Heat Factor: Holy awkward phone sex, batman!
Character Chemistry: That thing where he teaches her to have better self-esteem
Plot: Gentrification in Harlem makes our relationship complicated
Overall: This is mostly a sweet little novella, but I HATED their dynamic

Let’s talk about our heroine, Magda Ferrer. She has a serious case of being hard on herself.
1. She has debt, so she must be a garbage person!
2. She dropped out of a graduate program and also culinary school, so she must be a hot mess!
3. She doesn’t really like her job - in fact, it seems to be eating away at her soul - but she has to prove that she can finish something, otherwise she’ll never get her life together!
Look, she may have floundered a bit in her early twenties (but who hasn’t? Ask me about the doctorate I don’t use sometime), but she is way too hard on herself. And because she is hard on herself, she never stands up for herself. So her boss treats her like garbage and her family treats her like an incompetent child. She doesn’t seem to have any friends or a roommate (as a single twenty-something with tons of debt in Brooklyn???) or a community of any kind, because she is too busy constantly working and being miserable and feeling like she deserves the misery.

Enter Ty. Magda meets Ty because she is given the thankless task of selling an empty lot to a developer - except the lot isn’t empty. Instead of a blight, it’s been repurposed into a community garden, full of too many zucchini and some prized tomatoes. Ty pretends like he’s not a member, but he spends every weekend turning compost. Naturally, Magda and Ty find themselves on opposing sides of the debate about what to do about this garden.

What makes this book interesting is that Lang doesn’t make this fight easy or simple for either Ty or Magda. They are both complicit in the gentrification of the neighborhood, but also both invested in supporting the community that exists there. Magda doesn’t really want to see the garden destroyed, but she has to pay her rent. And Ty loves his neighborhood just the way it is right now - you know, now that he owns a condo with a brand new luxury kitchen. And the way the fight is resolved is satisfactory to all parties, including me.

My problem with Open House stemmed from the dynamic that develops between Magda and Ty. Ty convinces Magda that she should stop being so hard on herself. A lot of people have debt - it’s the economy, not a moral failure. It’s great that Ty helps Magda be her best self, but in this case, Magda was a little too reliant on Ty to recognize the fact that she works hard and therefore deserves a modicum of respect. There’s also a lack of mutuality: Ty fixes Magda, but it doesn’t go the other way, which makes for an inherently unequal power dynamic.

If a man teaching a woman to love herself annoys you less than it annoys me, you might enjoy this read. It’s short, charming, and thoughtful. The sex is poignant, because Ty and Magda just know that there’s no future for them (**insert eyeroll here**), but also hot. And there’s a booth at a fundraising selling dumplings of the world, which is really all I’ve ever wanted in life.


I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

So what I liked about this book was that the story was a little different, I don't recall ever reading about a community garden so kudos to the author.. That being said I felt like I wanted more, I wanted more connection and I didn't feel like we got that, maybe it is that I started with this one and this is the second book in the series but it wasn't that I was lost because you can read it as a standalone but I just wanted more. I like the enemies to lover trope but again needed a little more but all in all not a bad book and if you want a quick read than this is for you, if you want some deep emotional leaving you breathless or sleepless then nope not for you.

Ruby Lang is one of my favorite author finds this year. I like the way she writes and the worlds and characters she creates. Her writing has a wry wit and a spare, natural style. Her characters interact like normal human beings. Side note: Lang’s story follows a Millennial man and woman, of Asian American and Afro-Latina descent. I, as a Gen X white woman, am absolutely unqualified to judge the quality of representation, I can only say that to me, they are relatable characters.

This isn’t really an enemies to lovers story. Magda and Ty find them on opposite sides of an issue, but they like each other and even when they are in disagreement, there’s an easiness between them. The issue between them is a community garden. Magda is a real estate agent tasked with selling an empty lot, and needs the income the sale will bring. The lot, once a magnate for garbage, rats, and crime, is now a beautiful community garden. Ty is one of the founding members of that garden. It is one of the few things outside work and his sister that anchors him. For each of them, the future of the garden directly impacts their own future.

Magda Ferrer is a such a Millennial. A lot of people have strong opinions about what she should be doing and how, but she is hemmed in by crushing debt and the whims of her elders, plus the forces of late stage capitalism. She is very quietly and diligently keeping her head down and trying to solve her problems, like an adult. In Ty, she begins to find someone who can listen to her and support her without taking over.

Tyson Yang has been floating through his life since his mother died and his father ran away to start a new life in Taiwan. Ty constantly plays down his importance to the community garden, and it’s importance to him. The only attachment he is willing to acknowledge is his relationship with his sister. His attraction to Magda sparks more life in him than he’s felt in a while.

Marriage, or the promise of marriage is the happily ever after that most romances are going for. Ruby Lang stops short of that with the happy ending being the couple deciding that they are a couple. That can be frustrating because as a long time reader of the genre, I have expectations for where the story will go. However, it fits so perfectly with the way Lang weaves her stories into the real world. In the real world, Millennials are getting married later, if at all. Part of the reason they are getting married later is the debt they carry. Ty and Magda may never marry, but they have found someone who be their partner, will support them and be their advocate. The relationship is more important than the ring and the relationship doesn’t mean that problems disappear. Magda has given up on some of her dreams in pursuit of financial stability, but with Ty, she also gets to find personal happiness. I want to see them going on with their relationship, but it isn’t necessary to the story Lang is telling.

Author's CWs of cancer, difficult family relationships, microaggressions. I add loss of family member/spouse/parent

I loved this contemporary, enemies to lovers romance by Ruby Lang. Magda is trying to be independent, struggling with life choices and feelings of inadequacies, a job that seems to be working out and older sisters who still try to mother her and do not listen. Ty is hovering somewhere between trying to not make connections because he's afraid of more loss in his life and his inherent nice-ness that creates those very connections with others. They meet when their lives seem at cross purposes. Magda needs to sell a vacant lot and Ty works with the local residents who have turned the lot into a neighborhood garden. Open House has everything. Community, family with all its good and bad, themes of grief and loss and moving on, main characters that I really loved and side characters that added depth, humor and even a little bit of the guy you love to hate. I want to wander these streets in Manhattan, see the homes and absorb the community and eat the food that's described. Sexy times on the page, including some hot then awkward phone sex that totally works. Highly recommended! I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

Ruby Lang has really hit her stride with this one. I liked the first in the series, but found the ending a bit rushed. Novella-length romance often suffers from this, as the shorter word count leaves less room for developing the relationship in a realistic, emotionally satisfying way. This one was just...excellent. As always, I loved not only the couple at the heart of the book, I also adored the many side characters who populate their lives (seriously, Ruby's sense of place is so acute: the communities, the food, the sense of place! Having lived through a NYC summer myself, I felt immersed in this novella).

I was given an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I actually enjoyed this book more than Playing House maybe because the length is longer and there was more side characters to give depth to the story, overall this was a great romance with a small town vibe despite being set in Manhattan, fully fleshed out imperfect main characters and sense of community and family. And very sexy! Who knew rooftops and blackouts could be a hot combination! In Ruby Lang’s second book in her Uptown series, we meet (again) Magda Ferrer an newbie real estate broker and Tyson Yang newbie community gardener. Open House plays on a variant of enemies to lovers trope. Mainly Magda is the broker assigned to selling the abandoned lot that’s been turned into an urban community garden by residents of the neighborhood and Ty well he’s been part of the garden from the start. But they really really like each other, on the other hand they’re not in a position to be involved with anyone at this time. I love how this all played out, how both Magda and Ty’s personal struggles added so much depth into their developing relationship with one another. I also loved how the history of the neighborhood was added into the story, giving readers bits of history that played a part in the plot. Now I really want to visit Strivers’ Row Houses! Overall, I think readers will fall in love with Magda and Ty and the rest of the gang the way i did.

I reallllllllllly loved this bookI love any romance novel trope that is Enemies-to-lovers, and the writer did a really great job. I loved how both Magda and Ty had real, everyday, serious problems to deal with and overcome. The debt and the aimlessness and the trying to find their way in the world were done just so well.

Also, the chemistry between them was off the chart. One of the best out-doors love scenes ever. Morever, this book, like Playing House really showcases how well Lang writes complex but loving family dynamics. I love me some Jenny and I roll my eyes at but know that Flora means well and I FEEL for Uncle Bryon in all his difficult glory. This is a short book packed with some much, that every page feels important and good and just an all over wonderful read.

I'm so glad Ruby Lang is on the scene! This is the 2nd book of a new series, and both have been absolutely lovely. You do not have to read the first to read the second - they are more loosely related than serialized stories. This book is a great romcom that handles real issues of gentrification and getting on your feet, but it still keeps a light tone.

I really loved this book. Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes and this was done so well. Even though you always rooted for Ty and the garden you were also so on board with Magda and all her frustrations and how hard she was trying just to survive. I loved how both Magda and Ty had real, everyday, serious problems to deal with and overcome. The debt and the aimlessness and the trying to find their way in the world were done just so well.

Also, the chemistry between them was off the chart. One of the best out-doors love scenes ever. Morever, this book, like Playing House really showcases how well Lang writes complex but loving family dynamics. I love me some Jenny and I roll my eyes at but know that Flora means well and I FEEL for Uncle Bryon in all his difficult glory. This is a short book packed with some much, that every page feels important and good and just an all over wonderful read.

3 ok stars
It is the second book in the series. I had not read the first book.
The plot deals with a couple of different races, which was cool. Just didn't fell anything for them. No connection.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a raw, multiracial, cute romantic novel. Magda needs to sell a lot Ty uses to help the community plant a garden. Both have their reasons for wanting the lot but do not account for the instant attraction they feel for each other. I enjoyed the descriptions of the city. i felt the author created realistic depictions of the city and it's inhabitance. The only thing missing was a deeper connection between the heroes. Yes they argue and understand each ones hardships but the story left me wanting more from them. It felt too serious too fast.
Overall, it's well written and entertaining.

This is the 2nd book in the Uptown series but it can easily be read as a standalone novel. This is a cute romance with the story revolving around a community garden. I definitely enjoyed the book but it's not the type of story that is memorable. Basically if you are the type of reader who is always reading a romance novel, this is a safe choice. However, if you only occasionally read something in the genre, I think there are better ones out there for you to pick from.

Space is a valuable commodity in New York City and Magda Ferrer has been tasked with selling her uncle's home and a lot nearby. Magda is eager to prove herself in her new career field which unfortunately means upsetting the people who have been using the lot as a community garden. Tyson Yang finds himself in the middle of all this and wants to help his friends keep the garden. Looks like Magda and Tyson will be going toe to toe. (among other things, wink wink)

So Magda and Tyson had good chemistry which is such a necessity in a romance novel. Their romantic scenes are a bit hot and steamy, so if that's not your thing, maybe take a pass on this book. I liked how the author chose to use a community garden as part of the plot because it added something different to the story. This was a really quick read which might be part of the reason it just doesn't feel like there's substance to the story. It's one of those books in which I don't really any complaints but I'm not going to say it's a must read either.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

This is a cute and easy read. I really enjoyed it. I didn’t realise this was the second in a series. However, this didn’t make a difference- the book was fine as a stand-alone.

In a word: ADORABLE. It's unusual to have an ethical conflict keeping two characters apart in a romance where you can sympathize wholeheartedly with both of them, but man, I felt so much for both Magda and Ty. A true millennial romance: when was the last time you read a book where the obstacles to Happily Ever After were gentrification and student loan debt? And the ending will make you want to stand up and cheer. Lang knocked it out of the park with this one. (Just FYI, like Playing Houses, this is a novella, not a novel.)

***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Ruby Lang and Carina Press.***

Open House, by Ruby Lang, is a charming, nemeses-to-lovers story. Magda is trying to turn her life around. She’s working as a real estate agent and buried under a mountain of student debt. Her boss assigns her the sale of a vacant lot that the surrounding neighbourhood is using as a community garden. There she meets Ty, the garden’s unofficial spokesperson. Ty hasn’t gotten close to anyone since losing his mother, at least not until he meets Magda. He knows he’s not supposed to want her, but he does. She seems to want him back. They just have to figure out if they can make it work.

Ty and Magda were both lovely. There was a tangible chemistry between them that transcended lust from almost the first moment they met. I liked how they listened to one another, how they tried so hard to be professional and remain unaffected. I loved how openly Ty cared for Magda, how he was always trying to protect her and take care of her. I found Magda’s uncle a bit infuriating and Magda’s mother and sisters overbearing. I didn’t exactly feel warmly towards Ty’s sister either. She’s blunt and honest without much regard for other’s feelings. I loved the cast of garden characters too, though we only get tiny bits and pieces about them.

I think this story works so well because of the benefits of a community garden. I do wish we’d been able to see a little bit more shared time between Magda and Ty. It’s not as though they spent no time together, more that so much of it was on a professional level. Then again, maybe the stolen moments we did get added to that je ne sais quoi that made our pair so drawn to one another.

In Open House we meet up again with Magda, a budding real estate agent who feels she must win at this job as she hasn’t in so many of her past endeavors. Enter Ty, a slightly repressed CPA who blossoms (!) in his work in a community garden in New York. But the garden is on a lot that Magda has to sell out form under the gardeners. Despite all Magda and Ty are drawn together. It is a sweet and sexy tale. O would recommend it to my patrons.

This was impossibly sweet and steamy. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics of the characters and especially the gardeners. I thought the romance portion was perfect and fun. All around a fun read!

A charming real-estate romance that'll make your cheeks ache from smiling. Magda and Ty may be at odds over the sale of a community garden, but the way they come together through history, understanding, and dumplings is delightful beyond compare.

I was granted this ARC from Net Galley for an honest review.

I didn't realize this was the second book in the Uptown series by Ruby Lang. It reads as a standalone, so I don't see the need to read the first one if you haven't. We have Magda Ferrer and Tyson Yang, our two protagonists. Magda is up and coming real estate agent, and Tyson is a CPA who helps out at this community garden. They meet when Magda shows up to look at the garden as she has been in charge to selling it for her real estate firm. Needless to say, the first meeting doesn't go very well. Yet, these two seem drawn to each other, and they can't help feel some sort of attraction as they continue to learn about each other. They're both dealing with their own family issues, including Magda trying to sell her uncle's townhouse, which hasn't been going well for other firms. They both have experienced their own forms of losses and are still trying to figure themselves out while being in their 30's. They are funny, earnest, honest, and just a general delight to read.

The chemistry between Magda and Tyson was pretty obvious, and I love how it wasn't instant love at the end of the book. There is a build up, and these two actually talk. They are attracted to each other, but they're not undressing each other with their eyes every five seconds. It's very rare you see a interracial couple that doesn't involve a white person, so it was refreshing to have an Afro-Latina and Taiwanese fall in love. I love the diversity of the book, and that they bring their own experiences into the story to make it rich and wonderful.

The only thing I wish I could have seen more of was Magda's interaction with her mother. We only have a brief scene with them at the beginning of the book. We also see her having interacted with one of her sisters, but there was very little family time. I also wanted more of a development between the conflict between Magda and her sisters, but the book was only so many pages, so I can see why Ruby kept to the primary line of what happens with the garden and the townhouse. I may have wanted more, but I am happy with the overall story.

This is a very cute, easy read, and I think it's perfect for the end of summer. I'd high recommend getting it when it comes out. We all need a little more love in our lives.