Book review 📚
Wonderstruck by Seraphina Chen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I can’t even explain how good this book is for a debut novel! Wow. This has honestly become one of my favourite romance books. This is the kind of cute and cosy romance you want to read, that’s CLEAN. Loved it.

There were so many moments where I was giggling away to myself, mostly from certain interactions (you’ll figure that out when you read it). But there are just so many laugh worthy moments, even the stupid ones – I was still laughing.

Characters – I have 1 favourite, Aunt Lina. My life, I laughed so many times over Aunt Lina and her comments. But in general, there were some definite moments of cringy teens, but that’s what you need to remember, they are teens who still attend school. There are so many relatable moments, so many “truths” to the things happening and overall it just felt like someone’s story.

I think this would be a perfect YA book, even if you aren’t YA, its still very enjoyable and a nice change from my usual reads.

This cute high school romance totally captivated me! And that doesn't happen very often.
It’s about a boy who falls in love first, and the chemistry between the two is just amazing. The story is light and has the perfect pacing—I couldn't put it down! And hey, I really had a strong craving for Thai tea; this book made me super curious, so I think I’ll have to get some tomorrow.

What I particularly liked was that while there’s a lot of focus on romance, the individual experiences of the characters are also really well portrayed. That adds real depth to the story.

I love "Sunshine x Sunshine," and it was perfectly done here—without being too much. Reading it was so much fun; the writing style was excellent, and the plot was really easy to follow.

I would like to sincerely thank Netgalley and the author for providing me with an e-ARC of this book.

This book is a delightful high school sweetheart romance where he falls first, and the chemistry between the two leads is absolutely electric. The story is fluffy with just the right pacing, making it an easy, enjoyable read. I must admit, it had me craving Thai tea like nobody’s business!

While the romance is at the forefront, the author does a commendable job of exploring each character’s individual experiences, adding depth to their personalities. As a fan of sunshine x sunshine pairings, I was thrilled to see this dynamic play out, and it was done to perfection—sunny without being overwhelming.

The writing is compelling, and the plot is engaging yet effortlessly digestible. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found it to be a charming and satisfying romance.

I like the relationship between the characters and I loved the nickname. It was a cutesy YA book and it gave just that.

love love loved this book Serena and Tyler are so cute!! Like man knew what he wanted and got it, he's such a green flag I love how they helped each other out with their own struggles the slow burn with the friends to lovers is gonna get me everytime and y'all know i love when the couples have nicknames especially cute ones 😩

I was literally giggling and crying (her mommy issues go crazy)
I just wanna give her a hug, she deserves the world!
Tyler is everything (going on my book bf list)
I adored this book and characters in it and I can't wait for you guys to read it

˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚

📚 Wonderstruck @seraphinaxchen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Thanks to @netgalley , the publishers and the author for this amazing ARC❤️

My review 💌

I have so many good things to say about this book! This book completely captured my heart from the very beginning. The story follows the journey of Serena and Tyler, and let me tell you, they are absolutely adorable! 🥹
I typically don't jot down notes while reading, but I found myself unable to resist documenting all the heartwarming moments in this book. There are just so many cutesy moments that I couldn't help but save for future reference.

I admit that the beginning of the story felt a bit like a typical Wattpad narrative written by a teenager. However, as the plot unfolded and the characters developed, I found myself more and more engrossed in their world. Tyler, in particular, stole my heart. His gestures of affection towards Serena, like going out of his way to see her at her shop and calling her "SUNSHINE," simply made me swoon ✨ this tenderness and sincerity made me root for their love story even more.

Overall, Wonderstruck is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming romance with endearing characters. Seraphina Chen's writing style beautifully captures the essence of young love and the excitement of new beginnings. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a touching and sweet love story that will leave them feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

This book was absolutely lovely, and such a quick read because it was that good! The young love romance gave me all the cozy vibes. Kudos to the author!

*4.5

This was really cute. They both felt an instant connection when he came into the boba shop and I loved it. Neither one of them was looking for a relationship but it just happened. I'm assuming that Jared and Alli will get a book and I'm excited for that.

I received an arc through netgalley.

This book could've been so much more 😫😫
It was a nice premise and all, but you can see and know that it's a debut.
Like I know it's not easy at all to write a book in general, but some have a better shot at it with the resources they have access to, like a good editor and proof readers.

But that's to say, it was a nice, light book. I liked the relationship between Tyler and Serena, it was cute and a tad refreshing (if I ignore the cringey moments sprinkled around the book, and also the fact that her first time was in a very sus location -anywhere would've been better that where they chose to do it-).
I love the portrayal of grief and how it's very different from person to person. No one can go through a traumatic event and come out perfect from it. So the struggles Serena is going through are completely valid, and honestly I applaud her efforts.
Tyler was exactly what his nickname says about him. He's a Golden Boy. Disregarding the fact that it was insta love from his side, the way he stayed with Serena regardless of her past and recent traumas is something a lot of people should learn from. Because a lot would leave you if they as much as see a small traumatic part of your past.
Tyler and Serena are quite literally made for each other ❤️

All in all, it was not a bad book, but it was also not very good. I'm sure the author's next book is gonna be better and I'll keep a lookout for it!

Let me start with: I absolutely adored this book!
I was invested from the first page, and I loved both the main characters (Serena and Tyler). I felt really connected to them, and enjoyed following their story, and watching their love grow and blossom.

I haven't lloved a book tbis quickly in a long time! I'm looking forward to buying a physical copy as soon as it's available!
Bonus: loved all the Taylor Swift references (including the title!) <3

This book was such a great read—super easy to get into with a really engaging story and awesome characters. Serena and Tyler are two high school seniors going through tough times as they figure out who they are and who they want to be.

It’s a sweet coming-of-age story about two imperfect people who end up loving each other. Their connection is incredible from the moment they meet until the end. They’ve got similar struggles, and their relationship is both adorable and healing for both of them.

All in all, this is a cute and heartwarming high school romance. It’s a fantastic duet novel, and I’m excited to see what this author comes out with next.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Seraphina Chen, and Independently Published, for providing the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for a review, but all thoughts are my own*

Really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between the main characters was spot on, and I loved how their relationship developed naturally over the course of the story. The dialogue felt real and relatable, and there were plenty of sweet and swoon-worthy moments that kept me hooked. A couple of plot points felt a bit predictable, but overall, it was a heartwarming and satisfying read. Definitely recommend if you're in the mood for a feel-good romance!

This was an adorable high school romance, where they kinda fall at the same time but he falls harder for sure! It reminded me Jenny Han or Sarah Dessen in the best way, cute but heartfelt. Tyler is our golden boy, literally, that's what everyone around school calls him. He's mature and sensitive, he isn't looking for hook ups which was. lovely change of pace from all the "player" boys in romances, and he was such a devoted older brother! He's sworn off dating and partying so he can focus on his senior year and get into college but that all changes when he meets Serena at the coffee shop she works at and they bond over having the same favorite drink! Serena has been dealt a tough hand in life, abandoned by her mom and her father dying a few years ago, she's been homeschooled and raised by her awesome Auntie and her new husband, who has a son and their relationship was so sweet and pure and I KNOW the next book will be about him and her bestie!!

This book was so much fun to read. I really enjoyed the entire book. This is the first I have read from this author and I will definitely be reading more.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6744504431

I think “Wonderstruck” was such an adorable read! Serena and Tyler had so many trials, and things going on in their lives, and I love that they were there for each other to cross those bridges they needed to cross! Serena is such a strong, beautiful character I will truly admire for the rest of my life! Her process with grief, and getting herself back out there after everything is truly admirable and I was proud for her in every small or big step she made! Tyler was such a gem in the story as well! You can tell he was so devoted to everything he did, and really cared about any person around him which isn’t something you see in MMC’s often!! The cokes and crushes was honestly as I said in my goodreads review, my favorite part I still think about so much! I feel at times in the beginning were a little “jumpy” and I’d have to reread some of the page, but as I got further in the book it was much easier to read! The spicy scene was also a little random to me, and while I love spice, i definitely wasn’t expecting it to have happened like that in this read! Overall though, I really enjoyed reading this, and I thank you for giving me that chance to read it!! :))

a homeschooled girl joins high school for her senior year and meets a popular boy.

this book is really adorable. you cant help but fall in love with tyler and serena’s, slow burn relationship.

the chemistry between the two characters really shows and it makes the book a enjoyable read.

the story, is two people with similar traumas coming together to form a super cute relationship, whilst also healing each other without realising.

Such a cute coming of age. Serena and Tyler are so cute and they definitely are meant to be. They share a cute back and forth full of trust and zero judgment. There is one spicy scene I was not expecting but loved. Some parts felt a little rushed, but overall a good romance read Love the cover and the dedication.

Firstly, thank you to Net Galley and Seraphina Chen for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review 🥰

“I'll never get tired of calling you sunshine, because that's what you are to me, my sunshine in December."
Tyler and Serena’s story was well written and thoroughly enjoyable. The navigation of personal growth was beautiful and particularly moving at times.
I would recommend this sweet and heartwarming read to anyone and found myself highlighting many stunning quotes. Tyler Westman is the standard!!!! Pink roses king ⭐️

this was a cute high school sweethearts romance where he falls first, with two characters with amazing chemistry. fluffy with good pacing, an easy read, but had no business making me crave a thai tea so bad.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
Overall: ☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶️

𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤:
I would like to thank Netgalley, Seraphina Chen and BookBuzz for this ARC.
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖒𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 𝖎𝖙:
I wanted to read something light and fluffy to act as a pallette cleanser.
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
Wonderstruck is a light, fluffy romance that explores grief, bullying, the challenges of high school and self-discovery, in a way that doesn't overpower you but still covers the topics. Serena Inthavong, the FMC is someone who is determined to break free of the confines of her old self where she would never go outside of her comfort zone. Because of this she finds herself returning to cheerleading and attracting the attention of Tyler Westman, a lacrosse player. He’s very loving and selfless, he respects Serena’s space even though he struggles to contain his feelings for her. I enjoyed watching Serena's character development and watching the romance unfold throughout the book.
I am giving this book 3 stars as I think it is good but there is room for improvement, however this is the authors debut novel so it is understandable.
T R O P E S:
- Dual pov
- Friends to lovers
- Brother’s best friend
- Boy falls first, girl falls harder
- Cheerleader x lacrosse player
- Found family
- Slow burn romance
- Asian representation