Imagine the ability to do over a day..the freedom to try new things, to be a different person, to not worry about first impressions.

After Noelle tries dumplings at the Night Market, she wakes up to the same Friday. Again and again. Along the way she makes a new friend, learns about herself, reconnects with family and falls in love.

Super cute story!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Pub date: May 6, 2025

Noelle stops for dumplings after another long day of work and ends up in a time loop reliving June 20th again and again. Time Loops and Meet Cutes (emphasis on the CUTE) was a fun twist on a time loop trope. I just wanted to shake Noelle by the shoulders but her interactions with Cam (swoon) were fun. I would have liked to get a bit more on Avery but I enjoyed how they wrapped up the story. I flew through this dying to find out how this was going to play out. This book would make a fun light rom book club pick with a built in theme menu (been craving dumplings since page 1).

Thanks to Atria Books & NetGalley for early access to this book in exhange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

if seems like i’m just a complete sucker for time loop (or as i like to classify them… time is fucked) books. i debated over my rating but i think im actually just going to give this a solid 5 stars. it was more angsty to be expected, but i actually liked that aspect. repeating one day over and over for at least 100+ days and then getting out of said time loop to not remember anything but your life still continued on is torturous. i really liked noelle. i liked cam too. their romance was cute, and i just really liked how it was written. it was perfectly paced for me. i really really liked avery’s character too!

thank you so much to atria publishing and netgalley for this arc!

She can't stop reliving the same day over and over again. Even when she finally finds someone who is also stuck in the loop and makes a new friend, the two women cannot figure out how to release themselves from this Groundhog Day. Fall in love, nope. Break up with toxic boyfriend, nope. Find lady who trapped them here, she's no where to be found. Quite exhausting, unfulfilling job, nope. Are they just stuck here indefinitely?

He.....has no idea this is happening. To him it is Friday, he goes to work at a job her loves, he meets an intriguing girl who he's pretty sure he's met before but can't quite place. And he thinks he really likes her.

But how many times can you fall in love with the same person and have them not remember you before it ends driving you mad. And not having to work because any money you spend magically shows back up in your pocket the next day sounds great in theory. But it also gets mighty boring mighty fast when you don't have anything your passionate about to push forward. I think these were logical and thoughtful questions that the author put forth and explored. I really enjoyed watching the relationships forged. The humor was great. The quiet moments were poignant and with reason. Overall I really enjoyed both the premise and the execution here. Obviously not the most realistic romance you'll read. But a fun, easy, at times thought provoking one none the less.

This book is a very fun and enjoyable take on a ground hog day situation. This story has a great focus on food especially dumplings, friendship and family. The part of the story that fell a little bit flat for me was actually the romance. She is stuck in the time loop with a woman who becomes a good friend of hers and the MMC is not stuck in the time loop so she has to reintroduce herself every day. This makes the romance itself feel very one sided. I did enjoy a lot of it but was disappointed by the romance itself.

This book is a delightful blend of romance and mystery. Noelle and Cam's sweet relationship unfolds in a story reminiscent of "Groundhog Day," keeping you guessing throughout. It's an emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments that make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply connected to the characters.

I never thought I wouldn’t be an anxious flier - then I found this book. I have never craved dumplings more in my life 🤣 beautiful love story, beautiful story of friendship and such an incredible overall character arc. I can’t wait to read more by her!

ackie Lau books are always a treat. They always hit the right balance of angsty, hot, and sweet.

Time Loops & Meet Cutes was no exception! This time though, in Time Loops & Meet Cutes--add in a healthy dash of magical realism and make it sexy.

I can't even really give a good synopsis of this book without giving key parts away!

All I can say is -- trust me -- this is an imaginative spin on time bending and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

this was such a great read! i really loved the dynamic of the two main characters, their banter was one of my favorites. i cant wait to read more of this author!! thank you so much for the arc! was absolutely so fun.

In this whimsical and enchanting fantasy romance, the author masterfully ushers in the concept that time loops are more than just a fascinating twist of fate—they are an opportunity for deep self-reflection. This book beautifully explores how being caught in a cycle of repeating moments can make one rethink life choices, learn to live in the present, and let go of the paralyzing fear of what-ifs. Through the protagonist’s journey, we are reminded of the true value of time spent with loved ones and friends, the importance of stepping beyond the comfort zone, and the realization that sometimes, when we’re consumed by routine, trapped in a clockwork existence, and moving through life in a robotic way, we might miss the very person we are meant to meet.

Blending themes of love, relationships, and culture with a touch of magic, the story is both thought-provoking and utterly charming. The author’s writing is immersive, filled with warmth and a sense of wonder that makes the narrative feel both personal and universal. A truly delightful read that lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned!

this is the second time loop romance i've read this month and this one DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!!

what is this about? oooh let me tell you;
Noelle Tom is stuck. not just in her demanding job, not just in the exhaustion of another draining workweek—but in an actual time loop. every morning, it’s Friday again. every morning, her Wordle answer is happy (which feels like a cruel joke). and every morning, all the work she did the day before is erased, like she never existed at all. at first it’s frustrating. then it’s terrifying. but she meets Cam. he's the only thing in her repetitive world that feels real, even though he doesn’t remember her from one Friday to the next, their moments together are fleeting, bittersweet, and completely one-sided—Noelle is falling, but Cam is meeting her for the first time over and over again and that’s where the heartbreak really sets in.

the whole thing is not just about breaking the loop; it’s about what we’re supposed to take from it. Noelle is forced to ask herself what she truly needs—and whether she’s willing to let go of something she wants in order to move forward. and the worst part? if does escape, Cam might not even be there waiting. it was giving the book Seven Year Slip & the movie See You Yesterday. it was THAT GOOD.

it's a cute a love story, but it’s also a punch to the gut. why??? because, what if the right person shows up at the wrong time? also what if, no matter how hard you try, some things just aren’t meant to last??? *cries on the inside*

thank you thank you Atria Books! i'm so happy you gave me this book, it was such a beautiful read ❤️😭🥟

3.75 stars!

Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau is a delightful rom-com that blends the heartwarming charm of meet-cute romance with a quirky time loop twist. In this fun and fast-paced novel, Lau combines humor, emotional depth, and a dash of sci-fi to create a truly unique love story.

The book follows two characters, both caught in a time loop, who get the chance to relive a particular moment of their lives over and over again. The time loop premise brings an element of both mystery and humor, as they navigate the strange phenomenon while forming a connection that feels both familiar and exciting.

What truly stands out in this book is Lau’s ability to develop relatable characters. The protagonists, despite being in a repetitive scenario, grow in meaningful ways. Their dialogue is sharp, witty, and full of heart, and their chemistry is undeniable. The way they interact, even through the repeated loops, shows just how deep their feelings grow with each iteration. Lau’s clever use of the time loop allows for moments of self-reflection and character growth, making the romance not only sweet but also emotionally rewarding.

The pacing of the story is excellent. The combination of time loop drama with light-hearted romance keeps the reader engaged, offering just enough tension without ever feeling overwhelming. Lau strikes the right balance between humor and emotional moments, making sure the readers are rooting for the couple all the way through. And of course, the concept of "meet-cutes" never fails to bring an extra layer of joy to the book as the characters keep meeting in charmingly unexpected ways.

Time Loops & Meet Cutes is a heartwarming, clever, and thoroughly entertaining read that will leave you with a smile on your face. Whether you're a fan of rom-coms, time-travel stories, or just looking for a quick, feel-good read, this book checks all the boxes. Jackie Lau has once again delivered a charming and fun story that is sure to make any reader believe in the magic of love, even if it takes a few loops to get there.

Thank you Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I love a good time travel or time loop story and have read as many as I can get my hands on, so I was really excited to dive into Time Loops & Meet Cutes. And honestly? It was such a fresh take on the trope that it completely won me over. Jackie Lau brings her signature humor, warmth, and heart to this story, making it not just a fun romance, but something deeper and more meaningful.

The setup is classic: Noelle Tom is stuck reliving the same Friday after eating some mysterious dumplings. But what makes this book stand out is that she’s not the only one in the loop—Avery, a stranger to her before this all started, is also stuck. Their friendship quickly becomes one of the best parts of the book, adding both humor and heart. Instead of feeling trapped and isolated, Noelle has someone to navigate the chaos with, making the story feel even more dynamic and hopeful.

Of course, there’s romance—Cam, the charming brewery owner, is easy to fall for—but this book isn’t just about finding love. It’s also about finding yourself. Through Noelle’s repeated day, she gains a new perspective on her life, her family, and her friendships. It’s about the messy, imperfect relationships that actually make life feel full and happy. The story is heartfelt, funny, and uplifting in a way that sticks with you.

This was my first book by Jackie Lau, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m so excited to go back and dig into her back catalog because if this book is any indication, I’m in for some amazing reads. And if you loved The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, I can almost guarantee you’ll love this one too. It has that same mix of magical realism, romance, and self-discovery that makes for such a compelling and emotional story.

If you love time loop stories but want one that feels fresh and full of heart, this is worth picking up. Time Loops & Meet Cutes is the book that makes you smile, think, and maybe even appreciate your perfectly imperfect life a little more.

i was lucky enough to receive a widget of this title, but after giving it a few attempts, i think i’m going to have to dnf for now! at no fault of the book itself, i simply think it is not my cup of tea at the moment and i would still send it sometimes way if they found it to sound interesting! i will keep my review strictly on netgalley as i did not complete it- thank you!!

A cute fun romance with a time travel aspect. This is a story of finding oneself, friendship, and love. It is a great read for romance readers with some spice but not overly graphic.

This was a fun and refreshing story about a woman's journey navigating personal growth, new friendships, and love in a time loop. Noelle was a relatable FMC and it was fun seeing how she learned to prioritize herself and take risks the longer she was stuck in the loop. Her lovestory with Cam was super sweet and it was fun getting his periodic perspective and his story as time left Noelle by. Even more than the lovestory though I feel like the friendship arc between Noelle and Avery was the highlight of this story. It was so nice seeing how they grew and supported each other and it was a relief as a reader rooting for Noelle that she had someone to confide in and support her. I wasn't totally sure what I was getting myself into when reading a book about time loops but I am very happily surprised. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC.

This was a fun book, dual time lines and the mystery at the end that you couldn't help but be like what! I love all of her books and this one is probably a favorite.

I am a tough critic when it comes to romance (not the fault of romance, totally a me problem), but I really liked this sweet romance. I enjoy an added plot point to a contemporary romance - in this case, a time loop. Our main character Noelle, after eating some delicious dumplings, finds herself in a Groundhog Day situation where she wakes up only to repeat the same day over and over. Cam, a man she sees on this constantly re-lived day, seems to be the missing puzzle piece to get Noelle out of this time loop. Chaos and romance ensue. This was just a fun, light read - exactly what I wanted it to be. It’s not super realistic, but our character is caught in a time loop, so don’t come to this one if realism is a necessity for you. I also liked the main character and the love interest, which is not usually the case when I read romance! The romance girlies will love this one.

I can’t express how much I genuinely loved and enjoyed this book, it gave me so much life. Highly, highly recommend for a good romance read.

A romantic, poignant book in the same font as Groundhog’s Day. Lau’s writing is beautiful and lyrical.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!