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Strictly Against Policy
Not yet published
Expected 16 Aug 26367 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 16, 2026
About the author
Cee Yang
4 books69 followersCee Yang (she/her) is a first-generation Hmong-American, born and raised in California. At 15, she wrote her first YA paranormal romance on a whim and has never stopped writing since. She loves to write romance with plenty of fluff, spice, and swoon.
When she’s not writing contemporary romances, she is writing romance fantasies as C.L. Lor. In addition, on her off time, she enjoys anime, Asian dramas, and a good matcha latte.
You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @theceeyang.
When she’s not writing contemporary romances, she is writing romance fantasies as C.L. Lor. In addition, on her off time, she enjoys anime, Asian dramas, and a good matcha latte.
You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @theceeyang.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Currently Reading
August 4, 2026☆ ─꒰🩷꒱ arc / pre read / started aug 3
⤿ i'm actually so excited for this book! the cover is super pretty! when i was opening my email yesterday, i was so shocked. like you don't even understand how shocked i was. this is my FIRST arc ever ahhh.
from now, all my arc reviews will be posted on instagram and on here!
thank you to bookfunnel and author cee yang for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!!
⤿ i'm actually so excited for this book! the cover is super pretty! when i was opening my email yesterday, i was so shocked. like you don't even understand how shocked i was. this is my FIRST arc ever ahhh.
from now, all my arc reviews will be posted on instagram and on here!
thank you to bookfunnel and author cee yang for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4,5 🌟
First of all, I'd like to thank the author and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. It was my very first ARC, and I'm incredibly grateful that this was the book to start that journey with.
I genuinely enjoyed *Strictly Against Policy*. The writing is so immersive that I found myself completely absorbed in the story. At one point, I realized I'd forgotten how much I enjoy books about ordinary people living ordinary lives. After reading so much dark romance, this reminded me how comforting and beautiful a story centered on everyday moments and genuine human connections can be.
The romance itself was adorable. It was fun, sweet, and full of the kind of pure love that isn't without its fears. Beneath all the banter and chemistry is the very real fear of losing someone you love, which made the relationship feel authentic and emotionally grounded.
Beyond the romance, I really appreciated how the book explores several important aspects of life. One of my favorite themes was grief, particularly how it portrays losing a parent. It beautifully shows that moving forward, finding happiness, and continuing to live your life doesn't mean you're letting go of the person you lost or loving them any less. That message really stayed with me.
One quote that especially resonated with me was when Jonathan's mother says:
> "Traditions are traditions for a reason. But some of these don't need to be upheld anymore—not when they stunt your growth as an adult and as a person."
I thought this was such a powerful reflection on balancing respect for tradition with personal growth.
I also appreciated the way the story handled complicated family dynamics. It acknowledges how difficult it can be to love your family while also feeling ashamed of certain things they do, and the guilt that comes with having those feelings while still trying to fulfill your responsibilities toward them. That emotional conflict felt very honest and relatable.
Overall, this was such a beautiful, heartwarming read. It reminded me that love stories don't need over-the-top drama to leave a lasting impression.
P.S. I was also very grateful for the dicktionary at the beginning. It was the first time I'd come across something like that, and it made me feel much more comfortable knowing what to expect. I really appreciated being able to enjoy the story without feeling caught off guard by certain graphic content.
First of all, I'd like to thank the author and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. It was my very first ARC, and I'm incredibly grateful that this was the book to start that journey with.
I genuinely enjoyed *Strictly Against Policy*. The writing is so immersive that I found myself completely absorbed in the story. At one point, I realized I'd forgotten how much I enjoy books about ordinary people living ordinary lives. After reading so much dark romance, this reminded me how comforting and beautiful a story centered on everyday moments and genuine human connections can be.
The romance itself was adorable. It was fun, sweet, and full of the kind of pure love that isn't without its fears. Beneath all the banter and chemistry is the very real fear of losing someone you love, which made the relationship feel authentic and emotionally grounded.
Beyond the romance, I really appreciated how the book explores several important aspects of life. One of my favorite themes was grief, particularly how it portrays losing a parent. It beautifully shows that moving forward, finding happiness, and continuing to live your life doesn't mean you're letting go of the person you lost or loving them any less. That message really stayed with me.
One quote that especially resonated with me was when Jonathan's mother says:
> "Traditions are traditions for a reason. But some of these don't need to be upheld anymore—not when they stunt your growth as an adult and as a person."
I thought this was such a powerful reflection on balancing respect for tradition with personal growth.
I also appreciated the way the story handled complicated family dynamics. It acknowledges how difficult it can be to love your family while also feeling ashamed of certain things they do, and the guilt that comes with having those feelings while still trying to fulfill your responsibilities toward them. That emotional conflict felt very honest and relatable.
Overall, this was such a beautiful, heartwarming read. It reminded me that love stories don't need over-the-top drama to leave a lasting impression.
P.S. I was also very grateful for the dicktionary at the beginning. It was the first time I'd come across something like that, and it made me feel much more comfortable knowing what to expect. I really appreciated being able to enjoy the story without feeling caught off guard by certain graphic content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
STEM MCs: both pharmacists
This is book 3 of the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the other books yet, and I didn't have an issue at all keeping up with the characters or the story.
This is my first book with a pharmacist MC, and I was really excited to read a workplace pharmacy romance. There's also some really great Hmong culture represented throughout the book with both main characters, their families, and their friends. However, I had an issue with the start of the book. I'm going to give a small spoiler here, so stop reading if you don't want to know.
The book starts with them starting to work together at the same pharmacy. He's been working there for years and is now the manager, and the owner of the pharmacy recently hired her to work under him, but he wasn't part of her interview process. They were previously high school academic rivals, and they both have some issues from that time that linger. He made it known to her in no uncertain terms that he would never had hired her if it was up to him, he didn't like her, and he was waiting for the day that she quit. He then proceeds to create a very hostile work environment because he's immature. My issue with this setup is that I have lived this exact scenario where a senior engineer has told me that he would never have hired me, I don't meet the job requirements, and he tried to force me out. It's incredibly hard to believe that this situation would end in them being lovers after him saying those things and being a complete ass for a couple of weeks. The pendulum swings hard and fast in the opposite direction and they end up physical and in a full blown relationship in a way that didn't feel organic to me.
I think that maybe my own hostile work environment experience severely colored my perception of the start of this book, but other people may not have such a big issue with it. The spice was good and plentiful, and the cultural representation was well done without feeling artificially injected into the story.
3.5 stars
This is book 3 of the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the other books yet, and I didn't have an issue at all keeping up with the characters or the story.
This is my first book with a pharmacist MC, and I was really excited to read a workplace pharmacy romance. There's also some really great Hmong culture represented throughout the book with both main characters, their families, and their friends. However, I had an issue with the start of the book. I'm going to give a small spoiler here, so stop reading if you don't want to know.
The book starts with them starting to work together at the same pharmacy. He's been working there for years and is now the manager, and the owner of the pharmacy recently hired her to work under him, but he wasn't part of her interview process. They were previously high school academic rivals, and they both have some issues from that time that linger. He made it known to her in no uncertain terms that he would never had hired her if it was up to him, he didn't like her, and he was waiting for the day that she quit. He then proceeds to create a very hostile work environment because he's immature. My issue with this setup is that I have lived this exact scenario where a senior engineer has told me that he would never have hired me, I don't meet the job requirements, and he tried to force me out. It's incredibly hard to believe that this situation would end in them being lovers after him saying those things and being a complete ass for a couple of weeks. The pendulum swings hard and fast in the opposite direction and they end up physical and in a full blown relationship in a way that didn't feel organic to me.
I think that maybe my own hostile work environment experience severely colored my perception of the start of this book, but other people may not have such a big issue with it. The spice was good and plentiful, and the cultural representation was well done without feeling artificially injected into the story.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This book follows Lina, a hardworking pharmacist and Jonathan, her new manager and former high school rival. When Lina starts working at the pharmacy she clashes with Jonathan because of their past resentment. Despite their initial dislike for each other their tension turns into something else while they navigate the workplace dynamics, personal struggles and family drama.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. While the Hmong cultural elements add a layer of authenticity and depth to the book, they didn't hit the mark for me. In most instances I didn't get the reference. In other instances they disrupt the flow of the story. The text in the native language pulled me out of the narrative, making it difficult to stay immersed in the story.
The pharmacy setting was a unique backdrop to the story. The dynamic between Lina and Jonathan as coworkers added tension and stakes to their relationship and the medical details add authenticity to the narrative. The way that Lina and Jonathan's relationship did a complete 180 with the flip of a leaf however was way to abrupt for me to sound believable. I feel that more scenes focusing on their emotions would have benefited here.
Lina’s struggle with her abusive brother is a central part of the story, but her lack of backbone in managing her family can feels frustrating and unrealistic. While this may be a cultural element, it detracts from her character development and makes her less relatable.
So if you have some bind with the Hmong culture you will probably eat this up and adore, unfortunately that was not me.
This book follows Lina, a hardworking pharmacist and Jonathan, her new manager and former high school rival. When Lina starts working at the pharmacy she clashes with Jonathan because of their past resentment. Despite their initial dislike for each other their tension turns into something else while they navigate the workplace dynamics, personal struggles and family drama.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. While the Hmong cultural elements add a layer of authenticity and depth to the book, they didn't hit the mark for me. In most instances I didn't get the reference. In other instances they disrupt the flow of the story. The text in the native language pulled me out of the narrative, making it difficult to stay immersed in the story.
The pharmacy setting was a unique backdrop to the story. The dynamic between Lina and Jonathan as coworkers added tension and stakes to their relationship and the medical details add authenticity to the narrative. The way that Lina and Jonathan's relationship did a complete 180 with the flip of a leaf however was way to abrupt for me to sound believable. I feel that more scenes focusing on their emotions would have benefited here.
Lina’s struggle with her abusive brother is a central part of the story, but her lack of backbone in managing her family can feels frustrating and unrealistic. While this may be a cultural element, it detracts from her character development and makes her less relatable.
So if you have some bind with the Hmong culture you will probably eat this up and adore, unfortunately that was not me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC and I devoured this book so quickly! It’s Book 3 of the series but can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the first two books yet) and it’s a pretty quick and easy read!
I really appreciate the SEA representation and love the author adding in little tidbits about the Hmong culture that helps add to understanding the characters and their behaviors. I also loved the “youngest daughter having to care for the family” representation, because in a lot of Asian culture, we see a lot more “oldest daughter carries the burden” but being the youngest daughter myself, there’s definitely a different dynamic being youngest while still being “the adult.”
I think the feelings do build slowly in the MMC’s actions, but towards the pivoting point, I think it does progress slightly quickly and becomes a full 180. However, for me, I think it worked well considering the history behind the two characters and I have an appreciation for a quick read (for my fellow readers who lose interest easily).
I do wish there was more development of Jonathan’s feelings in the past (did he actually maybe like her all those years?) and maybe a bit more to the ending/epilogue, but that’s just the usual feeling of “I wish there was more!” when you enjoyed a story.
I will definitely be going back to reading the first two books in the series, and I wish there were more just so I can get more glimpses of Jonathan and Lina in the future!
I really appreciate the SEA representation and love the author adding in little tidbits about the Hmong culture that helps add to understanding the characters and their behaviors. I also loved the “youngest daughter having to care for the family” representation, because in a lot of Asian culture, we see a lot more “oldest daughter carries the burden” but being the youngest daughter myself, there’s definitely a different dynamic being youngest while still being “the adult.”
I think the feelings do build slowly in the MMC’s actions, but towards the pivoting point, I think it does progress slightly quickly and becomes a full 180. However, for me, I think it worked well considering the history behind the two characters and I have an appreciation for a quick read (for my fellow readers who lose interest easily).
I do wish there was more development of Jonathan’s feelings in the past (did he actually maybe like her all those years?) and maybe a bit more to the ending/epilogue, but that’s just the usual feeling of “I wish there was more!” when you enjoyed a story.
I will definitely be going back to reading the first two books in the series, and I wish there were more just so I can get more glimpses of Jonathan and Lina in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Strictly Against Policy by Cee Yang follows two pharmacists who were rivals in high school and now find themselves working at the same company. What starts as constant bickering and banter slowly develops into something much sweeter.
At first, I wasn't really feeling their chemistry because it genuinely seemed like they couldn't stand each other. But as the story unfolded, I appreciated how their animosity was revealed to be rooted more in envy than actual hatred. I also liked that they came to this realization on their own instead of relying on a big dramatic moment, which made their relationship feel more natural.
Overall, this was a cute and enjoyable enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of banter and sweet moments. It was a fun read that highlights just how thin the line between love and hate can be.
Strictly Against Policy by Cee Yang follows two pharmacists who were rivals in high school and now find themselves working at the same company. What starts as constant bickering and banter slowly develops into something much sweeter.
At first, I wasn't really feeling their chemistry because it genuinely seemed like they couldn't stand each other. But as the story unfolded, I appreciated how their animosity was revealed to be rooted more in envy than actual hatred. I also liked that they came to this realization on their own instead of relying on a big dramatic moment, which made their relationship feel more natural.
Overall, this was a cute and enjoyable enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of banter and sweet moments. It was a fun read that highlights just how thin the line between love and hate can be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Baby's first ARC! Thank you Cee Yang!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I finished it in about 2 days. I liked how it was very family centric and how the FMC was strong and independent and not a damsel in distress. I personally was surprised at the amount of couples that were together since high school considering this book takes place about a decade after LOL. But then again, this is the first book in the series I read and considering it's book #3, I may have missed something. But I would say this book still is good as a stand alone.
Overall I would recommend this book! It's def not safe for work material if you get what I mean, but definitely a good read
I really enjoyed reading this book! I finished it in about 2 days. I liked how it was very family centric and how the FMC was strong and independent and not a damsel in distress. I personally was surprised at the amount of couples that were together since high school considering this book takes place about a decade after LOL. But then again, this is the first book in the series I read and considering it's book #3, I may have missed something. But I would say this book still is good as a stand alone.
Overall I would recommend this book! It's def not safe for work material if you get what I mean, but definitely a good read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Reader Copy Recieved by Author
Jonathan!!!! I need a new prescription Dr. Lo!!! 🤣 Ok ok ... Dr. Lee and Dr. Lo are a contemporary enemies to lovers. I love the misunderstandings from their younger selves and as they saw each other as adults everything changes. It starts with the very understanding and over protective Jonathan with a very emotional guarded Lina. I enjoyed the changes between both languages it was definately something new but an amazing add to the story. (Hmong a tonal language) i Googled by the way
Jonathan!!!! I need a new prescription Dr. Lo!!! 🤣 Ok ok ... Dr. Lee and Dr. Lo are a contemporary enemies to lovers. I love the misunderstandings from their younger selves and as they saw each other as adults everything changes. It starts with the very understanding and over protective Jonathan with a very emotional guarded Lina. I enjoyed the changes between both languages it was definately something new but an amazing add to the story. (Hmong a tonal language) i Googled by the way
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks for including me on your ARC team! This book made me squeal with how adorable it is. Jonathan and Lina are sweet together. Not saccharin-sweet but honest-sweet. The lives of their extended family are rich and entertaining as well. This is also a great story about drawing boundaries in a culture that does not encourage it. Lina finds the courage to do some of the things she should have done a long time ago!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book, and I really enjoyed the read 🩷 Found family will always be one of my favorites, and I love a good academic rivals too ⭐️
I do wish there was a bit more resolvement or redemption for Lina in terms of her family, and how they treated her.
I do wish there was a bit more resolvement or redemption for Lina in terms of her family, and how they treated her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews