✨ Bingsu For Two by Sujin Witherspoon✨

Shut the front door - Bingsu for Two is so espresso-ly cute!! I was immediately drawn into this adorable cover (can we talk about how good it is?!?) and stayed for the coming of age + coffee fueled + enemies to lovers romance! We follow River & Sarang as they brew up delicious beverages, navigate their impending adulthood, find their own way, manage their newfound social media fame, form friendships and discover something beautiful.

✨ Enemies to Lovers
☕️ Korean Cafe
✨ Social Media Vlogging
☕️ Coming of Age
✨ Family & Friendship
☕️ Coffee, Coffee & More Coffee
✨ Finding Yourself

Bingsu for Two was such a fun read and a fantastic debut by Sujin Witherspoon! I’m so excited to see what they have up their sleeve for their next book!

Thank you so much TBR & Beyond Tours & Union Sq for sending a copy my way!

What makes this book sooo good was just the dynamic between all the characters. It honestly shows a very realistic coffee shop setting which I was impressed by, and all the things that can go right and wrong working with a bunch of friends. Cause you know when you’re young, you don’t take things too seriously and don’t necessarily have to work (that) hard. But when their shop goes viral and they have customers lining up all the way down the street, it’s time to move to ass!!!

I loved Sarang’s strong personality, she’s cold and protective of her family. She’s sceptical of River and doesn’t trust him. I wish we got to see move of how she gradually came out of her shell. River on other hand, seems fun and bubbly on the outside but he’s really having a hard time. He felt like an outcast in his own family, but eventually found a place where he belonged.

The social media side of the story was a lot of fun too! When their video goes viral, they jumped on the trends quickly and continued to gain such a big following by turning their cafe into a personality.

I was really impressed with this one, as I was smiling and giggling the whole time. Also I LOVE books from the male’s POV (he fell first and HARD hehehe) 🫣 there were a lot of heartfelt and tender moments too, especially when it comes to reconciling with family.

This is a delightful read for fans of witty banter, found family, and enemies-to-lovers romance, who will adore the charming and humorous exploration of identity, community, and the power of love and acceptance in the vibrant world of a quirky Korean cafe.

this was such a cute read. loved the banters, fake dating, and found family. even though the characters were still in high school, their personality and mindset are mature for their age, i really like the character growth and development in this book.

Since I am a confessed lover of all things Korean, I jumped at the chance to review this. And Bingsu is one of my favorite desserts from my favorite Korean BBQ place Yummy’s! (The mango is the best!)

The book begins with River having an extremely bad day that gets worse and worse. He has his “life planned out” and I love that he decided he’d had enough and wanted to go his own way. River’s journey was my favorite! There are so many tropes I adore in this book. Enemies/rivals to lovers is a big one and workplace fake dating.

Sarang (사랑, yes I did those characters myself!) and River have some great banter. I highlighted line after line. Mix in some really funny moments and you’ve got a great YA romcom. (And I love the shoutout to BTS, Felix and some other Kpop groups.) The chapter headings were fun too.

I appreciate the Korean throughout the book. (I am learning, so this was fun for me.) It’s a book full of quirky, enduring characters, and I enjoyed the one POV of River. I enjoyed the way the videos are written into the book and how they brought them together as a group. River is flawed and has a lot he’s taking on. I felt the ending fit the story well.

I received a NetGalley link and a paperback from the publisher. All views are my own. There is a lot of language I didn’t think was necessary.

River and Sarang had a not-so-cute-meet on the day he quit his parents cafe. Their dislike grew tenfold when River joined Bingsu for Two (cafe) where she was the co-manager.

River liked his new job though. It was a family run business that hadn’t become a corporate chain unlike his parents cafe, Cafe Gong.

Bingsu for Two took off after River accidentally posted a video of him being trained by Sarang on his fandom account. It made them famous overnight and also boosted their business, which was previously doing bad thanks to Cafe Gong.

River capitalised on the situation and started catering to the cafe’s online audience. Sadly for him and Sarang, the netizens ate up their interactions more than what the cafe had to offer. They started fake dating to help out the cafe. They still couldn’t stand each other, but pretending to be in love started to blur the line between hate and love.

Although I’m not a fan of reading about social media in fiction, it suited this story well. Sometimes, like Sarang’s cafe, the algorithm could be a boon to small business on the internet. But it could also be their bane as people were quick to jump to conclusions.

Altogether, Bingsu For Two lived up to my expectations. It’s been a while since I laughed reading a romance novel but this one had me giggling and kicking up my feet in the air. It was very k-drama coded in the climax but it also brought out the slow-burn, dislike-to-love trope in a cute way. Definitely recommend it. It’s going straight up my list of favourite reads of the year.


Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and TBR and Beyond Tours for the DRC of the book!

Sometimes you need a book that will make you laugh and squeal and kick your pillow in excitement and Bingsu for Two does exactly that. So full of charm and joy, it is truly a delightful read. The book will make you feel a range of emotions - you will laugh out loud, you will get a little teary-eyed and oh you will so want to wrap every single character in a warm hug. Having followed this book from the moment it was announced, I knew it would just climb its way into my heart.

I was obsessed with the writing style and how comforting it felt; this book felt like my warm hug. I also loved how we got glimpses of the actual videos that were being filmed and how they were written in a script format. I absolutely love it when books do that. Also, special shoutout to that one page that was just like an AO3 description of a fic (and the tags?? a-maze-ing!!). Seriously, I adore the writing of this book soooo much *insert a million heart emojis here*

I really enjoyed River's POV, it felt super relatable and lowkey his fandom account was reminding me of my own lowkey fandom account (that is now deleted, thank god). I loved how River thought in fandom terms because, as someone who is in way too deep in too many fandoms, that stuff does bleed through to your real life. I also loved the sense of humor he has - it felt very identical to mine. I honestly would love to be friends with him and bond with him over our love of fandom related stuff. Also his dynamic with Sarang? Just amazing. Give me just another book of them bickering and flirting all the time. In fandom terms, I ship them so hard, right from the beginning. But also I felt how special their dynamic was - how slowly over the course of the story, they opened up to each other and became friends while fake-dating, while their feelings grew.

The dynamic between River and Sarang, and the rest of the characters was wonderful and I enjoyed seeing their shenanigans at the cafe. In my head, the youtube channel is something that I know I would be subscribed to and have the notifications on.

Bingsu for Two was such a fun, delightful and charming read. Can't wait to reread it soon!

River has just ditched his girlfriend, quite his job at his family's cafe, dump coffee over the cutest girl he's ever met, and get a new job at a rival cafe where coincidentally said cute girl works... and become internet famous while lying through his teeth.... life is going to be hard when his lies get out but maybe it'll finally give him the chance to follow his heart. River ran out of his SATs, dumped his girlfriend because he's not in love with her, and left his job as manager at his family's cafe. River is tired of feeling so lost, of feeling like his parents don't believe in him and that every decision has been made for him. As he is leaving his job he gets into an argument with the prettiest bratty girl he's ever met and he dumps coffee beans down her shirt... only then apply for a new job at another cafe.... that she happens to work at. River knows he shouldn't trying to be working for Bingsu for Two cafe,they're the rivals of his parents... but he wants a fresh start and getting a job with his friend is perfect until he finds out that Sarang, the girl he fought with, also works there and its her family's cafe. When River accidentally uploads a video of is new coworkers online and they become famous, sky rocketing the cafe's business, his life only gets harder as he continues to lie to his family, and with his ex threatening him, he'll have to decide just how far he'll go to maintain his new happiness and how much he'll sacrifice for them. River finds new friendship, a new sense of purpose, and even new feelings for Sarang as he spends his days working for the cafe... but his lies keep growing and he can't make everyone happy.... and when the truth gets out he'll likely lose it all... can he chase his own happiness? This was such a warm and heartwarming coming of age story. It so perfectly captures the experience of feeling a bit lost in life and trying to find your path while also trying to please others. River was such a relatable character and I adored the rest of the crew at Bingsu for Two. The story is as much of a coming of age story as it is a romance, and I just really had such a good time reading this.

Release Date: January 14,2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing | Union Square & Co. for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is an adorable YA enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance involving high school students River & Sarang. River is lost & doesn’t know why. In one day he dumps his GF, walks out of the SATs, quits his job at the family-owned coffee shop, & takes a job at a rival coffee shop, where is new enemy Sarang works. He knows he must do these things but can’t figure out the real reason why.

It was refreshing reading a book from the boy’s perspective & the author did a great job with the pacing of the book. The chapters are short & compel you to keep reading because you just have to know what happens next. The found family aspect with his new co-workers was so sweet. The author did a great job incorporating social media in the story in an authentic way. I also love it when text exchanges are included in books & these cracked me up.

One of my favorite tropes is fake dating & it was fun to see River and Sarang develop feelings for each other against their will, & the banter was awesome. River’s journey & growth throughout the book was wonderful to read. I was pleasantly surprised by this book & will definitely read more books by this author.

I was provided a complimentary physical book from TBR Beyond Tours and a complimentary e-copy from NetGalley and Union Square & Co. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars, round up to 5

A good and interesting enemies to lovers and grumpy x sunshine book! I laugh, shock, surprised, feel happy and sad. There is one part that I want to see it resolved, but that is okay. Overall, I enjoy Bingsu for Two! Check it out if you like a book that sets in a cafe and sweet romance! Are you learning Korean and its culture? Check it out!

Thank you TBR and Beyond Tours, Sujin Witherspoon, and Union Square & Co. for a gifted copy of the book! All opinions are my own.

after dumping his girlfriend, walking out of his SAT, and making a scene at—then quitting—his job at his parents’ café, river is a bit…lost. in need of a job, he applies at the café his best friend works at, a failing korean café called bingsu for two. when he realizes his new coworker is sarang, the girl who embarrassed him at his parents’ café, he’s unsure if he’ll be able to continue working there without losing his mind. when river accidentally uploads a video of his coworkers that becomes viral overnight, business at bingsu for two skyrockets. river makes it his mission to continue makign videos to promote bingsu for two. the problem? everyone seems to think he and sarang are dating.

i saw this on instagram a LOT, so i finally requested it from netgalley, and luckily got an advanced copy! i was expecting to like it, but i honestly didn’t expect to LOVE it as much as i did! this book had just about everything, from dislike to lovers, to fake dating, to found family, to heavier topics, and so on. i frequently found myself laughing at the humor in this book, and this is rare for me, as not many authors share my sense of humor. however, there were also more serious moments, such as a side character having to provide for herself and her younger sister, sarang and her older sister coping with the loss of their mother and their father’s sickness, etc. all of these aspects were well-handled and balanced.

overall, this was a wonderful YA rom-com. i can’t wait to read whatever’s next from sujin witherspoon!

Oh i really liked this!!!

I have to say, standing ovation for the chapter titles. They were so so funny!! I was creasing with laughter.

Generally the entire book was funny. So much banter and it wasn't forced! I was cackling so much.

Loved the plot - a good old save the restaurant but also with a little found family and social media added!

thank you so much to netgalley and tbr and beyond books for the early copy! all opinions are my own!

i can't believe i had so much fun with a book, when was the last time something like this happened?? 😱
this book was PHENOMENAL from start to finish. i loved reading from River's POV, all his doubts and insecurities as a teenager because most of the time we don't get that in YA anymore. his reactions and ideas were just the best, and his relationship with Sarang had me soaring. all the banter and the side characters were amazing, i loved every single one of them and how important they were for the store. and as usual, the Korean aspect was really cool as well, i never knew what a bingsu was before the book. but omg the WAY THIS BOOK INFURIATED ME AND MADE ME LAUGH AT THE SAME TIME, it's just unvelievable. it's so fast paced, the drama makes sense and the social media aspect was on point.
i don't know what you're doing that you're not reading this book right now because YOU SHOULD, it's beautiful 😍😍😍

Such a fun book! Really enjoyed how the inclusion of social media, slang, etc. didn't feel out of place or super cringey. My biggest plus in my book was the fact that the romance wasn't instalove and the relationship felt developed which is not something I can say for most of the romcoms I read. Definitely one of my top romcom books.

A fun read, Bingsu for Two is an and enjoyable romance. I am always wary of books that include text strings, and the screenplay sections confused me at first, but they worked really well in the end. The easy humor in the videos came through nicely using the script format, and the texting wasn't overused. The main character was a little frustrating at first, because he was so unsure of his thoughts and motivations, but in the end, it makes sense for a 17 year old trying to figure things out. The other characters show a good deal of variety and humor. Great for teens looking for a light and fun read.

A very sweet YA with a loveable cast and cozy setting. River is a realistic and flawed protagonist, but ultimately endearing. There is also a surprising and well-done mix of script and text messages throughout which was a nice touch!

A light, easy read with a sweet romance and gang of misfits.

River Langston-Lee is having the worst day of his life having broken up with his girlfriend, walked out of the SATs and quit his parents' cafe. He gets a new job at a failing Korean cafe, Bingsu for Two., but his new nemesis is there. Sarang Cho, a goth girl with green hair, and it happens to be her family's place. When River accidentally posts a video of co-worker chaos they go viral. The fans ship him & Sarang so they decide to pretend something's brewing (yes intended coffee pun here), to keep the interest and help the store. But what happens when his parents and ex find out?

Brutally honest, this presents a 'give it to you straight with great imagery' inner voice. I really like how River expresses himself. It is a wonderfully endearing POV. We feel what he is going through, the doubts, the journey to self-discovery. I immensely enjoyed the clever additions to the narrative such as the lists River makes in his head, the group chats, the script-like interpretation of the videos etc. The storytelling is friendly, comfortable and heartwarmingly relatable. I liked the humorous chapter names.

The awkward 'you can't believe they're happening' situations are a delight to read. The fake-dating is fun as they tease and make one another comfortable until they really start to see each other. The real-life drama is gripping, grounded and conveyed beautifully, making you wanna hug the characters. And the true bad guy of the situation is unbelievably diabolical.

River is a bit lost, studying to get snark down to a science to compete with Sarang, even though he's actually good-natured. The zingers they exchange are all the money. It is wonderful how you feel you know everybody at the cafe and how much you like them. Too hard to pick a favorite. But the little brother must be protected at all costs.

The meet-hate seems a little forced but when they start to work together their antagonism steadily finds its groove. Also, some of the conclusions may seem overly quick and too good to be true, but I'm a sucker for happy endings. I admit I cheered and teared up for one of them.

This book is about figuring out who you are and what you really want. Not falling into the people-pleasing rut. Trust yourself to know what is better for you. Ultimately it is your life and your happiness. It also deals with the often randomness of internet success and its pros and cons.

A genuinely funny, coffee-drenched, slow burn with delicious tension, enemies to lovers, hold your heart, found family tale. It is an invitation to not give up on dreams and to love what you do. Home is really where the heart is.

“I finally know. Know what I want, who I am, and who I want. Her love turned me brave enough to ask the question, and the answer all along has been her. The realization makes me ache in ways that are quiet and intense all at once. She makes me feel real.”

River’s life is falling apart. In the span of just one week, he broke up with his girlfriend of four years, walked out of his SATs, and quit his job as the co-manager of his family’s cafe. When his best friend convinces him to work at a struggling rival cafe, Bingsu for Two, River isn’t expecting anything special. He just hopes to avoid the nagging and frustrations of his disappointed parents. Under the guise of studying for the SAT, River joins the eclectic team at Bingsu for Two, led by the fiery Sarang and her sister Haneul, who inherited the business from their parents. When River accidentally records and uploads a video of the chaotic dynamic of his coworkers on social media, the cafe goes viral and earns a large fanbase that begins to “ship” River and Sarang. With this newfound popularity, the cafe and its crewmembers must rise to the occasion and come together to save the cafe that has grown to mean so much to each of them.

Enemies to lovers with an emphasis on found family? Sign me up! After looking at the summary of Bingsu for Two, I was incredibly excited to start reading and, for the most part, the book did not disappoint. The cast of characters was charming and diverse, and the relationships that developed between every member of the Bingsu for Two crew were simultaneously beautiful and realistically flawed. I love it when I can connect with and root for the supporting characters of a book just as much as the main protagonists, and this book allowed me to do just that. However, throughout the book, I felt as if I was missing something, as if there were a book I should have read before this one in order to have a better understanding of the characters and their relationships. It was challenging for me to understand how River and Cecilia could have been together for four years and yet seem as if they know and care so little about each other throughout the narrative. Also, with River’s family being such an integral part of his motivations and internal conflicts throughout the novel, I wish we could have seen more of their dynamic together. Instead, I felt as if we got brief glimpses into River’s family life, but not enough to garner an understanding of how his family life influenced his character arc. Despite this, Bingsu for Two offered an endearing cast of characters to accompany an interesting narrative progression.

There's something about fake dating and viral internet fame which will get me every time. Throw in a disastrous meet cute and I'm hooked! What I initially loved about A Bingsu for Two is the way it explores familial obligations and our own path forwards. What happens when the person we want to be doesn't fit into our path? What happens when the 'family' part of our family business becomes just a job? At the same time, we love a good friendship group that's formed from unlikely connections and A Bingsu for Two delivers!

The most FUN book I’ve read in a long time! 🤩

From the beginning, this book HAD me and didn’t let go! I wasn’t expecting it to be from River’s POV, but I really enjoyed it — like WOW was he weaving a tangled web of a life, and I couldn’t stop reading to see how everything would unfold 👀

The romance between Sarang & River was so funny and cute, and their banter was everything! Enemies to lovers with a side of ‘but-I-can’t-help-but-be-attracted-to-you’ will always be my kryptonite 🤌 But mostly, I’ll never get over how much I loved the entire cast of characters in this book! The co-workers, too, were a little messy and entertaining but also very real and lovable. By the time the book ended, they all felt like my family with the cafe as my home too 🥹

I also have to say I was skeptical about how much social media and chronically online energy would be present in this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how it was written! The script format was so unique and pulled me even deeper into the story. I couldn’t get enough of how creative the writing was!

All in all, this book took me on the best ride! It had lots of fun and bingeable drama with no dull moments and the most lively and vibrant group of characters. Despite how chaotic the story was at times, it also felt real and contained so much heart. The unapologetic Korean rep was also so amazing to see. This debut was wonderful, and I already can’t wait for what Sujin writes next! 🫶

Thank you so much to Sujin Witherspoon & Union Square & Co. & NetGalley for an ARC of this book! 💌