Parental catfishing at its finest!

Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a standalone young adult romance novel and was such a breath of fresh air and so much fun! When Sharlot gets caught in a not so ideal situation, her mother decides to reeducate her by going back to Indonesia. While there, she gets set up on a date in one of the most unconventional ways, and meets George. How well can this actually go?

Well, That Was Unexpected, was such a great experience! I loved that this was centered on an Indonesian family and had a high focus on the balance between sticking to their culture while also embracing American culture. Sharlot being a second generation American, she’s grown up in American society and embraces more American culture than Indonesian, while her mom takes on more of her home country’s culture. This is such a common occurrence in the States and many families experience this very same push and pull between the parents and children! There’s much to relate to due it’s universal themes as well as the constant comedy throughout the story!

I loved that there was a great blend of diverse perspectives blended and familial boundaries being crossed in some of the worst ways. The fact that these types of experience are normal occurrences in some cultures, makes it even more relatable and entertaining. Many readers will think, “omg, this is so me!” and it opens the doors for more voices to be heard and more experiences to be shared. I also liked that it was international and had an emphasis on the generational differences, even in two different countries. One thing that stood out was the broken English. It was so authentic in expressing the fact that the character’s first language may not have been English, yet they are thriving in it. Very authentic!

I had a great time with this story and can’t wait to dive into more from Jesse!

This is a great story for older teens and up. It’s super relatable! Between the fake dating, comedy, and it ultimately being a coming of age story, it’s something for everyone.

Other books by author:
Adult: Dial A for Aunties | Four Aunties and a Wedding |
YA: The Obsession | The New Girl
MG: Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit | Theo Tan Book 2 (Coming soon)

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of Well, That Was Unexpected from Jesse Q. Sutanto via NetGalley

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Penguin Teen, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press.

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 do: they strike up a conversation online, pretending to be their children. When the kids find out about their parents' actions, they are 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?

In many ways, this story was a love letter to Indonesia and everything its culture offers and the reader can absolutely feel the love and pride Sutanto has for her country. I did wish the character development and romance development was slower. I cannot help but feel it would have built a stronger story. The characters were alright but there was quite a bit to keep up on with all of them. It was really hard to believe that the two got together so fast and were on solid footing by the end of the book. I however cannot ignore the ageist comments that were made. I thought the idea of this book was better than its execution. There were also some elements that I felt were unnecessary. The story itself was cute and if you liked Dial A for Aunties, this brings a lot of that same charm but for a younger audience. It has fake dating, meddling families, and a ton of situational humor.

Jesse Q. Sutanto’s books always make me laugh! This is her first YA novel, and it was just as hilarious and charming as her Aunties series!

Sharlot is whisked away from LA to her mother’s native Indonesia after her mother catches her in a very awkward situation. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, George’s father catches him in an equally embarrassing situation. Sharlot’s mother and George’s father do what any good parent would do: catfish each other’s teenagers through an online dating app! Needless to say, Sharlot and George are mortified, but as they get to know each other better, they begin to wonder if their parents were right to set them up.

These characters were so lovable and charming! I know nothing about Indonesia, so I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history, food, fashion, and customs through this book! The descriptions of the setting and culture were fascinating and beautiful, and it was really fun to follow Sharlot and George on their dates throughout Indonesia! The side characters were amazing too! Sharlot’s mom and George’s dad and aunties (especially Eighth Aunt!!) would clearly do anything for their family, and it warmed my heart. This YA romcom was delightfully sweet, entertaining, and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor! At this point, I will happily read anything Jesse Q. Sutanto writes!

This was cute! I was a little unsure about Jesse Q. Sutanto being able to write a YA Romance that didn't feel like adult - but she definitely pulled it off- I'm so sorry for doubting you, Jesse! I think this has a lot of the same qualities of what makes her adult romances great - but with a teen voice.

What really stood out to me is the unique way she played with the miscommunication tropes. I generally hate miscommunication in romance, but it worked in this one because of how Sutanto played with that concept.

Also please give me all the food and beverages mentioned in this book.

If you're looking for a contemporary romance comedy with beautiful world building, loveable characters and Crazy Rich Asian vibes, then I highly suggest to read this one!

I absolutely adore this book!
I'm Indonesian and I'm very familiar with the Chinese Indonesian culture so I could totally relate to the characters growing up in that society- with the huge family expectation and their "high curiosity" to young people.

The author did a good job on the research about Indonesia, especially about the cultures, places, foods and coffee.
The author also has a great writing style to tackle some serious topics but still makes it as an easy light reading.

This story is told in dual POV, Sharlot and George.
I laugh and smile a lot while reading about Sharlot & George's flirting with each other as well as the bantering from their sibling and cousins.

Overall, this is such a page turner!
It's a fun, heart warming and entertaining read with lots of great messages as well.
I'm satisfied with how it ends, everything was wrapped up nicely.
I'm definitely looking forward to read more books from this author!

Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour, Netgalley, Jesse Q. Sutanto and Delacorte Press for granting this e-ARC to me.
I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily!

Thank you so much @netgalley and @delacortepress for my e-Arc!

This book was HILARIOUS!!!! If you enjoyed Jesse’s book, Dial A For Aunties, then I guarantee you’ll love this one too! I actually liked this one more. Even though it’s YA, it doesn’t feel like it while you’re reading which makes it perfect for adults too.

The way Sharlot and George meet is the funniest thing I’ve ever read 🤣 You’ve got fake dating, a famous family, and meddlesome parents & aunts! I love all the different representation, and everything else about this book! Pure perfection 💕

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to laugh while reading!

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. While it is a gradual process to end up as lovers, she genuinely makes their friendship so good and 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.

I do wish that it isn't leaning heavily toward George's development too much. I feel like he has the overall growth, 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, considering that the aim of this book is also disproving stigmas.

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.

Jesse Q. Sutanto is probably one of my newest favorite authors and I've cemented her as an autobuy author. Seriously, love her. I've read her Aunties books and now this. I wasn't sure what to expect from a YA romcom but this was incredible. Indonesia is such an interesting country with fascinating history and I loved that we got a story set there. I think that Jesse's voice is needed and I love these stories. And a romance? Heck yes! I will be picking up literally everything she writes.

When Sharlot’s mom catches her almost having sex, she immediately whisks her away to Indonesia to spend the summer with family Sharlot has never met. While in Indonesia, Sharlot’s mom joins a dating app on Sharlot’s behalf to help her meet the right kind of guy. She connects with George Clooney Tanuwijaya and they begin a conversation and agree to meet. What Sharlot’s mother doesn’t know when she arranges this date is that George’s dad is the one behind the dating app. The teenagers reluctantly meet but know there is no way they will ever fall for each other. But when they get caught on camera by reporters interested in George and his very wealthy family, they pretend to be dating, and end up having to continue their fake relationship to help George’s latest app succeed.

Jesse Q. Sutanto writes the best books for when you are in the mood to laugh out loud. I adore her adult cozy mystery series, so I was excited to try this YA rom com from her, and I was very happy to see the same hilarious and outrageous writing style. The storyline was wild and filled with hilarious twists and mishaps, but still some serious moments and beautiful character development. Also, after reading this story, I now want to travel to Indonesia. With this book, Jesse wrote a stunning love letter to what sounds like a beautiful country. Her vivid descriptions brought the country to life. Overall, this book is incredible. Go read it.

Thanks to Delacorte Press for the advance copy.

I love this book so much. Jesse Q. Sutanto never misses; Sharlot and George's relationship was adorable, their family dynamics were hilarious, and the setting absolutely permeates the pages of this incredible YA novel. I'm incredibly amazed that Sutanto is able to churn out book after amazing book, and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store.

thank you to netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars rounded up. this was a pretty fun young adult romance and i liked the individual characters! both leads' chapters were interesting to read about which i find rare in romances, and their perspectives were varied enough that i didn't feel like i was reading the same person's thoughts but similar enough that it made sense for them to be in a relationship together. however, i felt that their romance was very rushed. especially seeing as to how awkward the relationship felt in the opening chapters, it was really hard to believe that the two got together so fast and were on solid footing by the end of the book. i've read sutanto's adult dial a for aunties duology, and was interested in seeing how she adapted her writing style to suit ya but her themes and development seemed largely similar to her adult books. there's also a very very specific complaint i had with a big reveal used for shock which i'll specifically talk about on release day that prevented me from rating this higher.

Sharlot's mother has just walked in on her in a compromising position with a boy.
George's father has just walked in on him in a compromising position alone.
Sharlot's mother takes this as a sign that she should whisk her daughter away to Indonesia for the summer.
George's dad, encourage by George's younger sister Eleanor, takes this as a sign that he should find his son a suitable girlfriend.
So the parents get to talking. As their children.
And now suddenly Sharlot and George find themselves on a date with each other, expecting the fictional versions their parents have created. But George's family is rich and famous, and this one coffee date turns into a fake relationship to keep up public opinion in the lead-up to the app George and his family are launching.
But Sharlot knows George thinks she's a traditional girl who just wants to cook and clean for a husband who provides for her. And George knows Sharlot thinks his only hobby is math.
Slowly, as they spend time with each other for the sake of the company, they realize that the other is not who they expected... and that they might actually like each other.

Well, That Was Unexpected is sweet, and funny-- I laughed out loud multiple times and found myself on the edge of my seat wanting things to work out for George and Sharlot. They're both awkward and sweet and I really, really loved them. The plot was intriguing, the awkwardness was perfectly balanced (it very easily could have been uncomfortably awkward, but it never was), and all the characters were fantastic.

Some other things I really loved about the book:
The app George is developing is aimed at teenage boys, to help break the "boys will be boys" mentality, which I really loved.
There are a few queer characters in the book, and with all of them, the reveal is really sweet.
The humor! There were a few moments that were just unreasonably funny.
Kiki and Eleanor's friendship-- Sharlot's cousin and George's sister have the most ridiculous, adorable friendship, to the point where I want a whole book about their adventures.

I loved this book and these characters, and I think this book is going to stay with me for a long time.

At first, I wasn’t sure about this book, but then the more and more I read I fell in love with the characters. I finished this book in 2 days! This book was about family, and finding out about yourself along the way with a romance at the backstory. Families being worried and taking things into their own hands is how Sharlot and George first met.

This book started very similarly to Dial A for Aunties, and so I was a little worried... but I'm so glad I didn't need to be! I love the way that Jesse Q. Sutanto writes, and was so excited to dive into this YA romance. I love how skillfully Jesse writes the characters, community, and cultures into her stories, and this was no exception. The characters feel like real people who could step off of the page, and I love that we get growth and development from side characters alongside the main characters. The way that language is used to embrace the culture of these families and the communities they're in, as well as demonstrate generational differences is masterful.

I'm so excited to share this book with teens at my library, friends, and honestly whoever will listen. ;)

I LOVED this book!!! This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will be going back and reading the rest of her books!!!

This YA rom-com is hilarious! It has great bantering, moments when you can truly feel the love between the characters, as well as those awkward teen moments that we have all gone through. I love how Jesse really found a way to focus on ALL of the family relationships and not only the love story here.

She was on point with the sassy American teenage attitude! Although there were times I wanted to wash Sharlot’s mouth out with soap for talking to her mother like that!!! Man, do I sound like my mother! This mother/daughter bond is stronger than ever once the secrets are peeled away.

It was nice to see the "love at first sight" feelings between Sharlot and George even when they didn't fully recognize it because they were angry with their parents. I do love the “fake-dating” trope but I kept wondering how these two smart/sly teenagers couldn’t figure out that they were being catfished?

I loved the setting!!! After reading this, I am putting Indonesia on my list of places to one day visit! I really want to try some Indonesian coffee now! I think the supporting characters are great…they really added so much to this already fun story!!! But I will say that as a parent, I felt slightly uncomfortable with the parents "catfishing" children, even though they thought they were doing what was best for their kids..

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good laugh out loud, YA rom-com!!! I am secretly hoping for a sequel here of maybe Sharlot's and George's college experiences/romance!!!

Already a huge fan of Jesse Q. Sutanto and this was no different. Loved it!

George, Sharlot and their families will have you laughing, shocked, and falling for them instantly. Between the aunties, cousin, and sister you will wish you had a family like theirs.

George and Sharlot meet in not the best circumstances (thanks to their families) but roll with and play the parts until maybe they are no longer acting.

Don’t skip this one, it’s so cute!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for a review.

This is a delightful romcom, full of heart, humor, and a deep love for the people and culture of Indonesia. It’s funny, smart, and charming.

This was a really cute young adult rom-com. Sharlot is caught in an awkward position by her mother, which prompts her mom to pack her up and head to her mom's homeland (Indonesia) for the summer. At the same time, George is also caught by his father and sister in an embarrassing situation, so they take it upon themselves to find him a real girlfriend. Catfished by each other's parents, Sharlot and George meet and overtime a friendship does actually form. But then their secrets come out. Will their new relationship survive??

The humor and banter in this book was great! It has the awkwardness of teenagers, but also included a little bit of adult humor to appeal to a broader audience. The humor in it actually gave me Crazy Rich Asians vibes.

The characters are well written, from Sharlot and George, to Eight Aunt, to the tag-a-long reporter. Each character has a unique personality and it made me feel for {almost all of} them when something happened to them.

While this book was written for young adults, it had a broad appeal and anyone who loves rom-coms (especially with the fake dating troupe) will enjoy this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Get your copy of Well, That Was Unexpected on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022!

I wanted to enjoy this but I feel like it was not what I was expecting, I was left wanting more but also... not wanting to read another.

Being a hormonal teenager is hard, especially when one has over-involved but well-meaning parents. Teens George and Sharlot live on opposite sides of the world from one another, and both are being brought up by single parents. When circumstances align to bring Sharlot to Indonesia from her home in California, a twist of fate connects Sharlot and George—using the words of their parents—via an app. Despite the secrets they both have, they must pretend to be together for the sake of George’s family’s company. But will their forced connection ultimately flower into something more?

This charming young adult novel reads like a romantic comedy film centered around the lifestyle of Crazy Rich Asians. The narrative is shared between both Sharlot and George, and their unique voices are easily discernible even without the assistance of the labels provided at the beginning of each chapter. Sharlot is raw and honest, often speaking her mind using crass and strong vocabulary. George is more put together, carefully crafting his words because he is always under public scrutiny. Inside, both characters desire to do right by the other, but they feel they have sunk into a hole from which there is no escape.

Readers will laugh out loud throughout the course of the book as dynamic and well-written dialogue guides the narrative. Indonesian and Chinese phrases are tossed in among the English, and each character is easy to picture thanks to the thoughtful design of the text. The overarching narrative is enjoyable from the first moments, and rich emotional connections keep readers engaged in Sharlot and George’s story. Readers know everything the two characters are thinking, and the fact that the characters have not yet shared secrets with one another builds dramatic tension that readers will feel through to the final resolve. This is a fantastic story for young adult readers who enjoy both a light and uplifting romantic comedy along with the often hilarious antics of family members that sometimes try just a little too hard.