Kisses, Codes, and Conspiracies

August 19, 2024
In her first standalone romance, Wen (Loveboat, Taipei) sets up a roller coaster of an adventure that features relationship drama, international espionage, and a babysitting gig gone awry. After Chinese American 17-year-olds Tan Lee and Winter Woo share a passionate kiss following a romantic evening at prom, they agree not to let it change anything about their friendship. Though their parents are good friends, the Lee’s are also technically the Woo family’s landlords; following the death of Winter’s father, she and her mother moved into Tan’s family’s house. So while Tan and Winter have been attracted to each other for months, Winter worries that becoming involved could jeopardize her family’s living situation. Their resolve is tested when the adults vacate San Francisco for a tropical destination, leaving Winter and Tan alone to babysit Tan’s younger sister. The awkwardness between them only grows with the arrival of Tan’s ex-girlfriend Rebecca. what’s more, Rebecca needs their help: having fled from Shanghai with funds stolen from her wealthy and well-connected father, she’s now being pursued by his hired “thugs” to track her down. Wen’s authoritative approach to ciphers and codes—and Tan’s gradually developing belief in his own technological skills—add verve to quintessential rom-com conflicts, including a potential love triangle and a will-they-won’t-they romance. Ages 14–up. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary.