Yang and Daniel were dealing with a lot as individuals so when they came together, it was just this beautiful friendship turned romance that allowed each of them as individuals to really flourish as people and unknowingly help each other through their heartbreak, grief, self-acceptance and anxiety.

It wasn’t easy with Daniel’s OCD, anxiety, constant self-doubt and struggling to connect with his heritage; never feeling like he quite belongs and Yang still very deep in the closet, facing pressure in his academic career and family, but the story was told with such sensitivity.
It just felt so real when you learn more about these characters and their mindsets. I also really loved the very detailed aspect such as when they were eating certain foods when they were visiting certain tourist attractions, it was very detailed. I felt like I was there with them.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and alcove press for this eARC

[Evita · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for letting me read an early copy of this book!

From Beijing With Love follows Daniel, who after a breakup decides to connect with his dad’s roots and spontaneously books a trip to China. Once there he meets Yang, a grumpy tour guide who is very unimpressed with Daniel’s ignorance.

This is the kind of romance book that I love: A chaotic start with a bunch of misunderstandings between the main characters, but somehow they keep coming back to each other. I loved seeing both their friendship and their attraction starting to grow. Daniel had OCD and a lot of anxiety, and this was clearly something Yang didn’t expect. Yang on the other hand was driven and determined, but felt he had to hide who he was from his closest people. So, they both had a lot to learn and challenge about themselves and the other person.

As someone who loves to travel, I adored that this was set during one of the MC’s trip. All the new places Daniel visited (some I’ve visited too), the historical background information, the cultural references, and all the delicious food descriptions definitely had me wanting to book a flight immediately.

The romance aspect was believable and really sweet. I love stories where a character is allowed to be themself and be loved and appreciated for who they are.

If you love travel, food, and queer love stories that are very sweet and a bit spicy, From Beijing With Love should definitely be on your radar. It comes out September 29th so give it a pre-order if it sounds like something you’d enjoy!

[Indie-Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

I have been in such a slump with ARCs. I've DNFd the last 3 ARCs I've tried because they've all been so bad and boring. So this was such a delight to read.

The writing style is great and I got really absorbed in it. This book gave me exactly what I wanted from a vacation romance, too. Beijing felt like it's own character in this story, and the descriptions of the places they visited made me want to search up those areas to see what they look like. And the descriptions of food are fantastic.

Both main characters have solid personalities and individual wants and desires, and I could sympathise with both of them for the problems they individually had. Daniel has just had a bad breakup, a huge fuck up at work, and he has OCD so travelling is really difficult for him. Yang works as a tour guide part time while working on his PHD, and he's at a pretty stressful time in his academic journey. Plus, he's a gay man living in China, which is not super easy.

The two characters do not make a great impression on each other at first, but after a few more encounters, they start to understand each other better and fall for each other. The romance felt really genuine and sweet. And, okay, it's a BIT insta-love because they've known each other for 2 weeks, but like. A lot happened in those two weeks!

I also really liked Poppy as a side character. And Yang's grandmother.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I would like to note that I won a paperback ARC from the author on social media.

"From Beijing With Love," is not your typical romcom love story. It's a story about a half-Chinese man who has OCD, and a man from China. Together, the two men are opposites. But when one of them is dragged into a tour of the Great Wall of China by their best friend, chemistry starts to occur and his feelings about his late father's homeland, China, change.

I fell in love with this book and could not put it down. I haven't read a story like this since I was a teenager, and I fell in love with Jenny Han's "To All the Boys I've Loved" Series. I saw myself in every single cliché and tearjerking moment in here. And I need to talk about the settings and backdrops Lin chose. I don't know if it's irony, but I've been to at least half of those places and eaten all those foods before. Every single bit of the Chinese food and history references made me very happy. I loved how honest the author was about the hidden gems in Asia vs. the tourist traps. I saw myself in each chapter and was nodding along with the sarcasm.

I don't think there is anything bad to say about this book, except for the fact that it was too short for my liking. Oh, I would also love a C-drama playlist to go along with it,

Thank you, Alcove Press and NetGalley. I look forward to reading more from Bei Lin.




Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a work fiasco and bad breakup, Daniel goes to visit his friend in Beijing. In turns out his friend isn’t there, but he meets Yang who is a tour guide and they travel around Beijing and a few other cities together.

Daniel really struggles with his self worth especially due to his last boyfriend. Because of his OCD, there’s always a lot of preparation when doing anything and spontaneity is non-existent for him. He is half Chinese and his dad passed away when he was young, so he’s lost a lot of that heritage that he’s really trying to connect to. Yang places a lot of value on his accomplishments and is constantly pushing himself to make his father proud. He also lost a parent, so they have that in common.

Daniel and Yang are pretty different, but I love how they support each other. The romance was also very sweet. They may have gotten off to a rough start, but the more time they spend with each other, the more that attraction grows.

Daniel lives in Amsterdam and Yang in Beijing and it was really interesting to see the cultural differences, especially when it comes to being queer. It helps to understand Yang’s journey with his own queerness.

There were some heavier topics and they were dealt with in such a real way. I have family members with OCD and felt like the representation was accurate and handled well. Despite some of the heavier topics, this was still such a cute read with a lot of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an eArc of this book.

[Nicole Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was gut wrenching, and sad, and sweet, and horny - and I really enjoyed reading it.

We follow Daniel on an impromptu vacation in China where he meets hottie tour guide Yang. And while it's not instalust it's pretty close. The two enter a situationship with a firm end date - because Daniel lives in Amsterdam, and Yang is PHd student at the "Harvard of China" and is pretty much closeted due to pressures from family and society.

This book features OCD rep, familiar homophobia, and past parental deaths. It's heavy and emotional and both MCs get put through it. Daniel, raised in Canada, visiting his not-so-socially progressive fatherland was also a significant plot point and added to the "how will they make this work?" It felt genuine and handled with care, nothing was thrown in just for the plot with maybe just a little bit of OTT villainy from one very side-character.

The story really focuses in on the day-to-day little interactions between Daniel and Yang and the timeline overall is very short. At times it got a little bogged down on superfluous details, but overall I enjoyed watching the MCs discover each other and fall for each other, and it was struggle to put this one down because how were they going to make it work?! I was kept on the edge right until the end, and do love how it all turned out in the epilogue.

Thank you Alcove for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.