This book is magic, pure and simple magic. I loved every word on every page! I need to read more by this author!

I enjoyed the match-making aspects of this book, especially learning about the Chinese zodiac signs and traditional match-making approaches. Ia also enjoyed Bennett's company and how they were trying to incorporate aspects of the traditional Chinese zodiac match-making approach into a data app. My only issue with the book is how angry and mean Olivia came across. I get that she was struggling to with change and competition, but she was really reactive about it and mean and this impacted the story for me.

2.5 stars. This had a fun premise: rival Chinese zodiac matchmaking firms with different tactics and owners who are unwillingly attracted. But I found Olivia very frustrating. She makes some highly avoidable, terrible choices; keeps secrets for flawed reasons; and doesn’t seem very self aware. Bennett is charming and kind and deserves better.

I almost DNF’d but ended up skimming after 30%.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen is a delightful romance novel that centers around Olivia Huang Christenson, who inherits her family's Chinese zodiac-based matchmaking business, Lunar Love. Olivia is passionate about maintaining the traditional methods her grandmother established. However, her business faces a modern challenge when Bennett O'Brien launches a dating app that also uses the Chinese zodiac but in a more technology-driven manner.

Overall, Lunar Love is a charming and culturally rich romance novel that offers a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Lauren Kung Jessen's debut is a testament to the enduring appeal of love stories that honour traditions while embracing modernity. The novel is a recommended read for those who enjoy slow-burn romances with a strong cultural backdrop.

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen is a delightful romantic comedy that cleverly intertwines Chinese zodiac matchmaking with modern love struggles. The protagonist, Olivia, is a compelling character, navigating both the pressures of upholding her family's matchmaking business and her own evolving views on romance. The banter between Olivia and her romantic interest is charming, with moments of heartfelt vulnerability that add depth to their relationship. While some plot points felt predictable, the cultural elements and themes of family, tradition, and self-discovery made this a fun and engaging read. A great pick for fans of lighthearted romance with a unique twist.

heartfelt romance that blends cultural heritage with modern love. The charming narrative and relatable characters create a refreshing and enjoyable read, perfect for fans of contemporary romance with a touch of tradition.

Lunar love is a beautiful story about family love, romance and self-discovery. I enjoy the witty banter between Olivia and Bennett. It started off slow but it picked up later on. It was hard for Olivia to trust herself when her Chinese culture was telling her to do the exact opposite. Olivia's relationship with her Grandmother was beautiful and impactful. There were many cultural references to the Chinese Zodiac, it was fascinating.

“Maybe there is beauty in opening yourself up to the love you don't expect and traits that will keep you guessing. Because compatible or incompatible, we're all just trying to love and be loved, however that might look.”

Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen is a delightful read for fans of lighthearted, humorous romance novels who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope and are drawn to stories that blend cultural traditions, matchmaking, and a touch of Chinese astrology, making it a perfect fit for readers who crave a sweet and playful romance.

This sweet, enemies-to-lovers debut rom-com filled with Chinese astrology will undoubtedly prove to be a perfect match with readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Helena Hunting.

Always a matchmaker, never a match...
Olivia Huang Christenson is excited-slash-terrified to be taking over her grandmother’s matchmaking business. But when she learns that a new dating app has made her Pó Po’s traditional Chinese zodiac approach all about “animal attraction,” her emotions skew more toward furious-slash-outraged. Especially when L.A.’s most-eligible bachelor Bennett O’Brien is behind the app that could destroy her family’s legacy . . .

Liv knows better than to fall for any guy, let alone an infuriatingly handsome one who believes that traditions are meant to be broken. As the two businesses go head to head, Bennett and Liv make a deal: they’ll find a match for each other—and whoever falls in love loses. But Liv is dealing with someone who’s already adept at stealing business ideas . . . so what’s stopping him from stealing her heart too?

In Lunar Love, Liv is about to take over the family business, and she couldn't be more excited. Her grandmother started the matchmaking business over fifty years ago, matching clients using their Chinese zodiac signs. Now, Pó Po is celebrating her 90th birthday. At the big family party, she announces that the mantle will soon pass to her granddaughter. The only thing to dampen Liv's enthusiasm is the burden of trying to run the beloved business while up against modern dating culture. In an era of apps and instant gratification, the idea of a real, human matchmaker is losing popularity. Liv's ready to jump in and defend her family's traditions against any upstart interlopers.

The love story kicks off with a contentious but flirty run-in at a bakery in Chinatown. Liv is determined to get the exact pastry her grandmother requested and enters into a fierce negotiation with the man who grabbed it right out from under her nose. She feels the spark of chemistry, but a) she doesn't even know his zodiac sign and b) she's convinced love is for everyone but her. As a matchmaker, Liv's too clued in to sit back and relax with someone herself. A bad dating experience in her past makes her only more dedicated to the zodiac and more confident that she won't meet her own match.

Liv and her mystery man clash again anonymously on Liv's first day as head matchmaker. Fate seems to be throwing them together when he shows up at a conference representing a dating app-- the bane of Liv's existence. His app also makes use of the Chinese zodiac but brings it into a tech-forward space. What transpires is a frankly unhinged plan to match with Bennett since he uses his own app. Then, Liv will learn his business secrets and use that information to destroy him. She piles on the lies with the explicit goal of grilling him for company secrets (or at least damaging tidbits).

I read in general, and especially romances, for stress relief. This book was far from a calm experience, and I had to keep pausing before I got too wound up over everything. Liv's initial dating plot is only the beginning. When she writes a "vent draft" of an article about Bennett's app with no intention of sending it, it's the romcom cue to get very worried very fast. I think this trope is responsible for my compulsive double and triple-checking of every communication I send, lest I stumble into some massive faux pas. Anyway, it goes about as you'd expect, but at least you don't have to wait for 90% of the book before the blowup. I hate a ticking time bomb. The two end up sniping at each other on a podcast with a live audience, which turns into a matchmaking battle to the death/true love. It necessitates them attending each other's dates and interfering/flirting on the sidelines. This was by far my favorite part of the romance.

Playing with pacing in a romance plot can mean finding new magic, but it depends on the concoction. In this case, the author upped the angst flavor, which is maybe my least favorite part of a romance. After a brief respite, I was back to pulling my hair out over the stress of the final miscommunication. The fast pacing of the relationship, weaving in and out of trouble, could be a plus for some. I might have appreciated it more if it weren't for the same problem being reiterated over and over with a slightly different appearance.

While these concerns ate up a lot of my attention, this book has a lot to recommend it, as well. Both Liv and Bennett are biracial, which is a source of shared understanding that means a lot to them. Through the butting of heads of our chief matchmakers, the book explores an interesting question: what does compatibility mean? And finally, the author saves up for a big emotional moment right at the end. I also want to note that despite my feelings about Liv's many decisions, I could appreciate where she's coming from. She feels cornered with the way her business is struggling and lashes out, making decisions in defensive mode rather than being able to nourish her creativity or empathy, etc. She feels the pressure of upholding the family business in the face of changing times.

My compatibility with this book just wasn't there. I think it will work well for a lot of readers with different tastes. If you like your romances fraught with angst or rom-com situational awkwardness, business rivals to lovers, or a story about a woman finding her place in the family legacy, I think you'll find a lot to enjoy here. Thanks to Forever for my copy to read and review!

Disclaimer: Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC of this book. This is an honest review.

I enjoyed the concept and the setting of the story, however I felt that the character interactions to be rather forced and at times unnatural. Despite all that, I loved the way the author added in the Chinese culture to the story. It made me happy to see the zodiac signs and authentic foods be represented. The bakery scene at the beginning made me smile, since I too have grown up going to small family owned bakeries with my own grandmother as well. There are not a lot of books out there like this one, and I would definitely recommend that anyone gives it a try. It is not your average romance novel.

This story had a lot of potential because of the aspect of romance and fate. The writing was well done but I didn’t feel attached to Olivia, the main character. There wasn’t enough character development for me to care much to what was going to happen to all of the characters. If you’re really into astrology, this may be for you, but other than that it was an okay read.

Great book. I was able to connect with characters and the plot. I recommend this book……………………………..,,,,.

I really enjoyed this! I think that it was a really good story of blending tradition with modernity, especially when it comes to love. The ending was so sweet, and I already picked up the author's next book!

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

Unfortunately, I disliked this. I didn't buy the chemistry between the love interests and it was not very pleasant to be inside the main character's head. She was often illogical to the point of WTF-ness and was very frustrating to read from.

Very sweet rom-com. The chemistry between the two main characters was great and I enjoyed the family relationships as well.

I liked the premise of Lunar Love well enough - it sounded like a cute contemporary rivals-to-lovers romance with an astrological twist and a touch of You've Got Mail (the old-fashioned business vs. their modern new upstart rivals). Unfortunately, I was let down by the execution. Dull, awkward writing, flat dialogue, and characters I didn't care about going through the motions of a plot that felt too visibly contrived - this one was, I'm sorry to say, an incompatible match with my reading taste.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance review copy.

I dunno, I just feel like no one had a personality that felt realistic and that meant there was no chemistry.

I started the audiobook of this but DNFd around 20%. I may come back to this at a later time. Thank you for the opportunity