Review: Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung Jessen

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Yin Yang Love Song

by Lauren Kung Jessen

January 28, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

This charming rom-com from an author whose writing is “deeply romantic, real, funny, and heartfelt” (Christina Lauren) is filled with Chinese traditions and a curse-breaking love story that will make readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Sarah Adams swoon.

In this charming rom-com filled with Chinese traditions and a family curse, an herbalist fake dates a star musician–perfect for fans of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory.

Chinese herbalist Chryssy Hua Williams never actually believed in the Hua family curse. But after Break-Up #9, Chryssy stopped laughing. Now she and her aunties run a special healing retreat center for the broken-hearted. After all, there’s nothing a proper cup of herbal tea can’t fix...but Chryssy’s innocent run-in with celebrity cellist and bad boy Vin Chao has everyone brewing about a different kind of tea. So he offers her a deal: they’ll fake-date, he’ll “break” her heart (and increase ticket sales), and in return, he’ll promote her business.

It’s like Chryssy’s whole cursed love life has been leading up to this moment. But all it takes is one kiss—and a whole lot of unexpected chemistry—to land both of them in hot water . . .

Review

With strong family values and many heartwarming moments, Yin Yang Love Song was an uplifting read.

My favourite part of Yin Yang Love Song was, without a doubt, Chryssy’s vast knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I was all ears whenever she talked about flowers and their healing properties. The Wildflower Inn sounded like a beautiful safe haven for people who needed emotional support. Chryssy and her aunties’ willingness to help others was very inspiring.

Both Chryssy and Vin were very mature people. She was understanding, always wanting to help while he worked hard for comfort and perfection. It wasn’t until they met that they realized they could slow down and enjoy life a little. “Being busy makes you feel like you’re moving forward. But you’re just running in circles.” (arc, p. 228)

While the romance in Yin Yang Love Song felt a bit lacking in terms of a deeper romantic connection, Chryssy and Vin had excellent communication. I really enjoyed seeing them interact. Vin’s intense exterior hid a softer side. “I can be labeled, but it doesn’t have to define me.” (arc, p. 302) Chryssy was a sweetheart through and through! Surprisingly, the Hua family curse didn’t make things too difficult (for them). I appreciated the low-drama and meaningful resolution.

With encouraging characters and an easy romance, Yin Yang Love Song was comforting read.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.