I have received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“The truth is, Mama isn’t just my mom, she’s a whole person in her own right. How did it take me so long to see that? I’ve always just seen her as my mother, the person whose life revolves around mine. What a selfish, bratty way to think of another human being. She has a story of her own, one that doesn’t involve me at all.”


Oh, this was so much fun to listen to. Family can be overbearing and completely chaotic at the same time. So, it was pretty obvious that the parents were talking to one another pretending to be their kids and setting up a date. I almost died from secondhand embarrassment when they saw what was being texted to the other person. Then they actually met each other, and I just knew I was going to enjoy all the moments between Sharlot and George Clooney.

Even though I liked this book, I will admit that some things would end up annoying me. Mostly when the kids were acting immature, but I guess that also makes it realistic. Then there's seeing Indonesia through Sharlot's eyes. That part I definitely enjoyed, and all of the foods sound amazing—even if there's the risk of food poisoning. It seems worth it.

In the end, I am happy that I stuck with this because things definitely got better. The little drama towards the end needed to happen because I was so sick of them not knowing the truth. Now they can all happily move on. From catfishing to reconnecting with old loves, and to telling the world the embarrassing moments that started it all.

This is the first book I've read by Jesse Q. Sutanto and it's definitely not the last! It's a funny, lovely and fluffy YA RomCom which warmed my heart. Being mixed asian like Sharlot, I would have loved the explore my mother's country like Shar did. I can relate to so many things. Yes, it's a RomCom, but it's told very modern and at the same time, it's a love letter to Indonesia and its culture. As a reader, we learn so much about cultural habits, the role of premature sex and other things like to colonization of coffee. Shar is a great relatable character, I would love to have her as a daughter! And George is a perfect non-toxic boyfriend. It was lovely how they explored their fake relationship in front of the cameras. I was quite surprised that the author mentioned sex in her YA romcom. There are no spicy scenes, but as teenagers do, they discuss about sex and of course they are curious. Sutanto's writing style is humorous and sensitive, I literally flew through the pages. If you wonder about the MCs strange first names, they will be explained in the book as well.

I did not know I needed this book, but it found me and it was a real blast! I highly recommend this heart-warming book. But be careful, after reading this book, you will yearn to visit Indonesia!

I may have Dial A For Aunties at home, but technically, my first ever Jesse Q. Sutanto read is this book. And just like how her new release is named, Well, That Was Unexpected is an unexpected novel—both in the narrative's theme and the overall tone that has gone quite beyond my expectation.

The premise is simply this: Sharlot and George are respectively caught in a compromising situation, and to ensure that these teenagers will get the most reputable lovers, their parents strike up a fake online profile and pretend to be the children, and somehow, their pretend ends up with Sharlot and George meeting each other online then whisked away by their families to a Bali trip to officially getting to know one another.

Sutanto lays out a narrative foundation that is direct in its message, which is to never judge a book by its cover, or in this case, their online profiles. When Sharlot's mother and George's father create the fake online persona of these children, Sharlot and George come off to be prudish teenagers, embodying the stereotypical habits of 'perfect Chinese-Indonesian children', or even the model minority type. Their physical meeting and sudden jump into a relationship under false pretenses have given them a chance to see each other as their true selves. While it is a gradual process to end up as lovers, what makes me impressed by Sutanto's writing about their chemistry is how she genuinely makes their friendship so good that even if they don't date, it'd be no brainer that Sharlot and George will hold each other dear.

That chemistry isn't only limited to their reintroduction to each other and learning about their identities do present but a conduit to lessen archetype assumptions over many things, which brings me to the second meaning of the message that Sutanto intends to deliver: almost every character in the novel has preconceived notions about something. For example, Sharlot initially has an ill-thought idea of Indonesians being a backward population for its status as a third-world country or the fact that she holds most people's personalities based on the qualities of people she's met and judged as an American. Another example found in other characters' oozing wonder and curiosity, like Kiki and George's family, on Sharlot's upbringing as an American-born Chinese (or an American in general), which is filled with several unpleasant assumptions, particularly on their individualism and detachment from their racial origins.

And those assumptions are changing (for the better) as the fake public relationship scheme between Sharlot and George starts progressing, proving once again that anyone or anything is not what they initially thought to be. Hence, the emphasis on the word 'unexpected' in the title—a rather genius play on words and its association with the story indeed.

As far as the characters go, they are far from boring. Sutanto introduces quite a big cast, full of rowdiness and distinctive personalities that are exactly Indonesian behaviors. The dynamic between characters is also authentic as if I am watching my own family breaking into similar arguments right in front of me, down to the exact words and phrases they would use in a fight. The standouts from the expansive cast, excluding the protagonists, are Kiki and Eighth Aunt. Both are equally clever, quick to assert the situation, whether to control any damage or maximize chances, but they still have the 'heart' to think about the people they will use for their plans.

On the other hand, I admit that I wasn't too keen on Sharlot and George in their initial introduction in the first chapters—my thoughts were nothing but groaning that they're just too petulant for their own good. But it isn't like they aren't capable of developing their personalities; Sharlot's tenacity in keeping her autonomy as a woman and a person is a bravado move, particularly in a place that is still mostly conservative. And while George seemingly avoids anything related to the family business, he demonstrates himself to be naturally business savvy when he's passionate about a certain project.

One thing I do wish from the book is that it isn't leaning heavily toward George's development too much. I feel like he has the overall growth, from personality to perception and brain, when in Sharlot's case, it's just simply her character and viewpoint. I want her to have a more active contribution beyond her status as the girlfriend, such as inputting suggestions to the project from her perspective as a woman and an artist—especially the latter, so we could see how her artistic hobby is utilized and not deemed useless, considering that the aim of this book is also disproving stigmas and unfavorable perception.

Nevertheless, it's personally a satisfying read and warm-up to Sutanto's writing. It's cute, nostalgic, and pays homage to her home country exactly how she wishes to be—should some Indonesian immigrants who live abroad pick up this book, I hope it will cure your yearning for our home country, even if it's only for a while.

A fun YA rom-com featuring FANTASTIC and frank conversations about sex for teens.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the galley.

Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Well, That Was Unexpected offers a whirlwind of humor, awkward moments, and cultural exploration, blending the chaos of meddling parents with the charm of a romantic comedy.

The story’s premise is delightfully outlandish—two parents impersonating their kids online in an attempt to engineer a perfect match. Sharlot and George’s horror at discovering their parents’ antics is both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, and the setting of Indonesia brings a refreshing vibrancy to the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a culture not often showcased in YA rom-coms.

However, while the book shines with its humor and heartfelt exploration of family relationships, the romance between Sharlot and George feels underdeveloped at times. Their connection grows, but it lacks the emotional depth that makes a love story truly unforgettable. The parents, while hilarious, occasionally overshadow the main characters, making it harder to fully invest in Sharlot and George’s journey.

Overall, Well, That Was Unexpected is an enjoyable, lighthearted read, perfect for fans of quirky romantic setups and culturally rich backdrops. It may not linger in your mind long after you’ve finished, but it’s sure to bring a few smiles along the way. 3/5 stars.

Life got in the way and I could not finish the book. Thanks to the publishers for the chance to read the book.

Thank you for this ARC. Unfortunately, I've lost interest in this premise. I think it will do more harm if I read and do a review at this point. I'm sorry for any inconvenience.

Well, That Was Unexpected was a cute and funny story about two teenagers who get caught up in their parents' catfish scheme. The story was entertaining and amusing. You can't help but smile as you read it. It brings back all the awkward moments that teenagers have with overprotective parents. I enjoyed learning about Indonesian and Chinese culture, family dynamics, and history. I also like how accurate the dynamics in an Asian household shown here are, which I can relate to from my childhood. The humor and banter in this book were fantastic. It reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians.

Sharlot and George were both excellent protagonists. They had distinct voices because of the different situations in which they were raised. I did wish the character, and romance depth was a little slower. I can't help but think it would have made a better story. It felt unrealistic that the two got together so quickly and were on solid ground by the end of the book. I almost DNF'd about halfway through. I'm glad I persevered. I wouldn't recommend it if you want much character depth, but it's a quick and humorous read.

It had a great start and the premise seem really good, it felt like it was going to be really funny and lively but the romance part was lacking, I was 50% into the book and the main characters haven't even had a full conversation without other people in it, there was chemistry between them (as we can see at the end) but it was explored to late

Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a delightful read for young adult romance enthusiasts who crave a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud story with a touch of emotional depth, set against the vibrant backdrop of Indonesia, and featuring a fake-dating trope that will keep them hooked until the very end.

Jesse Q Sutanto writes such entertaining and hilarious books, and this one is no different! Well, That Was Unexpected is a fun and adorable young adult book that keeps you turning the page. It's full of charming characters, witty banter and a wonderful setting.

I’ve enjoyed Sutanto’s raucous “Dial A” novels about an over-the-top Chinese-Indonesian family full of meddling aunties, so I was very excited about the opportunity to read a YA version featuring the same theme.

The crux of the drama here is the double catfish scheme: Sharlot’s mom and George’s dad both pretend to be their teens, each describing what they– the adults– think are qualities that will appeal to a romantic partner. The result is a boy who loves doing calculus for fun and a girl who enjoys cooking traditional meals.

George and Sharlot end up in a fake dating scheme for REASONS and now the two teens are stuck together for the foreseeable future. The real drama comes in with Sharlot and George knowing what their respective parents did, but NOT knowing that the other parent did the same thing. So there are several moments when they want to confess to the other, but it’s always an inopportune time.

This book is a love letter to Indonesia, with American born Sharlot having her eyes opened to the sophistication of Jakarta and the beauty of Bali, discovering all sorts of hidden charms. This book is also critical of some of the conservative social mores of Indonesian society and highlights efforts to shed outdated attitudes.

I would absolutely recommend Well, That Was Unexpected. I might not be the target audience, but I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience and I think this book will appeal to fans of Sutanto’s Auntie books. I am looking forward to reading more from Sutanto, although I also want to ration out the books so that I’m never without one of her books on my TBR!


I received a digital ARC of this book from Random House/NetGalley.

This was so fun and so cute! I love Jesse's books that are set in South East Asia the most! Absolutely hilarious!

This is really a hard novel for me to review. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this novel, it also is one that doesn't have a moment that stood out to me.

I think part of the issue was the balance of the hate to love relationship. I want a good long slow burn, especially with hate to love relationships, this almost went on too long. By the time the time that seemed to change, it went from one extreme to the other. They hated each other and then all the suddent they were thinking of each other as something more. This really could have done with some blending in between there that would help make their relationship feel more true.

While it took a long time for George and Sharlot to get past hating one another, there were a lot of other topics that were discussed throughout there were wonderful to see. The feeling disconnected for your history, feeling unwelcome in your home country, homophobia, sexism and so on. Sutanto really didn't shy away from discussing any and all of it. It made it wonderful to see what Indonesia has to offer while not ignoring the problems it has.

Overall, I don't think this novel was for me. Suntato is a great writer and I'm happily going to read other things she's written.

As Well That Was Unexpected begins, the reader is quick to learn that Sharlot and George are each children of slightly overbearing parents who want the best for them. When each of them are found in compromising positions, their parents form a plan. Each of them creates a dating profile for their child and when it connects them, they talk as their children to each other. When Sharlot and George find out, they are both mortified but agree to go on one date to appease their parents. Right away they can tell they don't belong together but because they are seen out in public together, they continue seeing each out. Each time they are together, a new layer is uncovered, and they realize perhaps first impressions aren't always what they seem.

After Sharlot is caught in her compromising position, her mother sends her to Indonesia. She has never been there but, she has family. Her mother left when she was pregnant and does not like to discuss her homeland. Sharlot is seeing this punishment also as a reward because now maybe she can learn more about her family history. I loved the way Indonesian culture and history was presented in this book. I've never been there but it was almost as if I had been by the descriptions. They are so well done! And the food sounds delicious. Oh, and Sharlot's family - her aunties are hilarious!

As for George's family, he is the only male heir of their dynasty. Thus image is very important and once he is seen with Sharlot, he knows he must continue with some fake dating. As they spend together, they find that neither is like who they appeared in the dating app. Their real personalities were so much better than what their parents had pretended them to be. Unfortunately, there is a secret hanging over their heads - each of them know that their parents were the ones doing the talking on the dating app but they don't realize that it was happening the other as well. The secret created a real tension for the book as I knew what was going on, and I wanted them to just tell each other!

Overall, I really enjoyed Well That Was Unexpected. It was funny and sweet and dealt with real issues that families can go through. It gives a perspective of what it is like to be in a country where certain things may not be accepted. The importance of family and familial relationships is also stressed through of this book and this helps creates ways for Sharlot and George to see their overbearing parents/families in a new lights. They may be pushy but they do it out of love and will when asked kindly step back. They might not like stepping back but they will do so out of respect. It's all in the way you phrase things!

So take fake dating, but make it Indonesian teenagers with billionaire trope thrown in and you have this book! To be honest, I didn't expect to like it near as much as I did and this genre is usually outside my norm reading habits.

I didn't love the FMC Sharlot right off the bag but she grew on me as the story went on. I loved how her trip to Indonesia helped her see her mom in a new light and led to them having a significant turn around in their relationship. George, the MMC was so lovable right from the start for me. Reading this book, I cringed, groaned, said aww and laughed out loud. Overly it was highly entertaining and I'm so glad I read it!

Sharlot Citra's mom catches her in a compromising position with her boyfriend, Bradley. Her mother freaks and takes her to Indonesia. Her mother also decides to find a boy on the SHAREit app and talk to him as Sharlot.

George Clooney Tanuwijaya's father walks in on him masturbating and when he clicks off the porn. It was his video game of a badger and a gnome. His dad instantly thinks the worst. He takes George's phone and starts to talk to a girl on the shareIT app. His dad sets up a time to meet.

The date isn't going well and a reporter and his family crash the date. They start to fake date with a secret.

This was a funny young adult set in LA, Indonesia and Bali. I loved the narrators and really enjoyed the book. They talk about the double standards of men and women with sex and there's some LGBTQ representation.

This was so cute. I loved the parents and how they tried to imitate their children via text/email. I am always amazed how this author can write exceptional books across multiple genres and age groups.

Thank you for the advance copy.

Adorable characters. The author is very witty and I enjoyed this cute YA romance. I knew I was not the target audience for this one as I don’t really enjoy YA romance, but this was fun.

This is a really fun book with young characters who have a surprisingly large amount of depth. I really liked their journeys and how their views and life changed throughout the story. The romance itself was cute.