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“A delectable treat handmade with love.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Lush prose describes both food and romance with a vibrancy that sparkles in this quintessential star-crossed-lovers, rival-family-foodchains rom-com.”

—Publishers Weekly

“This will appeal to romance fans, especially those looking for more transgender representation in the genre and childhood friends-to-lovers stories, and readers who are interested in Asian culture and food.”

—School Library Journal

Hangry Hearts

Written by Jennifer Chen
Published by Wednesday Books

Julie Wu and Randall Hur used to be best friends. Now they only see each other on Saturdays at the Pasadena Farmers Market where their once close families are long-standing rivals.

When Julie and Randall are paired with ultra-rich London Kim for a community-service school project, they are forced to work together for the first time in years. It quickly becomes obvious that London has a major crush on Julie. But Julie can’t stop thinking about Randall. And Randall can’t stop thinking about how London is thinking about Julie. Soon, prompted by a little jealousy and years of missing each other, school project meetings turn into pseudo dates at their favorite Taiwanese breakfast shop and then secret kisses at the beach—far from the watchful eyes of their families.

Just as they’re finally feeling brave enough to tell their grandmas, the two matriarchs rehash their old fight and Julie and Randall get caught in the middle and Julie’s brother finds out they are dating. Their families are heartbroken.

But it’s the Year of the Dragon, an auspicious time to resolve disagreements and start anew, and Randall isn’t going down without fighting for what—and who—they love. Could the Lunar New Year provide not only a second chance for Randall and Julie, but for their families as well?

Primary ISBN: 9781250865687
Publication Date: March 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Pasadena CA)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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