So We Meet Again

June 1, 2021
A young professional finds her life drastically upended when she loses her job and is forced to move back home with her parents only to find inspiration from her former childhood rival. Jessica Kim has been putting in her dues at her thankless Wall Street job for a while now, but when she's unceremoniously fired (over Zoom, no less), she has to give up her lease and move back to her hometown of Nashville and in with her parents. Of course, right when life seems to be at its lowest is when she unexpectedly encounters Daniel Choi, a former classmate and pastor's son now all grown up and working as a successful lawyer. The lingering tension between them isn't entirely rooted in old competitive tendencies, either. When Daniel gives Jess the idea for a new professional endeavor--livestreaming Korean cooking tutorials--she hardly expects that her mother will crash the party or that their on-camera dynamic will become an overnight viral sensation. But as Jess' channel skyrockets in popularity, she'll have to decide what's worth prioritizing: family and the guy she might be falling for or building her brand. Jess' career success is achieved rather quickly, and she surmounts the limited obstacles a bit too easily, but the plot is packed with mirth and mouthwatering meal descriptions, and the book addresses the heavier subjects of workplace sexism and racism with deftness and care. Ultimately, the relationships, both romantic and familial, are what make this novel such a satisfying experience. A charming contemporary romance with heart, humor, and home cooking.

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July 5, 2021
Sparks fly between reunited rivals in this heartwarming and empowering romance from Park (Loathe at First Sight). Jessica Kim is left reeling when she’s let go from her Wall Street job. Lost and disheartened, she returns to Nashville to live with her parents while strategizing next steps. It’s the worst possible moment for her to run into her childhood nemesis, “Korean Boy Wonder” Daniel Choi, who has become the living embodiment of everything Jess currently lacks: success, composure, and a knack for charming everyone he meets. Though Jess refuses to admit it, even she’s not immune. And as they spend time together, she can’t deny the chemistry between them, nor the fact that it’s Daniel who inspires her to start her own streaming channel featuring cooking hacks with a Korean flair. Jess flourishes as a budding entrepreneur, rediscovering how important her cultural roots and family are to her; meanwhile, she slowly comes to terms with the fact that dashing Daniel may be the perfect fit for her after all. Park is a master in crafting comedic yet endearing moments that become the foundation for intricate character development. This is sure to be a hit. Agent: Brent Taylor, Triada US Literary.

Starred review from August 1, 2021

Jess Kim is having a rough time after getting laid off from her Wall Street job despite being a model employee. She decides to move back home to Tennessee to live with her parents while figuring out what comes next. In Tennessee, she runs into her middle school nemesis, Daniel Choi. They had always competed against each other in school, and now Daniel seems different and is more successful than Jess. Jess soon conceives of a new business making Korean products for meal kits, and Daniel provides her with an industry contact that helps get it off the ground. Jess then records a live cooking video with her mother that goes viral, jump-starting her new venture. Daniel and Jess are starting to become more than friends, and Jess's professional and personal lives seem to be turning a corner, but it all changes when Daniel is involved in something that puts the business in jeopardy. Jess must decide what she and her company are worth and whether Daniel can earn her forgiveness. VERDICT This engaging romance (Park's second, after Loathe at First Sight) with great characters is highly recommended for fans of Jayci Lee's A Sweet Mess.--Ashli Wells, Vanderbilt Univ. Law Lib., Nashville

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