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Just Kiss Already
Enemies. Coworkers. Accidental Icons.
Dr. Ben Song likes his life orderly, predictable, and blissfully private. By day, he’s a forensic anthropologist running a controversial research project. By night, he’s the anonymous author of a bestselling cozy mystery series. What he absolutely doesn’t need? One viral moment turning him into the internet’s new favorite grumpy heartthrob.
Lauren Wei has built her career in the spotlight—and paid for it. A former teen star turned serious filmmaker, she’s determined to prove she’s more than her past persona. With her first feature film about to premiere and a press tour that could make or break her future, she can’t afford distractions. Especially not the brilliant, infuriating author whose book she adapted…and whose visibly unimpressed reaction to her movie just made him a viral meme.
When the studio forces Ben and Lauren to share the press circuit to capitalize on the moment, sparks fly. But between industry politics, public scrutiny, and a growing sense they might actually be perfectly imperfect for each other after all, their reluctant partnership soon turns into something far more complicated....
Dr. Ben Song likes his life orderly, predictable, and blissfully private. By day, he’s a forensic anthropologist running a controversial research project. By night, he’s the anonymous author of a bestselling cozy mystery series. What he absolutely doesn’t need? One viral moment turning him into the internet’s new favorite grumpy heartthrob.
Lauren Wei has built her career in the spotlight—and paid for it. A former teen star turned serious filmmaker, she’s determined to prove she’s more than her past persona. With her first feature film about to premiere and a press tour that could make or break her future, she can’t afford distractions. Especially not the brilliant, infuriating author whose book she adapted…and whose visibly unimpressed reaction to her movie just made him a viral meme.
When the studio forces Ben and Lauren to share the press circuit to capitalize on the moment, sparks fly. But between industry politics, public scrutiny, and a growing sense they might actually be perfectly imperfect for each other after all, their reluctant partnership soon turns into something far more complicated....
Audible Audio
Published March 12, 2026
About the author
Lily Chu
11 books1,955 followersLily Chu loves ordering the second-cheapest wine, wearing perfume all the time, and staying up far too late with a good book.
The Stand-In, The Comeback, and The Takedown are released in audio as Audible Originals, and are performed by Phillipa Soo. Lily’s critically acclaimed books have spent multiple weeks at number one in Audible Top Plus Listens in the All and the Romance categories, and have been named in Audible’s Best of the year lists.
In print, The Stand-In was named Target’s Book Club Pick for May as well as an Amazon Book of the Month and Apple Best Books of May.
Translation rights have been sold for seven languages.
The Stand-In, The Comeback, and The Takedown are released in audio as Audible Originals, and are performed by Phillipa Soo. Lily’s critically acclaimed books have spent multiple weeks at number one in Audible Top Plus Listens in the All and the Romance categories, and have been named in Audible’s Best of the year lists.
In print, The Stand-In was named Target’s Book Club Pick for May as well as an Amazon Book of the Month and Apple Best Books of May.
Translation rights have been sold for seven languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
May 12, 2026
Lily Chu novels are always like a warm hug and Just Kiss Already is no different! I love these characters and the plot is engaging. I think there are some instances where the MCs differences/disagreements are a bit performative in how they play out, but I still loved every minute of this one. I can't wait to have a shelf trophy, but I'll cherish the audiobook in the meantime.
March 12, 2026
It’s a fun read!! I would recommend the audiobook version.
March 14, 2026
It gets harder and harder writing these reviews for Lily chu, because each time I say something along the lines of "This was the best book yet!" and then she releases another that proves to make me take back that statement.
I adored this one - Like yes, of course I want to hear about a nerdy scientific author and a hot powerful female actress. And having this free on audible plus? Only made it better. Dont EVEN get me started on the voice work...argh! Incredibly done.
Im not in the space to write a detailed review today, but to summarise my feelings: Yes. Absolutely. Smash (Both of them). Would devour this book again.
I adored this one - Like yes, of course I want to hear about a nerdy scientific author and a hot powerful female actress. And having this free on audible plus? Only made it better. Dont EVEN get me started on the voice work...argh! Incredibly done.
Im not in the space to write a detailed review today, but to summarise my feelings: Yes. Absolutely. Smash (Both of them). Would devour this book again.
June 6, 2026
for an interesting premise, I was so bored. I finished mainly because I spent my own money to listen, and the narrators were good.
There were absolutely too many subplots (did we need friend drama for both main characters on top of tackling sexism in Hollywood, people pleasing, misconstrued perceptions, a struggling "death farm" lab a mad neighbor is trying to take down). i'm here for romance, and there wasn't enough of it for me.
There were absolutely too many subplots (did we need friend drama for both main characters on top of tackling sexism in Hollywood, people pleasing, misconstrued perceptions, a struggling "death farm" lab a mad neighbor is trying to take down). i'm here for romance, and there wasn't enough of it for me.
May 14, 2026
4🌟 (Audible Plus Catalog)
Thus far I have enjoyed everything I've read by Lily Chu + this one was no exception. Blending Hollywood (or the Canadian version) with Science (I knew nothing about taxonomy before this book) + you'd think it would be a hard sell, but it worked! Narrators brought the whole thing to life.
Thus far I have enjoyed everything I've read by Lily Chu + this one was no exception. Blending Hollywood (or the Canadian version) with Science (I knew nothing about taxonomy before this book) + you'd think it would be a hard sell, but it worked! Narrators brought the whole thing to life.
March 14, 2026
Tropes: Grumpy Sunshine, Secret Identity meets Hollywood Crush
Summary
Dr. Ben Song likes his life orderly, predictable, and blissfully private. By day, he’s a forensic anthropologist running a controversial research project. By night, he’s the anonymous author of a bestselling cozy mystery series. What he absolutely doesn’t need? One viral moment turning him into a meme.
Lauren Wei has built her career in the spotlight—and paid for it. A former teen star turned serious filmmaker, she’s determined to prove she’s more than her past persona. With her first feature film about to premiere and a press tour that could make or break her future, she can’t afford distractions. Especially not the brilliant, infuriating author whose book she adapted…and whose visibly unimpressed reaction to her movie just made him a viral meme.
In order to salvage the movie premier and launch, the studio demands Lauren and Ben hit the press circuit to show that he doesn't dislike the changes made in the screenplay. Ben needs coaching, though, and that's a lot easier said than done.
Review
I really enjoy Lily Chu's books. The characters are always Asian and she describes their customs and traditions in a way that makes it feel like home. I appreciate learning about their struggles with poorly-veiled racism, skill and ability recognition, and the challenge of maintaining cultural heritage in a time when that seems so much less important to the greater public. Lauren and Ben both had families with projected expectations, fights with friends and work colleagues, and though their approaches were different, they both handled their situation with poise and maturity. And their blushing around each other for so long was just super cute.
Summary
Dr. Ben Song likes his life orderly, predictable, and blissfully private. By day, he’s a forensic anthropologist running a controversial research project. By night, he’s the anonymous author of a bestselling cozy mystery series. What he absolutely doesn’t need? One viral moment turning him into a meme.
Lauren Wei has built her career in the spotlight—and paid for it. A former teen star turned serious filmmaker, she’s determined to prove she’s more than her past persona. With her first feature film about to premiere and a press tour that could make or break her future, she can’t afford distractions. Especially not the brilliant, infuriating author whose book she adapted…and whose visibly unimpressed reaction to her movie just made him a viral meme.
In order to salvage the movie premier and launch, the studio demands Lauren and Ben hit the press circuit to show that he doesn't dislike the changes made in the screenplay. Ben needs coaching, though, and that's a lot easier said than done.
Review
I really enjoy Lily Chu's books. The characters are always Asian and she describes their customs and traditions in a way that makes it feel like home. I appreciate learning about their struggles with poorly-veiled racism, skill and ability recognition, and the challenge of maintaining cultural heritage in a time when that seems so much less important to the greater public. Lauren and Ben both had families with projected expectations, fights with friends and work colleagues, and though their approaches were different, they both handled their situation with poise and maturity. And their blushing around each other for so long was just super cute.
March 29, 2026
I love Lily Chu’s books and the fact they’re set in Toronto. When this free audiobook narrated by powerhouses Philippa Soo and Simu Liu, I was so excited. The narration was top notch. Soo and Liu killed it. The story, however, was slow and lackluster. The characters were intriguing and there was so much potential but they didn’t have much chemistry and the storyline was repetitive and boring. I kept listening because of the narration but the story never picked up.
There were a few things that I enjoyed and would have loved more of. Highlighting the difficulties women face in show business and how easily they can be labelled “difficult” for simply asserting themselves was a great part of the story, but it was glossed over and not fully explored. Producers taking an all-Asian cast and recasting it because they have “enough Asian characters” or the male lead not being compelling if he’s Asian were also great, but again, glossed over and under explored. The liberties that are taken when an author sells their manuscript and how different the movie be from their book, with no regard to intention or accuracy, was a bit more in depth but in almost a vanity level.
I just wanted more of Chu’s signature banter, blending of real life challenges with a compelling story, and chemistry. This book didn’t deliver.
There were a few things that I enjoyed and would have loved more of. Highlighting the difficulties women face in show business and how easily they can be labelled “difficult” for simply asserting themselves was a great part of the story, but it was glossed over and not fully explored. Producers taking an all-Asian cast and recasting it because they have “enough Asian characters” or the male lead not being compelling if he’s Asian were also great, but again, glossed over and under explored. The liberties that are taken when an author sells their manuscript and how different the movie be from their book, with no regard to intention or accuracy, was a bit more in depth but in almost a vanity level.
I just wanted more of Chu’s signature banter, blending of real life challenges with a compelling story, and chemistry. This book didn’t deliver.
April 17, 2026
It was more like a character study than a romance. The MMC’s job was interesting and I appreciated they had real life conflicts with their friends and colleagues. I also appreciated the strong FMC - taking charge both in the relationship and with her career (becoming a director). But it felt kind of low key / low stakes, which didn’t make for a big payoff at the end.
July 11, 2026
This contemporary rom com follows two people who are already dealing with their own personal struggles. Dr. Ben Song is the author of the "Lady Petronella" mystery series, while Lauren Wei is the producer who purchased the rights to adapt his first novel into a film. There's an immediate spark between them, and they genuinely seem to like each other.
Things take a turn after the advance screening of the movie. Dr. Ben's priceless reaction to the finished film becomes a viral meme, sending the two of them down a path filled with banter, frustration, and plenty of misunderstandings.
Eventually, cooler heads prevail, and they're told they have to promote the movie together. The forced proximity gives them the opportunity to reconnect and really get to know one another. Instead of constantly clashing, they begin listening to each other, become less dismissive, and develop a much deeper understanding of who the other person is.
I normally enjoy Lily Chu's novels, but this one was a miss for me. It felt like it followed a familiar formula. The main characters are Asian, they encounter subtle and not so subtle racism, there's a strong focus on cultural representation and preserving their heritage, and the story ultimately centers on the characters learning to understand themselves before learning to understand each other through better communication.
It was a cute story, but it wasn't one of her strongest. I defintely still find her title to be an enigma. It doesn't make sense other than, stop fighting and just kiss already? If that's the case, I vote to change the title and get a new one. I'll definitely keep reading Lily Chu's future novels because I usually do enjoy her novels. I'm hoping she'll shake up the formula a bit with her next book, though.
Things take a turn after the advance screening of the movie. Dr. Ben's priceless reaction to the finished film becomes a viral meme, sending the two of them down a path filled with banter, frustration, and plenty of misunderstandings.
Eventually, cooler heads prevail, and they're told they have to promote the movie together. The forced proximity gives them the opportunity to reconnect and really get to know one another. Instead of constantly clashing, they begin listening to each other, become less dismissive, and develop a much deeper understanding of who the other person is.
I normally enjoy Lily Chu's novels, but this one was a miss for me. It felt like it followed a familiar formula. The main characters are Asian, they encounter subtle and not so subtle racism, there's a strong focus on cultural representation and preserving their heritage, and the story ultimately centers on the characters learning to understand themselves before learning to understand each other through better communication.
It was a cute story, but it wasn't one of her strongest. I defintely still find her title to be an enigma. It doesn't make sense other than, stop fighting and just kiss already? If that's the case, I vote to change the title and get a new one. I'll definitely keep reading Lily Chu's future novels because I usually do enjoy her novels. I'm hoping she'll shake up the formula a bit with her next book, though.
July 23, 2026
A fan of any Lily Chu romance. I know I'm going to get Chinese-Canadian characters in contemporary Toronto. They're usually very charming, and I think I am seeing some cross-over with her own stories. Small details here and there.
I felt Ben was very autistic coded, though that's never expressed directly in the story.
I felt Ben was very autistic coded, though that's never expressed directly in the story.
March 22, 2026
I love Lily Chu. This one, however, wasn't as great as I found the previous books. (this is Not a series)
I loved the idea of the work Ben did and much like the actual story itself, that aspect didn't find it's home until the last chapter. Then it was a HOME RUN. I really like the idea of championing something off the grid-important like this book does. Very clever, whether it was intentional or not.
I also love that Lily continues to use Phillipa Soo as the narrator. She is so fab. If this ever became a movie, Phillipa Soo and Simu Lui would be the perfect Lauren and Ben.
It's a cute read. If you like this, then definitely read The Comeback and The Takedown.
I loved the idea of the work Ben did and much like the actual story itself, that aspect didn't find it's home until the last chapter. Then it was a HOME RUN. I really like the idea of championing something off the grid-important like this book does. Very clever, whether it was intentional or not.
I also love that Lily continues to use Phillipa Soo as the narrator. She is so fab. If this ever became a movie, Phillipa Soo and Simu Lui would be the perfect Lauren and Ben.
It's a cute read. If you like this, then definitely read The Comeback and The Takedown.
April 2, 2026
Feels like a 25 hour book. Couldn't finish.
UPDATE. Went back and finished it... didn't get better I understand romance novels can and should include some growing and personal drama... but this is 90% independent character development and 10% romance. i would say... be brave and write THOSE stories as full books. Not try to force a romance.
UPDATE. Went back and finished it... didn't get better I understand romance novels can and should include some growing and personal drama... but this is 90% independent character development and 10% romance. i would say... be brave and write THOSE stories as full books. Not try to force a romance.
April 14, 2026
Just Kiss Already by Lily Chu was a great listen. Simu Liu and Phillipa Soo brought the story to life. Easy listen and enjoyable story. The small snippets from the cozy mystery series had me wanting to read those stories too. I've listened to other stories by Lily Chu and she did not disappoint. Can't wait for the next one
August 17, 2026
I honestly hated so many aspects of this book. I feel like for most people, this would be a very meh to average read. However, I personally have strong feelings.
My first complaint is that these characters have the temperments of 14 year olds. Both of them can never see a possibility where they are wrong. They are extremely quick to jump to conclusions and then have very extreme reactions to those conclusions. The only area I feel it would have made sense for a character to be as upset as they were is when Ben is upset a character is changed to a white guy in the movie. And he got over that in about 2 seconds. Like bro you should actually be mad here?
There was simultaneously too much happening in this book and yet nothing happening at all. Two crappy friend subplots? Unnecessary. The entire situation with Lauren and Michael? Girl are you stupid? The body farm drama just annoyed me to no end.
I wish I had a dollar for every time Lauren blamed her entire lack of a personality, inability to make a decision, or just any sort of reaction to anything on "not being Sophie". I'd be loaded. This was her entire personality. That and being extremely non-confrontational to everyone except Ben. And usually she was in the wrong.
Even worse than "I just don't want to be Sophie" was Dr. Ben "science can't have any feelings and must be just the facts" Song. I just know he is absolutely the worst witness there could ever be at a trial. As scientists, you're trained to talk about your work in a way that can connect with people and make them understand it. His entire attitude about how to communicate what their lab does is embarrassing. It is such a stuck up view of science. I got so sick and tired of him. And this was really his only personality trait. This got on my nerves exponentially with the whole town hall crap. Like dude, how do you suck this bad? You can be objective and factual and not be the most off putting person in the entire world.
Moral of the story is that both of these characters could've fallen in a hole and I wouldn't have cared, so I definitely didn't care about their bland romance.
Also this is just me being particular at this point. While taphonomic research centers can be useful, I feel that it was a bit stretched in the book. But honestly I could let that go easily and it doesn't play into this rating.
My first complaint is that these characters have the temperments of 14 year olds. Both of them can never see a possibility where they are wrong. They are extremely quick to jump to conclusions and then have very extreme reactions to those conclusions. The only area I feel it would have made sense for a character to be as upset as they were is when Ben is upset a character is changed to a white guy in the movie. And he got over that in about 2 seconds. Like bro you should actually be mad here?
There was simultaneously too much happening in this book and yet nothing happening at all. Two crappy friend subplots? Unnecessary. The entire situation with Lauren and Michael? Girl are you stupid? The body farm drama just annoyed me to no end.
I wish I had a dollar for every time Lauren blamed her entire lack of a personality, inability to make a decision, or just any sort of reaction to anything on "not being Sophie". I'd be loaded. This was her entire personality. That and being extremely non-confrontational to everyone except Ben. And usually she was in the wrong.
Even worse than "I just don't want to be Sophie" was Dr. Ben "science can't have any feelings and must be just the facts" Song. I just know he is absolutely the worst witness there could ever be at a trial. As scientists, you're trained to talk about your work in a way that can connect with people and make them understand it. His entire attitude about how to communicate what their lab does is embarrassing. It is such a stuck up view of science. I got so sick and tired of him. And this was really his only personality trait. This got on my nerves exponentially with the whole town hall crap. Like dude, how do you suck this bad? You can be objective and factual and not be the most off putting person in the entire world.
Moral of the story is that both of these characters could've fallen in a hole and I wouldn't have cared, so I definitely didn't care about their bland romance.
Also this is just me being particular at this point. While taphonomic research centers can be useful, I feel that it was a bit stretched in the book. But honestly I could let that go easily and it doesn't play into this rating.
August 14, 2026
i’ve always liked lily chu’s books in the past for something light and mindful but also impactful and that stands for something, but this one was just a slog tbh. i’ve been in a terrible headspace lately so maybe im just projecting that onto a perfectly fine book ?
it was just: lauren doesn’t want to be A Sophie x5000, and ben can’t handle anything that isn’t a scientific fact x5000. like… we get it.
pretty much zero plot? idk. sure.
p.s. ben “forgiving” lauren for butchering the movie adaptation of his novel is CRAZY WORK
it was just: lauren doesn’t want to be A Sophie x5000, and ben can’t handle anything that isn’t a scientific fact x5000. like… we get it.
pretty much zero plot? idk. sure.
p.s. ben “forgiving” lauren for butchering the movie adaptation of his novel is CRAZY WORK
August 14, 2026
This was really well written and honestly so fascinating the little details put in regarding the mmc’s job… super refreshing and a great palette cleanser book that leaves you feeling lighter after listening to it (I need those after my usual darker books). Now I’m going to have to listen to all her other books.
April 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐
I quite enjoyed this plot, and the characters were likeable. I love Phillipa Soo's voice! She's narrated another Lily Chu I think, and is part of the reason I listened to this. Very easy listen ☀️
I quite enjoyed this plot, and the characters were likeable. I love Phillipa Soo's voice! She's narrated another Lily Chu I think, and is part of the reason I listened to this. Very easy listen ☀️
April 20, 2026
Of course I knew what this story was about the minute I borrowed the title, but I really enjoyed the POV of each main characters occupations and how they were working through the professional hurdles they had. Not very spicy or cringey.
May 28, 2026
4.5⭐️
This story follows a sexy forensic professor (Ben) who uses his research in forensic to help write an incredible thriller mystery series that becomes a movie. Lauren is an actress who is wants to be more involved in the production of films instead of the acting. Their chemistry is obvious and there is some slight yearning. What really caught my attention in this audiobook was the level of detail with describing Ben’s forensic research. I was more interested in research that follows how bodies decay to help investigations on missing people and murders than the romance honestly. This was an easy listen and brought a new perspective to than the movie star/writer trope.
This story follows a sexy forensic professor (Ben) who uses his research in forensic to help write an incredible thriller mystery series that becomes a movie. Lauren is an actress who is wants to be more involved in the production of films instead of the acting. Their chemistry is obvious and there is some slight yearning. What really caught my attention in this audiobook was the level of detail with describing Ben’s forensic research. I was more interested in research that follows how bodies decay to help investigations on missing people and murders than the romance honestly. This was an easy listen and brought a new perspective to than the movie star/writer trope.
March 17, 2026
Another solid rom com.
March 23, 2026
This was a fun romance. The characters were unique enough to be a little unpredictable and add to the story. Enjoyable light read.
March 24, 2026
3.5 Stars
Easy & Cute. Not my favorite LC.
Easy & Cute. Not my favorite LC.
April 3, 2026
This wasn’t bad but just wasn’t very exciting.
April 23, 2026
Volvimos a los romances con celebridades y me encanta !!!
April 23, 2026
Honestly this was MEH. Love that it was in Toronto (wooo woop) and then a bit of London in there. But the story itself dragged on and there was nothing exciting
May 11, 2026
I didn't like this at first, but then it grew on me and Ben and Lauren supporting each other was pretty beautiful.
May 23, 2026
just the worst
May 23, 2026
Purely influenced by Phillipa Soo being one of the narrators. So I’m a theatre kid, sue me. Cute and sweet with a nerdy lil guy who’s obsessed with bones. What’s not to like?
August 17, 2026
It was very fun even if the characters were a bit annoying at times
June 24, 2026
This was such a fun listen! I always find Lily Chu’s writing lighthearted and thought provoking in equal measures. And the addition of Phillipa Soo and Simu Liu as narrators was absolute perfection!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews