Allison’s Book Report - “A Pho Love Story” by Loan Le

I have talked at great length, week after week, about how much book lovers seem to love a book about other book lovers. I don't know what it is, but romance readers, in particular, love reading about other readers, writers, bookshops, libraries, and publishing houses – if it has to do with books, we're all over it. The only thing that even comes close to touching the popularity of the “book lovers" trope is books about food. Chefs, restaurants, waitresses, bakers, or just plain ol' foodies – there is no shortage of food-related romance out there for us hungry readers. This week, I have a cute young adult romance for you that falls into that category perfectly -  “A Pho Love Story” by Loan Le is guaranteed to make you smile, and will probably make you want to order take-out for dinner, too. 

Bao Nguyen is like a rock, steady and strong, but not particularly interesting. Everything about him, from his grades to his social status, is average. He works at his parents’ pho restaurant, and even there, he is his parents’ fifth favorite employee. Linh Mai is like a firecracker, stable when unlit, but full of potential for joy and fire. She loves dreams of pursuing an art career, but her parents rely on her in ways they’re unwilling to admit, including working practically full-time at her family’s pho restaurant. The Mais and the Nguyens have owned competing, neighboring pho restaurants for years. Bao and Linh have avoided each other for most of their lives, but both suspect the feud stems from feelings much deeper than friendly competition. When a chance encounter brings Linh and Bao together, sparks fly, leading them both to wonder what took so long for them to connect. But then, of course, they immediately remember. Can Linh and Bao find love in the midst of feuding families and complicated histories?

“A Pho Love Story” is adorable. It was an easy read with few truly spicy scenes, making it a great book to grab for an afternoon at the pool and definitely a fun book for me to share with my teenage daughters. There are some fun Romeo and Juliet-style family feud vibes, as well as tons of descriptions of food from the two families' Vietnamese restaurants that are sure to make your mouth water.

Now that I have you hungry for this cute and romantic story order the takeout I mentioned earlier, pick up this book, and treat yourself to an evening at home. Then pop over to my Instagram @allison.the.reader, and let's talk about everything we are reading (and eating) this week.