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Well, That Was Unexpected #1
Well, That Was Unexpected
"Hilarious!"--Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis
A laugh-out-loud YA rom-com about a girl who's whisked from LA to her mother's native Indonesia to get back to her roots and finds herself fake-dating the son of one of the wealthiest families there, from the bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties and The Obsession
After Sharlot Citra's mother catches her in a compromising position, she finds herself whisked away from LA to her mother’s native Indonesia. It'll be exactly what they both need. Or so her mother thinks.
When George Clooney Tanuwijaya's father (who is obsessed with American celebrities) fears he no longer understands how to get through to his son, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
To ensure that their children find the right kind of romantic partner, Sharlot's mother and George's father do what any "good" parent would they strike up a conversation online, pretending to be their children.
When the kids find out about their parents’ actions, they’re horrified. Not even a trip to one of the most romantic places on earth could possibly make Sharlot and George fall for each other. But as the layers peel back and the person they thought they knew from online is revealed, the truth becomes more complicated. As unlikely as it may seem, did their parents manage to find their true match after all?
A laugh-out-loud YA rom-com about a girl who's whisked from LA to her mother's native Indonesia to get back to her roots and finds herself fake-dating the son of one of the wealthiest families there, from the bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties and The Obsession
After Sharlot Citra's mother catches her in a compromising position, she finds herself whisked away from LA to her mother’s native Indonesia. It'll be exactly what they both need. Or so her mother thinks.
When George Clooney Tanuwijaya's father (who is obsessed with American celebrities) fears he no longer understands how to get through to his son, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
To ensure that their children find the right kind of romantic partner, Sharlot's mother and George's father do what any "good" parent would they strike up a conversation online, pretending to be their children.
When the kids find out about their parents’ actions, they’re horrified. Not even a trip to one of the most romantic places on earth could possibly make Sharlot and George fall for each other. But as the layers peel back and the person they thought they knew from online is revealed, the truth becomes more complicated. As unlikely as it may seem, did their parents manage to find their true match after all?
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2022
250 people are currently reading
17056 people want to read
About the author
Jesse Q. Sutanto
27 books8,632 followersJesse Q Sutanto grew up shuttling back and forth between Jakarta and Singapore and sees both cities as her homes. She has a Masters degree from Oxford University, though she has yet to figure out a way of saying that without sounding obnoxious. She is currently living back in Jakarta on the same street as her parents and about seven hundred meddlesome aunties. When she's not tearing out her hair over her latest WIP, she spends her time baking and playing FPS games. Oh, and also being a mom to her two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,194 reviews
April 10, 2022
PERFECT BOOK IS PERFECT.
I have now read Jesse Q. Sutanto’s writing in three (3) different genres, so let me make something very clear: I will follow her into the very fires of Mordor. What is she publishing next? Children's literature? Middle grade? Graphic novel? I am reading it. A cookie recipe? I'm ALSO reading it. The phone book? I'm reading that too. Is she doodling on a roll of toiler paper while she's on the phone? TAKE MY MONEY because I'm buying it. Seriously, this author's talent is so multifaceted and boundless, I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Okay. WELL, THAT WAS UNEXPECTED. An utter delight of a romcom. To give you an idea of how amazing this book is: it opens in California with Sharlot (our main character) being caught by her mom while she's trying to lose her virginity. At the same time, in Indonesia, George Clooney (our love interest) is caught by his dad and sister (Eleanor Roosevelt; she's my fave) while beating the snake to elf/budger porn. (Okay, that’s technically not true, I’m so sorry for slandering you this way George.)
BASICALLY, THIS BOOK IS SO MY JAM, I'M BUSING OUT BREAD AND PEANUT BUTTER.
So: word of George's furry proclivities (I swear he's being framed guys) spread, and George’s dad/sister decide to find George a non-furry girlfriend so that his (AMAZING) Eight Aunt will stop believing that he’s into bestiality (have I mentioned that this book is HILARIOUS? I was dying). At the same time, Sharlot’s mother decides that Sharlot should spend the summer in their native Indonesia so as to, you know, not lose her virginity. Since Sharlot is not exactly happy to be away from California, though, her mom decides to find a good Indonesia-based boyfriend for her daughter, so she won’t hate being there.
(Guys… the online convos in which George’s dad pretends to be George and Sharlot’s mom pretends to be Sharlot are the best mix of How Do You Do Fellow Kids I WAS ROLLING ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING).
So, this book is masterful bc it has sooo many tropes layered one over the other. Because Sharlot and George end up going on vacay together to Bali and fake dating, but they also make some big assumptions on the other based on their first online interactions (which, let us remember, were basically parent-catfishing.) So there is a touch of enemies to lovers there, and ooooh, the flavor. Not to mention that George is part of a very rich Chinese Indonesian family so THE TABLOIDS are after them, and... it's a mess. The most perfect mess. Guys, I fell hard for this book.
And, one my fave parts of the story: INDONESIA. So: Sharlot grew up in the US, and she doesn't know much about her mother's culture. On top of that she's half white, half Asian: she feels at home nowhere, and often struggles to fit into her loving (but filterless) family. Over the course of the book, her relationship with Chinese Indonesian culture deepens. It’s complicated and layered and something Sharlot is very much growing into-and we, the readers, get to be right with her. So while Sharlot learns more about the history of Indonesia, Dutch colonization, Chinese Indonesian society and customs, and many other things, so do we. We get to experience Jakarta both from Sharlot and George’s point of view, and it's fantastic and unique. Yes, I am ready to visit.
Oh, and: Sharlot mom’s has her own love story, and it's FANTASTIC (but no spoilers.)
In conclusion: perfect book is perfect, perfect author is perfect.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher. Jesse and I publish adult books for the same publisher (but this book of hers is with another publisher).
I have now read Jesse Q. Sutanto’s writing in three (3) different genres, so let me make something very clear: I will follow her into the very fires of Mordor. What is she publishing next? Children's literature? Middle grade? Graphic novel? I am reading it. A cookie recipe? I'm ALSO reading it. The phone book? I'm reading that too. Is she doodling on a roll of toiler paper while she's on the phone? TAKE MY MONEY because I'm buying it. Seriously, this author's talent is so multifaceted and boundless, I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Okay. WELL, THAT WAS UNEXPECTED. An utter delight of a romcom. To give you an idea of how amazing this book is: it opens in California with Sharlot (our main character) being caught by her mom while she's trying to lose her virginity. At the same time, in Indonesia, George Clooney (our love interest) is caught by his dad and sister (Eleanor Roosevelt; she's my fave) while beating the snake to elf/budger porn. (Okay, that’s technically not true, I’m so sorry for slandering you this way George.)
BASICALLY, THIS BOOK IS SO MY JAM, I'M BUSING OUT BREAD AND PEANUT BUTTER.
So: word of George's furry proclivities (I swear he's being framed guys) spread, and George’s dad/sister decide to find George a non-furry girlfriend so that his (AMAZING) Eight Aunt will stop believing that he’s into bestiality (have I mentioned that this book is HILARIOUS? I was dying). At the same time, Sharlot’s mother decides that Sharlot should spend the summer in their native Indonesia so as to, you know, not lose her virginity. Since Sharlot is not exactly happy to be away from California, though, her mom decides to find a good Indonesia-based boyfriend for her daughter, so she won’t hate being there.
(Guys… the online convos in which George’s dad pretends to be George and Sharlot’s mom pretends to be Sharlot are the best mix of How Do You Do Fellow Kids I WAS ROLLING ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING).
So, this book is masterful bc it has sooo many tropes layered one over the other. Because Sharlot and George end up going on vacay together to Bali and fake dating, but they also make some big assumptions on the other based on their first online interactions (which, let us remember, were basically parent-catfishing.) So there is a touch of enemies to lovers there, and ooooh, the flavor. Not to mention that George is part of a very rich Chinese Indonesian family so THE TABLOIDS are after them, and... it's a mess. The most perfect mess. Guys, I fell hard for this book.
And, one my fave parts of the story: INDONESIA. So: Sharlot grew up in the US, and she doesn't know much about her mother's culture. On top of that she's half white, half Asian: she feels at home nowhere, and often struggles to fit into her loving (but filterless) family. Over the course of the book, her relationship with Chinese Indonesian culture deepens. It’s complicated and layered and something Sharlot is very much growing into-and we, the readers, get to be right with her. So while Sharlot learns more about the history of Indonesia, Dutch colonization, Chinese Indonesian society and customs, and many other things, so do we. We get to experience Jakarta both from Sharlot and George’s point of view, and it's fantastic and unique. Yes, I am ready to visit.
Oh, and: Sharlot mom’s has her own love story, and it's FANTASTIC (but no spoilers.)
In conclusion: perfect book is perfect, perfect author is perfect.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher. Jesse and I publish adult books for the same publisher (but this book of hers is with another publisher).
September 17, 2024
Jesse Q. Sutanto absolutely knows how to get excelled in various genres including thriller, cozy mystery, romance, adult fiction! She has amazing sense of humor promises a week long entertainment!
Dial A for Aunties series is one of her brilliant cozy mystery/ humor/ romance works.
After reading the blurb about YA romance story between Sharlot and George Clooney with a loud laugh, I was so excited to read this book!
At first chapters were reminding me of American Pie movies style crass teenage humor. Sharlot gets caught to her mother when her new boyfriend is about to pop her cherry and George Clooney gets caught by his father and 13 years old sister when he is out of his pants, watching an animated soft porn! You fill the blanks! Both of the situations are absolutely embarrassing!
Two parents decide to play a cat fishing game to match their children via dating app. Both Sharlot and George find each other boring, traditional after reading each other’s comments on the dating app. They have no idea written sections are filled by their parents.
George is only male heir of their family dynasty as Sharlot only has her mother as a parent. And her mother ran away from her homeland under suspicious circumstances.
As she travels through Indonesia, exploring the beauty of the city, getting attracted to George, she also finds the truth about her mother’s past.
Overall: I had hard time to get into the story because of immature teenage sense of humor but later when the main story started, I absolutely enjoyed my time!
In near future I plan to visit Indonesia to see those places and try their delicious food! The author’s depictions were mouth watering.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Delacorte Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Dial A for Aunties series is one of her brilliant cozy mystery/ humor/ romance works.
After reading the blurb about YA romance story between Sharlot and George Clooney with a loud laugh, I was so excited to read this book!
At first chapters were reminding me of American Pie movies style crass teenage humor. Sharlot gets caught to her mother when her new boyfriend is about to pop her cherry and George Clooney gets caught by his father and 13 years old sister when he is out of his pants, watching an animated soft porn! You fill the blanks! Both of the situations are absolutely embarrassing!
Two parents decide to play a cat fishing game to match their children via dating app. Both Sharlot and George find each other boring, traditional after reading each other’s comments on the dating app. They have no idea written sections are filled by their parents.
George is only male heir of their family dynasty as Sharlot only has her mother as a parent. And her mother ran away from her homeland under suspicious circumstances.
As she travels through Indonesia, exploring the beauty of the city, getting attracted to George, she also finds the truth about her mother’s past.
Overall: I had hard time to get into the story because of immature teenage sense of humor but later when the main story started, I absolutely enjoyed my time!
In near future I plan to visit Indonesia to see those places and try their delicious food! The author’s depictions were mouth watering.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Delacorte Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
August 5, 2025
💜🧡💛❤️💜🧡💛❤️💜🧡💛❤️💜🧡💛❤️💜🧡💛❤️💜
After Sharlot Citra's mother walks in on her clumsily exploring her sexuality, her mother freaks out. Things are going to change around here!
After George Clooney Tanuwijaya's father walks in on him clumsily exploring his sexuality, his father freaks out. Things are going to change around here!
For Sharlot, this change includes leaving her life in California behind, getting dragged onto an international flight, and flying to her mother's native Indonesia where they will remain for the rest of the Summer.
For George, the change isn't quite as shocking to the system. As a member of one of the wealthiest and most prominent families in Indonesia, George isn't going anywhere, but he will have his family meddling a lot more into his social life.
Unbeknownst to both teens, Sharlot's mom and George's dad have begun quests to find appropriate romantic partners for their children. They cannot sit by and let their teens deviant behaviors progress any further.
Thus, they do what any good parent would do and they both begin cat-fishing potential love interests via social media.
And that's how Sharlot and George ultimately end up on the most uncomfortable date ever, in one of the most beautiful coffee shops ever, struggling to live up to whatever ridiculous things their parents invented about them.
For example, Sharlot's fake hobbies include cooking strong bone broth and hopefully one day being a good wife, while George's hobbies include math and someday taking over the family empire.
As the teens are forced to continue the charade for a number of different reasons, they begin to get to know one other on their own terms.
Will they like what they find? And if so, how will they ever clear the air about the truth behind their meeting in the first place? What other terrible things could go wrong?!
With these two families, literally anything and everything.
Y'all, I loved this with my whole heart and soul. I was so invested in these characters. Sharlot and George have to be two of my favorite characters ever.
Well, That Was Unexpected got unexpectedly under my skin. While the humor kept me giggling throughout, certain emotional aspects got me deep in my feels. It was everything I wanted and more.
I knew going into this that Sutanto's sense of humor meshes really well with my own. I love how realistically she writes her characters thoughts, which are always so darn on point and witty.
This story is told via alternating perspectives from Sharlot and George. It was so fun seeing both of their sides to this unbelievable situation they found themselves in. I also liked being able to see both of their thoughts involving the evolution of their feelings towards one another.
100% satisfying start-to-finish!!
This is definitely my favorite Romantic Comedy of the year and in fact, is one of my favorites ever.
I would fall on a sword for it. I would shout from a rooftop for it. I would fly to Jakarta to defend its honor...and might as well get some delicious coffee whilst I'm there... 😋☕️
Thank you so much to the publisher, Delacorte Press, for providing me a copy to read and review.
I am a Jesse Q. Sutanto stan and this novel is the perfect example as to why. I can't wait to pick up whatever she serves up next!!
After Sharlot Citra's mother walks in on her clumsily exploring her sexuality, her mother freaks out. Things are going to change around here!
After George Clooney Tanuwijaya's father walks in on him clumsily exploring his sexuality, his father freaks out. Things are going to change around here!
For Sharlot, this change includes leaving her life in California behind, getting dragged onto an international flight, and flying to her mother's native Indonesia where they will remain for the rest of the Summer.
For George, the change isn't quite as shocking to the system. As a member of one of the wealthiest and most prominent families in Indonesia, George isn't going anywhere, but he will have his family meddling a lot more into his social life.
Unbeknownst to both teens, Sharlot's mom and George's dad have begun quests to find appropriate romantic partners for their children. They cannot sit by and let their teens deviant behaviors progress any further.
Thus, they do what any good parent would do and they both begin cat-fishing potential love interests via social media.
And that's how Sharlot and George ultimately end up on the most uncomfortable date ever, in one of the most beautiful coffee shops ever, struggling to live up to whatever ridiculous things their parents invented about them.
For example, Sharlot's fake hobbies include cooking strong bone broth and hopefully one day being a good wife, while George's hobbies include math and someday taking over the family empire.
As the teens are forced to continue the charade for a number of different reasons, they begin to get to know one other on their own terms.
Will they like what they find? And if so, how will they ever clear the air about the truth behind their meeting in the first place? What other terrible things could go wrong?!
With these two families, literally anything and everything.
Y'all, I loved this with my whole heart and soul. I was so invested in these characters. Sharlot and George have to be two of my favorite characters ever.
Well, That Was Unexpected got unexpectedly under my skin. While the humor kept me giggling throughout, certain emotional aspects got me deep in my feels. It was everything I wanted and more.
I knew going into this that Sutanto's sense of humor meshes really well with my own. I love how realistically she writes her characters thoughts, which are always so darn on point and witty.
This story is told via alternating perspectives from Sharlot and George. It was so fun seeing both of their sides to this unbelievable situation they found themselves in. I also liked being able to see both of their thoughts involving the evolution of their feelings towards one another.
100% satisfying start-to-finish!!
This is definitely my favorite Romantic Comedy of the year and in fact, is one of my favorites ever.
I would fall on a sword for it. I would shout from a rooftop for it. I would fly to Jakarta to defend its honor...and might as well get some delicious coffee whilst I'm there... 😋☕️
Thank you so much to the publisher, Delacorte Press, for providing me a copy to read and review.
I am a Jesse Q. Sutanto stan and this novel is the perfect example as to why. I can't wait to pick up whatever she serves up next!!
February 12, 2023
this was such an enjoyable read, I did not expect to love this as much as I did!
this book managed to introduce a lot of situations in a very nice way. it's hard to explain, when u do this it can seem like too much or like it doesnt make sense but I liked this sooooo much. from the complicated relationship between our mcs, that's very based on miscommunication, to the family problems they both had, this had a lot of depth which I didn't see coming from such a lighthearted book. the characters were funny and I loved the fact that it was set in Indonesia, I actually left wanting to see a little bit more of our main character exploring her roots!
I had a really good time reading this and I'm so excited to see what the author will focus on next for the series (I really hope she goes THERE because come on...).
buddy read with @akacya !!
this book managed to introduce a lot of situations in a very nice way. it's hard to explain, when u do this it can seem like too much or like it doesnt make sense but I liked this sooooo much. from the complicated relationship between our mcs, that's very based on miscommunication, to the family problems they both had, this had a lot of depth which I didn't see coming from such a lighthearted book. the characters were funny and I loved the fact that it was set in Indonesia, I actually left wanting to see a little bit more of our main character exploring her roots!
I had a really good time reading this and I'm so excited to see what the author will focus on next for the series (I really hope she goes THERE because come on...).
buddy read with @akacya !!
August 12, 2022
Loved this! The author is so witty, the characters are literally so relatable and funny it's hard not to love them! The storyline flows so effortlessly, I enjoyed all the moments that I gasped and didn't expect. Plus all of the humor in between with a few sad moments. Loved that it was set in Indonesia, gave me eye opening views from there as I've never been there but have always dreamed of going there. This novel is such a great, light read! I know it's a young adult novel but me being in my mid-30s still totally enjoyed it. It brought me back to my teenage years and feelings. Definitely read this if you need some laughs and loveable characters in your life!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
October 10, 2022
As an Indonesian, it’s hard not to feel biased when a book is talking about how beautiful your country is and how amazing the food is… but apart from that i absolutely enjoy my time read this book, Jesse Sutanto strikes again with a pure comedy filled with adorable characters and humor and sweet romance story
I think i read this one less than a day because it’s so easy to read and engaging
Even tho the book is light and easy to read, it also brought up some issues in my country including how this country is not an LGBTQ friendly country and how our culture is very different with Western culture esp about premarital sex. I love Sutanto represent the life of Indo-Chinesse people and the big family influence for their youngster because it felt so relateable 😄
If you are looking for a fast read Young adult romance and not to take the plot seriously, you can give this book a try… and maybe it will also encourage you to visit Indonesia and taste our coffee & Teh Botol 😁
I think i read this one less than a day because it’s so easy to read and engaging
Even tho the book is light and easy to read, it also brought up some issues in my country including how this country is not an LGBTQ friendly country and how our culture is very different with Western culture esp about premarital sex. I love Sutanto represent the life of Indo-Chinesse people and the big family influence for their youngster because it felt so relateable 😄
If you are looking for a fast read Young adult romance and not to take the plot seriously, you can give this book a try… and maybe it will also encourage you to visit Indonesia and taste our coffee & Teh Botol 😁
Want to read
February 20, 202219.02.2022 a book set in indonesia, ah! also, why is that cover so cute.
September 1, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
What a slog to get through. This book provided bland characters, a plot both unbelievable and boring, terrible dialogue, and cringe-inducing romance. While aspects of the premise were appealing (who doesn't love a good fake dating story?), how they were carried out left much to be desired.
Following the story of Sharlot, taken to Indonesia by a mother after a near-miss with a scandal, and George, under pressure during a time of great publicity before an important event for his family, nothing about the plot was compelling. Even moments of supposed suspense or romance produced nothing but yawns.
As for the characters themselves, bleh. Sharlot in particular seemed almost like a parody of herself, at one moment blushing and stuttering with George but constantly bursting out with frustrated feminist declarations. Hardly any character traits or development showed up beyond these showy statements. I have almost nothing to say about George because he had no characteristics beyond "Hey, I'm a nice hot guy!"
A small development late in the story (70%) provided some very small relief from the tedium, but that development was dropped almost as suddenly as it was brought up, aside from a tiny mention at the very end.
I found it difficult to keep track of which chapters were from Sharlot or George's perspectives because their inner monologues were the. Exact. Same. And not in a good way.
1.5/5 with the extra .5 for the representation of Indonesian culture (especially the food!) and the small development. I regret having requested my early copy of this book.
What a slog to get through. This book provided bland characters, a plot both unbelievable and boring, terrible dialogue, and cringe-inducing romance. While aspects of the premise were appealing (who doesn't love a good fake dating story?), how they were carried out left much to be desired.
Following the story of Sharlot, taken to Indonesia by a mother after a near-miss with a scandal, and George, under pressure during a time of great publicity before an important event for his family, nothing about the plot was compelling. Even moments of supposed suspense or romance produced nothing but yawns.
As for the characters themselves, bleh. Sharlot in particular seemed almost like a parody of herself, at one moment blushing and stuttering with George but constantly bursting out with frustrated feminist declarations. Hardly any character traits or development showed up beyond these showy statements. I have almost nothing to say about George because he had no characteristics beyond "Hey, I'm a nice hot guy!"
A small development late in the story (70%) provided some very small relief from the tedium, but that development was dropped almost as suddenly as it was brought up, aside from a tiny mention at the very end.
I found it difficult to keep track of which chapters were from Sharlot or George's perspectives because their inner monologues were the. Exact. Same. And not in a good way.
1.5/5 with the extra .5 for the representation of Indonesian culture (especially the food!) and the small development. I regret having requested my early copy of this book.
January 17, 2023
Jesse really loves to have meddling family members catfish people online
December 1, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an ARC!
You know what wasn’t unexpected? Me falling in love with everything about this book. The characters, the romance, and the setting especially.
Jesse Q. Sutanto books have a way of bringing me home. It might be because I am exactly matched to her in terms of culture (Chinese-Indonesian bitches for the win) but something about the combination of relatable protagonists, rolling-on-the-floor crying humor, and gorgeous Chinese-Indonesian representation just makes me feel so seen and recognized and whole.
All those feels from one damn romcom.
First of all, Sharlot as a protagonist was absolute perfection. I loved her personality, I loved her narration style, and I loved how damn ready she was to tell people her opinions. She was a total queen and she managed to own the whole situation (aka all of the plot line) so readily. I am in awe.
George, on the other hand, managed to still somehow be relatable as fuck while being a lot of things that I am not: smart, rich, raised in Indonesia, male. But I still found myself looking forward to his POV chapters, because this story was made for double-perspective.
“Eleanor and I wait for it. He’s going to say something like “privileged” and then go into a whole lecture about don’t I know how fortunate I am to be his son, etc.
“Loser,” Papa says.
“Excuse me?”
Also, can we appreciate Eleanor’s existence? This child was chaos in the best way possible and I wish I had one of her in my life.
And Kiki. Must not forget the absolute icon Kiki. Seriously, if I could be any of the characters in this book I would take any and all of them gladly, but Kiki is my life’s ambition in a single person.
And the plot. Oh my God, the plot. This was a wild ride of a romance and a disaster and Indonesia all rolled up in one beautiful cover. Fake dating for the media? Billionaire love interest? Travel romance? Catfishing? Mutual pining paired with deception? Guys, the PINING.
The parental strictness and awkward romance levels were through the roof and I was here for it.
Basically, Sharlot’s mother catches her in a partially-nude circumstance with her boyfriend, and as punishment jets them off to Indonesia for the summer. She claims that all Sharlot really needs is a proper understanding of her culture - and a boyfriend. A good, Indonesian boyfriend.
Meanwhile, George’s billionaire tycoon family is desperate to protect his image. When his father finds Sharlot’s profile on a dating app (run by her mom), it’s a score. They (as in, the protagonists’ PARENTS) arrange to meet.
The media finds out. So close to the release of George’s new app, the two protagonists on an ill-fated blind date are splashed all over the headlines. Without any proper damage control, they’re forced into a dating agreement. Suddenly they’re caught up in a whirlwind of dates and exploration and interviews in Bali as the big event draws near - just for the press, you know.
Well.
“You’re so different from what I expected,” I blurt out. What I really meant was that she’s so much more interesting than I had thought she would be based on our chat messages. Online, she’s uptight and prissy and all about maintaining a good-Asian-kid persona. In real life, she’s none of those things.
She loses her smile. “Sorry if I disappoint.”
ASLDKJALSDKGHALFJADLGKHAFAJLDJKL.
The setting for this book was really what drove it home for me. I haven’t been back to Indonesia in almost six years. So reading a story set in Jakarta, my parents’ hometown, and then in Bali, one of my favorite childhood vacation places, was just literally magical. I cannot emphasize enough how incredible the setting of this book was.
It was aesthetic and culturally representative and just so well-written. I actually recognized a handful of places mentioned and every time that happened I had to stop myself from squealing out loud.
And I think that even if I didn’t have this preexisting personal connection to Indo, I would feel one after reading this book. That’s how perfect it was.
“I open my eyes again and find that George has taken us off the main road and we’re now on a small road that goes alongside the cliffs overlooking a pristine beach. Wow. This time, my entire body relaxes. It’s impossible not to when I’m presented with this incredible view - the fine sand so yellow it looks like something a child might have drawn, the water a deep sapphire, all the robust tropical jungle around us. So different from the beaches of California. So much more untamed and magical.”
Reading Bali through Sharlot’s eyes was a dream come true for me. Here’s a girl who’s never been to her mom’s home country and is being slowly awakened to the cultural richness of her heritage. I love it so much.
And speaking of cultural heritage -
Nope. Not going to keyboard smash again.
The way this book delved so deep into Indonesian tradition and history and culture was an absolute blessing. I learned so much without even realizing it.
My dumbass forgot to bookmark the page, but there’s this one moment in the book where Sharlot feels this overwhelming pride for Indonesia upon learning about its culture in a coffee shop, of all places. She’s received this little mini lesson about independent coffee production in Bali and she just has this eye-opening moment of realization of just how amazing her heritage is.
I wanted to cry.
That moment was everything to me. I never thought I would read a book where the main characters spoke my language and wore batik clothes.
And I’ll be honest - even if they hadn’t been Indonesian like me, I think I still would have fallen in love with this book.
It’s just so, so perfect. I can’t put into words how much I loved this book. The Crazy Rich Asians vibes and the hilarious writing style and the beautiful descriptions and the characters. I don’t know what witchcraft Jesse Q. Sutanto sprinkles into her words, but it’s working.
June 10, 2025
₊˚⊹☆ 3.5 stars (rounded down)
some things were a bit frustrating, but overall still very enjoyable!! i definitely loved the second book (Didn't See That Coming) a lot more so i'm happy i accidentally read that first, otherwise i probably wouldn't have read it.
꒰🌺꒱﹒ pre-read ﹒⟢
ok so i am actually so excited to read this because i actually accidentally read the second book of this series first (they can both be read as stand-alones though, they're only slightly connected) and i LOVED Didn't See That Coming. while that means i do know roughly what happens here i just loved the writing and vibes of book 2 so i have very high hopes for this 🤭 also just looking for something light and cute to read at the moment to recover from my last few books lol so i'm hoping this is perfect!!
some things were a bit frustrating, but overall still very enjoyable!! i definitely loved the second book (Didn't See That Coming) a lot more so i'm happy i accidentally read that first, otherwise i probably wouldn't have read it.
꒰🌺꒱﹒ pre-read ﹒⟢
ok so i am actually so excited to read this because i actually accidentally read the second book of this series first (they can both be read as stand-alones though, they're only slightly connected) and i LOVED Didn't See That Coming. while that means i do know roughly what happens here i just loved the writing and vibes of book 2 so i have very high hopes for this 🤭 also just looking for something light and cute to read at the moment to recover from my last few books lol so i'm hoping this is perfect!!
March 23, 2025
what the fuck was this. rtc
ok. so. we open on sharlot (charlotte) trying to have sex with her boyfriend and her mum walks in. ew. so then she gets flown off to jakarta for the summer. at the same time, george clooney (not the actor, haha very funny, that joke was made about 50 times) is wanking off to what he calls 'vanilla porn' when his dad and 13 YEAR OLD SISTER!!!!!!!!! come into the room. so. great start, amiright?
so then their parents both individually decide to find them a girlfriend/boyfriend, by texting over some weird social media site. so each parent catfishes the other one and they make plans to meet up.
when i tell you, these two had negative chemistry, i mean it. i think they only spoke their first sentences to each other like 3/4 through the book!!!! the romance felt so forced and they both had zero personality.
then, came the plot twists. im sorry, but making everyone lesbian is not a great one as far as plot twists go. like what the fuck??????? and then sooooooooooooooooooooo much miscommunication happened.
overall, i wanted to dnf this boook about 11290487532897302 times and idk why i stuck with it. the 1 star is for the food descriptions and kiki the cousin.
ok. so. we open on sharlot (charlotte) trying to have sex with her boyfriend and her mum walks in. ew. so then she gets flown off to jakarta for the summer. at the same time, george clooney (not the actor, haha very funny, that joke was made about 50 times) is wanking off to what he calls 'vanilla porn' when his dad and 13 YEAR OLD SISTER!!!!!!!!! come into the room. so. great start, amiright?
so then their parents both individually decide to find them a girlfriend/boyfriend, by texting over some weird social media site. so each parent catfishes the other one and they make plans to meet up.
when i tell you, these two had negative chemistry, i mean it. i think they only spoke their first sentences to each other like 3/4 through the book!!!! the romance felt so forced and they both had zero personality.
then, came the plot twists. im sorry, but making everyone lesbian is not a great one as far as plot twists go. like what the fuck??????? and then sooooooooooooooooooooo much miscommunication happened.
overall, i wanted to dnf this boook about 11290487532897302 times and idk why i stuck with it. the 1 star is for the food descriptions and kiki the cousin.
November 13, 2022
I absolutely adored this wonderfully chaotic, funny and heartwarming rom-com.
Its cast of characters were full of life, the romance was super cute and the discussions surrounding Indonesian culture and the complexities of connecting to a heritage you've felt removed from, as well those on sexism, misogyny and the double standards men and women are held to, were spot on.
Overall, this was a delightfully fun and vibrant rom-com and is just one more example of why Jesse Q. Sutanto is one of my auto-buy authors.
TW: sexism, slut shaming, misogyny
Its cast of characters were full of life, the romance was super cute and the discussions surrounding Indonesian culture and the complexities of connecting to a heritage you've felt removed from, as well those on sexism, misogyny and the double standards men and women are held to, were spot on.
Overall, this was a delightfully fun and vibrant rom-com and is just one more example of why Jesse Q. Sutanto is one of my auto-buy authors.
TW: sexism, slut shaming, misogyny
March 5, 2023
This was cute!
August 13, 2022
Thank you so much to Random House Children's for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Well, that was very expected, if I do say so myself. The premise of this novel promised a large meddlesome family, references to Chinese Indonesian culture, a coming-of-age story, and an adorable fake dating romance, and it delivered on all fronts. I think my favorite aspect of this novel was definitely learning about Indonesian and Chinese Indonesian culture and noting the similarities between South Asian and Southeast Asian foods, traditions, cultures, and language. I also really appreciated how refreshing the characters felt (i.e. they never felt into their typical character achetypes), such as Bradley being a supportive ex instead of a toxic one, Kiki and Eleanor being kind and caring towards Shar instead of being catty snobs, and Shar's mother owning up to her mistakes and actually apologizing as an Asian mother. Shar was by no means a perfect person either, and I really loved watching her grow and recognize her ignorance towards Indonesia. I only wish that the resolution after the climax was a little more drawn out instead of ending so abruptly, but overall, this story was ridiculously over-the-top in the best way possible. While I haven't read Jesse Q. Sutanto's other novels, such as Dial A For Aunties, based on what I know of her other novels, I think fans of her previous works will definitely love Well, That Was Unexpected!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
Well, that was very expected, if I do say so myself. The premise of this novel promised a large meddlesome family, references to Chinese Indonesian culture, a coming-of-age story, and an adorable fake dating romance, and it delivered on all fronts. I think my favorite aspect of this novel was definitely learning about Indonesian and Chinese Indonesian culture and noting the similarities between South Asian and Southeast Asian foods, traditions, cultures, and language. I also really appreciated how refreshing the characters felt (i.e. they never felt into their typical character achetypes), such as Bradley being a supportive ex instead of a toxic one, Kiki and Eleanor being kind and caring towards Shar instead of being catty snobs, and Shar's mother owning up to her mistakes and actually apologizing as an Asian mother. Shar was by no means a perfect person either, and I really loved watching her grow and recognize her ignorance towards Indonesia. I only wish that the resolution after the climax was a little more drawn out instead of ending so abruptly, but overall, this story was ridiculously over-the-top in the best way possible. While I haven't read Jesse Q. Sutanto's other novels, such as Dial A For Aunties, based on what I know of her other novels, I think fans of her previous works will definitely love Well, That Was Unexpected!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
Want to read
February 9, 2022AAAHBVIWVQJN I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE INDONESIAN REPRESENTATION as an indonesian this makes me so happy <33 i am at a loss for words .
June 5, 2022
AHHHH! I loved this book full of loud-out-loud and cringy YA moments - the perfect YA rom-com! Jesse Q. Sutanto is a genius!
September 20, 2022
Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a funny, heartwarming tale of family and love. I enjoyed this multicultural story, with charming side characters and a beautiful love story.
Sharlot Citra just wants to be a normal girl in school in California. But, when her mother finds her in a compromising position with her boyfriend, her mother takes her to Indonesia to visit the family she barely knows. Sharlot doesn’t want to leave her friends in California, but her mother knows best.
George Clooney Tanuwijaya is the son of one of the wealthiest families in Indonesia. His father insists that he settle down soon and find a wife.
George’s father and Sharlot’s mother both begin texting each other as their children, not knowing that each are not the real George or Sharlot, and they decide to meet up. George and Sharlot know they are not right for each other from the start, but they continue to date, and after several amazing dates, they begin to wonder if their parents are right.
I just love the setting of this book. George and Sharlot travel through Indonesia on their many dates, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the country and its beauty and customs. But, it’s really the humor in this book that kept me turning the pages and laughing and giggling as I continued reading. And I enjoyed watching Sharlot not only accept her heritage but embrace it.
I also enjoyed the characters, all the characters! Sharlot and George are terrific together, and they are truly meant to be, but of course, they don’t realize it for a while. And the side characters are so well developed and just a lot of fun. The way they all interfere with Sharlot and George’s life is hilarious, and I enjoyed both families so much.
I highly recommend Well, That Was Unexpected to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a funny, heartwarming tale of family and love. I enjoyed this multicultural story, with charming side characters and a beautiful love story.
Sharlot Citra just wants to be a normal girl in school in California. But, when her mother finds her in a compromising position with her boyfriend, her mother takes her to Indonesia to visit the family she barely knows. Sharlot doesn’t want to leave her friends in California, but her mother knows best.
George Clooney Tanuwijaya is the son of one of the wealthiest families in Indonesia. His father insists that he settle down soon and find a wife.
George’s father and Sharlot’s mother both begin texting each other as their children, not knowing that each are not the real George or Sharlot, and they decide to meet up. George and Sharlot know they are not right for each other from the start, but they continue to date, and after several amazing dates, they begin to wonder if their parents are right.
I just love the setting of this book. George and Sharlot travel through Indonesia on their many dates, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the country and its beauty and customs. But, it’s really the humor in this book that kept me turning the pages and laughing and giggling as I continued reading. And I enjoyed watching Sharlot not only accept her heritage but embrace it.
I also enjoyed the characters, all the characters! Sharlot and George are terrific together, and they are truly meant to be, but of course, they don’t realize it for a while. And the side characters are so well developed and just a lot of fun. The way they all interfere with Sharlot and George’s life is hilarious, and I enjoyed both families so much.
I highly recommend Well, That Was Unexpected to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 26, 2023
4.5 stars! This was a really fun listen!
January 10, 2024
This book was absolutely horrible, but it has some good qualities, so I’ll say those first. The book wasn’t boring, I was hooked the whole time, it was just EXTREMELY annoying. Also, the plot was good, at least it has the potential to be, it was just carried out horribly.
Okay, now for the bad stuff. This book was SO WEIRD, everything that was inappropriate that probably shouldn’t have been in a book was written up to Indonesian culture. Also, there was NO emotional attachment, which is not how a romance should be. Shar and George just hated each other and then all of a sudden were in love - what? And Eleanor and Kiki- as soon as they met they just acted like they had known each other forever, I don’t even know if they said their names. The whole intrusive family thing made me so annoyed, why is the whole family sitting down with George and talking abt his gnome fetish with him? That’s low key weird. No HIGH key weird. The author was good at writing on the surface, with good details and kept it light and stuff, but everything DEEPER than that, like metaphors and character development just seemed to be thrown out the window. And I could NOT deal with the way Shar treated her mom. Every single thing she did was rude, but then she would rant abt how sorry she was for TEN FREAKING PARAGRAPHS and then turn around and do the same thing. Also the whole book was stressing me out with George and Shar not knowing the truth about each other, I can’t deal with “dramatic irony” as my ELA teacher would put it.
Anyway, that was sort of just a rant… wow I think this is my longest review yet! But the only reason why this book isn’t a one star is because I wasn’t really bored while reading it.
Okay, now for the bad stuff. This book was SO WEIRD, everything that was inappropriate that probably shouldn’t have been in a book was written up to Indonesian culture. Also, there was NO emotional attachment, which is not how a romance should be. Shar and George just hated each other and then all of a sudden were in love - what? And Eleanor and Kiki- as soon as they met they just acted like they had known each other forever, I don’t even know if they said their names. The whole intrusive family thing made me so annoyed, why is the whole family sitting down with George and talking abt his gnome fetish with him? That’s low key weird. No HIGH key weird. The author was good at writing on the surface, with good details and kept it light and stuff, but everything DEEPER than that, like metaphors and character development just seemed to be thrown out the window. And I could NOT deal with the way Shar treated her mom. Every single thing she did was rude, but then she would rant abt how sorry she was for TEN FREAKING PARAGRAPHS and then turn around and do the same thing. Also the whole book was stressing me out with George and Shar not knowing the truth about each other, I can’t deal with “dramatic irony” as my ELA teacher would put it.
Anyway, that was sort of just a rant… wow I think this is my longest review yet! But the only reason why this book isn’t a one star is because I wasn’t really bored while reading it.
Read
September 6, 2022A young adult romance, set in Indonesia?
Oh yes! I grabbed it at once. And the love letter to Indonesia was such fun to read, especially the lavish descriptions of food (coffee!) and the gorgeous scenery.
Things I liked: the total over-the-topness of George's family. I was laughing out loud at their no-boundaries antics. I also thought the sly not to "Crazy Rich Asians" was a lot of fun. And I also liked the eventual evolution of Sharlot's thread with her mother, even if it took quite a back seat to all the rest of the shenanigans.
What I didn't like: that the story's substrate was based on non-communication. I hate this trope, especially when there's a perfect opportunity right up front for two supposedly reasonable teens, left alone, to just clear the air. Instead, the story has to bang along with contrived ways to keep the non-communication going, when it wasn't necessary. I thought the story would actually have been a lot stronger if the two had been on the same team from the gitgo, instead of the manufactured "fights" built on no one having the brains to just say what was going on.
That said, I loved the other elements so much that I really want to see what this author does next.
Cw: frank talk about teens under eighteen having sex, and sexual exploration. (I thought it well done, but because this is aimed at the under-eighteen market, thought I'd mention it.)
Oh yes! I grabbed it at once. And the love letter to Indonesia was such fun to read, especially the lavish descriptions of food (coffee!) and the gorgeous scenery.
Things I liked: the total over-the-topness of George's family. I was laughing out loud at their no-boundaries antics. I also thought the sly not to "Crazy Rich Asians" was a lot of fun. And I also liked the eventual evolution of Sharlot's thread with her mother, even if it took quite a back seat to all the rest of the shenanigans.
What I didn't like: that the story's substrate was based on non-communication. I hate this trope, especially when there's a perfect opportunity right up front for two supposedly reasonable teens, left alone, to just clear the air. Instead, the story has to bang along with contrived ways to keep the non-communication going, when it wasn't necessary. I thought the story would actually have been a lot stronger if the two had been on the same team from the gitgo, instead of the manufactured "fights" built on no one having the brains to just say what was going on.
That said, I loved the other elements so much that I really want to see what this author does next.
Cw: frank talk about teens under eighteen having sex, and sexual exploration. (I thought it well done, but because this is aimed at the under-eighteen market, thought I'd mention it.)
October 15, 2022
"nobody comes after my family and gets away unscathed, my dear."
that was honestly such a whirlwind of a book. it was hilarious, and god, the second-hand embarrassment was real. i flew through it, and i loved seeing the indo-chinese culture. but, i personally did not find it very memorable, and i'm already starting to forget about it.
plus, the ending just felt too neat and unrealistic. i'm not trying to be pessimistic, but there is absolutely no way that their 'solution' would have actually worked in today's world. like, i get that this isn't supposed to be a serious novel, but the topics that this book touched on just weren't properly fleshed out, imo.
still, i had a decent amount of fun reading this!
⪼ 3.5 stars.
that was honestly such a whirlwind of a book. it was hilarious, and god, the second-hand embarrassment was real. i flew through it, and i loved seeing the indo-chinese culture. but, i personally did not find it very memorable, and i'm already starting to forget about it.
plus, the ending just felt too neat and unrealistic. i'm not trying to be pessimistic, but there is absolutely no way that their 'solution' would have actually worked in today's world. like, i get that this isn't supposed to be a serious novel, but the topics that this book touched on just weren't properly fleshed out, imo.
still, i had a decent amount of fun reading this!
⪼ 3.5 stars.
February 27, 2023
this was so fun and cute and i adored it
December 4, 2022
if you want to read a book where you just keep on laughing until you cry, there is no better book to read than this. i haven’t read a romance that has felt so bizarrely funny, lovable and wholesome in such a long time and i feel like this has just itched every itch of my brain and cured every bout of sadness i have ever had. my brain? she’s fresh. she’s happy. she’s thriving. she’s jessie sutanto’s number 1 fan.
if you want to watch characters steal glances and phantom touches with each other whilst getting stuck in the most insanely bizarre and hilarious situations, this book is for you. if you want to see love being built founded on humour, the unexpected and everything else in between, this book is for you. if you want to touch, see and taste a country in your soul like you’re walking down a market street holding hands with the characters, this book is for you.
whilenobody dies in ‘well that was unexpected’ like they do in ‘dial a for aunties’, jessie sutanto breathes life into indonesia like she has been been waiting to do so her entire life. if you haven’t been, you’ll walk out of this book feeling like you have. if you have been, it’ll feel like greeting family again.
i’d say that this book was unexpected, but jessie sutanto is a master of emotional fiction and i shouldn’t have expected any less.
if you want to watch characters steal glances and phantom touches with each other whilst getting stuck in the most insanely bizarre and hilarious situations, this book is for you. if you want to see love being built founded on humour, the unexpected and everything else in between, this book is for you. if you want to touch, see and taste a country in your soul like you’re walking down a market street holding hands with the characters, this book is for you.
whilenobody dies in ‘well that was unexpected’ like they do in ‘dial a for aunties’, jessie sutanto breathes life into indonesia like she has been been waiting to do so her entire life. if you haven’t been, you’ll walk out of this book feeling like you have. if you have been, it’ll feel like greeting family again.
i’d say that this book was unexpected, but jessie sutanto is a master of emotional fiction and i shouldn’t have expected any less.
October 15, 2022
5 stars
I adored this story, the author delivers a heartwarmig,funny,sweet story.I devour it, it's fast paced and captivating!George and Sharlot are such a great characters.They have such a great banter they were awkward and adorable .
I loved the aspects of the Chinese and Indonesian culture.Also learing about the family dynamics.All these make me feel like I'm a part of the story and make melove it even more.
This story is about family,love and friendship.If you are looking for a fun read with adorable characters and some really funny moments this is definitely what you need!
I adored this story, the author delivers a heartwarmig,funny,sweet story.I devour it, it's fast paced and captivating!George and Sharlot are such a great characters.They have such a great banter they were awkward and adorable .
I loved the aspects of the Chinese and Indonesian culture.Also learing about the family dynamics.All these make me feel like I'm a part of the story and make melove it even more.
This story is about family,love and friendship.If you are looking for a fun read with adorable characters and some really funny moments this is definitely what you need!
September 30, 2022
Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour for choosing me as one of the participants in the #WellThatWasUnexpected tour. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my full thoughts on my blog, thisbellereadstoo
Ahem, well, we started off very awkwardly with Sharlot’s mom catching her half-naked on top of a boyfriend Sharlot wasn’t supposed to have and George’s father finding him with his pants down in front of the computer screen. Whisked off to Jakarta, Sharlot visits her mother’s home country for the first time. For some reason, her mom has never mentioned why she didn’t contact her family for so long. Meanwhile, George is banned from his computer and phone.
What makes things more awkward between George and Sharlot is that both of their parents have been catfishing each other. Worried about him, George’s dad and young sister created a dating account and talked to Sharlot online. Turns out, Sharlot isn’t Sharlot but is actually, Sharlot’s mother. After finding Sharlot in bed with a boy, she’s determined to find a good Indonesian boy for her daughter. The parents shared false information about their child like how Sharlot loves cooking and that George’s favorite subject is Math. When they first met, Sharlot and George both had whole other expectations.
Whisked away to Bali, Sharlot landed herself as George’s girlfriend. Though, this whole thing is fake. George’s relatives want him to settle with a respectable, obedient girl since he’s the only boy in his generation, the lifeline of the Tanuwijaya blood. Meanwhile, Sharlot finds out that her mother was best friends with George’s Eighth Aunt and hence finds herself as a fake girlfriend to one of the richest families in Jakarta.
Although things were weird between George and Sharlot, each thinking that they aren’t compatible, the other is totally weirded out, and the whole meeting is just awkward. Sharlot realized that George isn’t that bad after all. He’s actually really passionate about the app that he’s been working hard on and is not a boring person. Similarly, George’s assumptions about Sharlot were debunked after talking to her for a while. They had really tender moments, talking about parents, love life, expectations of being an Indonesian-Chinese, etc.
As usual, Jesse Q. Sutanto’s book is filled with awkward moments and hilarious dialogues. It’s the kind that I can never look away from because I want to know what’s going on. I loved that we got to explore Indonesia in different parts. First, there was Jakarta and then Bali. There’s the element of a family involved as well. If you’ve read Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Dial A For Aunties, you know about huge, meddlesome families. Add in a wealthy family that can jet you anywhere you want with a snap of a finger.
I’m not too sure if Well, That Was Unexpected will develop into a duology or even a series, but I’m here for whatever the author is writing.
Check out my full thoughts on my blog, thisbellereadstoo
Ahem, well, we started off very awkwardly with Sharlot’s mom catching her half-naked on top of a boyfriend Sharlot wasn’t supposed to have and George’s father finding him with his pants down in front of the computer screen. Whisked off to Jakarta, Sharlot visits her mother’s home country for the first time. For some reason, her mom has never mentioned why she didn’t contact her family for so long. Meanwhile, George is banned from his computer and phone.
What makes things more awkward between George and Sharlot is that both of their parents have been catfishing each other. Worried about him, George’s dad and young sister created a dating account and talked to Sharlot online. Turns out, Sharlot isn’t Sharlot but is actually, Sharlot’s mother. After finding Sharlot in bed with a boy, she’s determined to find a good Indonesian boy for her daughter. The parents shared false information about their child like how Sharlot loves cooking and that George’s favorite subject is Math. When they first met, Sharlot and George both had whole other expectations.
Whisked away to Bali, Sharlot landed herself as George’s girlfriend. Though, this whole thing is fake. George’s relatives want him to settle with a respectable, obedient girl since he’s the only boy in his generation, the lifeline of the Tanuwijaya blood. Meanwhile, Sharlot finds out that her mother was best friends with George’s Eighth Aunt and hence finds herself as a fake girlfriend to one of the richest families in Jakarta.
Although things were weird between George and Sharlot, each thinking that they aren’t compatible, the other is totally weirded out, and the whole meeting is just awkward. Sharlot realized that George isn’t that bad after all. He’s actually really passionate about the app that he’s been working hard on and is not a boring person. Similarly, George’s assumptions about Sharlot were debunked after talking to her for a while. They had really tender moments, talking about parents, love life, expectations of being an Indonesian-Chinese, etc.
As usual, Jesse Q. Sutanto’s book is filled with awkward moments and hilarious dialogues. It’s the kind that I can never look away from because I want to know what’s going on. I loved that we got to explore Indonesia in different parts. First, there was Jakarta and then Bali. There’s the element of a family involved as well. If you’ve read Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Dial A For Aunties, you know about huge, meddlesome families. Add in a wealthy family that can jet you anywhere you want with a snap of a finger.
I’m not too sure if Well, That Was Unexpected will develop into a duology or even a series, but I’m here for whatever the author is writing.
October 16, 2022
This was a very cute story about two teenagers whose parents catfishes them into meeting each other. I thought the plot was very unique, and although unrealistic, it was still very cute. While this is considered a YA book, it was definitely upper YA because of the language and other things throughout the story. I loved that parts were unpredictable and do recommend this one. If you are looking for a upper YA summer vacation read with fake dating, than this is your book!
November 27, 2022
"She's been one of the best surprises of my life."
3.75 🌟
The start of this book is kinda annoying to me because of the female MC, Sharlot. I know she's still a teenager with pent-up anger and frustrations. I'm not a fan of how she treats her mom. Like I've been in that phase too but I'm not an ass like her. I'm also a little 50-50 about how their fate got mixed up.
What I love about this book is how the culture and heritage of Indonesia (mostly Jakarta and Bali) are presented. It makes you want to go there and experience it for yourself. Some places written here are also real (yeah, I googled them XD), and they're beautiful. I also like the accuracy of the dynamics in an Asian household shown here, which I can relate to growing up.
This is my first read from Ms. Jesse and I think I might finally give her other books a go.
3.75 🌟
The start of this book is kinda annoying to me because of the female MC, Sharlot. I know she's still a teenager with pent-up anger and frustrations. I'm not a fan of how she treats her mom. Like I've been in that phase too but I'm not an ass like her. I'm also a little 50-50 about how their fate got mixed up.
What I love about this book is how the culture and heritage of Indonesia (mostly Jakarta and Bali) are presented. It makes you want to go there and experience it for yourself. Some places written here are also real (yeah, I googled them XD), and they're beautiful. I also like the accuracy of the dynamics in an Asian household shown here, which I can relate to growing up.
This is my first read from Ms. Jesse and I think I might finally give her other books a go.
October 22, 2024
Not the memorable read I usually look for, but this one definitely scratched an itch for a cute, funny & quick story. It wasn't the best YA contemporary I've ever read, but it kept me entertained nonetheless.
Jesse Q. Sutanto is such a versatile author, and I'm basically in love with her breezy writing and the way she writes about her country. I want to go to Indonesia so badly and it's all her fault.
Jesse Q. Sutanto is such a versatile author, and I'm basically in love with her breezy writing and the way she writes about her country. I want to go to Indonesia so badly and it's all her fault.
March 30, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this YA fake-dating story! It was so rich and layered and gave an amazing look at Indonesia and Bali. If you're an adult looking for a romance pairing, this alongside adult romance The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren would be AMAZING.
Source: Sora eBook
Source: Sora eBook
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