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Requited
I wanted to tell her there was still a bright side to her situation. Conveniently, it involved me from the very beginning.
In an America where abortion is outlawed and miscarriage means execution, Edward is fortunate to be a man. He is conventionally attractive, well-educated, and, most importantly, born into generations of wealth.
Unfortunately, he’s in love with the wrong woman.
One night, his sister-in-law, Alicia, the woman he has secretly obsessed over since his teenage years, arrives at his doorstep unannounced. After losing her unborn child, her husband has abandoned her, leaving her to face the death penalty alone.
Determined to become her savior, Edward insists that she move in with him and secretly devises a plan to help her escape the country.
Through their eyes, the novel imagines a future America where restaurants mandate minimum tips of seventy-five percent, children wear bulletproof vests to school, segregation resurfaces under new labels, student loan interest rates soar above two hundred percent, and takeout orders no longer include sauces.
In a morally decaying world, REQUITED tells a story of love corrupted by power and obsession disguised as virtue.
In an America where abortion is outlawed and miscarriage means execution, Edward is fortunate to be a man. He is conventionally attractive, well-educated, and, most importantly, born into generations of wealth.
Unfortunately, he’s in love with the wrong woman.
One night, his sister-in-law, Alicia, the woman he has secretly obsessed over since his teenage years, arrives at his doorstep unannounced. After losing her unborn child, her husband has abandoned her, leaving her to face the death penalty alone.
Determined to become her savior, Edward insists that she move in with him and secretly devises a plan to help her escape the country.
Through their eyes, the novel imagines a future America where restaurants mandate minimum tips of seventy-five percent, children wear bulletproof vests to school, segregation resurfaces under new labels, student loan interest rates soar above two hundred percent, and takeout orders no longer include sauces.
In a morally decaying world, REQUITED tells a story of love corrupted by power and obsession disguised as virtue.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2026
About the author
Kimberlee Liu
1 book13 followersKimberlee Liu is an aspiring author from Southern California, now based in New York City. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hand-lettering and exploring local bakeries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 29, 2026
Miss Liu has created a dynamic albeit dystopic view of the very near future, not just of the Americas but of all the world's countries where maintaining or growing that countries shoppers has become a pandemic worse than anu CoVid nightmare. What makes this sci-fi-romantic thriller so poignant is that it's not a scenario that might possibly come to fruition but is the retelling of what has been already going on for milleniums, especially after past wars, pestilences and famines.
This story has been finely crafted by Miss Liu, a native of Southern California and leans heavily upon the old adage, "What a man sows, that must he also reap!"The reader is thrown a bomb from the opening pages. What if this is true of countries where in the past the numer of children was relegated to only two due to fears of overpopulation and a paucity of resources to maintain the population quota? Now because of the diminishing levels an anti-abortion mandate has evolved to miscarriages or the the death of child, such as SIDs, results in ostracizeed citizens and that citizen being forced out of assistance and existance. In many past cultures, the value of its members was based not on affection or a sense of fulfilling self-esteem or belonging needs, but on contributing to the assured continuance through the individual's abiltiy to pro-create and nurture its young unto adulthood where the cycle follows an infinte loop.
The interesting extraneous variable is that instead of a thoughtless act of obligation, Liu skillfully and creatively introduces the idea it's okay to care more about the needs of an individual, "Affection, Protection, Love, and Loyalty," then follow the mandates of a dying and self-serving government on the decline. Sure, similar storylines may exist, but no one has written with such forceful imagination and clarity of voice and thought as the amazing writer, Miss Liu! My only regret is that I hadn't penned this Vibrant epic myself! Well done, Miss Liu!!!
This story has been finely crafted by Miss Liu, a native of Southern California and leans heavily upon the old adage, "What a man sows, that must he also reap!"The reader is thrown a bomb from the opening pages. What if this is true of countries where in the past the numer of children was relegated to only two due to fears of overpopulation and a paucity of resources to maintain the population quota? Now because of the diminishing levels an anti-abortion mandate has evolved to miscarriages or the the death of child, such as SIDs, results in ostracizeed citizens and that citizen being forced out of assistance and existance. In many past cultures, the value of its members was based not on affection or a sense of fulfilling self-esteem or belonging needs, but on contributing to the assured continuance through the individual's abiltiy to pro-create and nurture its young unto adulthood where the cycle follows an infinte loop.
The interesting extraneous variable is that instead of a thoughtless act of obligation, Liu skillfully and creatively introduces the idea it's okay to care more about the needs of an individual, "Affection, Protection, Love, and Loyalty," then follow the mandates of a dying and self-serving government on the decline. Sure, similar storylines may exist, but no one has written with such forceful imagination and clarity of voice and thought as the amazing writer, Miss Liu! My only regret is that I hadn't penned this Vibrant epic myself! Well done, Miss Liu!!!
February 10, 2026
Requited announces its ambition immediately and sustains it throughout. Kimberlee Liu’s imagined future America is deliberately unsettling, not because it strains plausibility, but because it exaggerates existing social fractures just enough to make them impossible to ignore. The dystopian setting is not an end in itself. It functions as the necessary context for a more focused examination of power, morality, and self-justification.
The novel is most effective in its portrayal of obsession as something quiet, rationalized, and socially rewarded. Edward’s conviction that he is acting as a savior, while operating within a system designed to insulate him from consequence, is handled with precision and restraint. The social details threaded through the narrative, at times darkly comic and at times stark, work as commentary rather than prediction, grounding the story’s emotional core without overwhelming it.
For a first novel, this is an unusually confident and enjoyable book. Liu does not rush to resolve discomfort or simplify moral questions, and the novel is stronger for it. Requited reflects an author willing to trust her readers and confront difficult themes head-on. I finished it interested in where she goes next and very much looking forward to her next book.
The novel is most effective in its portrayal of obsession as something quiet, rationalized, and socially rewarded. Edward’s conviction that he is acting as a savior, while operating within a system designed to insulate him from consequence, is handled with precision and restraint. The social details threaded through the narrative, at times darkly comic and at times stark, work as commentary rather than prediction, grounding the story’s emotional core without overwhelming it.
For a first novel, this is an unusually confident and enjoyable book. Liu does not rush to resolve discomfort or simplify moral questions, and the novel is stronger for it. Requited reflects an author willing to trust her readers and confront difficult themes head-on. I finished it interested in where she goes next and very much looking forward to her next book.
May 14, 2026
Okay, I just finished Requited by Requited by Kimberlee Liu, and wow… this book was intense.
It’s set in this dystopian future where women can actually be put to death for having a miscarriage, which is already such a terrifying concept. But what really got me was how personal the story felt. It follows Edward, who has to decide whether he’s going to follow the law or risk everything to save someone he loves.
I was stressed the entire time reading this. The choices the characters have to make feel impossible, and you can’t help wondering what you would do in the same situation.
What I liked most is that it doesn’t just rely on the dystopian setting to shock you. At its core, it’s really about loyalty, love, guilt, and how far people will go for family. Some moments were genuinely heartbreaking.
The writing is super easy to get into, and once the story picks up, it’s hard to stop reading. If you like books like The Handmaid’s Tale or stories that feel a little too close to reality, I’d definitely recommend this one.
For me, this was a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s the kind of book that keeps you thinking after you finish it.”
It’s set in this dystopian future where women can actually be put to death for having a miscarriage, which is already such a terrifying concept. But what really got me was how personal the story felt. It follows Edward, who has to decide whether he’s going to follow the law or risk everything to save someone he loves.
I was stressed the entire time reading this. The choices the characters have to make feel impossible, and you can’t help wondering what you would do in the same situation.
What I liked most is that it doesn’t just rely on the dystopian setting to shock you. At its core, it’s really about loyalty, love, guilt, and how far people will go for family. Some moments were genuinely heartbreaking.
The writing is super easy to get into, and once the story picks up, it’s hard to stop reading. If you like books like The Handmaid’s Tale or stories that feel a little too close to reality, I’d definitely recommend this one.
For me, this was a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s the kind of book that keeps you thinking after you finish it.”
June 23, 2026
Most of the books I read are science fiction, and it's rare I read anything outside that genre. Requited was recommended to me by an acquaintance, so I agreed to give it a read.
I have a very short attention span, and there are a few things I look for in a book:
-quick read
-sci-fi
-minimal "filler" content
So I was able to get though this book in a week, which is pretty good for me. As far as sci-fi, it does take place in the future so maybe a little science fiction-y. But that's ok as this was one of the rare non-science fiction books I have actually enjoyed. There may not be aliens or UFOs, but the author does paint a very grim future. Also, I don't like unnecessary filler content that adds nothing. Like an entire chapter that keeps rambling on in an attempt to set a mood. A good author doesn't need to do that. Thankfully, none of that in Requited.
There are some scenes depicted that are so out there, but that's what kept me engaged. I've never read anything else from this author, but I really think she should write a full blown sci-fi novel. I'd like to see what bizarre concepts she'd come up with.
I have a very short attention span, and there are a few things I look for in a book:
-quick read
-sci-fi
-minimal "filler" content
So I was able to get though this book in a week, which is pretty good for me. As far as sci-fi, it does take place in the future so maybe a little science fiction-y. But that's ok as this was one of the rare non-science fiction books I have actually enjoyed. There may not be aliens or UFOs, but the author does paint a very grim future. Also, I don't like unnecessary filler content that adds nothing. Like an entire chapter that keeps rambling on in an attempt to set a mood. A good author doesn't need to do that. Thankfully, none of that in Requited.
There are some scenes depicted that are so out there, but that's what kept me engaged. I've never read anything else from this author, but I really think she should write a full blown sci-fi novel. I'd like to see what bizarre concepts she'd come up with.
June 24, 2026
Kimberlee Liu's book is a very good and unusual read. It is hypnotic, sardonic, and captivating, keeping you turning the pages wanting to know what's going to happen to her characters in the dystopian world she builds. But it is also frustrating. I kept wanting to shake the characters, Edward and Alicia, and talk sense into them. And I think the frustration I felt is kind of the point. Edward and Alicia’s inability to live passionate, driven lives is a result of having been constricted in what they are able to feel and aspire to by a degraded environment and a social system that has developed weird collective “moral” strictures. These over-the-top moral guard rails make people go into contortions about what they can or can’t do or feel to the point that it’s all a fizzle of a life and they’re basically stuck in inaction. And yet Edward fights for her, beats up her husband for her, and you keep rooting for them to make it. As I finished the book, I thought, "what did I just read???" Highly recommended for those looking for a deeply considered dystopian literary novel.
July 9, 2026
Requited pulled me in through its characters more than anything else. Edward is such a compelling mess of contradictions — polished, privileged, utterly convinced of his own good intentions — and Kimberlee Liu does a great job letting his self-justifications slowly unravel in front of us. You can feel him rationalizing his obsession with Alicia as something noble, even as it curdles into something much darker, and that tension is what kept me turning pages.
Alicia herself isn't just a passive object of his fixation, either — she has her own weight and interiority, which makes the dynamic between them feel messier and more human than a simple "forbidden love" setup. Watching these two circle each other against the backdrop of such a bleak, controlling society added a real sense of dread to every interaction.
For a debut, this is an impressively confident character study — Liu clearly understands how to make morally compromised people feel real instead of cartoonish. I'm excited to see what she writes next.
Alicia herself isn't just a passive object of his fixation, either — she has her own weight and interiority, which makes the dynamic between them feel messier and more human than a simple "forbidden love" setup. Watching these two circle each other against the backdrop of such a bleak, controlling society added a real sense of dread to every interaction.
For a debut, this is an impressively confident character study — Liu clearly understands how to make morally compromised people feel real instead of cartoonish. I'm excited to see what she writes next.
April 10, 2026
Claustrophobic Psychological Thriller
Requited is a sobering and often satirical look into a possible trajectory for the future of the US. Kimberlee does a great job of laying atmosphere without it feeling overbearing. Although the strangeness can be almost suffocating at times, that is very much the point of the plot.
Trapped in the pages as the main character drags us from chapter to chapter, the style of the writing itself reflects the overarching Stockholm Syndrome vibes of the relationships between the characters. In this world where miscarriages are punishable by death, it would be easy to fall into long explanations of lore, but Requited keeps the setting and its history as more of an aesthetic background to the harsh reality found in the story.
Overall, I would recommend Requited to anyone who enjoys character driven narratives, grounded surrealism, and near-future science fiction.
Requited is a sobering and often satirical look into a possible trajectory for the future of the US. Kimberlee does a great job of laying atmosphere without it feeling overbearing. Although the strangeness can be almost suffocating at times, that is very much the point of the plot.
Trapped in the pages as the main character drags us from chapter to chapter, the style of the writing itself reflects the overarching Stockholm Syndrome vibes of the relationships between the characters. In this world where miscarriages are punishable by death, it would be easy to fall into long explanations of lore, but Requited keeps the setting and its history as more of an aesthetic background to the harsh reality found in the story.
Overall, I would recommend Requited to anyone who enjoys character driven narratives, grounded surrealism, and near-future science fiction.
May 2, 2026
In this novel, you’re transported into a vivid future America where filth and corruption are as normal as your morning coffee. The characters are lively and intriguing, the food is unforgettable, and the environment is potently dystopian. Absurdity takes main stage in a way that made me feel all of the emotions and tension of someone who was there experiencing the world first hand. The main storyline is captivating, shocking, humorous, upsetting, and maddening at times. All of the feelings that make you want to continue reading because you just have to know where the story goes and what happens to the characters we all grow to love and hate. And then change our minds about in unexpected fashion. Kimberlee captures what, at first glance, seems too absurd to be true, but line by line proves its legitimacy in such beautiful detail. If you’re looking to dive into a good read, make this one your choice.
February 10, 2026
If written even 10 years ago, this dystopian fiction book would seem like a distant, almost impossibly absurd future, but alas, in the year 2026, what isn’t possible?
Not only are abortions outlawed, but even miscarrying means the death penalty. In a future where eye for an eye is literal, our main characters, Edward and Alicia, must navigate a morally ambiguous romantic entanglement in a world designed to subdue the masses to appease the country's misguided soul.
Liu built a world that feels absurdist at times, but isn’t too far off from modern America, and it’s terrifying. Requited is packaged in a dark romance, with compelling prose, witty dialogue, and morally gray characters. She’s holding up a mirror, and the reflection isn’t pretty.
Not only are abortions outlawed, but even miscarrying means the death penalty. In a future where eye for an eye is literal, our main characters, Edward and Alicia, must navigate a morally ambiguous romantic entanglement in a world designed to subdue the masses to appease the country's misguided soul.
Liu built a world that feels absurdist at times, but isn’t too far off from modern America, and it’s terrifying. Requited is packaged in a dark romance, with compelling prose, witty dialogue, and morally gray characters. She’s holding up a mirror, and the reflection isn’t pretty.
June 6, 2026
First of all; I barely write any Reviews cause I really find it hard to find the correct words but this is kind of an niche Underrated book so I felt compelled to write a review.
While it is story with Dystopian elements it almost makes it feel like a contemporary story. That kind of reminded me of worlds like 'Robocop'. You will have those moments in the book that make you go 'thats seriously F*ck up' while also fearing this could become a reality.... I kind of like this kind of secretly worldbuilding without trying to spend to much words on it....
Characters are F*cked up aswell and the book has some *triggers* still it deserves to be read by any one!
I wish the author can write a lot more books in the future with this kind of themes.
While it is story with Dystopian elements it almost makes it feel like a contemporary story. That kind of reminded me of worlds like 'Robocop'. You will have those moments in the book that make you go 'thats seriously F*ck up' while also fearing this could become a reality.... I kind of like this kind of secretly worldbuilding without trying to spend to much words on it....
Characters are F*cked up aswell and the book has some *triggers* still it deserves to be read by any one!
I wish the author can write a lot more books in the future with this kind of themes.
May 8, 2026
Requited stood out to me because it felt less like a traditional dystopian novel and more like a warning about how extreme ideas and social divisions can slowly reshape society. The world in the book is disturbing, but what makes it especially effective is how believable some parts feel. The author uses exaggerated laws and social conditions to reflect real-world fears about inequality, political conflict, and loss of personal freedoms. I can honestly see this becoming a show and I’d be hooked watching.
June 14, 2026
This book isn’t that long. But the backstory is very heavy. Most (not all) characters are well developed even if they only appeared in one or two chapters. The end was a lot faster than the beginning. And the story stopped suddenly. The author’s style feels kind of continuous. You don’t see a lot of one lined paragraphs. This is either a good or bad thing depending on the reader. I was engaged right away the moment I opened the book. I finished it within three days. I felt connected to the author! Looking forward to her next book!
March 31, 2026
What I liked about this book is that it doesn’t hold your hand, so you have to pay attention the whole way through. It was exactly what I needed at this moment!
The world building is actually pretty dense. It feeds you the world chapter by chapter, so there are always new bits and pieces of information to pick up. But I do have to say that there aren’t really any chapters or scenes where you can just relax. So, it did take me a while to finish.
Wonderful debut novel by Liu
The world building is actually pretty dense. It feeds you the world chapter by chapter, so there are always new bits and pieces of information to pick up. But I do have to say that there aren’t really any chapters or scenes where you can just relax. So, it did take me a while to finish.
Wonderful debut novel by Liu
April 21, 2026
Dystopian Love Triangle
A bleak and compelling story built around unsympathetic characters that imagines a very near future where a fetus holds more rights than a pregnant woman.
The first two-thirds of the novel is a slow, deliberate buildup, establishing both the characters and the rules of their society. The final third is a page-turner, compressing everything into a single day and forcing the characters to confront the consequences of their impossible choices.
A bleak and compelling story built around unsympathetic characters that imagines a very near future where a fetus holds more rights than a pregnant woman.
The first two-thirds of the novel is a slow, deliberate buildup, establishing both the characters and the rules of their society. The final third is a page-turner, compressing everything into a single day and forcing the characters to confront the consequences of their impossible choices.
May 13, 2026
Kimberlee Liu’s Requited is a sharp and haunting dystopian debut that blends dark satire with quiet emotional tension. Edward, the polished and privileged narrator, and Alicia, the calm but resilient figure at the story’s center, create a compelling dynamic that gives the novel its depth without revealing any twists. Liu’s writing is bold, precise, and unforgettable a powerful first novel that stays with you long after you finish.
February 17, 2026
This is honestly the only romance book out there with enough world building. Both characters are surprisingly well rounded, especially the mmc. This is what the future of romance writing should look and feel like. For the most part, the book is pretty enjoyable! Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a SUPER dark romance.
April 30, 2026
this book is anything but fiction in my opinion , it’s a look into the past and the possible future all at once . though it is a dystopian society , it points to so many real world scenarios and dark truths that we tend to ignore . Ms . liu brings us into her world effortlessly and paints a beautiful picture . i look forward to and will be on the lookout for any more work from this author!
May 18, 2026
This was an amazing book, based in the future where abortion is punishable by death, the characters are well written especially Edward you definitely feel for the guy, and the book gives you the feeling you want to find out what happens next. That being said it was the best book I’ve read in the last decade!
January 21, 2026
The author presents an intriguing perspective on what the future could look like. While it may seem absurd at times, day after day, our reality begins to more closely resemble this world. It is definitely worth a read to explore Edward and Alicia’s world and journey to “freedom.”
March 29, 2026
One of the best books I’ve read. As someone who’s just starting the habit of reading for an hour every day, this was the perfect book to keep me engaged throughout. The theme is also very interesting to follow and see the connections that it has to our current world. Amazing character arcs as well.
April 22, 2026
The captivating storyline and characters, the immersive future setting, the satirical humor— it's reminiscent of some of my favorite fiction authors, but most importantly, it's uniquely LIU! Brilliant debut novel!
May 18, 2026
something you can't put down as soon as that first chapter is over. The way kimberlee writes her characters, makes you wanna cry, cheer and scream at them! she can handle a story with suspense and turns fantastically. Pickup this book!!
July 19, 2026
I think one of the greatest strengths of this book is that it allows the reader to breathe through the story. It doesn't feel rushed, it just flows. Ms. Liu is a great storyteller who builds a story without forcing it. Definitely recommend checking this story out.
February 2, 2026
This book has a lot of twists and turns! I loved the morally gray male main character (MMC)!
April 17, 2026
The book was amazing not normaly my type of book honestly it was for my girlfriend but she left me before i give it to her the book helped me get thru the long Time that came after the break up
May 1, 2026
So good I bought three copies AND made a Goodreads account!
May 6, 2026
Support this wonderfully unique and creative author! A truly genuine and authentic gem of a human being ❤️ You won’t regret taking this journey ☺️ -Cody
May 10, 2026
A very good book I had the pleasure of reading. Kim is a very talented and exceptional author with many stories to tell. And I am eagerly awaiting her next book.
June 7, 2026
Awesome and Incredible book!!! Every chapter is really great, I highly recommend reading this book and enjoying it. Amazing Job on this book Kim!
June 17, 2026
.Great Book.. Very entertaining Read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews