JUST ANOTHER MEET CUTE

One misplaced jacket sparks an unexpected journey of love and reconnection.

Seventeen-year-old Nina Riley is excited to spend the summer back in Austin, Texas; she and her mom moved to Houston a year ago. She’s less thrilled about the return of her long-absent father, who’s cued white, and the tension it stirs within her Vietnamese American mother’s side of the family. Desperate for a break, Nina takes a solo walk along a trail, only to stumble into a cute, dimpled stranger named Ian Nguyen. Their awkward yet electric encounter is cut short when he gets an urgent phone call and takes off, leaving behind his jacket. Determined to find him, Nina enlists Linh, her quick-witted cousin, for a lighthearted detective mission, which leads to comedic missteps, surprising revelations, and a whirlwind romance with undeniable chemistry. This breezy, feel-good novel brimming with charm, mishaps, and heart thoughtfully weaves in themes of family expectations, identity, and belonging. The humor is sharp, the dialogue snappy, and the romance charming; the heavier topics are treated with a light touch. Nina is a relatable protagonist, navigating the messy realities of adolescence, family dynamics, and the bittersweet process of growing up. The novel’s vibrant cast adds rich cultural authenticity, enhancing the family drama and romantic tension.

A laugh-out-loud romp that blends heart, humor, and hijinks—ideal for anyone who has ever felt caught between worlds.